Special # 429
Duration: 13 Days
Airfare: Not Included
Details: Vacation Overview
Whether you’re snorkeling in Hawaii’s tranquil waters, admiring the spectacular beauty of Kauai, or just relaxing on the warm sands of Waikiki Beach, no one brings out Hawaii’s best like us. From Pearl Harbor’s famous Battleship Row to a festive luau with authentic Polynesian dancing, Hawaii’s allure to vacationers is powerful indeed.
Feel the sand in your feet as the ocean waves roll over them, and marvel at the black-sand beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island. Watch the surfers attempt to master the waves in Waikiki Beach. Be mesmerized by the pineapple and sugar cane fields, and thoroughly savor Kona coffee, some of the best coffee in the world! Revitalize your spirit in Maui’s Haleakala National Park, with its volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rainforest, and enjoy Hawaii’s laid-back atmosphere as you feel your senses come alive!
The tropical paradise of the Hawaiian Islands awaits you, so let us handle all the details while you relax, capture photos, savor the food, and enjoy yourself on this amazing vacation.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii
Upon arrival to the island of Oahu, you are greeted in the traditional Polynesian way—with a warm aloha and a LEI of fresh flowers. Transfer to your hotel in Waikiki. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day 2 Honolulu
A breakfast get-together with your Tour Director reviews activities scheduled throughout your stay. The balance of the day is free to relax, swim, enjoy water sports, or laze on the beach. Take the optional excursion to the Polynesian Cultural Center for authentic island arts, crafts, history, music, a dinner buffet, and a spectacular Polynesian show with more than 100 performers. This evening, enjoy an optional sunset cruise with dinner, Hawaiian cocktails, and splendid views of the glittering Waikiki coastline and Diamond Head. (B)
Day 3 Honolulu. Excursion to Pearl Harbor
Begin with a tour of PEARL HARBOR’s famous Battleship Row. Listen to a narration of the dramatic air attack of December 7, 1941, and visit the USS Arizona and the impressive MEMORIAL dedicated to the 1,102 men still entombed. You will also have an opportunity to visit the MUSEUM, an excellent way to learn about Pearl Harbor Day, the Japanese strategy and military craft, and the individuals involved in the attack. Then, on to Punchbowl National Cemetery with its beautiful views of Honolulu. Other sights include Chinatown, the Hawaii State Capitol, royal ‘Iolani Palace, and the statue of Kamehameha the Great. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 4 Honolulu–Hilo–Hawaii Volcanoes National Park–Kona
Board a morning flight to the “Big Island” of Hawaii. Upon arrival in Hilo on the east coast, drive to HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK and visit the JAGGAR MUSEUM, where you will learn about this active volcano. Here, see Kilauea Crater, rising 4,090 feet above a volcanic wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes, and fern forests. Next, enjoy an included lunch followed by a stop at [LF] PUNALU’U BAKE SHOP to sample the famous Hawaiian sweetbread introduced to the area by Portuguese sugar workers in the 19th century. This traditional favorite is not to be missed! Continue on to Kona, your home for the next three nights. (B,L)
Day 5 Kona
This morning, visit the [LF] KONA COFFEE LIVING HISTORY FARM, a working coffee and macadamia nut farm where you have the opportunity to learn about the history of Kona’s coffee industry and the remarkable pioneers who established these farms. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a festive LUAU. You’ll have the chance to learn to hula, try some traditional Hawaiian specialties like poi, and see captivating performances by Polynesian musicians and dancers. (B,D)
NOTE:
For departures that start on Mondays, Day 5 will have an included dinner, as the luau occurs on Day 8 in Maui along with the Haleakala sightseeing.
Day 6 Kona
Today is free for independent activities. Find a special place to relax poolside and enjoy the warm tropical sun and balmy breezes, enjoy an optional snorkeling cruise to Kealakekua Bay, or join the optional helicopter flightseeing excursion. (B)
Day 7 Kona–Maui
A morning flight takes you to the “Valley Island” of Maui. Drive to the lush `IAO VALLEY to see the `Iao Needle, a spectacular volcanic spire. Visit LAHAINA, then continue on to Ka`anapali, your home for the next three nights. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B,D)
Day 8 Maui
Activities abound and your Tour Director is on hand to help you plan your day. A full free day to swim and sunbathe at the beach or hotel pool. Another choice is the “Road to Hana,” one of the world’s most impressive drives, with 54 bridges and numerous waterfalls. From mid-December to mid-April, a humpback whale-watching cruise is available. (B)
Day 9 Maui. Excursion to Haleakala National Park
The morning is dedicated to HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, site of the huge volcanic Haleakala Crater, known as the “House of the Sun.” In 1980, this native ecosystem of cinder cones and dense rainforest was designated an International Biosphere Reserve. There’s plenty of time in the afternoon to relax and enjoy your hotel’s facilities and beach. (B,D)
Day 10 Maui–Kauai. Excursion to Waimea Canyon
A scenic flight to the “Garden Isle” of Kauai, whose lush landscapes featuring orchids, hibiscus, and plumeria are often used as a setting for Hollywood films depicting tropical paradise. Upon arrival, drive to Waimea, once the Polynesian capital of Kauai and the site where Captain Cook landed in the islands in 1778. Sightseeing highlights include WAIMEA CANYON, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and Hanapepe Valley. A stop at the largest coffee plantation in Hawaii, [LF] KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY, includes time at the visitor center, where you can learn about coffee production and the history of the Kauai Coffee Company. Afterward, continue south to sunny Poipu Beach and your resort. (B,D)
Day 11 Kauai
Spend the day as you please! Take in refreshing ocean breezes from the beautiful white-sand beaches, immersing yourself in the heart of the island’s beauty. No activities have been scheduled today to give you time to relax and enjoy your oceanfront resort. Optional tours include helicopter flightseeing or Hanalei Valley sightseeing. (B)
Day 12 Kauai. Excursion to the North Shore & Princeville
Start the day at SPOUTING HORN to see the famous blowhole created from a lava tube. Continue to view pretty `Opaeka`a Falls on the Wailua River before proceeding to Princeville. Join your Tour Director, who hosts a special farewell lunch while overlooking Bali Hai from the movie South Pacific. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale to a memorable Hawaiian vacation. Spend your last evening on Kauai relaxing at the resort, exploring further, or indulging yourself in some last-minute souvenir shopping. (B,L)
Day 13 Kauai
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to Lihue Airport to connect with your homebound flight. (B)
PRICE: $3,859.00 p.p. *