Tour Details - Hawaiian Explorer First Class 2012

Welcome to Hawaii! In the traditional Aloha spirit, you’ll be greeted at the airport with a fragrant lei and your complimentary transfer will whisk you to your tour hotel in the heart of Waikiki Beach. Meet your Tour Director who will answer any questions and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like: dive into the warm gentle waves of the Pacific, explore The International Market Place in Waikiki or relax with a tropical drink poolside. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel for a Hawaiian-style Welcome Reception.

Begin your exploration of Oahu. On a guided visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona, you’ll be moved by this memorial to the World War II military personnel still entombed in the ship’s hull since the fatal attack in 1941. Travel on to the spectacular natural landscape of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, called the “Punchbowl” for its shape formed from the cone of an extinct volcano. Return to Honolulu to see the splendid Iolani Palace, former home to Hawaii’s last monarchs, and the iconic King Kamehameha I statue at Ali Iolani Hale. View the current state capitol building, built in a Hawaiian version of modernist Bauhaus architecture. The crafting of exquisite coral jewellery has always been a backbone of the islands’ economy; visit a workshop to see how expert artisans transform a treasure of the sea into a priceless memento. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend relaxing on the beach, doing some shopping or just exploring. This evening, join your Tour Director and travelling companions for a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Your morning begins with a short, scenic flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. Travel through lush forest preserves before arriving at Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to both Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, and Kilauea, its most active. Hawaii’s landscape changes constantly as Kilauea spews lava that flows down to the sea – it’s been erupting almost continuously since 1983. Enjoy spectacular views of the caldera and crater and learn about the geology of the islands at the Jaggar Museum. Then take a short walk through a fern forest to get inside an ancient cave-like lava tube. After a Highlight Lunch, learn how the rich volcanic soil around Kona produces some of the world’s best coffee. Savour a tasting when you visit a local coffee farm and mill to learn how Kona coffee is grown, harvested and processed. Reach the golden Kona coast and your stunning oceanfront resort.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

Wake to the sound of the sea and explore one of the most beautiful areas in the world on your own today. Options abound: Tour a native Hawaiian temple, don a snorkel and mask to commune with some of Hawaii’s colourful and varied marine life, learn about an early Hawaiian settlement and look for green sea turtles at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, cruise past the rugged coastline and pristine beaches on a boat tour, descend into the depths on a submarine or just relax and enjoy the pool and other facilities at your oceanfront resort. This evening, as the sky grows red in the west, why not take an optional cruise to relish the magnificent Kona sunset?(Full Breakfast)

Soar high above the Pacific again as you fly to Maui, the Magic Isle, home to endless white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and luxuriant tropical foliage. Travel into the countryside to visit a local farm and learn about sustainable agriculture on the islands. Then toast your host with a glass of wine and indulge in a Be My Guest Lunch serving up delicious Hawaiian made with the freshest local ingredients. Formerly a royal retreat, spectacular Kaanapali Beach is often ranked as one of America’s finest beaches. Check in to your beachfront resort and relax for the evening.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest lunch)

Savour two full days in paradise as you chart your own course through Maui’s wonderlands. The possibilities are endless. Spend some time on the three-mile long white sand beach or unwind at the resort’s sparkling pool. Take an afternoon to explore the old whaling village of Lahaina with its trendy art galleries and welcoming cafes. Maybe take a surfing lesson from a local or play 18 holes at one of two championship golf courses overlooking the sea — keep an eye out for breaching whales in season while you’re teeing off! Rise early and ascend to the summit of Mount Haleakala to see the sunrise bathe the island in light. Or make the scenic journey to the remote town of Hana on Maui’s rugged eastern coast. Opt for a helicopter flightseeing excursion to get an eye-popping view of the island’s varied landscape and waterfalls. During your stay, enjoy a presentation with a naturalist and learn about the exotic flora and fauna of the islands. Join your travelling companions on one evening for a festive Farewell Luau Dinner, featuring a sumptuous buffet, tropical cocktails and the songs and dances of old Hawaii and the South Pacific. Relish the scene as the rising moon transforms the seas into liquid silver, and marvel as the stars begin to brighten the great night sky.(Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner / Full Breakfast)

A hui hou… until we meet again. On your complimentary transfer to Kahului Airport, begin planning your next visit!(Full Breakfast)