Hawaiian Explorer
8 Days from $2,667 per person
The highlights of Hawaii—trendy Waikiki, World War II history revealed at Pearl Harbor and live volcanic action at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—are yours to discover on this island hop in Pacific paradise, but not without some free time to relax on the beaches of Kona and Kaanapali.
Overview
The highlights of Hawaii—trendy Waikiki, World War II history revealed at Pearl Harbor and live volcanic action at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—are yours to discover on this island hop in Pacific paradise, but not without some free time to relax on the beaches of Kona and Kaanapali.
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Day 1: Arrive Honolulu, Oahu – Waikiki (2 Nights)
Welcome to Hawaii. In the traditional Aloha spirit, you'll be greeted at the airport with a flower lei. Explore your hotel in the heart of Waikiki Beach and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. At 6 p.m., gather for a Hawaiian-style Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
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Day 2: Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Sightseeing
Begin your exploration of Oahu with a visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, a moving tribute to the military personnel who lost their lives in the 1941 attack that launched the U.S. into World War II. After a drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Punchbowl Crater, return to downtown Honolulu to see the splendid Iolani Palace, the iconic King Kamehameha I Statue and the state capitol building. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying Waikiki.
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Day 3: Oahu – Kona – Keauhou Bay, Hawaii (2 Nights)
Your morning begins with a short, scenic flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the lively seaside village of Kailua-Kona followed by time to explore the local shops in this charming town. Kona is famous for its tasty coffee and you'll learn more about these fragrant beans and the process of growing them at a local coffee plantation with a Local Specialist. Later, check in to your oceanside resort and perhaps get a glimpse of the most famous guests on the property: the manta rays. Meet your Local Specialist at the hotel's Manta Ray Learning Center for an exciting presentation about these large and graceful animals. In the evening, enjoy rich island flavors at Rays on the Bay with views of these resident sea creatures.
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Day 4: Kona
Wake to the sound of the sea and explore one of the most beautiful areas in the world on your own today. Options abound: don a snorkel and mask to see some of Hawaii's colorful and varied marine life, experience a spectacular helicopter flightseeing excursion over the Big Island or just relax and enjoy the pool and other facilities at your oceanside resort.
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Day 5: Keauhou Bay – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hilo – Kaanapali Beach, Maui (3 Nights)
Bid farewell to Kona as you make your way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the world's largest volcano. On the way, see the immense stretches of black sand beaches the island is known for and enjoy a stop at the southernmost bakery in the United States. Once inside the park, learn about the fiery geology of the islands and walk through a real lava tube followed by a visit to an interpretive museum. Afterward, enjoy lunch at The Rim restaurant offering unparalleled views of the Kilauea caldera. Later, travel to Hilo where you board your flight to Maui, the Valley Isle. Formerly a royal retreat, magnificent Kaanapali Beach is often ranked as one of America's finest beaches. Check in to your beachfront resort and relax for the evening.
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Day 6: Maui Sightseeing
This morning, travel along the coast to the Maui Ocean Center. Here you'll be introduced to the center's conservation naturalists who are passionate in sharing the underwater world with you. The center is home to the world's largest collection of live Pacific corals, elusive Hawaiian green sea turtles, sharks and thousands of vibrant tropical fish. Next, head into the countryside to visit a local farm and learn about the sustainable agriculture on the islands. Toast your host with a glass of wine and indulge in a Be My Guest lunch serving up Hawaiian specialties made with the freshest local ingredients. This evening enjoy the sunset from your resort, stroll over to nearby Whalers Village or venture into old town Lahaina to try one of the many festive restaurants.
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Day 7: Maui
Enjoy a full free day in paradise as you chart your own course through Maui's wonderlands. Spend some time on the long white-sand beaches. Explore the old whaling village of Lahaina with its trendy art galleries and welcoming cafés or enjoy one of the other many exciting optional experiences offered. Perhaps rise well before the sun to journey up to the summit of Haleakala. At 10,023 feet (3,055 meters), it is the island's highest peak and assures the best sunrise view. Join your traveling companions this evening for a lively Hawaiian Luau, and Farewell Dinner, featuring a Hawaiian feast and tropical cocktails with the songs and dances of old Hawaii.
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Day 8: Depart Maui
A hui hou... until we meet again. Take your transfer to the airport or extend your stay in Maui.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Dec 18 | 16 Dec 18 |
|
$2,795$2,667pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Room Share: Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Single Room Supplement: from $1095 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: from $125 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $72 per person.
Intra-Air: Prices include economy inter-island airfares and all related charges as applicable for Honolulu-Kona and Hilo-Kahului are subject to change without notice. Inter-island airlines charge a baggage handling fee of $25 per first checked suitcase on each inter-island flight that is not covered in the prices and is the responsibility of the guest. Guests have the option to prepay for one checked suitcase on inter-island flights. Please advise your Travel Specialist at time of booking.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
11 meals: 7 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Local Specialist
- Discover Kona coffee on a plantation tour and see a special presentation on the island's manta rays
Be My Guest
- Meet Ancil for an educational farm-to-fork experience and help gather fresh produce for your al fresco lunch
Sightseeing Highlights
- Orientation of Honolulu, Kailua-Kona
- Visit Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Jaggar Museum, Maui Ocean Center, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Volcano, a local farm on Maui
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
OAHU
Magic Of Polynesia Show Only
Adult Price: 61.00
In the heart of Waikiki you’ll discover the Magic of Polynesia. As you enter this uniquely Polynesian world, you’ll find surprises, humor, and plenty of island spirit. Merlin Award-Winning Illusionist, John Hirokawa, will amaze you with incomparable illusions, levitation, and even some dazzling pyrotechnics sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. In addition, a troupe of entertainers will bring you a taste of Polynesia through song and dance. No Dinner
BIG ISLAND
Big Island Spectacular Astar Helicopter Tour with Transportation*
Adult Price: 591.00
Discover both the Big Island's beauty and its volcanic fury. Tour the most geologically active environment on earth-the famous Kilauea volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. View lava flows and black sand beaches. Experience all the awesome spectacle of Madame Pele's lava and volcanic badlands, then explore the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast. The towering sea cliffs open into the dramatically deep and meandering valleys of the Kohala Mountains. Beautiful waterfalls cascade thousands of feet into the rainforest below and remnants of ancient Hawaiian settlements are still visible. Flight duration 2 hours. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Big Island Spectacular Astar Helicopter Tour with Transportation; Over 249 Lbs*
Adult Price: 885.50
Discover both the Big Island's beauty and its volcanic fury. Tour the most geologically active environment on earth-the famous Kilauea volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. View lava flows and black sand beaches. Experience all the awesome spectacle of Madame Pele's lava and volcanic badlands, then explore the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast. The towering sea cliffs open into the dramatically deep and meandering valleys of the Kohala Mountains. Beautiful waterfalls cascade thousands of feet into the rainforest below and remnants of ancient Hawaiian settlements are still visible. Flight duration 2 hours. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure
Adult Price: 116.00
Join your professional/certified guides in the water as you snorkel with the majestic hahalua (manta rays). Our small tour sizes of only 6 guests per trip help to ensure that you get the personalized experience that you deserve. Come and experience what the Travel Channel has called “One of the top ten things to do in your lifetime!”
MAUI
Day Time Whale Watch (Nov - Mar)
Adult Price: 49.00
Informative and fun, each two-hour classic whalewatch is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different; you never know what you will experience! Total duration approximately 3 hours. Return transportation is not included.
Sunrise Haleakala
Adult Price: 173.00
Set your alarm and get ready to dress warmly as we prepare to make the 38 mile trip up to the summit of the dormant volcano known as Haleakala. The temperature stays around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the sight of the sun rising from 10,000 ft above sea level will soon warm you up. Breakfast Included. Total duration approximately 6 hours.
Premier Snorkel Sail
Adult Price: 147.00
For those that love adventure and a great BBQ, this is definitely the trip for you and your family. The day starts with delicious Kona coffee, tropical juices and a continental breakfast. You will experience two premier snorkel destinations (seasonal) as our helpful crew takes care of all your needs. After dropping the anchor to snorkel, we fire up the grill and prepare a delicious BBQ meal for you right on the boat! We then open up the bar and enjoy an invigorating trade wind sail (seasonal) back to Ka’anapali.
Sunset Sail (Apr - Oct)
Adult Price: 82.00
Board the catamaran Queen's Treasure for a sunset sail off the coast of Maui. Depart from the beach and set sail. Pupus served along with an open bar featuring Hawaii's most popular beverage, the Mai Tai. Total duration approximately 3 hours.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
