Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Thu.) Upon arrival 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. (Fri.) A breakfast get-together with your Tour Director to review 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. (Sat.) 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 it’s on to Punchbowl National Cemetery and Honolulu Lookout. Other sights include Chinatown, the Hawaii State Capitol, royal ‘Iolani Palace, and the statue of Kamehameha the Great. Tonight, a wonderful evening of dining and entertainment awaits! (B,D)
Day 4: Honolulu–Kona. (Sun.) Board a morning flight to the “Big Island.” Arrive in Hilo and journey to HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to see Kilauea Crater, steaming fire pits, and lava tubes. Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano. Enjoy lunch at the Volcano Golf and Country Club. (B,L)
Day 5: Kona. (Mon.) This morning is free for independent activities. Find a special place to relax poolside and enjoy the warm tropical sun and balmy breezes, or join the optional helicopter flightseeing excursion. Dinner tonight is a traditional LUAU feast with captivating Polynesian musicians and dancers. (B,D)
Day 6: Kona–Kauai. (Tue.) Morning 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. View pretty `Opaeka`a Falls on the Wailua River before proceeding to Princeville for lunch overlooking Bali Hai, from the movie South Pacific. Afterward, continue south to sunny Poipu Beach and your resort. (B,L)
Day 7: Kauai. (Wed.) 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 and snorkeling. (B,D) Note: If you have scheduled independent activities for this evening, you can opt to have your included dinner at your leisure on Day 6.
Day 8: Kauai. (Thu.) Start the day with a 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, KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY, includes time at the visitor center where you can watch videos and learn all about coffee production and the history of the Kauai Coffee Company. Spend your last afternoon on Kauai relaxing at the resort, exploring further, or indulging yourself in some last-minute souvenir shopping. With the afternoon free, your Tour Director will suggest an optional horseback ride on the trails and along the sandy beaches. (B,D)
Day 9: Kauai–Maui. (Fri.) A short, scenic 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. Balance of the day at leisure. (B,D)
Day 10: Maui. (Sat.) 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. Consider our optional sunset cruise along Maui’s scenic Ka'anapali coastline. 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 11: Maui. (Sun.) 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, or to take the optional submarine ride over a coral reef. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale to a memorable Hawaiian vacation! (B,D)
Day 12: Maui. (Mon.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to Kahului Airport to connect with your homebound flight. (B)
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