Best of Hawaii Moderate 2012

Enjoy a full day today to explore on your own. Spend some time lazing in the sun on Waikiki Beach; spot sea turtles, colourful coral and dazzling tropical fish while snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. This evening, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.

Begin your day with a guided visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, a moving tribute to the military personnel who lost their lives in the 1941 attack that launched the U.S. into World War II. Travel on to Punchbowl Crater and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Return to Honolulu to see the splendid Iolani Palace, the iconic King Kamehameha I statue and the current state capitol building. The crafting of exquisite coral jewellery has always been a backbone of the islands’ economy; visit a coral workshop to see how expert artisans transform a treasure of the sea into a priceless memento. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Your morning begins with a short, scenic flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. Travel from Hilo to the exquisite western coast, passing through 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, erupting almost continuously since 1983, spews lava flowing down to the sea. 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 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. $name 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.

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 Hawaii’s colourful and varied marine life, look for green sea turtles at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, descend into the depths on a submarine or just relax and enjoy your oceanfront resort. This evening, as the sky grows red in the west, why not take an optional cruise to relish one of Kona’s magnificent sunsets?

Fly to Maui, the Magic Isle, home to endless white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and luxuriant tropical foliage. Travel along country roads 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 special Be My Guest Lunch featuring the finest local ingredients. Formerly a royal retreat, spectacular Kaanapali Beach is often ranked as one of America’s finest beaches. Check into your beachfront resort and relax for the evening.

$name two full days in paradise as you chart your own course through Maui’s wonderlands. The possibilities are endless. Spend some time walking along the long white-sand beaches or relaxing by the pool. Take an afternoon to explore the old whaling village of Lahaina with its trendy art galleries and welcoming cafes. Play 18 holes at a championship golf course overlooking the sea. Rise early and ascend to the summit of Mount Haleakala to see the sunrise. Or make the scenic journey to the remote town of Hana on Maui’s rugged eastern coast. Maybe get a bird’s-eye view of Maui on a helicopter flightseeing excursion. During your stay, meet with a naturalist and learn about the exotic flora and fauna of the islands. On one evening, join your travelling companions 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.

A hui hou... until we meet again. As your holiday ends with a complimentary transfer to Kahului Airport, begin planning your next visit.