SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Delve into the world of volcanoes at a national park that contains active ones and see how volcanoes have shaped the Hawaiian landscape, sometimes in a positive manner. The terrain and natural diversity within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so unique that UNESCO deemed it both a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. You will walk among steaming vents in the earth’s surface. Other highlights include seeing the active Halema’uma’u pit crater within the Kilauea summit caldera and driving along the winding road, which passes old lava flows and other reminders of past eruptions. The island’s volcanic soil is exceptionally fertile as you will discover by strolling through Lili’uokalani Gardens, a wonderland of native plants that was once the favorite picnic grounds of Queen Lili’uokala, Hawaii’s last monarch. Volcanic activity also created the black lava rock on many of the island’s beaches.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit stunning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• View an active volcano, craters and steam vents releasing hot water vapor into the air.
• Meander through a botanical garden that thrives in the island’s volcanically formed soil.
• See a coastline made of black rock made of volcanic materials and lava fragments.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch the sunset from a prime location on Wailea Beach while enjoying tropical drinks and live acoustic music, which will perfectly set the mood. Being on Maui’s western shore, the crescent-shaped beach couldn’t be in a better spot to watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon. The sunsets can be epic when seen from Wailea Beach, especially if the atmospheric conditions are ideal for the colors to be as vivid and vibrant as possible. You will view sunset from a luxurious waterfront hotel, while a musician serenades you on an acoustic guitar or perhaps a ukulele. Although ukuleles are Hawaii’s most iconic musical instrument, they originated in Portugal and weren’t introduced to Hawaii until the late 19th century. To enhance the beachfront experience, you will be served a couple of Mai Tais and a selection of classic island snacks that may include coconut shrimp, pulled-pork sliders and taro chips.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a pyrotechnic sunset from a luxurious waterfront hotel on Wailea Beach.
• Enjoy being serenaded with immensely relaxing, live acoustic Hawaiian music.
• Snack on classic Hawaiian treats that pair perfectly with refreshing Mai Tais.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Paddle through the brilliant blue waters of Hilo Bay in a kayak and enjoy a unique perspective of the city and the volcanoes looming in the background. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and follow the guide into the crescent-shaped bay. From there, you will have an excellent view of Hilo’s urban landscape, which sprawls along the coast and up into the flanks of the volcanoes. The guide will point out and describe Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that is the highest point in Hawaii. Then there is Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano. It too is a spectacular reminder that the Hawaiian Islands are volcanically formed. While paddling through the bay and around Coconut Island, be sure to look for green sea turtles, symbols of good luck and longevity. You will also kayak up the Wailuku River to view its gorgeous waterfall.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle around Hilo Bay in a kayak as the guide describes the surrounding natural beauty.
• See the massive volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from a unique water perspective.
• Enjoy an up-close view of Coconut Island and the waterfall on the Wailuku River.
• Look for green sea turtles gracefully swimming by in the bay’s crystal-clear waters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Bring water shoes, towel, bathing suit and a change of clothes.

OVERVIEW

Feast on authentic Polynesian cuisine and watch a mesmerizing performance of singing and dancing at the Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency Maui. The evening show will begin in dramatic fashion with the haunting sound of a conch shell horn, followed by beating drums and the lighting of tiki torches, which will set the mood for this spectacle of all things Polynesian. Then, just sit back and enjoy the performance of Hawaiian hulas, Maori warrior dances native to New Zealand and a daredevil Samoan fire-knife dance that will bring you to the edge of your seat. The show also honors the cultures of other South Pacific islands, including Rarotonga, Tahiti and the Tuamotus. The all-you-can-eat buffet dinner will be just as diverse as the courses will likely include ahi tuna poke, pasture-to-plate Paniolo beef and shredded Kalua pork straight from the underground imu oven.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a performance of songs and dances at a luau that honors Polynesian culture.
• Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner of traditional Polynesian cuisine.
• Gain insight into the various cultures as the songs and dances tell stories.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

PREBOOK ONLY. NOT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING ONBOARD. The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. You’ll gather around the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song. Enjoy the Luau Kalamaku with your premium seating, second row back from the stage.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic drive along the island’s beautiful western coast and stop at attractions that are particularly relevant to Hawaiians. Upon reaching Kealakekua Bay, you will see the statue that marks the spot where early Hawaiians killed British explorer Captain James Cook in 1779 following a dispute. A bit south lies Pu’uhonua, a spiritual site where criminals once sought refuge and absolution from Hawaiian priests. The temple platforms and other structures that you will see were intact in Captain Cook’s time. Continuing on, you will stop for a sandwich or poke bowl at a popular lunch spot and then a cup of Kona coffee at Caffe Florian, another favorite among locals. A behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Kona Coffee Center will reveal how those special beans are harvested and brewed. The focus will turn to natural attractions at the nearby lava tubes and at Turtle Cove, where sea turtles are abundant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive along the island’s western shore and visit attractions of great cultural significance.
• Stop at a seaside site that was sacred to the early Hawaiians and still is today.
• Enjoy favorite local foods and drinks such as a poke bowl and Kona coffee.
• See natural wonders such as lava tubes and observe sea turtles resting on a beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy tastings of two classic Hawaiian products – coffee and chocolate – and see how both are produced to maximize their unique flavors. At Kona Joe Coffee, you will learn about the patented cultivation process that allows the trellised Arabica coffee trees to grow upright like grapevines, which ensures uniform sun exposure. The result is a superior organic coffee bean with an enhanced taste and body, as you will discover by sampling a fresh-brewed cup. You will be treated to another sampling at Kokoleka Lani Farms, an actual working farm where you will view cacao (chocolate) on the tree and see the raw beans utilized in the making of their award-winning chocolate. After touring this biodiverse farm, you will enjoy the best part--a chocolate tasting! In addition to coffee and cacao, learn how farm products are integrated into Kona Natural Soap which is also made here. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse their chocolate selections, Kona coffee and vegan soaps in the gift shop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how a patented process for growing coffee produces a uniquely flavored cup of coffee.
• Tour a cacao farm and watch each step of the cacao bean production.
• Sample a selection of coffees and chocolates that are pure Hawaiian..

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

After a scenic drive through Upcountry Maui, you’ll arrive at the zipline course, which sits near the edge of Haleakalā National Park at 4,200 feet above sea level. An experienced guide team will outfit you with safety gear before leading you through an active conservation restoration area being replanted with native trees. Along the way, your guides will share their knowledge about the history of Haleakalā National Park, its delicate ecosystems, and the cultural significance of the area. When you arrive at the first zipline, you’ll be clipped in for the first of five exhilarating rides down the slopes of Haleakalā. The adrenaline journey culminates in a thrilling zip on Hawaii’s only pendulum zipline, where riders reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour! While pausing on the elevated platforms between ziplines, you will enjoy views of Haleakalā National Park, the West Maui Mountains, and the islands of Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, and Kaho‘olawe just offshore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride five separate ziplines, including the only pendulum zipline in Hawaii.
• Enjoy the adrenaline rush of riding ziplines as high as 90 feet over a canyon.
• Get a literal bird’s-eye view of Maui and surrounding islands as you race between zipline platforms.
• Hike through an active conservation restoration area that is being replanted with native Hawaiian trees.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear athletic or hiking shoes with a fully enclosed toe and heel.

OVERVIEW

Experience the ultimate treetop adventure and come away with a newfound confidence in your physical abilities, mental fortitude and sheer willpower to push yourself to new heights. Unlike a conventional zipline, this aerial adventure involves swinging ropes, balance bridges and daring climbs into the tree canopy. An orientation and practice run on the ground will help prepare you for the fun and challenges that lie ahead. Afterwards, you will warm up on the easy Squirrel Course, move on to the moderate Fox Course and then pull yourself along a rope while hanging upside-down high above the forest floor on a Tyrolean Traverse. That’s the Bear Course. With your confidence now soaring, you will be ready for the high-flying Eagle Course, which ends in the treetops 50 feet above the ground. The descent will be just as exhilarating as you soar down at a goose bump-producing speed on a “quick flight” cable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Different than zipline experiences, this aerial adventure will have you swinging, scrambling, and climbing through multiple elements.
• Climb high into the tree canopy by negotiating a series of aerial courses.
• Prepare for the ultimate challenge by warming up on easier aerial courses.
• Learn to increase your balance, climb more confidently and use a Tyrolean Traverse.
• Enjoy literal bird’s-eye views of the forest from high above.
• Gain newfound confidence in your abilities to meet new challenges.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Ketchikan, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are also available. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Ketchikan, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Ketchikan Creek bridge
• Thomas Basin Harbor
• Creek Street
• Chief Johnson totem pole
• Welcome to Ketchikan sign
• Ketchikan liquid sunshine rain gauge
• Thundering Wings eagle statue

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Ketchikan.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Snap photos with historical Creek Street and Thomas Basin Harbor in the background.
• Pause in front of the Chief Johnson totem pole and the Welcome to Ketchikan sign.
• View downtown from a unique perspective while driving the Tongass Narrows Road.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Tour the island’s only cacao farm and see how beans from the trees are made into custom chocolates. Now the largest chocolate factory in Hawaii, the Maui Ku’ia Estate sustainably produces chocolates from the seeds of the cacao trees that thrive on its 20 acres of farmland. As you walk through the orchard, a guide will describe the chocolate-making process step by step, show you how the cacao seeds are harvested and explain how the farm maintains a net-zero carbon footprint through solar power and eco-friendly packaging. During the tasting that follows in the shade of a thatched hale tree house, you will sample an assortment of milk and dark chocolates that may be flavored with mango, cappuccino, peppermint and coffee. You will also have the opportunity to purchase sweets in the gift shop. To support the local community, 100% of the farm’s net profits are donated to Maui charities.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover how chocolate is made from cacao seeds at a farm on the outskirts of Lahaina.
• Sample a variety of milk and dark chocolates, some flavored with tropical ingredients.
• Gain an understanding of how the farm and factory achieve a net zero carbon footprint.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend time on a private beach-rimmed island known as a Motu, doing whatever interests you the most. Bora Bora is one of the world’s most photogenic destinations, and it is especially spectacular from sea, as you can take in the entire island at once. You will disembark at a Motu, a privately owned which will make your experience more special. During the hours spent here, you will be free to do as you please. You might stretch out on the powdery beach and bask in the sun, take a leisurely walk along the shoreline or do nothing more ambitious than read in the shade of a coconut palm. The water around a Motu couldn’t be more inviting or refreshing, so swimming is an excellent way to enjoy the island experience. You can count on the clarity of the water to be remarkable.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend hours relaxing on a privately owned island known as motu.
• Relax however you see fit at the uncrowded beach.
• Swim in the sea, which is revered for the clarity of the water.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.