Kona Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Kona Highlights
Take a guided drive through Kona, visit the "Place of Refuge," once a sanctuary for outlaws, and see Kona's beautiful Painted Church .
WHAT YOU VISIT
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau - Built circa 1650, the "Place of Refuge" originally housed the bones of Hawaiian chiefs. It became a place of sanctuary for outlaws and defeated warriors. Highlights of this national historic park are the great Ki'i figures guarding the temple.
Painted Church - The interior of St. Benedict's Church is decorated with dramatic murals painted by Father John Berchmans Velghe, a Belgian priest.
SHOPPING
Sample Kona's famous coffee on a stop at the Royal Kona Coffee Store and purchase some beans as a souvenir of your visit.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Board your air-conditioned motorcoach for a narrated drive through Kona. Then head south to Kealakekua Bay, passing the Captain Cook Monument .
SPECIAL NOTES
On some calls a motorcoach with wheelchair lift may be available. Space is extremely limited and requests can only be made onboard. Priority will be given to wheelchair confined passengers.
Magical Seahorse Discovery
Discover the enchanted underwater world of seahorses at the only seahorse farm in the United States .
WAHT YOU VISIT
Seahorse Farm - Pet these exotic sea animals, and delight as they curl their tail around your finger! Learn why Animal Planet has rated the seahorse as the most extreme father — these amazing animals are the only fish species where the males undergo a true pregnancy! Watch as pairs hook their tails together to swim around the tank. See an array of brilliantly colored seahorses, both babies and adults. Your guide will explain the value of seahorses in the ocean environment and field of medicine. With one of the largest collections of seahorses in the world, this guided tour is educational, fun and interactive.
SPECIAL NOTES
Participants should expect to walk over uneven terrain as this is an indoor and outdoor facility.
Kahua Ranch Atv Adventure
Explore the wide-open spaces of the Big Island , climbing to an elevation of 4,500 feet on a 4-wheeled ATV.
YOUR ATV SAFARI
Depart the pier, begin the approximately 60-minute journey north via the coastal road to the Kohala Mountains and the Kahua Ranch. Your driver will provide narration on the history of the Big Island , as well as information on the unique geology as you drive past recent lava flows. Upon arrival at the 8,500-acre Kahua Ranch, you will be given a short history of the ranching operation and a safety briefing before beginning your ATV adventure. Take the driver's seat of your 4-wheeled ATV and begin the approximately 2-hour ATV ride following an experienced guide. Enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery on the Big Island – working ranchlands, mountain and ocean views, verdant pastures and desert terrains. All equipment and a light snack are included.
SPECIAL NOTES
Persons under 16 years of age are not permitted by law to drive ATVs. All participants under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Minimum weight to participate is 100 lbs; riders must be less than 300 lbs. in weight.
Not recommended for participants with back problems or those who are pregnant.
Long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes are required. You will get dirty.
Kahua Ranch Horseback Riding Adventure
An 8,500-acre working cattle ranch is the site for this open-range horseback ride on Kohala Mountain .
YOUR RIDING ADVENTURE
Depart the pier, begin the approximately 60-minute journey north via the coastal road to the Kohala Mountains and the Kahua Ranch. Your driver will provide narration on the history of the Big Island , as well as information on the unique geology as you drive past recent lava flows. Upon arrival at the 8,500-acre Kahua Ranch, you will be given a short history of the ranching operation and a safety briefing before beginning your horseback riding adventure. Under the guidance of real Hawaiian Paniolo's (cowboys) – you'll take the ride of a lifetime on well trained horses, chosen to suit your level of riding. Enjoy superb riding conditions, and breathe in the sights – panoramic mountains and coastline, stately cinder cones, clear skies and lush pastures.
SPECIAL NOTES
Participants must be at least 8 years old. Parent or legal guardian must accompany passengers under 18 years of age. To protect the animals, each participant cannot weigh more than 230 lbs. This tour is not recommended for pregnant passengers.
Kahua Ranch & Horsedrawn Wagon Ride
Spend "a day on the ranch" and partake in a wagon ride in the mountains of the Big Island .
YOUR RANCH EXPERIENCE
High in the mountains of North Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii is the 8,500-acre Kahua Ranch, a genuine working cattle ranch operating since 1928. The ranch is family owned and produces some of Hawaii 's finest beef and lamb. Upon arrival you will be greeted by the owner and given a short history of the ranching operation. During your stay, there will be a memorable 30-minute wagon ride or try your hand at roping or horseshoes. You can also sit back and relax around a campfire making graham cracker s'mores.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Depart the pier and begin the approximately 60-minute journey north via the coastal road to the Kohala Mountains and the Kahua Ranch. Your driver will provide narration on the history of the Big Island , as well as information on the unique geology as you drive past recent lava flows. Pass the Kohala Resorts and proceed to Kawaihae Harbor where Captain George Vancouver introduced the initial cattle to the Hawaiian Islands and presented them to King Kamehameha. The harbor is also where the Spanish Vaqueros arrived and became known as Paniolo's - the Hawaiian cowboy. After your visit to the ranch, return to the pier via the High Road with its grand ocean views from 3,000 feet in elevation.
SPECIAL NOTES
Participants will be signed up for wagon rides upon arrival. Wagon holds a maximum of 8 passengers and will do continuous 30-minute tours.
Passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Be prepared for changeable weather conditions.
Kailua Village Walking Tour
A guided walking tour explores Kona's historic Kailua Village , home to a royal summer palace and the first Christian church in the islands.
YOUR WALKING TOUR
As you walk through Kailua Village, your local guide recounts island history, from the arrival of the first High Chief in the 16th-century to the last days of the legendary Kamehameha in 1819. Your walking tour takes in that great warrior-king's last seat of government, the first Christian church in the islands, and Hulihe'e Palace, the summer home of Hawaiian royalty.
SPECIAL NOTES
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Kona Cloud Forest Botanical Walk
Visit a private lodge on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano and take a serene walk through a tropical cloud forest featuring native and exotic specimens.
YOUR BOTANICAL WALK
Board your air-conditioned van for transfer to the Cloud Forest Sanctuary, an educational facility located 3,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano. Your guided walk travels approximately a mile and a half of natural paths ascending and descending through a cool, shady cloud forest including native plants, palms, tree ferns, bamboo and flowers. Your walk ends back at the lodge where a light snack is served. A brief visit to a neighboring organic coffee farm offers the chance for a refreshing complimentary cup of coffee or tea. Packaged coffee, tea and other souvenir items are available for purchase.
SPECIAL NOTES
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and bring a light jacket or sweater.
This tour involves uphill and downhill walking over uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. Only those in good physical condition should participate.
Not available on voyage 2632 due to the Ironman triathalon
Kona Kayak Adventure
Explore the Kona Coast by kayak with a snorkelling stop in beautiful Kuamoo Bay .
YOUR KAYAK ADVENTURE
Board your air-conditioned van for the transfer to the kayak launching point, located at Keauhou Bay , near the birthplace of the legendary Kamehameha. Meet your guide and receive a safety orientation and basic paddling instruction. Then set out on the approximately 3 1/2-mile roundtrip paddle to Kuamoo Bay , passing sea caves and lava tubes; look for green sea turtles and dolphins. Snorkel in Kuamoo Bay before enjoying fresh fruit and fruit juice on the lava rock shoreline. All equipment and professional instruction and supervision included.
SPECIAL NOTES
Minimum age to participate is 10 years old; passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tour not recommended for passengers with back problems. A weight limit of 250 lbs. is strictly enforced for safety reasons.
Kayaking is in the open ocean and the snorkel portion of the tour is done from the kayaks. Guides are prepared to assist passengers back onto their kayaks after snorkeling.
Princess Golf - Kona Country Club - Mountain Course
The Kona Country Club is one of Hawaii 's original golf resorts and offers numerous golfing experiences.
YOUR GOLF GAME
Golfers find themselves playing over lava tube blow holes, look over onto the Pacific Ocean or admire ancient Hawaiian archeological sites. The fairways are concurrent to the ocean, and everything, including most greens, break toward the ocean. The 7th hole, the number-one handicap 420-yard par four, is a favorite hole. This hole features an elevated tee shot to a narrow landing area, and two right fairway bunkers and impinging lava. This golf course also hosts the LPGA tour event, Takefuji Classic with past winners such as Karrie Webb and Lori Kane. Princess Golf tours include round trip transfers and greens fees. Par: 72, 6,634 Yards.
LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN
Kona Country Club features a full-service restaurant.
SPECIAL NOTES
Please refer to page 71 of the "Commonly Asked Questions" section of the printed tour book.
This tour is available on selected voyages only.
Princess Golf - Kona Country Club - Ocean Course
This is a William Bell design and is situated so close to the shoreline that golfers may even get sprayed by ocean mist but be careful of the cross wind.
YOUR GOLF GAME
The handicap-one hole, number 8, a 355-yard strong dogleg right features a long right fairway bunker lodged in the bend and a small green bunkered on the left. Two of the Kona Country Club's back nine holes, the 12th and 13th, play along the ocean, giving additional hazards. The 13th, a 387-yard par-four hole offers additional difficulty, a blow hole, located on the shore line, about 100 yards left of the tee, formed from a lava tube which occasionally provides a "geyser-like fountain" of ocean mist. The 14th hole provides two right fairway bunkers in additional to a raised green which is bunkered on the left and right. Princess Golf tours include round trip transfers and greens fees. Par: 72, 6,748 Yards.
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Kona Country Club features a full-service restaurant.
Kona Sportfishing
Go in pursuit of marlin and other "flag fish" in the "Billfish Capital of the World."
YOUR SPORTFISHING ADVENTURE
From the pier, transfer to Honokohau Harbor , where you board your fully equipped boat and meet your captain and crew. Head for the waters off Kona where you troll for marlin, ahi (yellow-fin tuna) mahi mahi (dorado) ono (wahoo) and short nose spearfish. Please remember you have purchased the opportunity to catch fish, not a guarantee of doing so. Your boat accommodates up to the five guests. All equipment, gear, bait, snacks, bottled water and soft drinks included. Princess regrets that we are not allowed to store your catch onboard.
SPECIAL NOTES
Tour not available on voyage 2631
Captain Zodiac Rafting & Snorkeling Adventure
Explore the Kona Coast by Zodiac, view the Captain Cook Monument , and enjoy some time snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay .
YOUR ZODIAC SNORKEL
During your visit to Kealakekua Bay, now a marine preserve, you will be able to enjoy one of Hawaii 's best snorkel spots from a Zodiac. You will be given a brief orientation and then you can climb into the warm water for fantastic views of colorful tropical fish and corals. All snorkel gear, flotation vest and professional supervision included.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Captain Cook Monument - In 1874, the monument was erected in honor of Captain Cook and is located near where Cook was killed on the shore of Kealakekua Bay . Your captain will share the rich history of Cook's encounter with the Hawaiians and how he met his tragic end. The bay was the site of two encounters between Cook and Hawaiians. In the first it is believed he was hailed as the god Lono. In the second, he met violence and death. You will be able to view the monument from the boat as the captain cruises within a few yards of the site.
REFRESHMENTS
After snorkeling, fresh fruit, light snacks, juices, water and sodas are served on board your zodiac.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Meet your captain and board your 24-foot, high-powered motorized Zodiac raft. Keep a sharp eye out for dolphins, turtles and whales (in season). Speed across the waves, exploring sea caves, lava tubes and blowholes en route to Kealakekua Bay , a national marine park.
SPECIAL NOTES
Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, this tour is not recommended for pregnant women or passengers suffering from back and neck ailments.
Minimum age to participate is 4 years old.
Glassbottom Boat Tour
An onboard naturalist and friendly crew share their love of the sea on a journey exploring Kona's fantastic reef.
YOUR GLASSBOTTOM BOAT CRUISE
Board your comfortable, canopied, open-air cruise vessel at Kailua Pier - only a few steps from the ship. The onboard naturalist will provide narration on the vibrant tropical fish, coral colonies, and other underwater wonders as the boat glides over the reef. Pass Shipwreck Rock, so named because most ships or boats stay clear of it, before cruising over the “drop off” where the reef bottom vanishes into the Pacific.
Atlantis Submarine Adventure
View Kona's underwater wonders aboard a true Atlantis submarine that dives over 100 feet below the surface.
YOUR SUBMARINE ADVENTURE
The 65-foot, air-conditioned Atlantis submarine features comfortable seating and large view ports. Your marine naturalist provides narration as the submarine explores a 25-acre natural coral reef formed on top of an ancient lava flow. Marine life is identified as the submarine dives to depths of up to 125 feet for an approximately 45-minute cruise. The site has been proclaimed one of the most popular areas to view Hawaiian marine life. This cruise has been featured in National Geographic specials.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Bring your camera and high-speed film (400 to 800 ASA); flash photography does not work through submarine view ports.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
The Atlantis motorlaunch will pick you up at the cruise ship pier and transfer you to the Atlantis Submarine. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins as you cruise the Kona Coast .
SPECIAL NOTES
Children must be at least three feet tall to participate.
Participants must be able to safely navigate a nearly vertical 7-step ladder into and out of the submarine.
Kona Snorkel & Cultural Adventure
Snorkel at Kahalu'u Beach Park, a very lively underwater location, and one of the best snorkeling sites in Hawaii . Visit the Place of refuge, (Pu'u honua) Honaunau in South Kona located on beautiful Honaunau Bay ; visit a real working Kona coffee farm and roaster.
YOUR SNORKEL ADVENTURE
The cultural tour includes admission to the National Cultural Historical Park where you are able to tour the grounds and exhibits of an actual Hawaiian Place of Refuge, known to be one of the most authentic and well-preserved archeological sites in Hawaii. Surrounded by crystal blue water and ancient black lava-rock walls and full of Tiki statues and replicas of traditional outrigger canoe Halau (thatched huts), this white sand compound is one of the most scenic places in Hawaii . Prior to your tour of (Pu'u honua) Honaunau, you will be able to explore Kona's underwater world at an excellent snorkel site. Your guide, a Hawaiian certified Lifeguard, will outfit you with top quality snorkeling gear and introduce you to what we are famous for: Lots of tropical fish and green sea turtles. Our snorkel spot is good for all skill levels.
After your tour of Place of Refuge you will have an opportunity to sample some of Kona's famous coffee. You will be visiting a working South Kona coffee farm and roaster. This is an excellent place to pick up gifts for the folks back home!
SPECIAL NOTES
Participants should be in good physical condition. This tour is not recommended for those with heart conditions or people who cannot swim.
Children must be over 10 years of age to participate. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Not available on the Island Princess Voyage 2631
Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
Board a catamaran and sail the Kona Coast to Pawai Bay , where you explore an underwater paradise of coral reefs and arches.
YOUR SAIL AND SNORKEL ADVENTURE
Board your motorcoach for the transfer from the pier to Honokohau Marine, where you board your sail-powered catamaran. Set sail for Pawai Bay within the Queen Liliuokalani Trust Lands. Enjoy free time to snorkel, exploring coral encrusted arches, ledges and caves. Look for tropical reef fish, manta rays, eagle rays and, possibly, endangered green sea turtles. Deli sandwiches, fruit, and beverages are served onboard. Souvenir t-shirts and caps are available for purchase. All snorkeling equipment, flotation devices for beginners and non-swimmers, and professional supervision included.
SPECIAL NOTES
Boat is limited to 19 passengers per departure.
Tour will not operate on Island Princess voyage 2704
Kona Outrigger Canoe Adventure
Paddle an outrigger canoe or sit back and glide across blue Hawaiian waters during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
YOUR OUTRIGGER CANOE RIDE
Join us at Kamakahonu, the capitol of the Hawaiian Kingdom for an adventure into Hawaii 's past. Your journey will begin in the cool shady hale on the beach overlooking the 1,200 year old temple, Ahuena! After a short orientation and safety briefing you will be welcomed on board an authentic Hawaiian outrigger canoe for breath taking views, myths legends and facts of our Kings, Queens , and gods. Upon your return, enjoy your choice of fresh island fruit, kava, or juice. Experience Kona like royalty.
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is extremely limited and passengers should book early to avoid disappointment.
Surfing - 'the Sport Of Kings'
YOUR SURFING ADVENTURE
Surfing - The Ancient Sport of the Ali'i. King Kamehameha and his Queen Ka'ahumanu spent many days surfing the Kona coast. Now you can too! Learn the history of this “Sport of Kings as your Hawaiian waterman instructs you into the ride of your life! Lessons begin on the beach where you'll be shown how to paddle and stand on the board. Then take to the crystal clear waters of Kahalu'u, one of the best surfing spots in Kona, to catch waves while assisted by your instructor.
SPECIAL NOTES
Participants must be good swimmers, in good physical condition and over 4 years of age. A parent or guardian must accompany any rider under the age of 18.
Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour
A two-hour helicopter flight will introduce you to some of the most spectacular sights on the Big Island from the air.
YOUR HELICOPTER FLIGHT
Discover the Big Island 's beauty and volcanic fury on this extensive aerial tour of the Big Island . Fly over Kilauea's most recent eruption sites and follow the surface activity down to the devastated village of Kalapana . View lava flows, the Puna Forest and black-sand beaches formed of lava that has been cooled by the water and ground smooth as glass by the sea. Explore the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast . Pass through the deep and immense tropical valleys of the Kohala Mountains with waterfalls tumbling thousands of feet - the perfect ending to your Big Island Spectacular Tour.
SPECIAL NOTES
Approximate flight time is two hours.
Due to weight and balance limitations, passengers weighing 250 lbs. or more must pay a surcharge.
Passengers over 250 lbs. must request two (2) tickets for themselves when ordering tickets for this tour. Once onboard, contact the Tour Office and your account will be adjusted to reflect the cost of the surcharge only.
This tour is non-refundable.
Kona By Private Vehicle - Car Class
A private vehicle is the perfect solution for passengers who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Vehicles with an English-speaking driver/guide combination are offered on a half-day (four hours; morning or afternoon) or full-day (eight hours) basis. No deviations to duration, departure or return time can be made. This is a private arrangement; those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are of extremely limited availability; reserve early.
These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party. Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return it to the Tour Office as soon as possible.
KOA-71/72 - Half Day with Driver/Guide (4 hours) One to three (1-3) passengers (Maximum capacity requires three people in back seat)
$450 per vehicle
KOA-73 - Full Day with Driver/Guide (8 hours) One to three (1-3) passengers (Maximum capacity requires three people in back seat)
$799 per vehicle
Please be sure to request this tour by indicating the number of vehicles you wish to have - not the number of passengers.
SPECIAL NOTES
* All private vehicle bookings are nonrefundable.
* Actual vehicle type may vary depending on final number of passengers and availability.
* Visiting more than one site often requires a full day.
* Vehicles are air-conditioned and are provided with a driver/guide.
PRIVATE VEHICLE BOOKINGS DO NO INCLUDE:
* Entrance fees
* Meals, gratuities and refreshments
Kona By Private Vehicle - Van Class
A private vehicle is the perfect solution for passengers who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Vehicles with an English-speaking driver/guide combination are offered on a half-day (four hours; morning or afternoon) or full-day (eight hours) basis. No deviations to duration, departure or return time can be made. This is a private arrangement; those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are of extremely limited availability; reserve early.
These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party. Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return it to the Tour Office as soon as possible.
KOA-81/82 - Half Day with Driver/Guide (4 hours) One to ten (1-10) passengers maximum
$499 per vehicle
KOA-83 - Full Day with Driver/Guide (8 hours) One to ten (1-10) passengers maximum
$849 per vehicle
Please be sure to request this tour by indicating the number of vehicles you wish to have - not the number of passengers.
SPECIAL NOTES
* All private vehicle bookings are nonrefundable.
* Actual vehicle type may vary depending on final number of passengers and availability.
* Visiting more than one site often requires a full day.
* Vehicles are air-conditioned and are provided with a driver/guide.
PRIVATE VEHICLE BOOKINGS DO NO INCLUDE:
* Entrance fees
* Meals, gratuities and refreshments |
