Hawaii
Aloha. Mention the word and a thousand dreamy vacation images spring to mind. But it is more than a word. It is a bridge to Hawaii’s past. Aloha. Literally, the breath of life. It is woven into our community fabric and is a daily reminder that we don’t just breathe the same air. We breathe the same breath. It is the basis of a genuine welcoming spirit that we share with our families, friends, and guests… our visitors. The people of Hawaii would like to share their islands with you. E komo mai. Come, be welcomed and experience the essence of beauty and harmony, the Islands of Aloha.
WHICH ISLAND IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Hawaii is everything you dreamed of: brilliant rainbows over mist-shrouded valleys, white-sand beaches and red-glazed sunsets sparked by the “green flash” as the sun sinks into the Pacific.
Yet each of the six major islands offer a character and climate all its own. So how do you choose which is right for you?
OAHU: Often confused with “The Big Island”, Oahu isn’t the biggest in terms of land-mass, but rather in population. Home to the bustling state capital of Honolulu, Oahu is Hawaii’s most popular tourist destination. It’s here you’ll find some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world — Diamond Head’s jagged facade, somber Pearl Harbor and vibrant Waikiki Beach.
Oahu is perfect for anyone looking for an incredible range of activities and attractions, including some of the state’s best snorkeling, legendary surf spots, museums, fabulous shopping, dynamic nightlife and five-star restaurants. But, although Oahu is packed with action and adventure, there are also many great escapes off the beaten path.
KAUAI: The oldest of the main islands, Kauai remains a quiet and extraordinarily beautiful destination for those wishing to fully explore the wonders of the “real” Hawaii. Its emerald green valleys, white sand beaches and majestic waterfalls have made it a favorite with Hollywood filmmakers (Jurassic Park, From Here to Eternity, Blue Hawaii). Outdoor enthusiasts come to hike the world-famous cliffs along the rugged Na Pali Coast. Nature-lovers revel in its lush landscapes, while families frolic on its uncrowded shores. Whatever draws you to Kauai, one thing is certain, its spirit will stay with you long after you leave.
BIG ISLAND: From the snow capped peaks of Mauna Kea to the active flows of red-hot lava that continuously pour from Kilauea (the largest active volcano in the world), the island of Hawaii (The Big Island) is a land of extremes. Home to some of the world’s most opulent resorts, it’s also home to some of the state’s most charming coastal communities and a stunning variety of natural landscapes — from cactus-studded grasslands to Kona coffee fields to coastal highways edged in coral. A trip to The Big Island is perfect for those in search of fiery adventures in some of Hawaii’s most spectacular wide-open spaces.
MAUI: Perhaps the most famous of all the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is as much a state of mind as it is a destination. Ranked Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s “Best Island in the World” for eight years running, Maui combines magnificent scenery with the sophistication of world-class resorts, superb restaurants and limitless shopping opportunities. Among the must-do’s: a breathtaking drive on the serpentine Hana Highway and watching the sun rise above the clouds at the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano. Maui is the ideal location for those in search of romance and family-friendly adventures.
MOLOKAI: The brightest lights on the serene island of Molokai might just be the nightly display of stars. Largely undeveloped and home to only one true resort, Molokai maintains much of the character it has had for centuries. Here, Hawaiian Paniolos (cowboys), still herd cattle as they always have. Doors are left unlocked. Families gather on weekends for potluck picnics on the beach. Among its most unforgettable visitor experiences: a hike or mule ride down the 26 switchbacks of the world’s highest sea cliffs to Kalaupapa National Park. Molokai was made for those looking for outdoor adventure far away from the outside world.
LANAI: Once known as the Pineapple Island, Lanai is a tiny jewel of an island that caters to anyone in search of pristine wilderness and unrivaled luxuries. Home to two (yes, just two) resorts, Lanai offers a remarkably diverse range of outdoor activities, including championship golfing on par with the best courses in the world. While the resorts promise extravagant accommodations and gourmet dining, visitors may also enjoy exploring a charming plantation town, riding horseback through magnificent pine forests, or simply losing themselves on utterly vacant beaches.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from Kailua-Kona Harbor as breakfast is served to order or as a galley buffet. Explore Kona and golf, troll, snorkel or swim. Get a massage or take a helicopter tour at Orchid Mauna Lani. Have lunch onboard and then venture back out to continue activities such as golfing or water play. Finish the day with a sunset dinner onboard fronting hotels or in protected waters off Kona or Kawaihae.
Day 2:
Depart from Lahaina or Ma’alaea Harbor as breakfast is served buffet style. Snorkeling, swimming, or SCUBA diving (according to level of experience) is on the list of activities this morning. Back onboard for lunch on the aft deck. Then continue with golfing, trolling, fishing, and water sports. Enjoy sunset dinner at a protected anchorage. Take the tender ashore for the nightlife, which includes strolling, shopping, or club hopping. Or simply watch a movie onboard.
Day 3:
Depart from Sugar Beach, Lahaina or Ma’alaea Harbor and after breakfast, visit the Koele Lodge for horseback riding, sporting clays, golf, tennis, or hiking. Have lunch at the Manele Bay Hotel. In the afternoon, travel to Kamalapau Bay for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming or diving. Stay for dinner aboard and a relaxing evening.
Day 4:
Depart from Kaunakakai Harbor for Paniolo Corral to take a mule ride, bicycle ride or East side tour. Have a picnic lunch and meet Kakela at either Kalaupapa or Kaunakakai. Anchor at Maunalua Bay in Oahu and choose from dinner aboard, Roy’s Restaurant, Assaggio (Italian), or Chef’s Table (European) for the evening.
Day 5:
Depart from Maunalua Bay after breakfast onboard. Activities here include a high-speed powerboat ride, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing or wakeboarding. Meet on the aft deck for pupus and cocktails and resume water play. Follow with a sunset dinner onboard in Honolulu Harbor or Waikiki.
Day 6:
Depart from Honolulu Harbor. Eat breakfast onboard. Visit Hawaii Maritime Center, Aloha Tower or Bishop Museum. After lunch onboard, jump back in the water for more fun water skiing, wakeboarding or trolling. Enjoy dinner onboard or choose between the Ko Olina Luau or Ihilani Hotel restaurant.
Day 7:
Depart from Ko Olina Marina. Have breakfast to order onboard or at the Ihilani Hotel. Golf on Ko Olina Makua Bay or dive Mahi shipwreck. After lunch aboard, visit the spa at the Ko Olina Resort or play tennis. Finish the day with dinner at Ko Olina Luau or Ihilani Hotel.