5 days at sea from San Diego to Hawaii.
San Diego, Lahaina, Honolulu, Nawiliwili Kauai, Kona, Hilo, and Ensenada, Mexico
Holland America - ms Veendam
3-Jan San Diego, California, US 5:00 PM Ship Departs
4-Jan At Sea Picture
5-Jan At Sea Picture
6-Jan At Sea Picture
7-Jan At Sea Picture
8-Jan At Sea Picture
9-Jan Lahaina, Hawaii, US 10:00 AM Ship Arrives
10:30 AM excursion Picture Picture
Excursion: Haleakala Crater & Iao Valley: Small Group Option
Haleakala Volcano, the highest point on the island of Maui, stands at 10,032 feet above sea level. At the peak is a crater formed in last eruption, in 1790. You’ll reach the 9,740-foot level by way of a switchback road overlooking Maui’s diverse scenery. At 7½ miles long, 2½ miles wide and 21 miles around, the crater is bigger than Manhattan Island. From the viewpoint, appreciate firsthand the unique beauty of this massive landmark. Enjoy lunch at Maui Tropical Plantation, then stroll the grounds and discover some of the exhibits. Next you will visit Iao Valley State Park—home to the Iao Needle—a 2,250-foot cinder cone pinnacle that dominates its lush, natural surroundings. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie’s for shopping.
Notes:
Bring a sweater and wear sturdy walking shoes. Guests who have a heart condition or respiratory difficulties should note the elevation is 9,740 feet above sea level. The coach is not allowed to travel higher than this elevation.
11:00 PM Ship Departs
10-Jan Honolulu, Hawaii, US 7:00 AM Ship Arrives
8:00 AM excursion Picture Picture
Excursion: Pearl Harbor History & Honolulu
Visit the famous and infamous Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. At the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, you will view a 20-minute film depicting the events of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack and the aftermath. Then, you’ll board a Navy launch for the short ride across Pearl Harbor to the memorial itself. More than 1,000 servicemen still lie entombed in the sunken USS Arizona. Following your visit to Pearl Harbor, you will embark on a tour of metropolitan Honolulu. You’ll take in the downtown area and City Hall, as well as the authentic Chinatown district. Other sights include the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on American soil), Kawaiahao Church, the impressive statue of King Kamehameha, the Hawaii State Capitol, the governor’s mansion, and the quaint homes of the early missionaries. Experience the serenity of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific as you drive through Punchbowl Crater. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie’s for shopping.
11:00 PM Ship Departs
11-Jan Nawiliwili Kauai, Hawaii, US 8:00 AM Ship Arrives
9:00 AM excursion Picture Picture
Excursion: Discover Hawaii
Discover Kauai on this full-day tour conducted in a small, intimate group environment. Your day begins by exploring the famous Opaeka’a Falls and Poliahu Heiau—one of Kauai’s most sacred and historic locations. It also takes you to the Wailua River and Fern Grotto. These are among the island’s most popular attractions, and you’ll take a leisurely boat ride up Wailua River—only navigable river in the State of Hawaii. The famously romantic Fern Grotto offers a natural amphitheatre of lava rock and tropical vegetation—you’ll be met here and serenaded in true Hawaiian style. Just for a moment it’s like stepping back in time. Next, discover the North Shore of this beautiful island, learning about its history and culture. Your guide will tell you the legend of the Sleeping Giant and you will visit the breathtaking Kilauea Lighthouse and the nearby Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge & Bird Sanctuary. You will also stop at Anini Beach, where you will enjoy an island-style picnic lunch. Once refreshed, you’re off to the Princeville Resort Area and Hanalei Bay, voted America's best beach in 2009 by Dr Beach. Return to the ship at the end of the tour with a wealth of island knowledge and the satisfaction of seeing some of Kauai’s finest scenery.
5:00 PM Ship Departs
12-Jan Kona, Hawaii, US 8:00 AM Ship Arrives
10:00 AM excursion Picture Picture
Excursion: Magical Seahorse Discovery
Discover the enchanted underwater world of seahorses at the only seahorse farm in the United States, and one of only five in the world. Pet these exotic sea animals, and delight as they curl their tails around your finger. Learn why Animal Planet has rated the seahorse as the world’s "most extreme father"—these amazing animals are the only species in the animal kingdom where the males undergo a true pregnancy. Watch as pairs hook their tails together to swim around the tank. See an array of brilliantly colored seahorses, both babies and adults. Your guide will explain the value of seahorses in the ocean environment and field of medicine. With one of the largest collections of seahorses in the world, this guided tour is educational, fun and interactive as you learn about the life cycle and behavior of seahorses and will be able to hold a seahorse in your hands.
Notes:
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes; bring a hat. Participants are expected to walk over uneven terrain, as this is an indoor-outdoor facility. Wheelchairs, walkers and scooters cannot be taken inside the Seahorse Farm. Children under the age of 3 are permitted on tour but are not allowed to handle the seahorses.
5:00 PM Ship Departs
13-Jan Hilo, Hawaii, US 8:00 AM Ship Arrives
8:30 AM excursion Picture Picture
Excursion: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfall Explorer
Enjoy the best that the Big Island has to offer through easy interpretive nature walks, from volcanic landscapes to waterfalls. Your certified guide will start your small group tour with a drive through the lush Onomea Bay Scenic Drive on the way to the famous Akaka Falls. View the breathtaking 440-foot waterfall set among the beautiful valleys of Hawaii's Hamakua Coast. On your next stop, visit Rainbow Falls—a cascading 80-foot waterfall right in the heart of Hilo. Continuing your journey down the southern part of the island, you’ll stop at the Akatsuka Orchid Garden to discover why the Big Island is nicknamed the Orchid Isle. Immerse yourself in the scents and colors of some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful exotic flowers. Finally, you’ll make your way into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to browse the informative displays and park information. Then, view the smoke and steam plumes rising from the vast Kilauea'iki Crater, and take a short walk through topical rain forests along the crater's rim to the Thurston Lava Tube. Walk through this magnificent natural wonder before heading to the Jaggar Museum. Nearby, look out over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and witness the steam rising out of the active Kilauea Crater. Finish up your Big Island exploration with a brief stop for shopping in Historic Downtown Hilo. A picnic-style lunch is included along the way.
Notes:
Guests must be able to negotiate stairs to view Akaka Falls and Thurston Lava Tube. While not a hiking tour, the longest nature walk is about ½-mile each way, and includes the walk through the lava tube.
5:00 PM Ship Departs
14-Jan At Sea Picture
15-Jan At Sea Picture
16-Jan At Sea Picture
17-Jan At Sea Picture
18-Jan At Sea Picture
19-Jan Ensenada, Mexico 12:00 PM Ship Arrives
1:30 PM Excursion: Ensenada City & Shopping
Set out by coach for a brief but comprehensive overview at Ensenada.
Your tour includes a drive through the residential and commercial areas of the city. You will stop at Plaza Civica, where impressive statues of noted Mexican heroes sit in a pleasantly landscaped area. Continue to the Riviera del Pacifico, once part of a glamorous resort and casino in the Roaring ’20s. At the time, it attracted a famous clientele, including Douglas Fairbanks and Al Capone. Sip on a margarita as you enjoy the surroundings. Next, stop at the oldest continuously running winery in Mexico—the Bodegas de Santo Tomas. A tour of the winery and a wine tasting session will introduce you to Mexico's viticulture industry. Then, head to Ensenada's main shopping district where many fine stores display a wide variety of Mexican handicrafts and imported merchandise. You'll have one hour to shop; then, your guide will escort you back to the ship.
6:00 PM Ship Departs
20-Jan San Diego, California, US 7:00 AM Ship Arrives