Day 1: Arrive Honolulu
A transfer is included upon arrival from Honolulu International Airport to The Royal Hawaiian, a regal landmark located oceanfront on Waikiki Beach. Enjoy an à la carte dinner amidst stunning views of the beach and sea tonight at the hotel’s acclaimed Azure restaurant, a special culinary treat on your first night on Oahu.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Pearl Harbor / Royal Palace Dinner
Few experiences are as poignant as standing on the deck of the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor; begin your day with a sightseeing excursion out to this hallowed site, honoring those who lost their lives in the attack of December 7, 1941. Drive through the capitol district of downtown Honolulu this afternoon, seeing the historic sea captain’s mansion and former governor’s residence at Washington Place and the grandiose state capitol building. A special Tauck evening awaits at a private reception and dinner at Iolani Palace, where you’ll receive a royal welcome. Built in 1882, this National Historic Landmark reigns as the only official state residence of royalty in the United States.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3: Waikiki / Outrigger Ride
It’s off to the windward side of Oahu this morning for a scenic tour of southeastern beaches, bays and birds. Sights include the famous Halona Blow Hole and the romantic beach immortalized in the movie From Here to Eternity. Authentic Hawaiiana comes to life today on Waikiki. Meet a “beach boy” for a talk about the waterskills required for this coveted Hawaiian job, then experience a glimpse of their passion when you board a traditional outrigger canoe for a ride out to sea.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Garden Isle of Kauai / Hanalei Bay
A fragrant botanical world of manicured gardens, lush valleys and tropical rainforests welcomes you to Kauai today; one glimpse and you’ll know why it is referred to as the “Garden Isle.” Travel north for lunch at Princeville, overlooking crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay. Stop at 40-foot Opaekaa Falls, ringed by a backdrop of mountain peaks; see Spouting Horn, a 30-foot surf-driven geyser, and pass through the “Tunnel of Trees” formed by magnificent eucalyptus trees, en route to your award-winning resort. Set oceanfront on a southern beach, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa entices with beautiful grounds, plentiful pools and a natural lagoon perfect for an array of recreational activities. Spend the evening enjoying resort amenities as you please.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5: Ecology Lecture
Get a bird’s-eye view of Kauai’s spectacular landscapes on an optional helicopter adventure* that soars over razor-thin cliffs, rushing waterfalls and canyons that are carved by ancient rivers - available for an additional $249 per person - or spend the day at leisure. An informative interpretive lecture this afternoon offers an in-depth introduction to the unique ecological features of the Pacific Ocean islands and the natural history that surrounds you. Dine à la carte this evening at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6: Maui, the Valley Island
Fly to nearby Maui this morning for a three-night stay. Maui wears her most distinctive landmark as a crown, weaving the majestic beauty of dormant Mount Haleakala into landscapes below, cloaked with legends and lore. See iconic Iao Needle on a drive into beautiful Iao Valley and pass sugar cane fields on the way to the old whaling town of Lahaina. Continue on to your resort, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, situated beachfront on Kaanapali Beach. The remainder of the day is free; dine at your leisure this evening at the resort.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7: A Taste of Maui
Life on Maui indulges with wildlife-rich waters, perfumed gardens and an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees - the perfect ingredients for delectable local culinary treats. Discover the secrets of authentic island cuisine by participating in an interactive gourmet cooking experience during lunch at a well-known restaurant. Return to your resort, where the rest of the afternoon and evening are spent as you please.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 8: Mount Haleakala & Hawaiian Luau
Ascend to the summit of Mount Haleakala, Maui’s legendary House of the Sun, viewing the extraordinary volcanic landscapes of the crater. The haunting beauty of the world’s largest dormant volcano is unforgettable. Drive past vegetable farms nestled on the hillside en route back down to your resort. Enjoy a feast of Hawaiian traditions tonight, from food to song and dance, at an authentic luau set amidst a backdrop of tiki torches, swaying palms and oceanfront magic for a true taste of aloha.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9: Big Island of Hawaii
Fly to the Big Island of Hawaii, once the playground of Hawaiian royalty, enticing visitors with both intense beauty and diverse geological landscapes. First up is a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll discover craters, lava tubes and even a few Hawaiian legends as you explore its surrealistic ecosystems. Have lunch at Volcano Country Club in “Pele’s backyard,” prior to arriving at your fabulous resort - nestled along the Big Island’s breathtaking Kohala Coast.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Big Island as you please
Experience paradise today, your way. Your resort is set on 15 beachfront acres, featuring a great beach for swimming as well as a pool, and an array of sports activities (some at an additional cost). Optional helicopter flightseeing* over the lava vents, tropical valleys and rainforests is available at an additional cost of $445 per person. Join us late afternoon for a catamaran sail along the Kohala Coast as the sun sets on another perfect day in Hawaii. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Historic Kona
Ancient Hawaiian traditions come to life when you explore the temples and wooden images at Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Nearby, the Painted Church speaks volumes about the islanders’ spiritual beliefs, past and present, depicted in the paintings that adorn its walls. Spend some time in the seaside town of Kailua-Kona, in the shadow of Hualalai Volcano, on your own before returning to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa for Tauck’s farewell cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 12: Journey Home
Tour ends: Hawaii’s Big Island. Fly home anytime; a transfer from Waikoloa Beach Marriott to Kona International Airport is included. Allow a minimum of two hours for your flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
