What will you see on your Hawaiian cruise?

Kauai
Maui
Hawaii - The Big Island
Kona
Oahu

Kauai
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Kauai is the oldest of the populated islands home to spectacular canyons and cliffs sculpted by nature over millions of years. Formed by a single volcano, Kauai is almost round and about 32 miles in diameter, rising to a height of 5,243 feet above sea level at Mount Kawaikini, near the center. This peak catches the moisture-laden trade winds resulting in waterfalls and lush greenery.

Take a tour of the Waimea Canyon or Mount Wai'ale'ale which is renowned as the wettest spot on earth. A scenic bus ride takes you past vast taro fields, beautiful coastal forests and pristine beaches on your way to Hanalei and Bali Hai.

For a truly dramatic perspective, View all of Kauai's most spectacular sights in one day by helicopter.

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Maui
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Maui is the second largest and second youngest of the Hawaiian islands. It measures 45 miles from Kapalua on the west coast to Kipahulu on the east. Within that span are a dazzling array of climates, from sunny, arid resort area of Ka'anapali to Hawaii's second wettest place, a waterfall-laden spot in the West Maui mountains. Known as a premier vacation destination, the island still retains 75 percent of its area as lush wilderness. You'll be surrounded in greenery as you explore the fern-lined trails of Iao Valley State Park, the most famous valley on Maui. Maui's spectacular coastline curves 150 miles around the island and offers 32 miles of beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, sea kayaking, sunning and sandcastle building.

The world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, dominates Maui's 729 square-mile area. It rises 10,000 feet above sea level, and descends another 20,000 feet below. From its summit, on a clear day, Oahu and the Big Island can be seen. The nearby islands of Molokai, Lanai and Kaho'olawe are visible everyday. The Lahaina Basin is the winter playground of migrating humpback whales.

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Hawaii - The Big Island
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The Big island's grand size - 4,034 square miles - leaves ample room for striking differences in climate and geography. While the Kona side remains dry, the lush Hilo side supports a tropical paradise of flowers and greenery. Hilo is also the starting point for excursions to Kilauea volcano, which shares the island with two vast, sometimes snow-capped mountains: Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea Volcano began its current eruption in 1983 with fiery display. Today when the lava flows, its gentle and predictable enough to allow visitors a closer view. Learn about Kilauea Volcano as your guided tour drives you to Kilauea Lookout to see spectacular views of the world's most active volcano. You will also visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm to see one of Hawaii's leading exports.

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Kona
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The Kona coast of Hawaii is bathed in sunshine year-round, making it a favorite spot for visitors since ancient times. Here, Hawaii's greatest king, Kamehameha I, lived and ruled from the late 18th to early 19th century. Today Kona is known as the Billfish Capital of the World, where 1,000-pound Pacific blue marlin are not uncommon.

Go snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay which ranges in depth from 15 to 110 feet, but even those who peer just below the surface will be rewarded with views of rainbow-colored fish. Maybe you will catch a glimpse of the state fish - Humuhumunukunukuapua'a - a colorful triggerfish. You may also see parrotfish that grow up to two feet long and are as common as the bright-colored goatfish. The long nose butterfly fish holds a unique distinction. Its Hawaiian name is lauwiliwilinukunuku'oi'oi - is even longer than that of the more famous state fish!

Fierce-looking Tiki gods stand guard at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, the ancient Place of Refuge at Homaunau Bay. Those who had broken the kapu, or laws, could find sanctuary at this sacred spot.

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Oahu
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Oahu is home to more than three quarters of Hawaii's population, who live within its 600 square miles. But the island has been known as "The Gathering Place" since ancient times, when rulers would meet here. The vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Honolulu is the highlight of a visit to the island, although many natural attractions also vie for attention.

A visit to Pearl Harbor is a deeply moving experience. History comes to life as you view the sunken U.S.S. Arizona, just below the surface of the calm blue waters. National Park Service Rangers provide historical insights.

The statute of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku watches over the action at Waikiki Beach. Enjoy sunning, swimming, even taking a surfing lesson on the gentle waves here.

Diamond Head Crater provides a dramatic backdrop to the famous beach at Waikiki. The well-known landmark gets its name from 19th century British sailors who mistook its calcite crystals for gems.

Hawaii's rich history is made more colorful by its long line of royalty. The most famous today is King Kamehameha the Great, who united the islands in 1795. Thank "The Merry Monarch", King David Kalakaua, for reintriducing the hula in the late 19th century after years of missionary suppression. His sister, Queen Lili'uokalani, was the last ruling monarch, until 1893. Honolulu is home to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil.

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