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HONOLULU, Oahu -
Where the spirit of aloha begins.
The state capital, this sophisticated city blends culture
with the eco-treasures of Oahu. There are an abundance of
historical sites such as `Iolani Palace, America’s only
royal palace, and a wealth of museums, among them the Bishop
Museum, the foremost museum of Polynesian culture and anthropology.
And Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, the “Punchbowl”
National Cemetery and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum offer
moving insights into twentieth century battles. Join a shore
excursion to majestic Diamond Head crater, take surfing lessons
at Waikiki or head to Pali Lookout in the Ko`olau Mountain
Range.
THE
BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII - A continent in miniature
Dominated by the twin peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna
Loa, both over 13,000 feet high, the Big Island of Hawaii
is almost twice the size of all the other islands combined.
Spectacular white-and black-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs,
active volcanoes and even cactus-studded deserts carve
the terrain. From the orchid gardens of Hilo to the sun-drenched
Kona Coast, it is a place of many wonders, chief among
them Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Big Island of Hawaii echoes with tales of kings and
demigods: Kamehameha the Great, the supreme ruler who united
the islands; Captain James Cook, who discovered Hawaii
for the rest of the world; the unpredictable Fire Goddess,
Madame Pelé, who still reigns from atop Kilauea,
one of the most active volcanoes on earth.
HILO,
The Big Island of Hawaii - Volcanoes, Lagoons & Lush Valleys
Tropical growth is rampant on Hilo: a giant greenhouse on the leeward
side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Waterfalls careen through lush valleys
and there are enough flowers to fill a rainbow. And snow-capped Mauna
Kea presides over it all from a lofty distance. Abandon yourself to the
area’s more languorous tropical rhythms. Go picnic under a waterfall,
watch for migrating whales, explore world-class botanical gardens, golf
on the slopes of a volcano, snorkel in pristine waters or find a shady
spot and nibble on the chocolate-coated macadamia nuts. Few, though,
will want to miss the chance to walk on lava in Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park.
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KONA,
The Big Island of Hawaii - Sunny Coast of many treasures
Set on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona is warm and
sunny year-round, offering spectacular sunsets, numerous historic sites,
abundant wildlife and marine treasures. Kona is a great place to visit
the ancient Hawaiian Place of Refuge, take a walk in a cloud forest or
join a snorkeling excursion to one of the crystal-clear lagoons sheltered
by coral reefs where manta rays and rare tropical marine life abound.
MAUI - A masterpiece
of nature
With over three-quarters of its land uninhabited, Maui is like one giant
natural park. Humpback whales, who seem to seek out the world’s
most beautiful places, make this lovely island their breeding ground.
So do spinner dolphins and a multitude of other marine life.
Explore Maui’s interior, from the peak of Mt. Haleakala to the
splendid natural beauty of the sacred `Iao Valley, where legend holds
that the god Maui and Hina raised their daughter, `Iao. Drive the winding
Road to Hana past jungles of ferns, countless waterfalls, underground
caves and pristine lagoons. And still there’s more, because the
cultural life in Maui is vibrant. Don’t miss NCL’s exclusive
Hoku Nui Lu`au with its bounteous feasts of Hawaii delicacies and sensational
show of song, dance and drama.
LAHAINA,
Maui - Age-old capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Nestled on the majestic western coast of Maui, where some
of the islands’ best beaches can be found, Lahaina
is the islands’ ancient capital. It is from this
busy port that island girls once swam out to greet the
whaling ships. Today, this quaint laid-back town is still
a playground -- winding along the coast with museums, restaurants
and shops. In the harbor, boats cluster waiting to take
visitors on sunset cruises in waters teeming with dolphins
and other marine life. Nearby, four-mile-long K`anapali
Beach glitters with grainy gold and bright blue water.
Snorkelers and scuba divers will want to head for Black
Rock Beach, while upcountry Maui unfolds along the breathtakingly
scenic road to Hana.
KAHULUI,
Maui - Gateway to the island’s sacred `Iao Valley
As Maui’s only deepwater port, Kahului is is
a bustling harbor. Yet just minutes away are some of the island’s
most scenic spots. Head to the heart of the island and the
sacred `Iao Valley, where people of the island came to pay
homage to the “supreme creator” in a setting of
waterfalls, lush foilage, still pools and soaring peaks. Visit
a Maui tropical plantation or hit the world-renowned links
at nearby Kapalua. Whether you choose to kayak along the scenic
coasts, drive upcountry or relax on the perfect beach, Maui
is magnificent.
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KAUAI
- An Earthly Garden of Eden
Just one of Kaua`i’s features, such as the stunning the Na Pali Coast, would win it the description of paradise. But
this island’s beauty takes in so much more: Hanalei
Valley, Wai`ale`ale Crater and Waimea Canyon, considered the
“Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” And the wildlife
is incredible: rare endangered sea turtles, playful dolphins,
moray eels and yellow tangs swimming in protected coves where
you can dive and snorkel. This is the island to take that
4-wheel drive mountain safari, soar in a helicopter above
the astonishing canyons or golf at Kauai-- and find heaven
on earth, your style.
NAWILIWILI,
Kaua`i - Gateway to the Na Pali Coast
The flame-red flowers of the wiliwili tree frame this
quaint port. Less known is the charming lighthouse, built
in 1932, that graces Nini Point at the northern end of Nawiliwili
Bay. Throughout the Garden Isle you’ll find an endless
array of exotic spots to visit, from rainbow-ringed Waimea
Canyon to Hanelei Bay, gateway to the soaring cliffs of the
Na Pali coast. Adventure awaits in the form of kayaking, scuba
diving, snorkeling, rafting and canoing. But if you prefer
to stay dry, there’s horesback riding, biking, golfing
and some of the most beautiful walks on earth.
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