Honolulu Shore Excursions - Holland America
Grand Circle Island
Enjoy a 120-mile trip around the Island of Oahu , past majestic vistas, scenic shorelines and world-famous surfing beaches. You'll stop at Nuuanu Pali Lookout and travel all three of Hawaii 's freeways! Visit the Dole Pineapple Pavilion and eat lunch at the Polynesian Cultural Center . Continue to Byodo-In Temple, a reproduction of the famous Kyoto Temple of Equality. Drive the winward coastline to scenic Makapu'u Point, Sandy Beach, Halona Blow Hole and Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve. You will also view the Waialae Golf Course where the PGA Sony Open is held every year.
NOTES:
The Polynesian Cultural Center is closed on Sundays; lunch will be served at the Koolau Golf Course Restaurant instead.
Little Circle Island Tour
Drive along Ala Moana Boulevard to the resort area of Waikiki . You will view the two dormant volcanoes of Diamond Head-- Oahu 's most prominent landmark--and Koko Head. Your journey continues to Hanauma Bay , a natural marine preserve with extensive underwater life. Travel up a snake-like road through a series of stratified cliffs of volcanic remains. Take in views of Sandy Beach, famous for body surfing, and continue through the homestead area of Waimanalo. You'll stop at the Halona Blow Hole, Hawaii 's version of "Old Faithful," to view a spectacular seawater eruption from a natural saltwater geyser, and at the famous Nuuanu Pali Lookout for a spectacular view of the Windward coast of Oahu . The Pali is the site where King Kamehameha the Great vanquished his enemies and unified the Kingdom of Hawaii .
NOTES:
Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so entry to the Park will not be permitted. You can view the bay from the coach. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Lunching with the Locals
Featuring yummy food, fascinating history and culinary decadence! Bring a big appetite for this tour! You'll taste, touch and visit several different food gems and exotic ethnic restaurants that contribute to Honolulu 's delicious melting pot. Hawaii's best chefs serve what they like to eat on their day off--Hawaiian plate lunch, Chinese dumplings, local-style grinds, pastry, Thai noodles, barbecued meat satay, Vietnamese summer rolls, bento boxes, Mediterranean, and Hawaii's mysterious crack seed. Your guide will answer all your food questions. You'll get valuable tips on how to make your Hawaii vacation more memorable. Prepare yourself for a fantastic day of eating behind the scenes in beautiful Honolulu !
NOTES:
Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a hearty appetite!
This tour includes a meal--lunch on daytime tours, or dinner on evening tours.
Na Alii (The Royalty) Walking Tour
Join master storyteller Woody Fern on a walking adventure along Fort Street to King Street to the impressive Kamehameha Statue. You'll pass through the grounds of the Iolani Palace --the only royal palace on U.S. soil. View the Hawaii State Capitol and Washington Place , the Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Financial District. Enjoy the history of Hawaii told in an entertaining and informative fashion.
NOTES:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Natural Highlights of Oahu
Inside Diamond Head Crater, your guide will explain the origin of this world-famous landmark. Learn about the crater's bird and plant species before traveling along Oahu's southern coast to Hanauma Bay . This incredibly beautiful natural wonder is a great photo opportunity. Next stop is the famous blowhole at Halona Point. From November to May, giant humpback whales frequent these waters. At Makapu'u scenic viewpoint, birdwatchers can usually see several native seabirds from this location. Visit a Hawaiian archaeological site and former war temple, and stop at the Pali Lookout, high in the Koolau Mountains .
NOTES:
When Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, the bus will not be able to enter the park. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Panoramic Honolulu
Enjoy an overview of Honolulu with your private local guide as you drive by the sights, including the authentic Chinatown district, the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on American soil), the Kawaiahao Church, the impressive statue of King Kamehameha (with a stop for photos), the Hawaii State Capitol, the Governor's mansion, and the quaint homes of the early missionaries. Experience the serenity of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific as you drive through Punchbowl Crater. From here, you'll head up to the Pali lookout with spectacular views of the Ko'olau Mountains and the windward side of the island of Oahu , before returning to the ship.
NOTES:
After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Paradise Cove Polynesian Luau
What would a trip to Hawaii be without experiencing a luau ? This popular Hawaiian beach party awaits you at a private 12-acre beach estate for a sensational evening of traditional Hawaiian food, entertainment and fun. Set in a secluded cove, complete with native villages and beautiful sunsets, this luau brings out the true aloha spirit. Sip a cool mai tai upon your arrival. Try your hand at the Polynesian arts and crafts, or the challenging Hawaiian games. Watch a hukilau and the enticing ancient Imu ceremony. Dance beneath the stars as you enjoy the marvelous island music and festivities and Hawaii 's largest luau. Dinner consists of a bounty of delicious native foods suited for even the most discriminating taste. Two standard cocktails or beverages are also included for you to enjoy.
NOTES:
This tour includes a meal--lunch on daytime tours, or dinner on evening tours.
Pearl Harbor History & Honolulu
Visit the famous and infamous Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. At the Arizona Memorial Visitors Center , you will view a 20-minute film depicting the events of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack and the aftermath. Then, you'll board a Navy launch for the short ride across Pearl Harbor to the memorial itself. More than 1,000 servicemen still lie entombed in the sunken USS Arizona . Following your visit to Pearl Harbor, you will embark on a tour of metropolitan Honolulu . You'll take in the downtown area and City Hall, as well as the authentic Chinatown district. Other sights include the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on American soil), Kawaiahao Church , the impressive statue of King Kamehameha, the Hawaii State Capitol, the governor's mansion, and the quaint homes of the early missionaries. Experience the serenity of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific as you drive through Punchbowl Crater.
NOTES:
Due to increased security measures, the following items are prohibited along with any other items that allow concealment: backpacks, diaper bags, fanny packs, camera bags, purses, luggage, shopping bags, and large cameras. Baggage storage will be available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor's Center for a nominal fee. Expect lines and crowding at this site. Arizona Memorial tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, therefore wait time at the Arizona can be up to 2 hours. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Pearl Harbor, Honolulu & the Mighty Mo
Relive history with a visit to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. The first stop will be at the Arizona Memorial Visitors Center , where you will view a 20-minute film depicting the events of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. Step aboard a US Navy launch for the short ride across Pearl Harbor to the memorial itself. Your guide will tell you that more than 1,000 servicemen still lie entombed in the USS Arizona . Next, don't miss this chance to visit the battleship USS Missouri --the grand ship known as the Mighty Mo . This is the very place where the Japanese signed the surrender document which ended World War II in the Pacific. The spot is marked by a memorial star set into the ship's immaculately-tended wooden deck. You will have 1 1/2 hours on your own to wander the decks and passageways of the Mo, with a map to guide you and assist you in interpreting the historic ship's points of interest. This floating museum is a testament to a remarkable piece of American history. Enjoy a drive by the highlights of metropolitan Honolulu including the famous Punchbowl Crater on your way back to the ship.
NOTES:
There are several ladders and steps to negotiate on board the USS Missouri . Due to increased security measures, the following items are prohibited along with any other items that allow concealment: backpacks, diaper bags, fanny packs, camera bags, purses, luggage, shopping bags, and large cameras. Baggage storage will be at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a nominal fee. Expect lines and crowding at this site. Arizona Memorial tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, therefore wait time at the Arizona can be up to two hours. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Your adventure begins with a visit to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, with its beautiful views of the windward side of Oahu . This is the site where King Kamehameha the Great vanquished his enemies and unified the Hawaiian kingdom. Leaving the Pali, you will head for central Oahu where sugar cane and pineapple fields abound. You'll stop at the Dole Pineapple Pavilion to learn the history of Hawaii 's pineapple industry. Sample a refreshing "Dole Whip" from the snack bar (cost not included). Then it's off to the world-renowned North Shore surfing beaches, Waimea Bay , and the main attraction--the Polynesian Cultural Center . Here, you will experience the culture of all of the islands of Polynesia in one place. Meet the people and tour the "villages" of Samoa , Hawaii , Marquesas , Tonga , New Zealand , Tahiti and Fiji . Don't miss the beautiful Pageant of Long Canoes --a show featuring the songs of Polynesia performed on long canoes as they traverse the Center's waterway. Lunch is served at the Center.
NOTES:
This is a self-guided tour through the Polynesian Cultural Center . Considerable walking makes comfortable walking shoes a must! You will depart the Center promptly following the conclusion of the Pageant of the Long Canoes. The Center is closed on Sundays. |
