13-Day Tour from Honolulu to Maui

Aloha—welcome to Hawaii! Upon arrival at Honolulu International Airport, you will be greeted with a fresh flower lei and transferred to your hotel in Waikiki.

Morning orientation with your Tour Director before a day at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions, including activities near world-famous Waikiki Beach or a full-day optional outing to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore, where you’ll enjoy a dinner buffet and the colorful Ha: Breath of Life stage show.

Morning sightseeing features the sunken USS ARIZONA and its impressive memorial to the men still entombed there, as well as Punchbowl National Cemetery with its beautiful views of Honolulu. Other sites include bustling Chinatown, ‘Iolani Palace, and the statue of King Kamehameha the Great. The afternoon is free for independent activities. Tonight, join the optional sunset dinner cruise along the shores of Waikiki.

One last day in Waikiki, the world’s most famous beach.

This morning, depart for Hilo on the “Big Island” of Hawaii with its spectacular scenery that includes misty plateaus, craggy cliffs, tropical rainforests, bamboo groves, and lava deserts. On arrival, tour HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK. See Kilauea Crater, rising 4,090 feet above a volcanic wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes, and fern forests. Arrive in Kona on the sunny side of the “Big Island” in the early evening.

The following two days are free to explore the charming and historic town of Kailua-Kona. Optional activities include a snorkeling cruise to a coral reef to view magnificent tropical fish; or a helicopter ride along the Kohala coastline, and over the famed Parker Ranch and an active volcano. For a true adventure, join the afternoon optional excursion to the summit of Mauna Kea Crater (13,796 feet) to view the sunset, then visit the Ellison Onizuka Visitor Center (9,200 feet) to stargaze in the evening.

Today is yours to relax and explore the resort area of Kailua, situated between Kailua Bay and the dormant Hualalai Volcano. Kailua is rich in history, and features the historic Hulihe’e Palace, former vacation home of the Hawaiian Royal Family, and Ahu’ena Heiau, the restored personal temple of King Kamehameha the Great. This area is renowned for its famous Kona coffee, one of the most sought-after coffees in the world.

Morning transfer to Kona International Airport for the flight to the “Garden Isle” of Kauai. Drive along the scenic southern shore via Poipu Beach to Waimea, once the Polynesian capital of Kauai and the site where Captain Cook landed on the islands in 1778. Sightseeing highlights include WAIMEA CANYON, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the lush and fertile Hanapepe Valley, and a photo stop at SPOUTING HORN, a dramatic blowhole on the ocean’s edge. Later, arrive at your oceanside hotel in Kapa’a.

Kauai has a lot to offer, and your Tour Director will suggest several optional outings for the duration of your stay, including a trip to Hanalei Bay, the filming location of many Hollywood movies, such as South Pacific and The Thornbirds. Tonight, attend a LUAU feast, considered one of Hawaii’s best. After dinner, sit back and watch a captivating international revue of dancers and musicians.
NOTE:
Depending on flight schedules, the luau may take place on an alternative day.

This morning, fly to Maui, the “Valley Island.” On arrival, sightseeing begins with a visit to the ‘IAO VALLEY, the “Yosemite of the Pacific,” to view the ‘lao Needle. Then, head through lush farm country and along the shoreline via Maalaea Boat Harbor to Lahaina, once a whaling center and capital of the Hawaiian monarchy. Free time to explore this colorful town.

A full day at leisure to enjoy Maui’s splendid beaches or to relax by the pool at the hotel. A variety of optional outings include the Road to Hana, one of the world’s most spectacular scenic drives, with 54 bridges and many waterfalls. You may want to take in the Maui Ocean Center, a state-of-the-art aquarium and marine park that showcase indigenous marine life. From January to mid-April, whale watching is offered.

This morning is dedicated to HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, the volcano known to islanders as the “House of the Sun,” and its vast Haleakala Crater. The parkland is located in a setting of stunning natural beauty, ranging from a landscape of cinder cones to dense rainforest. Return to Ka’anapali in the early afternoon, with the balance of the day at leisure.

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Kahului International Airport on Maui are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the Valley Island further with a variety of exciting optional activities.