Day by day Itinerary

Fri., Feb. 16                                             MINNEAPOLIS/HONOLULU 

Today we will depart Minneapolis by scheduled service en route to Honolulu, Hawaii. We'll arrive on the Island of Oahu in the mid-afternoon where we'll be greeted by the warm trade winds and a traditional Hawaiian "lei" and "aloha"! Then we'll board our waiting motor coach for the drive into Honolulu. 

Sat., Feb. 17                                            HONOLULU                                                             (B,D)

Called 'The Gathering Place", Oahu is alive with activity. The day is free to explore the capital city of Honolulu on your own. Enjoy the day basking in the sun or taking part in any number of water sports on renowned Waikiki Beach and make time for a visit to the Honolulu Zoo and Aquarium. For the shoppers among us, try the International Marketplace for incredible bargains. And don't forget about the evening hours, Honolulu is known for its fine dining along with a wide variety of Polynesian revues, live music and entertainment,

Sun., Feb. 18                                           HONOLULU/CRUISING   (Pearl Harbor)        (B,L,D) 

Early this morning we will  relive a "moment in history" when we visit Pearl Harbor's Arizona Memorial. We'll stop at the Visitors Center to watch a short film depicting the events that unfolded on December 7,1941. Then we'll board a navy launch for the short journey to the U.S.S. Arizona where we'll disembark for an up-close, unforgettable experience. Afterward, we're headed to the Port of Honolulu to board the Norwegian Cruise Lines' Pride of Aloha in anticipation of our upcoming Hawaiian Islands cruise.

The next seven days and nights will introduce us to the Freestyle Cruising experience, a completely new way to cruise. Start your day out with an invigorating walk along open broad decks of the ship or visit the fitness center. Then indulge yourself in local culture by learning how to Hula, weave a fresh flower Lei, or take in a lecture on the nature and folklore of the islands. Afterward, you'll surely want to soak in the Hawaiian sun poolside, and end your day by spoiling yourself in the exclusive spa. And don't forget the nightlife, starting with multiple restaurant choices followed by everything imaginable from a quite evening in the library or movie theater, to late night entertainment in the Broadway-style theater. Do everything or nothing at all, it's up to you!   

Mon, Feb. 19 & Tues., Feb. 20 - NAWILIWIU                                          (B,L,D)

This morning we will arrive in the quaint port town Nawiliwili on the "Garden Isle" of Kauai . It is no coincidence that the oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands is also the most beautiful. With its sandy beaches and large coral reefs, Kauai is Hawaii 's most irresistible destination. To truly experience the diversity of Kauai, you'll want to take an optional shore excursion to Waimea Canyon and gaze down upon the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", or enjoy a scenic jungle river cruise along the Wailua River to the mystical Fern Grotto. Regardless of what you choose to do, you'll find an endless array of exotic spots to explore as Nawiliwili is known for the flame-red blossoms of the ubiquitous wiliwili tree, while the sweet smell of mokihana berries permeates the air and the lush green landscape intoxicates the senses.      

Wed., Feb. 21 - HILO                                                                             (B,L,D)

Today we will visit Hilo on the " Big Island " of Hawaii . Hilo is a city not so much for tourists as for visitors, as nature itself has checked the city's progress with an average of 278 days of rain a year and two destructive tsunamis. Today the city has since retreated from the sea, turning the waterfront area into enormous green parks. Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling through the waterfront parks or in the downtown district where a number of the brightly colored restored buildings clustered next to the Wailuku River are listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Exploring the " Big Island " on an optional tour is also a real adventure for Hawaii 's vast size has produced a wide variety of climates and attractions. All about the island you'll discover traces of an ancient Hawaiian civilization as you go from sandy beaches to lava wastelands, from rocky deserts to sweet mountain meadows, and from peaceful bays to volcanic craters.

Thurs., Feb. 22 - KONA                                                                      (B,L,D)

This morning we will arrive in Kona located on the western coast of the " Big Island " of Hawaii . In Kona we'll find the real Polynesian Hawaii and see firsthand that the old culture still thrives. Enjoy a visit to the fishing village of Kailua and the summer palace of Hawaiian royalty, or simply relax with an afternoon aboard one of the glass bottom boats. Of course, there is always shopping nearby or an afternoon of working on your tan at the beach or poolside. For the more adventurous, you may prefer an afternoon taking part in any number of optional shore excursions including snorkeling or deep sea fishing for Blue Marlin, the Kona Coast is famous for it!

Fri., Feb. 23 & Sat., Feb. 24 - KAHULUI                                        (B,L,D)

The next two days will be spent on the "Valley Isle" of Maui . We're just 88 miles from Oahu , but it's a different world. Uncrowded country, rural life, lush tropical flora and sugar cane plantations help to give Maui its appropriate nickname. Maui was formed by the convergence of two volcanoes at the isthmus known as the Central. Valley, and Kahului is the ideal location for touring the island. Enjoy the day at nearby Wailuku where you can investigate Hawaiiana in the Bailey House Museum or take part in any number of optional shore excursions that will introduce you to beautiful Iao Valley , Haleakala Crater, the old whaling port of Lahaina and the three-mile crescent of white sand known as Kaanapali Beach .

Sun., Feb. 25 - HONOLULU/EN ROUTE ( Circle Island Tour)         (B,D)

This morning we return to Honolulu as our vacation in the Hawaiian Islands winds down. But first, we'll enjoy a Circle Island Tour of Oahu that will take us to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for a panoramic view of the Windward side of the island. Then we'll return to the coast as we travel past Kahana Bay where we'll see Chinaman's Hat, a distinctly shaped island located just offshore, where it is possible at low tide to wade to and lie on its tiny, white sand, ocean-facing beach. Afterward, we're headed to world-famous North Shore, home to the most celebrated surfing zones in the world, such as Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the spectacular Banzai Pipeline. In colorful contrast to the brilliant blue waters, we'll also see the emerald green fields of pineapple and sugar cane waving gently in the breeze when we briefly stop at the famed Dole Plantation. Late this afternoon we'll arrive at Paradise Cove to end our vacation in style with a tropical Mai Tai greeting and live Hawaiian music set to the festive mood of the evening.

As all good things must come to an end, this evening we'll return to Honolulu Airport in preparation for our transpacific journey home.

Mon., Feb. 26 - EN ROUTE / MINNEAPOLIS

We arrive back in Minneapolis today. No better time to reflect on memories of the Hawaiian Islands Vacation that will last a lifetime and new friendships that we have made along the way!

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