The Very Best of Hawaii

AN EXCLUSIVE 19 DAY FULLY ESCORTED TOUR - PRICES START FROM £4,995

The Polynesians sailed 2,000 miles in open boats to discover Hawaii … and when you come you’ll realise it was worth the trip. There’s so much to see you could be tempted to rush, but Hawaii is laid back. So this 19 day tour takes in three islands’ highlights in leisurely fashion, with several nights on each one.

Oahu, Kauai, and Maui each have special characteristics. But wherever you go, you are struck by abundant natural beauty. Emerald valleys … lava rock grottos … cascading waterfalls … sapphire seas. And to top and tail your holiday, you visit California’s two most glamorous cities, starting in Los Angeles and ending your journey with a spectacular dinner dance cruise around the bay of San Francisco.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Multiple night stays at every point

• Ocean View Rooms in Oahu, Kauai & Maui

• Pearl Harbour & Arizona War Memorial

• Island tour of Oahu

• Waimea Canyon

• Fern Grotto

• Ioa Valley

• Haleakala Crater

• Whale Watch cruise

• Farewell Dinner Feast at Lele

• Dinner Dance Cruise in San Francisco

PRE-BOOKABLE HOLIDAY EXCURSIONS FROM £72

Polynesian Cultural Centre

See Polynesian crafts and skills … how clothes are made… cooking methods … how they traversed great oceans in tiny craft, and preserved traditions without a written language. There’s also the world’s largest Polynesian song and dance revue with over 100 native performers from all over the Pacific.

Prices from £164 per person

Hana Adventure

Discover the tropical vistas of Maui's Hana coast. See an old sugar mill town, famous windsurfing beaches, glorious State Parks. You traverse one lane bridges and hairpin bends past cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest. You can usually take a refreshing swim en route.

Prices from £72 per person

Kauai Eco Adventure

A spectacular way to see Kauai - including "Jurassic Park Falls”, Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." the Bali Hai Cliffs, Wailua Falls and, weather permitting, an aweinspiring flight into the heart of the Mt Waialeale volcano where 3000- foot waterfalls surround you.

Prices from £142 per person

Hawaii Volcano Adventure

At Volcanoes National Park, a narrated Volcano Adventure features a hike over the lava that covered Kalapana village and Kaimu black sand beach in the 1980's. At majestic Rainbow Falls the golden sunshine create rainbows in the cascading water. You also see a gorgeous anthurium and orchid nursery.

Prices from £213 per person

EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY 3 NIGHTS FROM £739 PER PERSON

New York

3 nights - Waldorf Astoria

• San Francisco to New York flight.

• Return transfers.

• 3 nights Deluxe Room at Waldorf Astoria with daily breakfast.

What is the perfect contrast with California and the canyons? New York, New York! And where should you stay? Why, at the Waldorf Astoria – where else? Your air conditioned limo picks you up - and takes you back. Spend three days millionaire style!

Prices from £739 per person

California Wine Country

3 nights - Napa Valley Marriott

• Return transfers.

• 3 nights at Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa with daily breakfast.

• Private wine country day tour including three winery visits with tastings and lunch at a local restaurant.

Did you miss something in California? The wine country, perhaps? It’s the ideal counterpoint to your adventures. A limo picks you up and takes you back from the Napa Valley Marriott; there’s a private tour of three wineries and lunch at an excellent restaurant. Perfect!

Prices from £980 per person

Day 1 Departure from London Heathrow

Before you depart your United Airlines scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. You are treated to complimentary drinks and snacks as you meet your Tour Manager and companions in the Executive Lounge. Then just sit back and enjoy the inflight entertainment. Later the same day you’ll arrive in Los Angeles, and in the evening why not join us for a welcome drink.

Meals: Inflight

Hotel: Intercontinental Century City

Day 2 Los Angeles

Beverley Hills! And a day at leisure to discover the sights. You could go to Hollywood – and take an optional full day tour of Universal Studios – the world’s largest motion picture studios. If shopping appeals, take a little retail therapy on nearby Rodeo Drive (or maybe just check the prices, keeping an eye open for famous faces).

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Intercontinental Century City

Day 3 Los Angeles to Oahu

After an early breakfast United Airlines flies you to the island of Oahu, where you stay for the next four nights. In the afternoon, settle in – or maybe stroll along surprisingly short Waikiki beach – once a favourite of Hawaiian royalty. In the evening, enjoy a welcome to Hawaii with a dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 4 Oahu

This morning you take a moving visit to Pearl Harbour, recalling one of the most tragic moments in America’s history - when 2,390 died. Named for the pearl oysters that were once dived for there, Pearl Harbour dramatically entered history on 7th December 1941, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet. The peaceful harbour is now a memorial to honour those who died. During your visit you learn about the attack that fateful Sunday morning and visit the site of the sunken battleship, the USS Arizona. After riding through the National Cemetery of the Pacific, you visit Iolani Palace, home of the last two Hawaiian monarchs and the statue of King Kamehameha before returning to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 5 Oahu

This afternoon you tour the island’s dramatic eastern coastline. Starting at Waikiki you go to Diamond Head, which got its name because 19th century British sailors thought calcite crystals in the rock were diamonds, and Kahala – where many celebrities and business moguls live. At Hanauma Bay you find Hawaii's only Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District, before pausing at Halona "Blow Hole" Lookout, where water shoots as high as 30 feet in the air through a lava tube. Then it’s on to Sandy Beach – a favourite among experienced surfers – before your final stop to take in the dizzying panorama from Nuuanu Pali Lookout.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 6 Oahu

Today you are free to simply relax at the hotel or perhaps take an optional excursion to the Polynesian Cultural Centre where you can meet and learn all about the Polynesian people.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 7 Oahu to Kauai

This morning you take a short flight to Kauai where you stay for the next three nights. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and perhaps enjoy a drink before meeting for our dinner together this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Marriott Resort & Beach Club

Day 8 Kauai

Take the time today to enjoy Kauai. There’s a spectacular helicopter ride over the island (additional cost). Even among the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai stands out for the natural beauty of its sculptured cliffs, cascading waterfalls, quiet lagoons and pristine beaches.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Marriott Resort & Beach Club

Day 9 Kauai

Today you enjoy a tour taking in “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – 3,500 ft deep Waimea with its stunning views of rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. You take a boat trip along the Wailua River, passing the 80ft falls from whose summit warriors once leapt to prove their bravery. Your last stop is at mystical Fern Grotto, said to be the most romantic place in Hawaii.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Marriott Resort & Beach Club

Day 10 Kauai to Maui

This morning you head for your last Hawaiian Island, Maui, your home for the next 5 nights and the perfect spot to round off your days in Hawaii.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 11 Maui

Today you see some of the highlights of Maui. Over 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakala Crater is the largest dormant volcano on earth. You can see it from almost anywhere on the island. As the road meanders up the volcano you get stunning views of ocean and mountains. You visit Ioa Valley, site of the famous and bloody battle that changed Hawaii and overlooked by the 1200 ft Ioa Needle, then the lovely village of Lahaina, a one-time Hawaiian capital on the ocean.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 12 Maui

Enjoy all your hotel has to offer, today you are at leisure. Relax in one of the freeform swimming pools or unwind in a secluded Jacuzzi.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 13 Maui

Each year over 5,000 whales visit the Hawaiian Islands. The best way to see them is on a whale watching cruise, which is included today. Besides searching for whales you often see sea turtles, dolphins, spotted eagle rays, and whale sharks.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 14 Maui

Do as you please. People report seeing sea turtles from the beach … the restaurants are excellent … the old custom of blowing a conch at sunset still survives … make the most of paradise. Gather together this evening for our farewell “Feast of Lele”. A 5 course dinner including cuisine of Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti and Samoa, along with a vibrant show of entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 15 Maui to San Francisco

Today you bid farewell to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands as you take your flight to San Francisco. Transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights and spend you evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: The Palace

Day 16 San Francisco

This morning we show you round San Francisco. All those scenes from the movies – Telegraph Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, the incredible view from Twin Peaks, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf with views of Alcatraz - they’re all waiting. This afternoon you’re free. Trolley car ride maybe?

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: The Palace

Day 17 San Francisco

Today enjoy the city’s delights. Maybe take an optional trip across the bay to see the infamous Alcatraz. Or perhaps a little last-minute shopping. This evening relive your Hawaiian adventure as you enjoy a farewell dinner cruise round San Francisco Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: The Palace

Day 18 San Francisco

Say your goodbyes to this beautiful city as you board your United Airlines flight to London Heathrow.

Meals: Inflight

Day 19 Arrival into London Heathrow

You’re scheduled to arrive at Heathrow this morning, bringing to an end your visit to paradise.

Meals: Inflight

Destination introduction

They call it paradise – and it comes close. Miles of soft white sand … surfing and hula … the world’s tallest cliffs ... coral reefs, tropical fish and mighty whales … one of the most active volcanoes anywhere … waterfalls and rain forests … we can’t wait to show you round.

Did You Know? – Captain Cook was killed here after trying to kidnap the king of Hawaii. Bad move