Hawaii
Splendor
Three Island
Available to Groups Year-round
Day 1: Depart for Honolulu
Upon arrival in Honolulu we are greeted in the traditional Polynesian manner with a warm "aloha" and a lei of fragrant flowers. We are then transferred to our hotel in Waikiki for the next 3 nights.
Day 2: Honolulu
A full day is planned at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. We'll see replicas of Melanesian and Polynesian villages and witness demonstrations of island crafts and dancing. After a delicious dinner show, we return to our hotel in Waikiki.
Day 3: Pearl Harbor and City Tour
Our day begins with a tour of Pearl Harbor's famous battlefield row where we'll be given narrative of the dramatic air attack of December 7, 1941. At the Arizona Memorial, we'll see the remains of the ship which was sunk with over 1,000 of its crew during the attack. The national war cemetery, Punchbowl, offers sweeping views of Honolulu and Waikiki. The cemetery is the final resting place of over 20,000 service people and is one of Hawaii's most popular attractions. Other sights we'll enjoy today include Chinatown, Hawaii's state capital, the Royal Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha's Statue. This evening we look forward to a leisurely sunset cruise along the shores of Oahu with a sumptuous meal served on board.
Day 4: Hilo-Volcanoes National Park
The "Big Island" of Hawaii has a topography which runs to extremes from very rural areas, to volcanoes and rain forests. When we arrive in Hilo on the east coast, our motor coach will take us to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home of the Kilauea Crater which rises over 4,000 feet above a volcanic wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes and fern forests. Lunch will be at the Volcano House. This afternoon we drive across the island to our oceanfront hotel on the western shores.
Day 5: Kona
This morning we enjoy a tour of historic Kona. We drive along the "Avenue of Flowers" to Pu'Uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, where over 200 years of Hawaiian tradition and culture are represented. In the mid 1500's, the Great Wall was built and the area was designated as a place of refuge (pu'uhonua) where the king and his warriors could safely reside. Tonight we are in for a festive native treat, a luau feast. After dining, we'll sit back and be entertained by the captivating Polynesian revue of dancers and musicians.
Day 6: Kona
Today is a day of rest and relaxation. Swim or sunbathe at the beach or hotel pool. A complimentary tour is available at the hotel for those interested in an historical walking tour of Hawaiian displays.
Day 7: Maui
A short and scenic flight takes us to the "Valley Island" of Maui. We drive through the lush Ioa Valley to see the Iao Needle, a spectacular volcanic spire. Our next stop is at Lahaina, once a whaling center and the capital of the Hawaiian monarchy. After a delightful lunch at a beachfront restaurant, we drive to a Maui's resort area, where we'll lodge for the next two nights.
Day 8: Haleakala National Park
The locals refer to the volcanic crater in Haleakala National Park as the "Home of the Sun." Even Mark Twain was inspired by the morning view from this volcano, stating the sunrise was one of the loveliest he'd ever seen. The park is located in a setting of stunning natural beauty, ranging from a landscape of cinder cones to a dense rain forest. Our afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities. Tonight we are treated to a farewell dinner.
Day 9-10: Home
We transfer to the airport and fly back to Honolulu to connect with our homebound flight.
Price Includes: All flights, lodging, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners (dinner cruise, luau feast and farewell dinner), sightseeing as listed with motorcoach transportation, escort, transportation to airport, air taxes, baggage handling at hotels.
Kauai may be added to this tour as a 1, 2, or 3, day package.
