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

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

From dramatic black lava flows to lush native rainforests and magnificent waterfalls, you’ll experience the best Hilo has to offer. Take in the beauty of Hawaiian nature as you pass wild orchids, ferns and Kahili ginger plants. Once in Volcanoes National Park, visit a lava tube, discover remarkable volcanic formations and hike down into a volcanic crater. The four mile round-trip hike crosses pahoehoe lava and A’a lava, meanders through forests of lava tree and passes gaping, steaming fissures where lava once fountained over a thousand feet skyward. This part of the tour is for experienced hikers as a good pace must be maintained. It does cross some rugged sections requiring visual and balance acuity. Switchbacks, stairs and uneven surfaces will be encountered, as well as highly variable weather patterns. Your next stop is Jagger Museum, overlooking the current heavy venting of Kilauea Crater. After the park, you’ll head north passing charming, historic Hilo and drive along the scenic Hamakua coast to one of Hawaii's most impressive waterfalls. You’ll stop at Akaka Falls State Park, where the 442-foot Akaka Falls drops over lushly green coated cliffs into a deep pool below. The jungle creates a magical backdrop on a journey full of beauty and adventure. From the beauty of the rainforests flora and fauna to the beast of the devastation at Volcanoes National Park, this is a part of Hawaii you’ll always remember. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age, experienced hikers and in good health. Infants are not permitted, even if carried by adults. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Due to natural sulfur gases, this tour is not recommended for those with respiratory or heart problems. Light lunch, water and ponchos are included. An alternative waterfall may be visited due to weather conditions. less

Discover the enchanted underwater world of seahorses at the only seahorse farm in the United States. Pet these exotic sea animals, and delight as they curl their tail around your finger! Learn why Animal Planet has rated the seahorse as the most extreme father. These amazing animals are the only fish species where the males undergo a true pregnancy! Watch as pairs hook their tails together to swim around. Your guide will explain the value of seahorses in the ocean environment and field of medicine. With one of the largest collections of seahorses in the world, this guided tour is educational, fun and interactive. Note: This tour is not available on Sundays. Participants under 4 years of age are not permitted to touch the seahorses. less