Hawaii Cruises: Excursions

Experience Kona by land and sea. Start off your journey on board a motorcoach and enjoy the scenic western coastline of the Big Island, stopping at a local coffee house to taste the famed Kona coffee. Continue on and take in views of Kealakekua Bay, St. Benedict's historic Painted Church, and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. This place of refuge has served as a political and religious sanctuary since ancient times and is home to the sacred Halo Keawe Heiau, a temple that once housed the bones of deceased chiefs. Next prepare to board your powered catamaran for a once in a lifetime cruise of Kona’s history. Step aboard and step back in time, when ancient kings ruled the islands to the arrival of Captain Cook in Kealakekua Bay. Witness many points of interest including Hawaiian temples known as Heiau, the Holua slide, battlefields and the birth place of King Kamehameha to mention a few. Keep your eyes open for the resident spinner dolphins which frequent these waters year-round and the Humpback whales in the winter (whale season is from December through April). You won't go away hungry; a full buffet sandwich bar is available, including tropical fruits, Maui chips, sodas and island juices. As you head back to Kona, sit back and indulge with your favorite libation. Note: All efforts will be made to view the dolphins and whales, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. A full service cash bar is available for an additional charge. less

The Na Pali Explorer, the original Na Pali ocean expedition, takes you to the base of mystical 4,000-foot-high sea cliffs. You'll be dwarfed by their sheer majesty and color. Sea caves and cascading waterfalls are scattered along this huge green stretch of remote rainforest coastline. The Captain and crew will provide narration on the history and mythology of the area before you take a plunge and begin to snorkel the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. You may even spot dolphins! Finally, enjoy a deli-style lunch onboard before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. This voyage may be bumpy, so it's not recommended for pregnant women, those with bad backs, heart conditions, or who suffer from sea sickness. Some guests may be assigned to sit on the pontoon part (inflated side of vessel) of the vessel. Tour is only available from April through November. less

Spend a fun day hiking, swimming and zip lining on fabulous Kipu Ranch, a 4,000-acre working cattle operation. The setting is spectacular: a riverside National Wildlife Refuge surrounded by volcanic mountaintops. You’ll enjoy the views from high above the canopy on four exciting zip lines. Three of the zip lines are over 1000 feet each and are tandem or side by side so you can enjoy the excitement with a partner. Ride from trailhead-to-trailhead on a covered farm wagon pulled by a 4WD tractor. Hike through the rainforest to beautiful waterfall fed pools. Practice your Tarzan call as you soar on a rope swing into a pirate pool, made famous in the fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Once you have mastered the rope swing, it’s time for you to move on to the Bamboo Pool, home to Kauai’s only water zip. Just hold on, glide then splash into the refreshing water below.

Note: Deli-style lunch is included. Zip line riders must be comfortable with heights and be at least 7 years of age. Maximum weight for this tour is 275 lbs. Bring a jacket, wear a swimsuit and sport sandals or water shoes. less

Travel to Paia, to start a new adventure in paradise, with pastries, juice and hot coffee or tea. Afterwards, the journey to Hana begins. Tour the famous Road to Hana in the air-conditioned comfort of an exclusive 8-passenger luxury limo-van. This full-day interactive adventure allows you to enjoy the remote Hana Coast at a leisurely and relaxed pace. Photo opportunities abound, with many stops made along this spectacular sea-coast drive. Keanae, offering splendid peaceful taro fields and Waikani Falls glistening with fresh mountain rainwater, are just some of the sights to be enjoyed. You'll discover and learn, in-depth, about the native Hawaiian people, their culture and land. After traveling through a tropical rainforest, delight in a scrumptious luncheon featuring grilled herb marinated chicken breast, 7 spice seared ono, organic greens, Maui gold pineapple and more. After lunch, there's plenty of time to stroll, swim, sunbathe or just relax. Heading back to the ‘real world’, we return from Hana at a ‘Maui-style’ pace. Bring your swimsuit and a towel to capture a lifetime memory of swimming in a crystal-clear, freshwater pool under a cascading waterfall. In addition, the afternoon return journey takes us to Ho'okipa and the chance for a breathtaking ‘photo op’ of Maui's world-class windsurfers. less

What would motivate you to wake up in the wee hours of the morning? Would you do it for one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll see in your lifetime? Your adventure will begin at the top of Haleakala Crater for a once in a life time sunrise view. Once the sun has risen, you’ll then start your descent to the 6,500 foot elevation of Mount Haleakala. Then following your guide, you’ll gently bike down the 21 switchbacks on the western slopes of the world’s largest resting volcano as your escort van driver follows for your safety. You are welcome to ride in the escort van at any time. Along the way there will be photo stops to capture your Maui moments. You’ll love to coast through eucalyptus forests, glide past the colorful lavender farms in Kula, and travel along jacaranda tree-lined roadways. Finally take a van tour from Pukalani to the sea while receiving information and history of Maui’s sugarcane and pineapple plantation days. This Maui Downhill Bicycle Adventure will truly be an unforgettable experience. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, be at least 5 feet tall and weigh less than 250 lbs. This tour is not recommended for those who are pregnant, with heart conditions or who have had recent surgeries. It is required you wear closed-toe shoes and layered clothing. Your tour includes complete safety instructions by the guides, a helmet, windbreaker, gloves and custom-built bicycle. Approximate time riding bikes is about 45 minutes to an hour. less

This introduction to Kauai, the 'Garden Isle,' features two of the area's most dramatic natural attractions: 2,857-foot-deep Waimea Canyon and a ride up the Wailua River to the famed Fern Grotto. Your adventure starts with a drive to a lookout point at 3,400 feet above sea level. From here, you'll have an unsurpassed view of the rainbow-colored canyon with its reds and browns from exposed volcanic rock and blues and greens from lush tropical vegetation. Next, you'll board a riverboat for a cruise up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto. This beautiful lava cavern forms a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. At the grotto, keeping with island custom, a chorus will serenade you with the traditional Hawaiian Wedding Song. Note: The pathways at the Fern Grotto may be slippery. Fern Grotto may be substituted by the Pacific Paradise Gardens if not available. Lunch is included. The pathways at the Fern Grotto may be slippery. less