WINTER ADVENTURE WEEK IN HAWAII

FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 1, 2009

Tired of the winter blues?  Looking to get to a warm paradise, enjoy some great activities and beautiful beaches?  Well we have the escape for you.

If you love the great outdoors, love an active vacation and love the thought of spending your vacation in a tropical paradise, then this trip is for you.

We will enjoy 3 nights on famed Waikiki beach on the island of Oahu and 5 nts. on Ka’anapali beach on the island of Maui.

 We will enjoy included activities such as snorkeling, whale watching, horseback riding, helicopter rides (over the world’s largest dormant volcano), hiking alongside scenic waterfalls, a hike to the 763 foot summit of famed Diamond Head & a thrilling zipline excursion where you will soar above the scenic coastline of Maui on a harness and cable from platforms in the trees. (much like similar excursions on our wildly popular trips to Alaska and to Costa Rica )

Enjoy included evening activities such as a Sunset Dinner Cruise with Hawaiian entertainment on Oahu, a grand luau on the beach with dinner and classic Hawaiian entertainment on Maui and a Maui show that can best be described as a cross between a luau and a Cirque de Soleil acrobatic performance (produced by the original Cirque du Soleil).

Also enjoy free time to relax at our hotels on each island, both located on two of the best beaches in the world, as well as free time for other optional activities such as the famous bicycle ride down Haleakala Crater.

 Daily itinerary:

Saturday February 21^st – fly on your own arrangement to Honolulu and make your way to our hotel, the 5 star Sheraton Waikiki.  Located right in the center of famed Waikiki Beach, the Sheraton Waikiki offers luxury accommodations along the best location on the island.

Of all Waikiki Beach oceanfront hotels, one towers above the rest... The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort is a modern monument to traditional Hawaiian hospitality.

The hotel boasts 4 restaurants; 3 bars; nightclub; 2 large outdoor pools and Jacuzzi.

This evening, we will enjoy a welcome reception at the Sheraton’s hip oceanfront bar – Rumfire.  Set against the alluring backdrop of Diamond Head, the oceanfront hideaway offers the largest selection of vintage rum in the United States, an exotic blend of tapas-style cuisine and fire pits adorning its 7,000 square-feet of space to enjoy cocktails, sunsets and new friends. 

Click the below listed link to visit the hotel’s website.

 http://www.sheraton-waikiki.com/index.htm

Sunday February 22^nd  - This morning we will enjoy a fun guided hike to the 763 foot summit of the most famous crater on Earth.

Incredible 360 degree views of Waikiki and the turquoise blue Pacific Ocean await you.  The hike up Diamond Head is easy to moderate and takes about 1.5 hours

Your tour includes roundtrip transportation, a bottle of spring water, admission fee and a personalized "I Climbed Diamond Head" certificate with a photo of the crater that is suitable for framing. Most of all, we provide professional, knowledgeable Hawaiian guides who will accompany our group to the summit and provide a safe and memorable experience.

We will be returned to our hotel about noon and have the full afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy the beautiful Waikiki beach here or maybe explore the international marketplace, a collection of eclectic shops just across the street.

Tonight, we will enjoy a sunset dinner cruise.  We will be picked up at our hotel and brought to the Ali'I Kai Dinner Cruise:

Capture all the beauty and excitement of Hawaii aboard the world's largest Polynesian catamaran! Cruise along

Waikiki's historic coastline; watch as the sun slips into the west and Honolulu transforms herself for the evening.

Enjoy a delicious dinner and watch a thrilling Polynesian show, capturing all the beauty and tradition of the islands.

Then, do some dancing of your own on a spacious dance floor as the band plays on throughout the night.

All-you-can-eat Buffet includes: Italian Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Carved Roast Sirloin of Beef with Cabernet

Sauce, Grilled Chicken with Shoyu Ginger Glaze, Sautéed Island Mahi-mahi with Macadmia nut Butter Sauce, Pasta

with Choice of Marinara or Pesto Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Jasmine Rice, Taro Rolls, Assorted

Sliced Tropical Fruits, an assortment of salads, rolls, desserts, and one (1) standard cocktail or beverage of your

choice.

Transportation: Complimentary round-trip transportation from our hotel is included

The Boat: The world’s largest Polynesian catamaran, made to cut through the water for a comfortable ride, featuring

two spacious covered decks with a 360-degree view.

Included in our evening are: round-trip transportation, dinner buffet, live entertainment and one standard cocktail or beverage of your choice.

Monday Feb. 23^rd – This morning enjoy your choice of 2 included tours:  Choose between a guided tour of the historic sights of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, Or for the more active minded, a guided hike along scenic waterfalls and rainforest lands.

a)     Pearl Harbor/U.S.S. Arizona:   Remember the "Day of infamy" as you relive the first attack on the USA.

-Board the Arizona Memorial

-Enjoy a live historical narration by an expert guide

- View the dramatic file of the attack

-Visit the Arizona Memorial WWII museum                                    

 Pearl Harbor Memorial and Museum

b)   Hawaiian Waterfall Hike:  Observe Hawaii's spectacular rainforest plants as we walk into the lush Ko'olau mountains that rise above the aquamarine waters of Kane'ohe Bay. See several beautifully feathered tropical bird species, as we visit a secluded, cascading waterfall that spills into a tranquil private rainforest pool. Explore a tropical jungle and marvel at the majestic "Pali Cliffs" towering above you. Let the peaceful solitude of this magical place envelope you while colorful tropical blossoms of heliconias, ginger, cinnamon and papaya fill the air with a pleasant fragrance. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian's use of various plant species and the interesting environmental history of the era.  The terrain is moderate and the distance is 2 miles. (swimming in the waterfalls is not permitted on Oahu)

Both tours return to our hotel by noon, giving all passengers another full free afternoon to relax on the beautiful Waikiki beaches at our hotel or explore the island at your own leisure.

This evening is also at leisure to dine or explore at your leisure.

Tuesday February 24^th -  Today we will be transferred to the airport as a group for a late morning (11:50am ) flight to the island of Maui.  Our flight will fly nonstop to Kapalua, just a short 15 minutes from our hotel for the next 5 nights.  The flight is a mere 30 minutes long, arriving at 12:22pm.  Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel, the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel.

Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is the ideal vacation experience for travelers worldwide. Come explore why the hotel has been named as one of the world's Best Places to Stay by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, and Travel & Leisure Magazine's #1 Best Value Hotel in Hawaii.

The hotel is walking distance to Whaler’s Village, restaurants and shops and nightlife  (5 min walk)which has 2 beachfront restaurants. The most popular, Hula Grill is a beach front restaurant at Whaler’s Village that has live music every night from 6:30-9:30pm .

All rooms have mini fridge and hairdryers.  Click the below listed link to visit the hotel’s website.

http://www.kbhmaui.com

 room with 2 double. Beds.

The hotel has a FREE NIGHTLY HULA SHOWS IN THE RESTAURANT from 6-9pm

Enjoy Maui's scenic sunsets under the stars every evening. Entertainment begins at 6pm; Hula Show begins at 6:30pm.  Every night at sunset, the blowing of conch shells signals the beginning of the nightly hula show in the Tiki Courtyard outside by the pool. From 6:30-7:30 pm you'll enjoy a complimentary performance of Hawaiian music and dance followed by music for dancing under the stars until 9:00 pm.  You can watch that from the tiki bar by the pool.

Enjoy the rhythms, beauty, and grace of Hawaii's most famous export, performed by Mauians steeped in the lore and legend of this special dance. Following the show, you'll enjoy dancing under swaying palms to the beat of swinging Island music.

The Tiki Terrace Restaurant, is open for breakfast and dinner daily. Here you will enjoy true Hawaii style dining - open air, casual, featuring Hawaii Regional cuisine. Our guests rave about our selection of fresh island fish and seafood. For the hearty appetite our juicy steaks and huli huli (rotisserie) suckling pig are enduring crowd pleasers

Many of our guests enjoy their free hula lessons.

Watch a traditional poi making demonstration and learn about its importance in Hawaiian culture and daily life.   Enjoy the experience of sitting on the hotel lawns, shaded by a towering palm tree, learning how to string the exotic and colorful flowers. Throw in a generous serving of Hawaiian storytelling and you have all the ingredients for an afternoon beyond compare

Free tours of the hotel grounds provide our guests with insights into Hawaii's unique native and introduced flora and fauna.  The fragrance of the plumeria trees in bloom in the courtyard is entrancing.

The location of our hotel is wonderful. Right on a beautiful, very long stretch of K’anapali beach. Plus, because our visit falls in whale season, it will be common for guests to be able to look out their hotel room balcony and see whales cavorting out at sea!  Magical!

The grounds are meticulously groomed every day. There are huge lovely shade-giving palm trees all over the property. There are plenty of lawn chairs and picnic tables in which to relax.

What sets this resort aside from other Maui hotels is that it truly feels authentically Hawaiian. The staff prides itself on keeping its culture and heritage alive. There is an feeling of truly being in Hawaii that you will feel at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, that you can't find anywhere else

Relax and enjoy the afternoon at leisure on the beach or poolside. 

This evening, we will enjoy a fabulous Hawaii tradition – A Beachside Luau.  Our Luau will take place on the oceanfront grounds of the Maui Hyatt hotel.  The Hyatt is conveniently located walking distance for our hotel, enabling all to stroll down the beach at their leisure to check in for our group’s reserved seating to this fabulous show.

The Luau is entitled - Drums Of The Pacific:  It features native song and dance from not only Hawaii, but also from the Polynesian islands of Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti and Fiji.  You will also be astonished be the fire and knife dances of the natives.

Welcome to the Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency Maui, on beautiful Ka'anapali Beach! Settle in and wait for the sound of the conch shell to blow, signaling the audience to turn and gaze across the horizon towards another fabulous sunset, and also view the uncovering of the traditional roast "kalua" pork from the underground "imu" oven!

As the evening winds down, be sure to sink in to your chair and savor the cool trade winds rustling the trees overhead and beckoning you to watch the fantastic fire-knife dance by Chief Fa'a, one of Hawaii's most dramatic, entertaining, and crowd-pleasing masters of today!

An all you can eat dinner buffet is included, as well as an open bar so enjoy all the food and drink you wish at our Welcome to Maui Luau feast !

Click the link below to view the luau’s website:

http://www.best-luaus.com/Drums%20of%20the%20Pacific/

Wednesday February 25^th  - Today we again split into two groups for your choice of included tours – A scenic helicopter ride over Maui’s one of a kind Haleakala crater, spectacular mountains and coastline featuring towering waterfalls, some as high as 4000 feet and other amazing scenery or for the active minded, choose a thrilling horseback ride from mountain top to ocean’s edge.

A) Horseback ride from mountains to oceans – Enjoy a ride like none other.  Starting high in the mountains on a working cattle ranch on Maui, you will enjoy a two hour ride that descends through lush forest, down to the Pacific Ocean.  The scenery is fantastic and the ride is leisurely and suitable for riders of all skill levels, even if you have never ridden a horse before.  Experienced riders or those wishing a little more adventure will be given opportunities to cantor or gallop if you wish.  

              You’ll ride through verdant mountainsides to view the Waterfalls of Waihee Valley. Your equestrian adventure continues across cattle fields to the lower half of the Mendes Ranch

where you will descend upon Maui's spectacular north shore. Your ride will culminate along the Pacific Ocean shoreline with crashing waves as a scenic backdrop to the panoramic vistas

                   Following your ride, a lunch is served to you at the Mendes Ranch featuring BBQ chicken, ribs, salad and more..

B) Helicopter over Haleakala Crater and East Maui Mountains & Waterfalls -  Enjoy an incredible 45 minute flight that includes the deep valleys and craggy ridges of the majestic East Maui Mountains and the grandeur of the sea cliffs and waterfalls of the region.  

You will also fly over the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, for amazing landscapes that appear as though you are flying over the surface of the moon in some areas and as though you are flying over the Grand Canyon in other places.  It is truly a mesmerizing experience to witness from the air

Gaze upon some of the most remote areas of Maui and view unspoiled rainforest then continue your flight over fabulous cascading waterfalls, some as high as 400 feet.  

View the pristine Hana Rainforest, which contains an abundance of tropical waterfalls along the windward side. Also see Ancient Hawaiian cultural locations such as the Pools of Oheo

(Seven Sacred Pools).

Enjoy Unobstructed 180 degree views from every seat, a smooth, comfortable ride, Air conditioning. Roomy, comfortable cabin, Noise reducing headsets, which allow the pilot to narrate what you are seeing..   

 Haleakala Crater images

Passengers will be picked up at our hotel this morning for either tour and returned back to our hotel shortly after lunch for an afternoon at leisure to relax along the sandy beach.

(Note: Horseback ride tour is included in our trip package.  Helicopter tour is available for a supplement of only $75  )

           Passengers wishing more activity this afternoon, may also sign up for our optional guided waterfall hike and swim.  This excursion is your chance to hike scenic forest trails & swim at the base of some of Maui’s scenic waterfalls.  Tour into a wilderness valley of pools and waterfalls. A moderate 3 hour hike in a forested valley, following an isolated stream to the top of triple cascading waterfalls, where you will have the opportunity to swim in pools beneath small waterfalls, climb down a banyan tree's roots to a magical spot, find and shower under a hidden 15 foot waterfall and more. (this afternoon’s hike is available to passengers that did either the horseback ride or the helicopter ride.  The hike is not included in the trip package but is available for signup at an additional cost. Ask for details when booking your space on our Hawaii Adventure week trip. )

This evening is at your leisure to relax at our hotel, savor its free nightly outdoor sunset hula shows, or if you wish, walk to Whaler’ s Village for the nightly live music at the oceanfront Hula Grill.

Thursday February 26^th –Today we will enjoy a one of a kind snorkel experience. 

We will be picked up at our hotel this morning and taken to board a 92 foot luxury cruise vessel - The Prince Kuhio.   We will be served a continental breakfast including an assortment of freshly baked bagels and muffins, accompanied by cream cheese, jellies, fresh island fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fruit juices.

We will enjoy a cruise journey into the famed Molokini Crater.

Our cruise vessel features two decks stretching across the 92 foot vessel, offering roomy table seating for up to 149 passengers. The upper sun deck allows for clear views to the majestic slopes of Haleakala to the shoreline of Maui's spectacular beaches. With an enclosed air-conditioned cabin, snorkeling equipment and flotation devices included, you are set for your Hawaiian ocean adventure.

Arrive in comfort with plenty of room to move about freely on the Prince Kuhio. The picturesque underwater paradise of Molokini Crater welcomes you with its exotic marine life of colorful fish and coral.

Enjoy some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii, with all the equipment provided for you.

                                     Sea turtles swimming in their natural habitat.

Continue your adventure, as we cruise to the serene beauty of Keawala'I along Maui's south shore, and experience Hawaii's green sea turtles nesting amongst their natural habitat.

On our return cruise back , we are provided with a deli style lunch.  Following our return to shore, we will be taken back to our hotel shortly after noon for the full afternoon at leisure.

Tonight, make your way into Lahaina via the convenient island shuttle, which runs frequent service (approx. every 30-40 minutes between Ka’anapali and Lahaina, the shuttle ride takes about 20 minutes).  Lahaina offer wonderful shopping, restaurants and history to explore at your leisure. 

 We will enjoy an included show in Lahaina tonight called Ulalena.  The show is a unique production that is a Hawaiian version of Cirque Du Soleil and is produced by the same, the one and only, original, Cirque du Soleil, featuring acrobatic artistry, powerful images of Hawaiian mythology and history in a celebration of nature and the spirit of imagination.  A 10 million dollar production is sure to inspire all visitors to Ulalena.

Born from a mythology populated by beings larger than life representing a natural landscape alive with volcanoes, vast oceans and primeval rain forests. The story begins with the mythic creation of the islands and rolls through successive waves of voyagers who have found their way these shores. From the first Polynesians to Capt Cook and finally to us. This is a unique and compelling adventure. This multi-million dollar, state of the art theatre was built from the ground up specifically for this unique theatrical production. It employs the talents of some of Hawaii’s most distinguished musicians and performers, combining live traditional Hawaiian music with 8 channel surround sound. Every seat maintains a sense of intimacy and interaction with the performance. Traditional Butoh theatre is blended with acrobatic feats of strength and beauty.

Hula is combined with modern dance. Rich costumes, lighting and stage design are woven together into a collection of fantastic images drawn from Hawaiian legend and history, pulling the viewer out of time and into a place of wonder, experiencing with awe the spirit-filled landscape of the imagination of the ancient Hawaiian story tellers.   Ulalena is a feast for the senses and a must see experience!

The show begins at 6pm and runs till 8pm.  Dinner is not included, so passengers are advised to eat an early dinner at one of the many restaurants in Lahaina, all walking distance to the theatre or build up an appetite for a late dinner in Lahaina following the show, before taking the town shuttle back to Ka’anapali Beach and our hotel.

Friday February 27^th  -  Today we will enjoy two of Maui’s most thrilling excursions.  First, we will enjoy the Ka’anapali Zipline Experience.  Then after an afternoon at leisure, we will enjoy a late afternoon Whale Watching cruise off the Ka’anapali coast.

Your zipline tour takes you high above the resorts, amidst the verdant valleys of Mount Kahalawai...an incomparable adventure awaits. This land steeped in legend, with panoramic views, plunging cliffs and lush valleys, plays host to a zipline adventure unlike any other.  The adventure begins with an exciting off road ride deep into the rugged and beautiful lands above Kaanapali and an easy 2 mile hike to arrive at the 1^st Zipline platform.  Once there, EIGHT amazing zip lines allow you to soar high above streams and waterfalls as you experience this piece of wild Hawaii. The ziplines take you harnessed safely to a cable so you can glide above the forest and enjoy a memorable and exciting ride.  A delicious meal, served at the edge of a 1000 foot overlook provides vistas of disarming beauty. From mountain to sea, this inaccessible world, just minutes from our hotel in Kaanapali, is now within reach.

After returning to our hotel at mid day, the afternoon is at leisure, to relax, enjoy the beautiful beach surroundings at our hotel.

In the late afternoon, around 4pm, we will enjoy another Maui tradition – Whale Watching off the Ka’anapali Coast.  Starting for the beaches right alongside our hotel, we will meet our luxury catamaran for a 2 hour sailing cruise.  Expert naturalists will guide us on our cruise where we will view the many enormous whales that inhabit the  waters around Maui.  February is peak season for whale watching and we will most certainly witness many of the giant creatures in the natural habitat.  Our cruise vessel capacity is just 40 people so our group will not be craning necks to see over a hundred strangers for the best views of the whales.

Our cruise returns to the beaches alongside our hotel at approx. 6pm, where we can once again relax and enjoy the nightly sunset hula shows alongside cool drinks at the tiki bar, or head down the beach to Whaler’s Village for free live entertainment at the Hula Grill beachfront restaurant.

Saturday February 28^th -  Our final full day in Hawaii is a full free day to relax or enjoy one more activity.   For those wishing one more thrill before leaving the islands, sign up for our optional Bicycle ride down Haleakala Crater.  The ride is one for the most famous activities on Maui.  Featuring a chance to watch an incredible sunrise at the top of the World’s Largest Dormant Volcano, then enjoy a leisurely, all downhill cycle down the coast to the sea level town at its base.  The ride is accompanied by expert guidance with frequent stops for photo opps.  A continental breakfast is served at the top of the crater before beginning your ride and a full breakfast is served in the town at the base, following your ride (your breakfast at the base is served at Charlie’s restaurant, owned by famed celebrity entertainer Willie Nelson, who occasionally pops in for a free unannounced show).  Space is limited on this activity and the cost including round trip pick up and return service from our hotel and breakfast at top and bottom of the volcano ride is $155.

Tonight we will enjoy a farewell cocktail party with a complimentary farewell cocktail for all on the cocktail courtyard at our hotel from 6-7 as we watch the sunset one more time.

Sunday March 1^st – Our glorious week in the Hawaiian islands ends today.  Passengers should make their own flight arrangements home. Transportation to the airport can be arranged at an additional cost (give us your flight schedule and we can pair you with others having similar flight times to share a shuttle to the airport.)

Our Hawaiian Adventure Week Winter Escape includes:

·       3 nights 5 star hotel accommodations at the Sheraton Waikiki on beautiful Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu

·       5 nights 4 star hotel accommodations at the Ka’anapali beach Hotel on beautiful Ka’anapali Beach on the island of Maui

·       Included tours: 

-      Guided hike up Diamond Head

-      Ali Kai Dinner Cruise on Waikiki

-      Choice between guided tour of historical Pearl Harbor or guided Waterfall Hike on Oahu (swimming not permitted on Oahu Waterfall Hike)

-      One way Flight from Oahu’s Honolulu airport  to Maui’s Kapalua airport

-      Drums of the Pacific Hawaiian Luau at the Hyatt Maui including all you can eat dinner buffet & open bar, plus show of native Hawaiian culture, fire dancing & more.

-      Horseback ride at Mendes Ranch on Maui - from Mountains to Ocean -  including lunch (or helicopter ride over Haleakala Crater and East Maui Mountains & waterfalls for a supplement of $75.  Optional 3 hour guided Hike and Swim in Maui’s waterfalls available to be added to either of the above for an additional $99)

-      Snorkeling cruise in the Molokini Crater aboard the Prince Kuhio with lunch & a visit to “Turtle Town” to observe the giant sea turtles in their natural habitat at sea

-       Ka’anapali Zipline Experience with lunch

-      Trilogy Whale Watch off the Ka’anapali coast of Maui

-      Private transportation from The Sheraton Waikiki to the Honolulu airport and from the Kapalua Maui airport to the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel on Maui

-      Transportation to/from all tours is included (unless walking distance from our hotel)

Trip cost:

Including Garden View room on both islands: (with free roommate matching, based on age, sex, & smoking or non smoking): Just $1999

Including Ocean front room on Waikiki and Ocean View room on Ka’anapali Beach: (with free roommate matching, based on above): Just $2299

        Optional single supplement: based on Garden view rooms at both hotels: $699

        Optional single supplement: based on Ocean front room on Waikiki Beach & Ocean view room on Ka’anapali Beach: $899

        Optional helicopter ride over Haleakala Crater and East Maui mountains and waterfalls on Maui: $75

Optional bicycle ride of Haleakala Crater: $155 including continental breakfast at top and full breakfast at bottom

        TRIP IS LIMITED TO 30 PASSENGERS SO SIGN UP EARLY

A $200 deposit reserves your space;  Deposits are refundable until November 10^th.  Balance payments are due December 15^th and are non refundable.

Passengers need to make their own flight arrangements and should fly into Honolulu, arriving by approx 3pm to attend our welcome cocktail party at our hotel at 6pm .  Passengers should arrange their return flight home on March 1st and should fly home from Maui that day (not Honolulu, since the trip ends in Maui)   Passengers can fly home at any time of day on March 1st as there are no scheduled group activities on the return date.