November 7 – 17, 2016
The Ultimate Hawaii
Oahu, the Big Island, & Maui
Tour Description
Here is your chance to see all the best that Hawaii has to offer! Your adventure begins in Honolulu, the capital by the sea. Find out what makes the State Capitol Building so unique, and visit lolani Palace, where the last Hawaiian Monarchs reigned. Stay along Waikiki Beach, made famous by surfing legend, Duke Kahanamoku. Your centrally-located hotel puts shopping, dining or just relaxing on the beach within easy reach. Celebrate “The Greatest Generation” at the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor and pay respects to the fallen at the USS Arizona Memorial. The art collection at Shangri la, Doris Duke’s home-turned-museum, allows you to travel around the world without ever leaving the island. There is never a shortage of things to do in this lively city!
The Big Island is up next! The largest of the islands, it is continuously growing as lava slides into the surf. Take in the views of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes from the air as you soar over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On a plantation tour, learn about the cultivation and production of famed Kona coffee, and visit a working vanilla and chocolate farm. Of course, there will be samples! Have you ever held a live seahorse? You’ll have the opportunity before making your way to Maui.
Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the best)! Your oceanfront hotel is a perfect place to kick back and watch the waves. After a sunset dinner in Napili Kai, sway to the sounds of slack-key guitar played by Grammy award winner, George Kahumoku. Travel to the upcountry (up the slope of the mountains) to Ulupalakua Ranch for shopping and pineapple wine tasting at Tedeschi Vineyards. During a performance of Ulalena , the creation story and history of the Hawaiian Islands comes to life. Enjoy a free day to shop, relax or do some exploring. Your guide can assist with making arrangements.
Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu, Oahu
Aloha and welcome to Hawaii. Arrive in Honolulu, you will be met and greeted with a traditional fresh flower lei and assisted with transfers to your hotel in Waikiki. Oahu, is known as “The Gathering Place”. It is the 3rd largest island and home to the majority of Hawaii’s population. Enjoy and spend your first day relaxing and swimming in the warm tropical waters of Waikiki Beach.
Pacific Beach Hotel Local phone number (808) 922-1233 (Luggage will be delivered to rooms by hotel porters).
Day 2: USS Arizona and Historical Honolulu Tour (B)
Good morning! No, you’re not dreaming…you’re in paradise! The biggest decision we’ll have to make is what to eat for breakfast. Breakfast buffet in the Oceanarium Restaurant. 8:30 am After breakfast we will have a short orientation with our tour director and itinerary.
Board buses for Pearl Harbor to see where history was made. *Due to increased security measures, all purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage and/or any other type of bag that can conceal an object are not permitted inside Pearl Harbor, the Visitor’s Center, or to any of the attractions.
We head over to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Visitor Center and experience the film “Pearl Harbor Story”, the visitor center museum, boarding a Navy launch and entering the memorial. We will witness the actual sunken hull where over 1000 servicemen were entombed during the December 7, 1941 sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Tour times will be as follows: (Length of tour: 75 minutes)
Board buses to take the Historical Honolulu City Tour. We’ll drive pass the Iolani Palace —the only royal palace on American soil, the majestic King Kamehameha Statue, Hawaii State Capitol, Kawaihao Church, Mission Houses and through China Town.
Return to hotel: 3 pm
Day 3: Grand Alii, North Shore and Dole Plantation tour. (B)
Breakfast buffet in the Oceannarium Restaurant
8 am This morning we will board our deluxe motor coach to start our adventure with the Grand Alii Tour, a narrated drive across the Koolau Mountains to the tropical Windward side of O’ahu.
First, we will make a visit to the Nuuanu Pali. This is the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history, in which Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule. The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside is a lookout above the tunnels where visitors are treated to a panoramic view of Oahu’s windward side of the island. It is also well known for strong trade winds that blow through the pass forming a sort of natural wind tunnel.
We continue on our adventure along the northeastern shores and next we are met by our guide, a Polynesian Chief, who will share some of the customs and cultures of the native islanders. We’ll enjoy an educational stroll through botanical gardens and learn to make fire from sticks, coconut husk and open a coconut and much, much more culture and fun!
It’s not over. Imagine boarding a raft to access our secluded getaway to Secret Island. Watch out for the live barracuda! The tour includes “fun in the sun” at a Private island for the relaxing casual lunch to include volleyball, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle board, badminton, sunbathing, lazin’ in the hammock and more! Don’t forget to lather up that sunscreen! We will spend approx. 2 hours on Secret Island.
We’ll continue our drive to the North Shore of Oahu where surfing daredevils gather from around the world to complete in riding the monster waves that are often taller than most buildings. En route stop at the local surfer village Haleiwa Town – this historical place retains much of the old style of Hawaii and offers a variety of restaurants, surf shops, clothing stores, and the famous “shaved ice” stands.
Next, we will stop at Dole Pineapple Plantation! Discover Oahu’s pineapple heritage at the visitor’s center. What started out as a fruit stand in the middle fo the pineapple fields in 1950 is now a popular Hawaiian attraction. The Dole pinapple empire was founded more than a century ago by the Pineapple King, James Dole. Exhibits trace the history of Dole and his pineapple industry in our Hawaiian Islands.
Return to hotel: 6 pm
Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Day at Leisure. Magic of Polynesia Dinner & Show (B, D)
Meet in the lobby for a short walk: Magic of Polynesia Dinner and Cocktail Show. Tonight you will experience the exciting Magic of Polynesia show. A master illusionist with Magic of Polynesia is a spell-binding night of stunning illusions, dramatic special effects, amazing sleight-of-hand and professionally choreographed Polynesian entertainment – all in their beautiful $7.5 million showroom in the heart of Waikiki. We believe you will thoroughly enjoy the show’s grand vanishing acts, incredible levitations, fire knife performances and much more. (includes dinner and 2 cocktails) 6 pm – 9 pm.
Day 5: Flight to Big Island of Hawaii, Island of Discovery Tour (B,D)
Think big. Hawaii Island is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, but it’s remarkable for more than just its size. Picture yourself visiting Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, or talk story with a cultural demonstrator at Puuhonua o Honaunau, a historic park that was once a place of refuge. Whether you’re walking on a black sand beach, snorkeling with manta rays, horseback riding in Waimea or sailing along the Kona Coast, Hawaii, the Big Island is your island for adventure and discovery.
Rise and Shine!After breakfast, we will head to the Honolulu airport for our flight to Kailua – Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Once we arrive Kona, we will check into our hotel and your afternoon will be at leisure. Today you can explore this wonderful island even more! Stroll thru Kailua – Kona town for souvenir shopping or visit Hulihee Palace, old Kona Inn. Your tour director can help you with tours to Stargazing at the Summit or Mauna Kea, Sunset Snorkeling with the Manta Rays or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful Kona Sunset at poolside!
Casual dinner this evening!
Day 6: Hot Lava & Cool Waterfalls ~ Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (B, L)
After breakfast this morning, we will board a deluxe air-conditioned motor coach. We will tour the quaint and historic town of Hilo, experience the awe inspiring sound of this 80-foot waterfall as it rushes over a natural lava cave into a large pool below. This natural wonder is a perfect spot for a photo opportunity. Next stop, will be the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut factory & visitor center. View their nut & chocolate processing plant where we husk the nut and carefully dry it to exact moisture specifications. Watch as we create a delicious array of macadamia nut products that are packaged right there at the plant. Delight in hand dipping chocolate demonstrations where Mauna Loa experts hand-dip tasty macadamia nut shortbread cookies into pure rich milk chocolate and see first-hand why at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. quality and taste are everything! We continue to Akatsuka Orchid Gardens showroom and greenhouse is located in Volcano, Hawaii and has one of the largest orchid collections in Hawaii on display. Visit us and see a wide variety of orchids and tropical flowers on display in our Garden Showroom. Take one home; we offer carefully cultivated, non-blooming plants for those interested in an orchid growing hobby. Go in-depth and take a guided tour of the orchid green house while our expert gardener explains the orchid growing and hybridization process.
Next we’ll head to the Volcanoes National Park Visitors Center, meet a park ranger, watch the video, view a large typographical map of the big island. It’s here where you will discuss Tectonic
Plates, the Ring Of Fire and how Hawaii was formed through a “Hot Spot” in the Pacific Plate. and enjoy lunch along the Crater Rim and your tour director will share a story of Pele’s (Goddess of Fire) power! Continuing your exploration, you will visit Steam Vents where hot moist air will warm your face, tour the Jagger Museum where you can watch seismographs record earthquakes right under your feet and view the lava lake in Halemaumau Crater as it erupts. Our final stop, before leaving the Park will be Thurston Lava Tube. The tube is located in the middle of a giant tropical hapu’u fern forest. You will explore the 300ft. cavern where lava flowed thousands of years ago and then use your flash light to go even deeper where light disappears to experience and learn about the significance of this amazing underground cavern and how the ancient Hawaiians used the hapu’u fern.
A short distance outside the Park is Punaluu Black Sand Beach’s jet black shores are an unforgettable sight. Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of sand and you may also discover large honu, or Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, basking on the beach. Although it may be tempting, do not touch these protected turtles and do not remove any black sand from the beach. Now, let’s head to Kona Coffee Farm for a tour and taste! 100% pure Kona coffee is a rare commodity exclusively grown in north and south Kona. The high elevation, constant cloud coverage and rich volcanic soil from Hualalai Volcano in the upland slopes of Kona create an ideal environment for harvesting this unique Hawaiian coffee bean.
830 am – 5 pm (Evening at leisure)
Day 7: Koloko ~ Honokahao Park Discovery Tour (B)
After breakfast, we will embark on a cultural and historical tour. Our first stop will be Kaloko – Honokahau. In day of early Hawaiians..to survive in a hot and arid environment the native Hawaiians (kanaka maoli) used ancient fishing skills, including the building of fishponds, and the knowledge of the location of precious fresh water (wai) that flows into the many brackish pools throughout the park. The spirit of the people (poe) and the knowledge of the elders (kupuna) created a tradition of respect and reverence for this area. (9 am – 1 pm)
Rest of day at Leisure: Take in a round of golf at the Mauna Lani Bay Golf Course, rated as the Top Golf Courses in the World by Golf Magazine. Your tour director can help you with tours to Stargazing at the Summit or Mauna Kea, Sunset Snorkeling with the Manta Rays or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful Kona Sunset at poolside!
Day 8: Flight to Maui. Magical Maui (B, D)
The thought of lying on sun soaked beaches regularly named “the best” by travel magazines is enough to make any of your friends jealous. But once you arrive on Maui, you’ll see there’s so much more for them to envy.
This morning after breakfast, get ready for your short flight to Maui. Upon arrival, we will take in the lush Iao Needle. The Iao Valley is both beautiful and historically significant. Live the story of King Kamehameha’s defeat of Maui’s army. You’ll discover how this late 18th-century battle dramatically altered Hawaiian history. We continue our tour through Lahaina Town, once a bustling 19th-century whaling village, now it’s known for popular restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, which you will have plenty of time to explore.
Arrive at our Resort, your home on Maui for the next three nights. / Approx. 3 pm
Tonight, we will have dinner at the hotel. (Reservations as they prefer will be made for them)
Day 9: Haleakala Summit and Sunset Cocktail Cruise on the Ka’anapali Coast (B, P)
After breakfast we head to Haleakala. The now sleeping volcano that gave birth to the island, Haleakala – “the House of the Sun” is a mile deep and her crater alone stretches seven miles across. She’s majestic and truly awesome! 8 am – 1 pm
We have a few hours for you to take a dip in the ocean or relax poolside with a Mai Tai.
Time for fun and relaxation as our smooth catamaran sails into beautiful Maui’s setting sun.
Combine the best of both worlds, taking pleasure in a fun and comfortable sail aboard our luxury catamaran. Relax and enjoy a delicious beverage as you embrace another breathtaking Maui sunset.
~ Experience the thrill of trade wind sailing between Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
~ Take in the magic of Maui, as only the view from our catamaran can allow, looking back at the gorgeous Kahalawai Mountains. / Sail is approximately 2.5 hours. (4pm – 630pm)
PUPU (Appetizer)Menu Includes:
Cheese platters with pita chips and sliced breads, homemade chips and salsa, vegetable crudités, antipasto platters (assorted salami, provolone, olives, pickled & marinated vegetables), Chipotle pineapple barbeque meatballs and olive & parmesan focaccia bread.
OPEN BAR Includes: Wine, champagne, and two ice cold beers on tap, mai tais, vodka, gin, rum and mixers, sodas, tropical juices, lemonade and water. Guests 21 and over bring a valid picture ID).
Day 10: Morning at Leisure, Hawaiian Luau Dinner and Show (B, D)
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a full day to laze by the pool, take a dip in the ocean, and explore your resort area or maybe horseback riding. Perhaps you will travel the road to Hana, a scenic drive along the coast of lush tropical beauty and constantly changing vistas.
This evening, Beautiful sunsets color the sky over blue seas and highlight images of Molokai and Lanai in the background. Enjoy this authentic luau at one of Maui’s best oceanfront locations. Tonight’s Luau invites you to join their Ohana (family) where you will enjoy an evening of traditional luau celebrations. Feasts and fun! Your evening will include Dinner, Open Bar (Standard cocktails, Beer, Wine, & Soft Drinks) and an awesome Polynesian Revue. / 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Day 11: Aloha O’e (farewell) to beautiful Hawaii! (B)
Your tour director will advise you on your departure information.
Place your luggage outside your room door for the bellman. Be sure you have a luggage tag on each checked in piece of luggage. One piece per person, check in luggage. Please be sure to let us know if you have any additional pcs. (Additional charge will assessed by airline)
*Be sure to check out with the hotel for any incidentals you may have incurred.