Join Our State on a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii – A Three-Island Adventure. Bask in the tropical sun and Pacific breezes of one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world as we explore the lush gardens of scarlet hibiscus, spectacular waterfalls, rugged volcanic terrain, and experience the Aloha hospitality of the locals.
January 23 – January 31, 2024
Package Includes:
Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport- Eight nights’ hotel accommodations
- 13 meals: eight breakfasts, one lunch, four dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary
- Admissions per itinerary
- Hotel transfers
- Professional tour director
- Our State host
- Motor coach transportation
- Baggage handling at hotels
Accommodations:
- Three nights – Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Honolulu, Oahu
- Two nights – Kona Sheraton Resort & Spa at Keauhou or Royal Kona Resort, Kona Area, Hawaii (the Big Island)
- Three nights – Westin, Sheraton, or Royal Lahaina Resort, Kaanapali Area, Maui
Note: On some dates, alternate hotels may be used.
Itinerary Highlights
- Multi-night resort stays
- Three nights in Honolulu, Oahu
- Two nights on the Big Island
- Three nights on Maui
- Full-day Circle Island Tour in Oahu
- Two national parks – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park
- Kona whale watching cruise
- Honolulu city tour
- Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona Memorial
- Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center
- Black sand volcanic beach
- Kailua-Kona
- Iao Needle
- Lahaina Village
- Hawaiian Luau on Maui
Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARRIVE HONOLULU
Arrive in Honolulu and meet your Tour Director for a warm Aloha Welcome. Transfer to your hotel and check in for your three-night stay on Oahu, the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands. At first glance, Honolulu, the state’s capital, appears to be like any other large American city, but the palm trees, scarlet hibiscus, and the variegated colors of the citizenry’s clothing make it clear that you are not anywhere but Hawaii.
Overnight: Honolulu
DAY 2: HONOLULU TOURING
Today, enjoy a Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city tour. First, head to Pearl Harbor to take a Navy launch out to the USS Arizona Memorial to pay tribute to the fallen heroes who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. You’ll have time to explore the visitor center, watch a film, and view the exhibits before we head off to see the sights of Honolulu. Set in a real dormant volcano, you will visit Punchbowl Crater to take a drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Later, see the State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion, China Town, and view King Kamehameha’s statue before returning to your hotel. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Honolulu
DAY 3: HONOLULU – CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR
Today, enjoy a Circle Island Tour of Oahu while enjoying ocean views, rugged mountains, and fascinating history during this full day trip. View many of Oahu’s famous landmarks, including Diamond Head, the remaining cone of a giant ancient volcano and the Amelia Earhart Lookout commemorating the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland in 1934. Also, see Nu‘uanu Pali, the Halona Blowhole, and Oahu’s beautiful North Shore with its popular surf spots of Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Drive through the Kahala residential area with some of the most prestigious homes on the island. Walk around the world-famous Dole Plantation Gardens and see varieties of pineapples from around the world. Also visit the serene, Japanese-style Byodo-In Temple. Take a Waimea Valley tram with lunch included.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Honolulu
DAY 4: HONOLULU – FLY TO HILO (BIG ISLAND) – BIG ISLAND TOURING
This morning, fly to Hilo on the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island). Ascend the rugged countryside to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll see a real smoking and steaming volcano. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center to learn all about the geology and history of the volcano. Then, depart to see the unique Punaluu Black Sand Beach. Later, journey to the Kona Coast area and check into your resort for a two-night stay. After settling in, travel to the nearby historic fishing village of Kailua-Kona, referred to by the locals as Kona or Kona town. Enjoy dinner in Kona at a popular local restaurant, including the choice of a couple of special local brews — a draft from the Kona Brewing Company or an authentic cup of Kona Coffee.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Kona Area
DAY 5: BIG ISLAND – KONA WHALE WATCHING CRUISE
Every winter between the months of December and April, more than 8,000 humpback whales migrate more than 3,500 miles to the warm Pacific waters of Hawaii to mate, birth, and nurse their calves. On this Kona whale watching cruise, you’ll sail out into the water with an experienced captain and crew to find whales and observe them from a close, but respectable, distance. Calves surface to breathe three times as often as adult whales. An adult humpback whale typically surfaces approximately every 10 to 15 minutes and witnessing the humpback whales breach out of the water is spectacular! Hear singing humpback whales through under-water hydrophones, and you may also see spinner dolphins, pilot and sperm whales, manta rays, sea turtles, and more. Return to your hotel with the afternoon at leisure to relax, shop, play a round of golf, or explore on your own.
Meals: B
Overnight: Kona Area
DAY 6: KONA – FLY TO MAUI – LAHAINA
This morning, fly to Maui, known as the “Valley Isle.” Upon arrival, travel to the stunning Iao Valley, where spectacular waterfalls and lush tropical foliage surround the Iao Needle, a rock formation rising more than 2,000 feet from the valley floor. Then, stop to explore the small town of Lahaina, the picturesque old whaling capital of the Pacific, which today looks much like it did at the turn of the last century. Then, check into your Maui resort for a three-night stay. Enjoy this island paradise for some leisure time.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Maui
DAY 7: MAUI AT LEISURE
Today, relax in the sun poolside, visit the spa, play a round of golf, or spend the day shopping.
Meals: B
Overnight: Maui
DAY 8: MAUI TOURING
This morning, visit majestic Haleakalā National Park or “House of the Sun.” Travel to the top of Haleakalā, Maui’s massive dormant volcano, on this scenic journey from sea level to 10,000 feet. At the summit is a vast crater that is seven and a half miles long by two and a half miles wide and 3,000 feet deep. Marvel at the crater’s eerie landscape of cinder cones and ancient lava formations. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner and say Aloha to the Islands as you enjoy a Hawaiian Luau, a fun-filled cultural event featuring traditional food, dancing, and music.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Maui
DAY 9: MAUI – FLY HOME
Today, fly home filled with wonderful memories of your Hawaii Three-Island Adventure.
Tour Rates:
Regular Rate: $6,199 per person based on double occupancy
Booking Discount: $6,099 per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement: $2,075
Please ask about the “No Risk Deposit” plan.
For reservations and more information:
Premier World Discovery
Melissa Grant
877-953-8687 x 238 (Pacific Standard Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com
Additional Information:
What to expect on an Our State trip:
Traveling with a group of Our State readers is an enriching, enjoyable, and safe way to experience new cultures, people, and places. In addition to the informative narration from the tour director and local guides, an Our State host will be available to assist in making your trip successful.
We usually fly to our destination, then travel by a comfortable motor coach with anywhere from 35 to 50 people who appreciate learning about new regions. Your entire trip will be guided, planned, and arranged for your upmost enjoyment. Many activities are things you can only do because you are traveling with Our State. There is some free time built in for you to explore on your own.
You can also choose not to attend an activity if you prefer something different. Please let your tour director know if you are not coming on a scheduled day.
Many meals are included. Where you have meals on your own, suggestions will be provided.
Most of the motor coaches have restrooms but every effort will be made to make regular rest stops.
One of the best parts of traveling with Our State is that you will meet new people, many of whom you will already have much in common with since most travelers read the magazine. Many guests often develop friendships that go on long after the tour is finished. Our State trips are generally filled with dynamic and friendly people.
Physical requirements:
Our tours are physically active but not meant to be strenuous.
Please be aware you will be on your feet, walking and standing for much of the day, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and terrains. There will also be extended time on the motor coach when we travel from place to place. If there are any mobility issues you will need to have an able-bodied traveling companion to accompany and assist you.
Most days are moderately paced with approximately two to three total miles of walking, possibly including some hills and stairs.
We regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Trip Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
If you have additional questions, please call Our State’s Travel Director Amy Wood Pasquini at 336-286-0600, or email apasquini@ourstate.com.
COVID-19 Travel Precautions – Update:
Effective January 1, 2023, Our State highly encourages, but no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters for travelers on our domestic tours. This policy goes into effect for international travelers on April 30, 2023. We will keep all participants updated of any changes to these requirements.
