Nature’s splendor inspires gratitude and kindness in the Hawaiian Islands.
Fern grottos and volcanoes. Lush rainforests and jaw-dropping waterfalls. Glorious canyons and coastlines so captivating they make you weak in the knees. Few places on Earth can claim as many natural wonders as the Hawaiian Islands. Even ancient Polynesians called it “the heavenly homeland to the north.”
Living in such a tropical paradise inspires an authentic sense of gratitude, kindness, and generosity of spirit in the locals, who greet visitors with warm smiles and a welcoming “Aloha!” Yet Aloha is much more than a simple salutation; indeed, it is a way of life. The word—which combines the roots “alo” (“sharing”), “oha” (“joyous affection”), and “ha” (“life energy”)—translates as “joyfully sharing life”, and there is even a state law (Hawaii Revised Statute 5-7.5) that declares “(e)ach person must think and emote good feelings to others.” You can catch the Aloha spirit when Seabourn heads to the Hawaiian archipelago. Here are a few highlights to look forward to on your voyage:
Hawaii — The Orchid Isle
Adventure comes super-sized on the “Big Island,” the largest in the Hawaiian chain. Indeed, it is nearly twice as big as all the other islands combined and encompasses ten of the world’s 14 climate zones—seven of which are found within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park — designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve—boasts two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, and Seabourn guests can get a bird’s-eye view of the bubbling action on an optional helicopter ride from Hilo. The island’s flower power is on brilliant display at Hawaiian Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, a 20-acre rainforest reserve containing more than 2,000 tropical plant species. Meander the well-marked paths past exotic palm, bamboo, banana and Kukui trees, stunning heliconia, hibiscus and delicate orchid blooms, babbling streams and a number of waterfalls.
Kauai — The Garden Isle
The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago offers some of its most dramatic scenery with jagged pinnacles, deep valleys dotted by waterfalls, jaw-dropping cliffs, and shimmering white sands. Along Kauai’s West Side lies Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”; stretching some 14 miles in length and a mile across with depths reaching more than 3,600 feet, the chasm’s colorful crags and crested buttes—juxtaposed against the island’s velvety-green interior—is staggering to behold. The best way to appreciate its beauty is from above on an optional helicopter ride that also takes you over the impenetrable Napali Coast. A leisurely boat ride along the Wailua River leads to the romantic Fern Grotto, where flora grows on the cave walls of a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. Near Poipu Beach on the sunny South Shore lies Kauai’s famous Spouting Horn blowhole; the surf here washes through a natural lava tube, releasing a huge plume that can reach more than 50 feet high.
Maui — The Valley Isle
Locals like to say, “Maui no ka oi” (“Maui is the best”), and you may just concur after viewing 10,023-foot-high Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano that forms three-quarters of the island. (Mark Twain called the sunrise over Haleakala “the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed.”) Voted "Best Pacific Island" by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, this tropical paradise is also graced with long stretches of white-sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls, and the mist-shrouded Iao Valley. Spend some time wandering lively Lahaina, an historic whaling village and former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom that charms with its quaint shops, art galleries and cafés. You can hike through bamboo forests and explore the Maui Ocean Center—the largest tropical aquarium in the western hemisphere. The sheltered waters off Maui’s western coast offer some of the best whale watching in the world, and Seabourn will be visiting during prime viewing season between November and March.
Oahu — The Gathering Place
The “heart of Hawaii” is home to the state capital, Honolulu, and Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States and official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs. Big wave surfing was born during the 1950s on the island’s North Shore, where the world’s elite surfers are known to ride waves 20 feet and higher at Waimea Bay; beginners find gentler breaks along crescent-shaped Waikiki Beach. You can hike to the summit of iconic Diamond Head for breathtaking panorama across the white sands, emerald peaks and cobalt-blue ocean. Pay homage at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where Seabourn guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and battleship USS Missouri.
Lanai — The Private Isle
Previously known as the “Pineapple Isle” for its former Dole plantations, Lanai now harvests much-sought-after seclusion for discerning travelers. There is plenty of adventure to be found here as well, from snorkeling along lava formations and spotting spinner dolphins in Hulopoe Bay to an optional four-wheeling excursion over rugged backroads and hiking challenging trails with breathtaking pay-offs or go sailing on a catamaran. Kaunolu Village, located on Lanai’s southern tip, comprises the largest surviving ruins of a prehistoric Hawaiian village; designated a National Historic Landmark, the site includes the remains of a sacred heiau (temple), petroglyphs, and a 60-foot-high cliff from which ancient warriors would dive to demonstrate their bravery.
Experience the spirit of Aloha on an unforgettable Seabourn voyage.
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