10-Day Hawaiian Islands Escorted Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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.
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. CG. (B)

Day 3: Honolulu.
Begin with a tour of Pearl Harbors'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 exhilarating Polynesian Show that includes dinner, dance, song, and pure entertainment. (B,D)

Day 4: Honolulu-Hilo-Kona.
Board a morning flight to the “Big Island.” Upon arrival in Hilo, on the east coast, drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.. 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 at the Volcano Golf & Country Club before continuing on to Kona, your home for the next three nights. (B,L)

Day 5: 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 6: Kona.
This morning, enjoy a visit to the Kona coffee living history farm, a working coffee and macadamia nut farm. You will have the opportunity to learn and experience the history of Kona’s coffee industry and the remarkable story of the pioneers who established these farms. Dinner tonight is a traditional LUAU feast with captivating Polynesian musicians and dancers. (B,D)

Day 7: Kona–Maui.
Transfer to the airport for the short and scenic flight to Kahului on the “Valley Island” of Maui. Drive to the lush ‘Oiao Valley to see the ‘Iao Needle, a spectacular volcanic spire, then to Lahaina, once a whaling center and the capital of the Hawaiian monarchy. Continue to Maui’s resort area of Ka`anapali, your home for the next three nights. (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. 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 9: Maui.
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 10: Maui.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to Kahului Airport to connect with your homebound flight. (B)