SHORE EXCURSIONS

Spectacular volcanoes, craters and steam vents are waiting to be explored at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has recently reopened after a period of tumultuous volcanic activity. The landscape of Volcanoes Park has dramatically changed as the floor of the Kilauea crater sunk over 1,500 feet and the overall caldera quadrupled in size and widened by over a square mile. Today, the explosive eruptions, earthquakes and ash clouds have been replaced by remarkable changes in the summit area. The highlights of this exciting tour include visits at each of the following destinations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while riding to each stop in comfort on a deluxe motor coach. Walk through the Kilauea Visitors Center to receive information on the Park’s current conditions, view educational exhibits and interact with park rangers. Enjoy unforgettable views of Kilauea from Volcano House, just a short walk across the street. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point. Then you’ll be engulfed in rising steam as ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks at the Steam Vents. The area between the edge of Kilauea’s caldera and the outer cliffs are treeless because the extreme heat destroys their roots; only shallow-rooted grasses and other hearty plants survive here. On you return to the pier, visit the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

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

Ride an electric bike through the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and stop along the way at attractions that showcase the unusual nature of the state’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Traveling by fat-tire e-bike couldn’t be easier because its battery-powered, whisper-quiet motor makes pedaling a breeze, allowing you to go farther with less effort. You will experience that firsthand as you ascend into the park on the way to the visitors center, whose enlightening exhibits will prepare you for the drama of seeing the Kilauea volcano in person. One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea has been steadily erupting since 1983 and the surrounding terrain is extraordinarily dramatic. You will behold this towering shield volcano and its caldera – the cauldron-like depression at the top – from a lookout and from the Volcano House Hotel. You will also pause at the Thurston Lava Tube, a cavernous tunnel that was filled with flowing lava 500 years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on an e-bike that makes pedaling easier.
• Learn about the park’s geology and volcanic history at the visitor center.
• View Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, from several vantage points.
• Stop at the Thurston Lava Tube, through which a river of hot lava flowed centuries ago.

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.

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.
• Look for green sea turtles gracefully swimming by in the bay’s crystal-clear waters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring water shoes, towel, bathing suit and a change of clothes.

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in a half-day cultural experience at the beautiful Nani Mau Gardens, a tropical paradise filled with lush gardens. Enjoy a welcome Mai Tai as you take an introductory tour of this serene sanctuary, featuring a collection of indigenous palms, orchids and fruits that have long flourished on the property, which was originally a humble papaya patch. It is an idyllic setting that inspires the artisans that create handicrafts there. Partake in a variety of craft workshops such as lei making or traditional weaving. Experienced local artisans will be there to guide you, sharing their knowledge and techniques to help you create your own unique keepsake. Afterwards, enjoy free time to meet with local artisans and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures, including handcrafted jewelry, wood carvings and woven goods. A traditional Hawaiian buffet follows, during which you will feast on an abundance of appetizers, entrées and desserts made with locally sourced ingredients that reflect the best of the Big Island. To round out your cultural immersion, you will watch a music and dance performance that is pure Hawaiian, representing the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the area. The experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the local heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through Nani Mau Gardens, a wonderfully fragrant and serene oasis.
• Watch artisans create leis and other handicrafts, all inspired by the garden setting.
• Feast on a Hawaiian buffet full of traditional dishes.
• Watch a lively performance of Hawaiian dances accompanied by live music.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover the wonders of Hawaii’s highest volcano while atop its summit and behold a roaring cascade named for the rainbows in its mist. Your immersion into the natural sciences will begin at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy visitor center, where you will learn about the advanced telescopes on sacred Mauna Kea volcano and about rare endemic plants such as the delicate silversword that only on grows at altitudes above 5,000 feet. Mauna Kea is nearly three times that high and to reach its summit you will ascend in a 4x4 vehicle. The volcano is nicknamed the White Mountain as it is sometimes snow-capped. The views on the way up will be breathtaking as will be the epic vistas that await you at the very top. The sight of Rainbow Falls will also be spectacular as the 80-foot cascade lies within a mango orchard and usually creates rainbows as the sun shines through the plummeting water.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive up the slopes of Hawaii’s highest volcano in a 4x4 vehicle.
• Take in the panoramic views from atop the summit of Mauna Kea volcano.
• Learn about the discoveries that the telescopes on the volcano have made.
• Behold Rainbow Falls, which is named for the rainbows that often form in its mist.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Start your tour with a leisurely drive through the "Hilo Walk of Fame” known for all the banyan trees that have been planted by celebrities. Drive by Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. Your experienced guide will provide commentary of Hilo Town as you make your way to Wailuku State Park and Rainbow Falls.

While visiting Akaka State Park, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls- 100 foot Kahuna Falls and towering Akaka Falls which plummets 422 feet into an eroded gorge. Stop at Pana’ewa Zoo the only naturally occurring rainforest zoo in the United States. Next, visit Mauna Loa Mac Nut Factory as well as the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world-famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans.

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.

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.
• Look for green sea turtles gracefully swimming by in the bay’s crystal-clear waters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring water shoes, towel, bathing suit and a change of clothes.

OVERVIEW

Stroll through the largest Edo-style ornamental garden outside of Japan and enjoy free time browsing the shops and farmer’s market near Hilo Bay. To reach Liliuokalani Gardens, you will travel down Banyan Drive, a sun-dappled street lined with banyan trees that celebrities such as Babe Ruth and Amelia Earhart planted. More botanical treasures await you within the gardens, which is named for Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. It opened in 1917 as a tribute to the many Japanese immigrants that worked Hawaii’s sugarcane fields. While meandering through the serene setting, you will notice that nearly every plant is indigenous. They include species such as the rosy trumpet tree and the towering kukui, the national tree of Hawaii. Afterwards, continue to Wailuku State Park where you’ll find picturesque Rainbow Falls. Watch as water from the Wailuku River plunges 80 feet over the lip of the waterfall to cascade into the pool below, often forming a beautiful rainbow effect. Later, you will independently explore the abundant boutiques, art galleries and marketplaces along the waterfront. There will be plenty of time to dine on your own if you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive down a beautifully shaded street lined with banyan trees that celebrities planted.
• Meander through Liliuokalani Gardens, a botanical oasis with mostly indigenous plants.
• View breathtaking Rainbow Falls at Wailuku State Park
• Spend time exploring Hilo’s main shopping and dining district along the bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive deep into the Waipi’o Valley, the childhood home of King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom in 1810. Even the roads leading to the sacred valley are stunningly beautiful, beginning with the Old Mamalahoa Highway, a circuitous coastal route that leads to Onomea Gardens. Photo stops will be made along the way at particularly scenic spots, which are just about everywhere. The landscape will look entirely different once you reach the fertile Waipi’o Valley as 2,000-foot-high cliffs surround it. It is nicknamed the Valley of the Kings because Kamehameha and many other Hawaiian chieftains were raised there. Natural beauty also abounds at KoleKole Beach Park, where you will enjoy a boxed lunch while gazing out over the sea. The sight of Akaka Falls will be even more dramatic as this free-falling 442-foot cascade spills into a heavily vegetated gorge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through sacred Waipi’o Valley, where many Hawaiian kings and chieftains lived.
• Be awed by the natural beauty in the valley and along the roads leading to it.
• Pause for photos at thundering Akaka Falls and along the Old Mamalahoa Highway.
• Enjoy a boxed lunch at the park where the Kokekoke stream meets the Pacific Ocean.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride an e-bike along the winding paths of a private property that encompasses the triple-tiered Umauma Falls. The electric-enhanced bicycle will boost your pedal power and reduce the physical demands, making the ride all the more enjoyable. Because the route of about two miles runs through a privately owned area, there won’t be much traffic. During stops along the way, the guide will describe the native flora and impart fascinating facts about the healing properties of kukui nuts, the versatility of coconuts and the history of taro. Upon reaching the waterfall, you can swim in the refreshing pool. The setting is absolutely gorgeous as lush green tropical foliage comes right to the edge of the cascades. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available and you will have the chance to make a Hawaiian craft in a shaded pavilion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pedal an electric-enhanced bike through a lush private property where the traffic is minimal.
• Ride to Umauma Falls, a spectacular triple-tiered cascade.
• Swim at a private waterfall.
• Learn about indigenous Hawaii plants and their traditional and medicinal uses.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your experienced guide will provide information and narration as you drive through the "Hilo Walk of Fame" known for all the banyan trees planted by celebrities. Visit Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. Your experienced guide will provide commentary of Hilo Town as you make your way to Wailuku State Park and Rainbow Falls.

While visiting Akaka State Park, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls- 100 foot Kahuna Falls and towering Akaka Falls which plummets 422 feet into an eroded gorge. Stop at Big Island Candies, home of the famous diagonally dipped shortbread cookies. You have a chance to purchase your Big Island souvenirs that are beautifully packaged. A true Hawaiian Classic!