^{The Very Best of}Hawaii

Day 1 Los Angeles - 2 nights

Assemble this morning at London Heathrow, in time for our United Airlines flight to Los Angeles. After departure lunch will be served along with complimentary drinks. On arrival and after clearing customs our waiting coach will transfer us to the deluxe InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. With an ideal location on Avenue of the Stars, we will stay here for the next two nights. There is time to relax before we join our Tour Manager and fellow companions early in the evening for a welcome drink.

(Meals: Lunch, Refreshments).

Day 2 Los Angeles

Today has been left at your leisure to discover the sights of Los Angeles. Why not take an optional full day tour to the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland, or visit the world’s largest motion picture studios, Universal Studios? Alternatively maybe enjoy a little retail therapy along famous Rodeo Drive.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 3 Oahu – 4 nights

We depart for the airport after an early breakfast for United Airlines flight Oahu. On arrival our waiting coach will transfer us to the deluxe Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa. This afternoon has been left at leisure for you to settle into your accommodation. This evening we welcome you to Hawaii with an evening dinner
together.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 4 Oahu

This morning we take a glimpse into US history with a visit to Pearl Harbour and the Arizona Memorial. Originally named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, Pearl Harbour was dramatically put on the world's stage on 7th December 1941, as the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet in Oahu, claiming 2,390 lives. Now a designated National Historical Landmark and a memorial of remembrance to honour those who died, we learn about the attack on that fateful Sunday morning and visit the site of the sunken battleship, the USS Arizona. After a ride through the National Cemetery of the Pacific we visit Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue in downtown Honolulu before returning to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 5 Oahu

After a relaxing morning we head out for a breathtaking afternoon tour of Oahu's eastern coastline. We begin in famous Waikiki, before heading off to Diamond Head, Kahala and Aina Haina. Our picturesque journey continues to Hanauma Bay, Hawaii's only Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District, with a stop at Halona "Blow Hole" Lookout, where water shoots as high as 30 feet in the air through a lava tube. Our coastline journey continues to Sandy Beach a favourite among experienced surfers before our final stop at Nuuanu Pali Lookout. It is here that King Kamehameha and his warriors defeated Oahu armies by sending them over the steep forested cliffs claiming victory and uniting the Hawaiian Islands.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 6 Oahu

This morning has been left at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Mid afternoon we depart the hotel for the Polynesian Cultural Centre. On our arrival we are welcomed with a traditional Lei Greeting, before taking the opportunity to meet, learn and interact with the people of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. Afterwards we experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau and enjoy the evening performance of ‘Where the Sea Meets the Sky’. Afterwards we return to our hotel, arriving back at approximately 11pm.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 7 Kauai – 3 nights

This morning we leave Oahu behind as we take a short flight to our next Hawaiian island, Kauai. On arrival we will transfer to the deluxe Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa, our accommodation for the next three nights. Located on Keoneloa Bay the hotel provides a perfect base to explore the island’s many delightful sights. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and maybe enjoy a drink  overlooking the spectacular Kauai coastline.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 8 Kauai

Today has been left totally at your leisure. For those interested, we highly recommend taking a spectacular helicopter ride over the island. View the extinct Kauai Hawaii Volcano of Mt. Wai'ale'ale, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Cliffs and Kauai’s spectacular 2,000ft waterfalls.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 9 Kauai

We depart this morning on our tour of Kauai’s spectacular Waimea Canyon and Fern Grotto. Situated on Kauai’s west side and nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon is a 3,500-foot deep canyon that provides stunning panoramic views of rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. It is truly a dramatic sight to behold and is a “must-see” for any visitor to Kauai. Afterwards, enjoy a boat trip along the delightful Wailua River. We weave our way along the tranquil river passing gorgeous waterfalls and lush riverbanks to the mystical Fern Grotto one of Kauai’s signature attractions and said to be the most romantic place in Hawaii.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 10 Hawaii – 3 nights

We say goodbye to Kauai this morning and depart to the airport for our flight to Hawaii, affectionately known as the ‘Big Island’. On arrival at Kona airport our waiting coach will transfer us to the deluxe Hilton Waikoloa Village. Situated at Waikoloa Beach on the southern Kohala Coast, the hotel provides the perfect base for our island sightseeing. After checking in travel to your room by boat or monorail.This evening we dine together and enjoy the 'Legends of the Pacific Luau' dinner buffet and show.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 11 Hawaii

Today is a day at leisure to spend as you please. Spread over 62 acres our hotel offers an amazing choice of activities allowing you to do as much or as little as you please. Cruise through the resort along tranquil waterways or wander through the paths of the delightful Zen Garden. For those looking for a little activity there are three freshwater pools and a four acre swimming lagoon, or perhaps consider a round of golf on one of two championship golf courses. The resort also features Dolphin Quest, providing hotel guests a rare opportunity to come face to face with one of our ocean's most amazing and intelligent creatures.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 12 Hawaii

A full day tour takes us to explore the diversity of Hawaii’s Big Island. The highlight of the day will surely be the visit to Volcanoes National Park. A true geological hot spot, this national park contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 13, Maui – 4 nights

This morning we head for our final Hawaiian Island, Maui. Upon arrival our waiting coach will transfer us to the deluxe Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa. Situated along a spectacular stretch of the famed Ka’anapali Beach, it is the perfect spot to enjoy our final few days and nights in Hawaii.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 14 Maui

Today we embark on our tour to some of the highlights of this delightful island. Rising, over 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakala Crater is the largest dormant volcano on earth and can be seen from just about any point on the island. The meandering road up the volcano offers stunning views of Maui, the Pacific Ocean, and West Maui Mountains. We also visit the splendour of the Ioa Valley. Carved over the course of 10,000 lifetimes by the forces of wind and water and the flow of Iao's waters, this peaceful state park is  ome to one of Maui's most popular landmarks, the 1200-foot Ioa Needle. Our final port of call today is the charming village of Lahaina. Once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, Lahaina today is a reflection of its colourful past and is an enjoyable end to our day’s touring.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 15 Maui

Nestled on the soft sands of Ka’anapali Beach our hotel offers an endless array of activities and amenities and today has been left at leisure for you to enjoy these facilities and surroundings. Relax in one of the two free-form swimming pools, unwind in a secluded Jacuzzi or maybe even try a hula or lei making class.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 16 Maui

This morning, we embark on what may well be one of the highlights of your holiday. Each year, from late November through April, more than 5,000 whales visit the Hawaiian Islands and the best way to watch these fascinating creatures is out in their domain on a whale watching cruise. The Prince Kuhio is an ideal boat for a complete whale watching and sightseeing experience and it has been chartered for the exclusive use of our Journeys of Distinction party. Its large observation deck rides 15 feet above the water for unobstructed viewing and the main cabin below has large bay windows. The boat also has a marine naturalist on board to provide expert commentary throughout the cruise. In addition to looking for whales there is also the possibility to view sea turtles, dolphins, spotted eagle rays, and an occasional whale shark. After our exciting morning we return to the hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure. This evening we invite you to join your Tour Manager and fellow travelling companions for a fabulous Maui sunset and dinner together.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 17 San Francisco – 3 nights

Your morning is at leisure before we wave goodbye to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and transfer to the airport for our flight to San Francisco.Upon arrival our coach will be waiting to transfer us downtown to the deluxe Westin St Francis. Located in the heart of the city on Union Square, the hotel is renowned for its legendary service and world-class dining.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 18 San Francisco

This morning we discover the heart of San Francisco on a city highlights tour. Included are some of San Francisco’s most famous sites; the Coit Tower, Nob Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Union Square. Also witness the beautiful Victorian homes, and the incredible view from Twin Peaks, the famous Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf with views of Alcatraz Island and its prison. This afternoon has been left at leisure for you to relax.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 19 San Francisco

Today has been left at your leisure to enjoy the delights of the city. Maybe take an optional visit across the bay and visit the famous Alcatraz prison. Alternatively travel north to Muir Woods to visit one of the few remaining groves of Coastal Redwoods, among the tallest and oldest trees in existence. Or perhaps indulge in a little last minute shopping. This evening relive the many sights and sounds of our Hawaiian adventure as we invite you to join your Tour Manager and fellow travelling companions for a farewell dinner cruise around San Francisco Bay.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 20 San Francisco

A morning transfer takes us back to San Francisco airport for our United Airlines lunchtime flight home.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Refreshments).

Day 21 Arrive UK

Before our arrival into London Heathrow, breakfast will be served. Our flight is scheduled to arrive early morning when it is time to say ‘farewell’ to our travelling companions, bringing our magical Hawaiian adventure to an end.

(Meals: Breakfast).