Highlights: Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona Highlights, Tao Valley and Polynesian Luau
AFTER JULY 16, please call for rates. (618) 627-2652
Day 1 – Honolulu – O’ahu
Aloha! Our adventure begins on the sun-drenched beaches of Waikiki. Relax and “hang loose” — you are in Hawaii!
Day 2 – Honolulu – O’ahu – Pearl Harbor
We remember Pearl Harbor with a visit to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, viewing artifacts from the attack and a short documentary on the “Day of Infamy.” Then we will travel by naval launch to view the white marble-clad USS Arizona Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack. This afternoon, we take a city tour of Honolulu. The remainder of the day is yours. (B, D)
Day 3 – Honolulu – Waikiki
This morning, we dive into Hawaiian history with a visit to Iolani Palace to learn about the Hawaiian monarchs and the takeover of Hawaii by the United States. Then enjoy free time in downtown Honolulu for lunch on your own. Later stop at the Pali lookout in O’ahu’s rainforest before returning to Waikiki for an evening at your leisure. (B)
Day 4 – Honolulu – Hilo, Big Island – Volcanoes National Park – Kona
We board our flight to the volcanic “Big Island” of Hawaii and leave cosmopolitan O’ahu behind. True to its name, the island itself is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. The Big Island is also famous for its volcanoes creating rocky, black landscapes. View the iridescent mist of Rainbow Falls before having time to explore Hilo for lunch on your own. Then, we set out for a tour of the South Coast including a visit inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn about Kilauea – the world’s most active volcano. On the way to the hotel, we see the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay and visit one of the iconic black sand beaches. (B)
Day 5 – Kona
This morning, take time to relax at your resort and look out over Big Island’s rocky coastline. We will travel into Kailua-Kona — a town established by King Kamehameha I before he unified the Kingdom of Hawaii. Next, enjoy ample time to shop and grab a bite of lunch on your own before returning to the hotel for a lei making class taught by a local expert. We will learn about the cultural significance of the lei and create one of our own to bring home. (B)
Day 6 – Honaunau Bay – Kona
We start the day at Bay View Farm, which has been harvesting coffee beans since 1984. After touring the farm with a local guide, we can enjoy a tasting of the local brew. We then visit St. Benedict’s Painted Church, built in the 1800s and adorned with vibrant frescos. Then, we continue to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the rugged coast, once the place of refuge for those that broke the Kapu (sacred law) in old Hawaii. (B, D)
Day 7 – Kona – Maui
Today, we board an inter-island flight to the “Valley Isle” of Maui, one of the most beautiful and popular outer islands. On a visit to the town of Kihei, explore the laid back downtown for lunch on your own. Then, see the stunning Iao Valley and view the 2,000-foot-high Iao Needle, one of Maui’s famous natural landforms. We travel by sugarcane fields to the resort area of Ka’anapali and arrive at our deluxe beachfront hotel. (B, D)
Day 8 – Maui
Spend a day at leisure to see for yourself why locals say Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best). Perhaps you will take an optional cliff-side drive on the legendary Road to Hana. Or you may choose to take a stroll along the beach, shop for souvenirs or simply relax at your luxurious Maui resort. There is no limit to the adventures you can have on this gorgeous island! (B)
Day 9 – Maui
Enjoy this day of leisure as you wish. (B, D)
Day 10 – Maui
This afternoon, we bid Aloha to Hawaii as our memorable tour ends in Maui. Now, you will always be a part of the Hawaiian Ohana (family). (B)
*Activity Level: 1 – Light & Leisurely.
Pricing:
*Due to flight schedule, there will be an extra cost for a pre-flight hotel on January 15.
• Double: $6,808pp
• Single: $8,508pp
• Triple: $6,758pp
Deposit of $1,127 per person with reservation. After July 16, 2024, call for availability.
Final payment due October 18, 2024.
* Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance, Round Trip Air from Lambert St Louis Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers.