Hawaiian Explorer

Explore the wonders of our island home and learn about our Hawaiian culture, the creation of our islands, and the many plants and animals that thrive in our tropical environment. At Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, America’s only rainforest zoo, you will see over 100 varieties of palms and displays of native and introduced plants. Many native exotic animals and birds make their home here in lush exhibits, including Namaste, a beautiful white Bengal tiger. A visit to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory provides an opportunity to sample the many goodies made with our favorite nut. You may view the production process, from tree to package, and walk around the garden setting surrounded by the 250,000 mac nut tree orchard. Next you’ll walk along the sites in Lava Tree State Park. The sites will amaze you, as the lava trees and your driver/narrator tell the story of when a native Ohia forest was overrun by lava flows in the late 1700s. On our way to Ahalanui Park, you will see the flow fields of the eruption that destroyed the village of Kapoho in 1960. When we arrive at Ahalanui Park, you will have time to enjoy a dip, or dangle your feet in the geothermal warm waters of the pond, and relax with a picnic lunch as you enjoy the ocean views before we head back to the ship.