Whether you’re snorkeling in Hawaii’s tranquil waters, admiring the spectacular beauty of Kauai, or just relaxing on the warm sands of Waikiki Beach, no one brings out Hawaii’s best like Globus. From Pearl Harbor’s famous Battleship Row to a festive luau with authentic Polynesian dancing, Hawaii’s allure to vacationers is powerful indeed. Feel the sand in your feet as the ocean waves roll over them, and marvel at the black-sand beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island. Watch the surfers attempt to master the waves in Waikiki Beach. Be mesmerized by the pineapple and sugar cane fields, and thoroughly savor Kona coffee, some of the best coffee in the world! Revitalize your spirit in Maui’s Haleakala National Park, with its volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rainforest, and enjoy Hawaii’s laid-back atmosphere as you feel your senses come alive! The tropical paradise of the Hawaiian Islands awaits you, so let Globus handle all the details while you relax, capture photos, savor the food, and enjoy yourself on this amazing vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon arrival to the island of Oahu, 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. A breakfast get-together with your Tour Director reviews activities scheduled throughout your stay. The balance of the day is 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, enjoy an optional sunset cruise with dinner, Hawaiian cocktails, and splendid views of the glittering Waikiki coastline and Diamond Head. (B)
Day #3 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 sights include 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 #4 Honolulu–Hilo–Hawaii Volcanoes National Park–Kona. Board a morning flight to the “Big Island” of Hawaii. Upon arrival in Hilo on the east coast, drive to HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK and visit the JAGGAR MUSEUM, where you will learn about this active volcano. Here, see Kilauea Crater, rising 4,090 feet above a volcanic wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes, and fern forests. Next, enjoy an included lunch followed by a stop at [LF] PUNALU’U BAKE SHOP to sample the famous Hawaiian sweetbread introduced to the area by Portuguese sugar workers in the 19th century. This traditional favorite is not to be missed! Continue on to Kona, your home for the next three nights. (B,L)
Day #5 Kona. This morning, enjoy a visit to the [LF] KONA COFFEE LIVING HISTORY FARM, a working coffee and macadamia nut farm. You will have the opportunity to learn and experience the history of Kona’s coffee industry and the remarkable story of the pioneers who established these farms. Dinner tonight is a traditional LUAU feast with captivating Polynesian musicians and dancers. (B,D)
Day #6 Kona. Today is free for independent activities. Find a special place to relax poolside and enjoy the warm tropical sun and balmy breezes, enjoy an optional snorkeling cruise to Kealakekua Bay, or join the optional helicopter flightseeing excursion. (B)
Day #7 Kona–Maui. A morning flight takes you to the “Valley Island” of Maui. Drive to the lush `IAO VALLEY to see the `Iao Needle, a spectacular volcanic spire. Visit LAHAINA, then continue on to Ka`anapali, your home for the next three nights. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B,D)
Day #8 Maui. Activities abound and your Tour Director is on hand to help you plan your day. A full free day to swim and sunbathe at the beach or hotel pool. Another choice is the “Road to Hana,” one of the world’s most impressive drives, with 54 bridges and numerous waterfalls. From mid-December to mid-April, a humpback whale-watching cruise is available. (B)
Day #9 Maui. Excursion to Haleakala National Park. The morning is dedicated to HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, site of the huge volcanic Haleakala Crater, known as the “House of the Sun.” In 1980, this native ecosystem of cinder cones and dense rainforest was designated an International Biosphere Reserve. There’s plenty of time in the afternoon to relax and enjoy your hotel’s facilities and beach. (B,D)
Day #10 Maui–Kauai. Excursion to Princeville. A scenic flight to the “Garden Isle” of Kauai, whose lush landscapes featuring orchids, hibiscus, and plumeria are often used as a setting for Hollywood films depicting tropical paradise. View pretty `Opaeka`a Falls on the Wailua River before proceeding to Princeville for lunch overlooking Bali Hai from the movie South Pacific. Afterward, continue south to sunny Poipu Beach and your resort. (B,L)
Day #11 Kauai. Spend the day as you please! Take in refreshing ocean breezes from the beautiful white-sand beaches, immersing yourself in the heart of the island’s beauty. No activities have been scheduled today to give you time to relax and enjoy your oceanfront resort. Optional tours include helicopter flightseeing and snorkeling. (B)
Day #12 Kauai. Excursion to Waimea Canyon. Start the day with a drive to Waimea, once the Polynesian capital of Kauai and the site where Captain Cook landed in the islands in 1778. Sightseeing highlights include WAIMEA CANYON, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and Hanapepe Valley. A stop at the largest coffee plantation in Hawaii, [LF] KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY, includes time at the visitor center, where you can learn about coffee production and the history of the Kauai Coffee Company. Spend your last afternoon on Kauai relaxing at the resort, exploring further, or indulging yourself in some last-minute souvenir shopping. With the afternoon free, your Tour Director will suggest an optional horseback ride on the trails and along the sandy beaches. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale to a memorable Hawaiian vacation (B,D)
Day #13 Kauai. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to Lihue Airport to connect with your homebound flight. (B)
