O’AHU – An island of endless variety and where aloha begins. Today we begin our journey to the islands of Hawaii to explore the natural and cultural wonders of our 50^th state.  It begins in Honolulu, the capital.

Before statehood, it was the capital of the territory and before that, the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. Upon arrival we will take a city tour seeing all the major sites of Honolulu, including the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu Lookout, Nuuanu-Pali pass, Chinatown, State Capital, Royal Lolani Palace, and King Kamehameha’s statue.  The group will tour and visit as many places of interest as time allows. Then we’ll check in at our hotel on the famous Waikiki beach, one of the most popular beaches in the world. Don’t miss the sunset!

Today we visit Pearl Harbor, learn about the 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 to the 1,102 men still entombed.  Then we travel north to circle the island. On our way, we pass the Schofield barracks and through the pineapple fields where we will make a stop and see the many varieties of pineapple growing in a test plot. Enjoy a bountiful lunch buffet at the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort. We continue on our journey, taking time to admire the views of the famed north shore surf. Then it’s on to the Polynesian Cultural Center at Lanai located on the North Shore.  Experience seven Pacific Nation villages on 42 tropical acres (Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Easter Island, Hawaii).  See Hawaii’s only canoe pageant.  Enjoy a Polynesian-style feast and the much-acclaimed “Horizon,” the islands largest evening show.

Day 3 – Leisure Day, Free time to Explore and Enjoy on your own! 

WOW!  Enjoy the day – Waikiki Beach, International Market Place with vendors from every nation, Royal Hawaiian Mall, water sports, or optional tours.  There will be information provided on different activities to help you decide. There are many options to choose from and you may just want to relax on the beach. If you like museums, Oahu has many to chose from.  For example, its Royal Riches to Military Monuments offer a tantalizing window through time. The Bishop Museum is the principal museum of the Pacific and one of the world’s leading scientific institutions. How about a park, plantation or the zoo as possible options? Make a choice and enjoy! Keep the evening open for maybe a special group activity.

This morning we fly to Kauai, the magical tropical island paradise, known as the “Garden Isle” for its daily rainbows, lush forests, majestic mountains, emerald valleys and some of the most breathtaking beaches you’ll ever see covered with palm trees swaying in the breeze. A voyage around Kauai is a sensory feast of green tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, golden sand beaches, and the time of your life. You don’t just go to Kauai – you get into Kauai, inhale its fragrant air, feel its age-old beauty and move through its unspoiled landscape.  Its unspoiled nature will inspire you with its possibilities.  Kauai is called The Garden Island, and it does have a colorful peaceful side.  But it also offers diversions as exhilarating as you want them.  Kauai’s wilderness is daunting, its ocean challenging, its canyons awesome.  The island calls to those who find joy in the open air.  By land, sea or air, Kauai is a refreshing fantasy island full of the adventure of discovery.  Upon arrival we will take a driving tour to Waimea, once the Polynesian capital of Kauai, and the site where Captain Cook landed on the islands in 1778.  Highlights include Waimea Canyon, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and Hanapepe Valley, Bali Hai, Hunode Valley (the setting for Jurassic Park and The Thornbirds).  We’ll tour the valley’s spectacular waterfalls, lush hills and taro patches, Poipu Beach and the Kilauea Lighthouse, the largest of its kind in the world, and a guava plantation. A stop at the largest coffee plantation in Hawaii, Kauai Coffee Company, will give you the opportunity to learn about the history and production of this fine blend, plus some shopping time for souvenirs. Then back to the hotel where you have the remainder of the afternoon to relax and enjoy some free time.

This morning we will travel to Smith Landing where we board a riverboat for the cruise along the scenic Wailua River. You will travel up the Wailua through the land of the “Menehunes”, Hawaii’s version of the little people, to the amazing tropical and romantic Fern Grotto.  Here you’ll hear the timeless beauty of the Hawaiian Wedding Song performed in the beautiful natural cave where tropical ferns have grown down from the ceiling rather than up from the floor. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to relax, shop, sunbathe, swim, or be adventurous. Spend the time as you please. Take in refreshing ocean breezes from the beautiful white sand beaches; immersing yourself in the heart of the island’s beauty. Optional tours include helicopter flight seeing, horseback riding and snorkeling.

Day 6 – Hawaii The Big Island               

Rise and shine as our flight takes us to the “Big Island”.  The Big Island is a continent full of adventure, discovery, relaxation, and fun.  Rain forests, snow-capped mountains, tropical waterfalls, and beaches of many colors are just some of the features that contribute to the Big Island’s scenic beauty. The spirit and energy of creation surrounds you everywhere on Hawaii’s Big Island.  Countless waterfalls feeding rain forests of botanical wonder add a fantasy flavor to the landscape.  Massive black lava fields hint at the island’s relative youth.  Multitudes of uncrowded beaches let you catch your breath under the watchful eye of a snow-capped mountain. It’s thrilling! Sightseeing begins with a trip along the “Avenue of the Flowers” to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.  Step back 200 years and learn of the lifestyle and traditions of the Hawaiians who lived here.  In the mid 1500’s, the Great Wall was built here, and the area was designated as a place of refuge (pu’uhonua) where the king and his warriors would reside.  Then we check into our hotel for the next three nights.

Twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined; Hawaii’s Big Island is rich in pleasant contrasts – from the coffee fields of Kona to the beaches of the Kohala coast to the tallest mountain in the Pacific.  You will see it all today.  Its people are rich in cultural diversity too, and quick to share the Spirit of Aloha.  After breakfast, we will get an early start to begin a full day of touring. This is a very comprehensive tour.  The tour will take us around the island, from lush tropical rain forests to the rim of awesome Kilauea Iki at the Hawaii Volcano National Park, through Hilo, with its rainbow of orchids and macadamia nut farms, and to the Parker Ranch, the oldest and largest in the islands.  While having a history lesson of old Hawaii, you’ll be awed by panoramic views of the Hamakua Coast, Waimea Kealakehua Bay and more – as much as we can do in a day.  Then we’ll return to the hotel where you can collapse for the evening. 

It’s a day where you decide the pace.  You can relax or pursue your favorite interests – take an optional sightseeing trip, snorkeling in Cooks Bay is outstanding and the boat ride is fantastic, or go for a helicopter trip over the Kohala coastline and see an active volcano from above, offering a bird’s eye view of the burning lava.  Information and opportunities will be available for you to choose from.  Your adventure might include the Atlantis Submarine Ride or a visit to Hulihee Palace, the summer home of Hawaiian royalty, which over looks the bay. Explore the township and enjoy the quaint shops with local art. It’s your day so enjoy it to the fullest!

This morning we’ll fly to Maui, the Valley Island.  The Royal Isle of ancient Hawaiian kings, this majestic island has three main peaks more than a mile high, thousands of breathtaking, beautiful waterfalls and pools, 120 miles of shoreline, and more than 80 golden-sand beaches.  It is said that Maui is where the god Mori once held the sun captive in a volcano crater. Maui boasts whale-watch seas breaking gently upon luxury resort beaches and as many activities for the active as you can imagine. Many places claim the power to create memories that will last a lifetime, but few fulfill the promise like the island of Maui.  On arrival, sightseeing begins with a visit to the lush greenery of the Iao Valley. This state park has the unique Iao Needle rising from the tropical foliage, and it’s easy to see how it earned the nickname “Valley Isle”.  It is a deep cleft between the mountains of east/west Maui.  The needle’s unique shape dominates the valley and a short walk up its broad steps can provide idyllic views over the unspoiled Maui valleys.  Next, we will tour through Old Lahaina town with its picturesque scenery and whaling village atmosphere. Capital of the old monarchy and an important whaling center from 1840-1865.  You will see the world’s oldest Banyan tree with huge spreading branches.  We’ll walk along Front Street and enjoy the antique shops and the atmosphere of the harbor.  Then check into our hotel for a three night stay.

This morning is dedicated to Haleakala National Park, a long-dormant volcano.  Marvel at the contrasts, from a landscape of cinder cones to dense rain forest.  Rare porteas, flowers with impossibly giant blossoms are cultivated on the rich volcanic soil.  It is known to the islanders as “the House of the Sun”.  The park is in a setting of stunning natural beauty.  In 1980, this fragile native ecosystem was designated an international biosphere reserve. This is the world’s largest dormant volcano, an awesome experience. There is plenty of time in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the activities of your choice.  This evening we will enjoy an authentic Hawaiian luau. Learn about Hawaiian culture while experiencing the recreation of the spectacular ceremony, complete with a traditional Hawaiian feast and entertainment.

Day 12 – Good-bye                                                           

The morning is free. We will depart for our last tour of the Hawaiian Islands.  Take advantage of last minute shopping.  This evening we say good-bye to the islands.  We board our plane for home.  The trip home will give you a chance to reminisce about the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, the historical sites, the fun, the food, the new friends, the impressive natural scenery, the new words you learned, and the aloha spirit.  Yes, there will be many precious memories of your trip to the splendid islands and much to share with the friends back home.  ALOHA!  MAHALO!

Day 13 – Arrive back home!

Hawaii Interesting Facts:

State Motto:  The life of the land is perpetuated righteousness

State Flower:  Yellow Hibiscus

State Tree:  The Candlenut Tree

State Bird:  Hawaiian Goose

State Gem:  Black Coral

State Sport:  Surfing

State Dance:  Hula

Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee

There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet

Hawaii is the widest state in the US