Sail through the breathtaking scenery of the Hawaiian Islands on this magical vacation. The highlight of your trip is a 7-night cruise around the Hawaiian Islands aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. On this cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in many activities, or you can do absolutely nothing at all!Maui, one of the stops on this cruise, has been voted the best island in the world, and you’ll have a chance to experience its breathtaking scenery, wonderful beaches, cascading waterfalls, and charming Hawaiian towns. The Big Island of Hawaii offers black-sand beaches, curious lava formations, the world’s most continuously active volcano, fields of coffee and macadamia nuts, and more. Visit both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island. Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest island, offers cascading waterfalls, golden beaches, tropical rainforest, and more.You’ll have a chance to visit and experience these islands plus Oahu, home of the USS Arizona, which commemorates the crewman who lost their lives in the historic Pearl Harbor attack. So grab your camera, pack your swimsuit, and be prepared to relax, renew your spirit, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in paradise!
Itinerary:
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. Excursion to Pearl Harbor. Begin with a tour of PEARL HARBOR’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 sightseeing includes Chinatown, the Hawaii State Capitol, royal `Iolani Palace, and the statue of Kamehameha the Great. Tonight after dinner you have reserved tickets for the SOCIETY OF SEVEN show, a Waikiki tradition that has entertained audiences for over 30 years with its Broadway numbers, celebrity impressions and much more! (B,D)
Day #3 Honolulu. Today is all about independence. You’re 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 there’s an optional sunset cruise with dinner, Hawaiian cocktails, and splendid views of the glittering Waikiki coastline and Diamond Head. Your local host will have recommendations for the best places to shop and dine. (B)
Day #4 Honolulu (Embarkation). Your day is free before boarding your cruise ship, the Pride of America. Bid farewell to your local host. Once on board, there’s time to explore your home for the next seven nights. During your cruise adventure you will have the freedom to choose from the many amenities on board. Anchors aweigh! Ship departs at 7 pm. (B,D)
Day #5 Maui. Good morning and welcome to Kahului, Maui. The “Valley Island” has been voted the best island in the world. This tropical paradise has it all: hundreds of spectacular beaches, cascading waterfalls, flourishing jungles bursting with color and birdsong, dramatic volcanic craters, and charming Hawaiian towns. You’ll agree that there’s nothing on Earth quite like it. The next two days are free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Join one of the many excursions available, including a scenic journey through upcountry Maui to the top of the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, or a visit to the Maui Tropical Plantation and `Iao Valley. Arrive at 8 am and overnight in Maui. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Maui. Another day in paradise offers you the flexibility to enjoy one of the many beaches that surround Maui. For early risers, consider an excursion to view Haleakala Crater at sunrise. This adventure takes you to the top of the Haleakala volcano, the “House of the Sun,” rising more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Marvel at the crater’s eerie, lunar-like landscape of cinder cones and ancient lava formations. The view is absolutely amazing. Depart for the “Big Island” at 6 pm. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Hilo. Larger than Hawaii’s other main islands combined, the Big Island of Hawaii is spectacularly diverse in both landscapes and activities. Pristine beaches, curious lava formations, the Earth’s tallest sea mountain, and the world’s most continuously active volcano all make this island a completely unique adventure. The entire day is open to independent activities. You will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of shore excursions, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls. Experience the 80-foot falls that cascade into a circular pool in the Wailuku River—as they hit the water below, rainbows often appear in the mist. Then, experience the fascinating drive along the 11-mile Crater Rim to enjoy a unique view of this volcanic landscape. Arrive in Hilo at 8 am and depart for Kona at 6 pm. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Kona. A morning arrival in Kona. Choose a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of Kilauea Volcano’s active areas, ranging from surface flows to skylights to bubbling lava. After a brief return to Hilo’s airport, take to the skies again for an exploration of Hawaii’s lush rainforest and Hamakua coastline. For those who prefer to stay a little more grounded, discover the historic city of Kona along Hawaii’s beautiful sun-drenched Gold Coast. Your route will take you past ancient temples, fields of coffee and macadamia nuts, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Arrive in Kona at 7 am and depart for Kauai at 6 pm. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Kauai. The “Garden Isle” of Kauai has a lush, rural feel and a laid-back lifestyle all its own. After all, it is Hawaii’s oldest island and, as first-born, has a legacy of paradise to uphold. A trip around Kauai is a feast of tropical forest, cascading waterfalls, golden-sand beaches, swaying palms, majestic mountains, and almost-daily rainbows. A full day of activity awaits your participation. You may choose an excursion to enjoy the dramatic natural attraction of 2,857-foot-deep Waimea Canyon and a ride up the Wailua River to the famed Fern Grotto. Arrive at 8 am and overnight in Kauai. (B,L,D)
Day #10 Kauai. Today is the perfect day to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches of Kauai or to shop for souvenirs before departing for Honolulu at 2 pm. (B,L,D)
Day #11 Honolulu (Disembarkation). Arrive in Honolulu at 7 am. Disembarkation usually begins two hours after docking. The trip ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Honolulu International Airport. Please schedule flights after Noon. (B)
Hotels:
HONOLULU Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (MF)
CRUISE Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America (choice of cabin category)