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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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