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Hawaii.
Much is to be said for the ease and comfort of traveling Hawaii by ship. NCL America's 7-day cruises Island Hop to Hawaii's four main islands - Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii - meaning you can see and do it all with only having to unpack once...without the hassle of extra flights.

And when it comes to seeing the more of the islands, in the most convenient manner in order to maximize time and money, there's no comparison between a land-based vacation and a 7-day inter-island cruise. The value cannot be matched.

Extraordinarily beautiful and impossibly romantic, Hawaii possesses some of the most exotic landscapes on earth. There are winding waterfalls and fiery volcanoes, jewel-toned beaches and lush fern forests, immense canyons and coastal cliffs. The adventure continues once you step ashore with a thrilling array of shore excursions that include golf, bicycling, kayaking, horseback riding, scuba-diving and more leisurely pursuits.

Discover Hawaii... and discover paradise. The magic of the sea and the mystique of the islands come to life aboard our many Hawaii cruises. Sail to four islands caressed by warm trade winds and kissed by the sun. Each island reveals its own natural beauty, rich traditions and history. It’s no wonder so many people each year choose to marry, honeymoon or spend an anniversary in these islands. Combine the languid allure of the tropics, big city sophistication, and the spirit of Aloha, and it could only be Honolulu.

Nawiliwili is your passage into the sacred Garden Isle, where the sweet smell of the mokihana berry permeates the air and the lush green landscapes intoxicate your senses. Hawaii enjoys gorgeous weather year-round; the warmest months are August & September. Like your beaches a little less crowded? Head for Hawaii during the spring & fall.

Spend full days exploring Hawaii's crystal blue waters, majestic waterfalls, steaming volcanoes, emerald rain forests, pristine white beaches, quaint towns and historic landmarks. Hawaii is a fantastic place to enjoy watersports and recreational activities. If you're a surfer, you won't want to miss the Christmas-time action around Oahu's North Shore, but if windsurfing or diving is more your thing, you'll find the waters at their calmest at the height of summer (July and August).

Surfing is the king of sports, and Hawaii is deservedly renowned for its great waves. Maui has become a windsurfing mecca, with the top international windsurfers heading for Hookipa Beach. Diving is good year-round and there are plenty of underwater caves, canyons, lava tubes, vertical walls and sunken ships to explore. The Big Island's Kona Coast offers some of the world's best deep-sea fishing for Pacific blue marlin, yellowfin tuna and spearfish.

Hawaii - Nearly twice as large as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, Hawai'i (known as the Big Island to avoid confusion with the state name) is used to setting records. Perhaps most dramatically, it has the world's most active volcano: the east rift zone below Halema'uma'u on Kilauea has been spewing lava intermittently since January 3, 1983.

The island's southern tip is the southernmost point in the United States, although to the southeast, far beneath the ocean's surface, Loihi, a sea mount bubbling lava, is slowly building another Hawaiian island, due to emerge in about 100,000 years. If you measure Mauna Kea from its origins 32,000 ft beneath the ocean's surface to its 13,796-ft peak, it is the tallest mountain in the world. The Keck Observatory on its summit, with one of the world's most powerful telescopes, searches the universe from the clearest skies on earth.

Resorts, such as the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, the Fairmont Orchid Hawai'i, Kona Village, and Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, conduct tours of petroglyph fields and historic sites. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows have restored the fishponds that once supplied the tables of Hawaiian royalty.

Hawaii - Hilo
Surrounded by a profusion of orchids and anthurium, Hilo embraces an exquisite bay. Nearby, you can follow the ginger, heliconia and orchid-lined trail that leads through the luxuriant rainforest to the spectacular Akaka Falls plunging over a sheer volcanic cliff. Search for Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire, as you stand at the rim of the gigantic Kiluea Crater watching the lava fountains spurting from the floor of the firepit.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest in the United States and the only one that encompasses the world's most active volcano. Kilauea's Puuoo vent erupted in 1983 and has been spewing lava down the 4,000-foot slope to the Pacific ever since. Visitors can stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center for an overview of the park. Crater Rim Drive surrounds the Crater, whose floor is 300 feet below the rim and 2.5 miles across. There are several overlooks and trails that take you closer to the edge and warm the soles of your shoes. One of the best ways to see this magnificent island and get a bird's eye view of its volcanoes (including three active ones) is by helicopter. You can take a ride with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (typically from the Kona side) and take such exciting tours as "Circle of Fire," which emphasizes the most current areas of volcanic activity. The beautiful stretch of white sand at Hapuna Beach is the island's most popular beach. It has good snorkeling, swimming, diving and bodysurfing.

Hawaii - Kapaau
Hawaii's Big Island has some marvellous cowboy country on the north coast, complete with large ranches, cattle-filled fields, rodeo and of course, warm hospitality. The 225,000-acre Parker Ranch is one of the most famous in the Waimea area. They offer tours and wagon rides and the visitor centre sheds light on the rich paniolo history, which includes Capt. George Vancouver bringing the first long-horned cattle in 1793. The drive north on Hwy. 250 to the Pololu Valley Lookout is worthy indeed. Don't miss the King Kamehameha statue in Kapaau.

Hawaii - Kailua-Kona
Miles of multicolored bougainvillea and poinsettias line the Ali'i Drive like a lei welcoming you to discover the beauty of the island. Once the summer residence of the Hawaiian royalty, the Hulihee Palace houses an interesting collection of antiques belonging to monarchs. The quaint shops offer local treasure… macadamia nuts, coral and shell jewelry, muumuus and, of course, Kona coffee.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a two-to-three hour drive from Kailua-Kona, and an hour to 90 minutes from Hilo. The Big Island's main road runs around the island. Head south from either city on Route 11 to the park entrance. The park is open daily 24 hours a day. The visitors center, museum and art center are open daily during regular business hours. The $10 per vehicle pass is valid for seven days. From the visitors center, Crater Rim Drive takes visitors around the park past craters and through rain forests before the turn onto Chain of Craters Road. The 20-mile-long, two-lane road zigzags downhill through active and dormant lave flows and gives visitors panoramic views of the ever-changing coast.

Side trips: Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, 20 minutes south of Kailua-Kona off Route 11, marks the site where ancient Hawaiians who broke laws sought refuge and received absolution from a priest; it was also a place of refuge for defeated warriors and noncombatants. Admission is $5 for a seven-day permit. South Point, the southernmost point of the United States and the first mooring site of the ancient Polynesians, is at the end of a 12-mile road off Route 11, about 90 minutes south of Kailua-Kona. The drive goes past huge power-producing windmills. Check out the huge "blowhole" -- a hole in the rocks where the surf creates a geyser.

Hawaii - Kona
Kona lures you with sun drenched beaches lined by swaying palm trees and calm crystalline waters. Relax on the shimmering shores or explore the underwater wonders of the coral reefs just off the coast. Famous for being the marlin fishing capital of the Pacific, this is also a place for history with its petroglyphs, ancient places of worship and the royal summer palace. This area known as West Hawaii stretches about 100 miles along the western side of the Island, from the northern extremity at Pololu in North Kohala to Ocean View Estates in South Kona.

Visitors arriving in West Hawaii normally fly into the Kona International Airport via domestic, international or interisland air carriers. Rental cars, taxis and shuttle services are available at the airport. Daily flights from the West Coast make the Kona and Kohala areas a growing "long weekend getaway" for many families. The diverse topography and subtropical climate make for an extraordinary variety of botanic life here, with hundreds of varieties of trees, plants, fruits and flowers - both endemic and imported or exotic varieties - thriving in West Hawaii.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows - Understated elegance, superb cuisine, world-class golf and tennis, and genuine Hawaiian hospitality are the signature of the oceanfront Mauna Lani.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai - Experience Hawaii as it was, and as it was always meant to be at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. This AAA Five-Diamond resort is an intimate enclave of beachfront and golf club bungalows.

Hapuna Beach Prince - Overlooking the beach, this resort features spacious guest rooms with spectacular ocean views and private lanais. Enjoy golf, water sports, or nearby hiking and horseback riding.

Hilton Waikoloa Village - This elegant resort set on 62 acres features freshwater pools with water slides and Jacuzzis, a saltwater lagoon with snorkeling, European Spa, a Dolphin Learning Center and more!

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii - This property offers 32 beachfront acres on the resplendent Kohala Coast. Discover championship golf, The Spa Without Walls, scenic trails and legendary service.

Mauna Kea Beach - A self-contained resort complex set overlooking a white sand beach, The Westin Mauna Kea Beach Hotel blends the best of natural beauty with civilized pleasures and countless amenities.

Kauai
This island is perfect for nature enthusiasts & adventure lovers. The incredible natural beauty of the “Garden Island” will overwhelm your senses. You’ll fall under the spell of this tropical paradise with exuberant verdant forests, rushing waterfalls and shimmering sand beaches. Visit the Waimea Canyon high up in Kokee State Park, discover the haunting beauty of Fern Grotto or admire the awe-inspiring Na Pali coastline where emerald cliffs plunge to the crashing sea below.

This is the locale of Hawaii's most spectacular hiking trail, with sheer, green cliffs dropping into brilliant turquoise waters. Waimea Canyon - predictably dubbed the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' - is smaller and a mere 200 million years younger than its Arizona cousin, but otherwise not at all dissimilar. The canyon's colourful river-cut gorge is 2785ft deep and it seems incredible that such an immense canyon could be tucked away in such a small island.

Na Pali Snorkel Expedition: Cruise past one of the oldest sugar towns in Hawaii and out past Polihale State Park to Na Pali's towering sea cliffs and hanging valleys. Swim and snorkel on a protected reef teeming with exotic marine life.
Mokihana Helicopter Adventure: This aerial trek takes you to the most dynamic and breathtaking sights that Kauai has to offer, including the coppertone surface of Waimea Canyon and the wind-sculpted face of the majestic Na Pali Coast. Soar above the glistening waves along Kauai's North Shore and Kipu Kai Ranch. Follow the romantic cliffs of the Hanalei River Valley and across to the Sleeping Giant, Wailua Falls, and the wettest spot on Earth – Mount Waialeale.

Secret Beach is a gorgeous, 'undiscovered', golden beach, backed by cliffs and jungle-like woods. It's popular with Kauai's 'alternative' community and nude sunbathers. The beach is near Kalihiwai, on Kauai's northern coast, but it's hard to find and requires navigating a dirt road and following a walking trail through jungle growth and ironwood trees. If you want to get away from it all, it's worth the effort in summer when swimming and snorkeling conditions are safe.

Kaua'i, the fourth-largest island in the Hawaiian chain, has its capital in Lihu'e, the island's commercial center. Its collection of businesses -- a pair of banks, a library, a school, a museum, some family-run restaurants, and hotels -- is small enough to keep the pace unhurried. On the south coast the sunny beaches and clear skies around Po'ipu have spawned a crop of condos and hotels. The area has also come into its own as a golf destination, and several fine restaurants have found a home here as well. Head west, beneath the slopes of the Hoary Head Mountains, to encounter such storybook plantation villages as Hanapepe, Kalaheo, and Waimea -- where Captain James Cook first landed back in 1778.

Lanai - Hulopoe Bay
The sleepy, pineapple-plantation island of Lanai, nine miles east of Maui, used to be visited only by hikers and independent travelers keen to escape the tourist scene on other islands, but it's rapidly being transformed into an exclusive resort. Despite the growing number of golf courses, it's still worth catching the boat from Maui (one-hour) to snorkel at the beautiful, crescent-shaped, white-sand beach at Hulopoe.

Maui - The island was formed by two volcanos that erupted long ago: the extinct 5,788-ft Pu'u Kukui and the dormant 10,023-ft Haleakala. Maui's volcanic history gives it much of its beauty. The roads around the island are lined with rich red soil, Central Maui is still carpeted with grassy green, and the deep blue of ocean and sky mingles with the red and green of Maui's topography.

Maui - Lahaina
It’s 11,000 feet from the top of Haleakala Crater down to Maui’s whale-filled seas—and you can experience them both in the same day on this compact island. Whether you’re drawn to shopping, nightlife, art galleries, beaches, golf, or spas at world-class resorts, Maui will charm you. As you approach Lahaina from the sea, you are greeted by the view of this town nestled at the foot of the verdant slopes of the West Maui Mountain. This historic whaling town retains a unique atmosphere despite its popularity.

Royal Lahaina Luau: Indulge your senses at the longest-running luau show in Maui. Dine on scrumptious food set to the sounds of sweet Hawaiian music and the stunning colors of a distant sunset in the background. Allow entertainers to mesmerize and captivate you during this special occasion.

Maui - Kahului
This unforgettable and magical island will enchant you and the warmth of its people will give you a sense of belonging. At the secluded and idyllic Hana you will discover Hawaii the way it used to be. Reach the summit of the spectacular Mount Haleakala, Maui’s long-dormant volcano, through hiking trails of breathtaking beauty. More than 80 beaches ring the island in sands of gold, green, red, white, black, and “salt and pepper.” Enjoy the endless pristine beaches and clear ocean waters where you can immerse yourself in an underwater world of delights.

Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas - The deluxe, low-rise accommodations of the Kapalua Bay Hotel front world-famous Kapalua Bay on one of America's finest beaches. Guests enjoy exceptional service and wonderful dining.

The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui - Rated "Best Accommodations on the Islands by Conde Nast Traveler, Kea Lani offers a beachfront location. Enjoy a spa, excellent dining, and beautiful recreational facilities.

Four Seasons Resort Maui - This resort on beautiful Wailea Beach offers gracious Hawaiian hospitality, uncompromising luxury, impeccable service and the finest in accommodations and recreational activities.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa - Discover the splendor of Kaanapali Beach at this truly magnificent resort. Play championship golf and tennis. Relax by the pool or experience the pleasures of the oceanfront spa.

Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa - This resort offers deluxe accommodations with expansive ocean views. Savor exquisite cuisine or indulge in a full array of spa treatments while Camp Grande is a child's dream come true.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua - Nestled on 50 acres of oceanfront property in the renowned Kapalua Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers casually elegant style and a warm spirit that embodies the essence of Hawaii.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa - The Westin Maui is a lavish 12-acre resort located on the finest stretch of Kaanapali Beach. Enjoy on-site shopping, deluxe guest rooms with many amenities, and nearby golf and tennis.

Maui - Molokai
Getting away from it all" has become close to impossible in our fast-paced society, but Molokai is one of those rare corners of the world left untouched by skyscrapers, fast food joints, and general commercialization. Dubbed "The Most Hawaiian Island," this 38-mile-long stretch has no freeways and no buildings taller than a palm tree. Life here is simple and serene, and the locals make sure to keep it that way.

Created by volcanic eruptions over a million years ago, the island boasts a diverse and breathtaking landscape. Crystal clear waters and a pleasant climate enhance Molokai's natural beauty, and the isolated environment allowed the evolution of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. The 100 foot yacht Molokai Princess provides daily roundtrip service between Lahaina, Maui and Kaunakakai, Molokai. The trip between ports takes about 90 minutes through the Kalohi Channel and tickets run about $85.00 round trip. Children's prices are about half that. Molokai doesn't have the abundance of great swimming beaches that some of the other islands boast, but there are many beaches that offer safe, uncrowded swimming and snorkeling.

The Lodge at Molokai Ranch - This 54,000-acre resort is a perfect blend of luxury and adventure. The resort features 40 beachside bungalows, a 22-room luxury lodge and an exciting array of outdoor activities.

Niihau
This island has been closed to outsiders for so long that it has earned the nickname 'The Forbidden Island'. No other place in Hawaii has more successfully turned its back on change than Niihau, which has no paved roads, no island-wide electricity and no telephones. The island is a native Hawaiian reserve, with 230 residents, and it's the only island where Hawaiian is the primary language. The entire island, right down to the church, belongs to the non-Hawaiian Robinson family who run a huge ranch and are highly protective of the Niihau's isolation. The island is west of Kauai and accessible only on pricey helicopter tours.

Oahu - Honolulu
Oahu is the most-visited Hawaiian Island. But Waikiki is only part of the allure. From Diamond Head crater to Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace to the Banzai Pipeline, you'll find unique attractions plus fine restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and nightlife.

Hawaii's most visited attraction is the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, north-west of Honolulu, where 1.5 million visitors come each year to learn about the surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, and to pay their respects to the 2335 dead US servicemen.

Breathtaking Honolulu is a lively city with an abundance of arts, culture and entertainment. You can ride the waves in an ancient Hawaiian-style canoe or learn to surf on famous Waikiki Beach. The natural beauty of the island, ringed with pristine beaches and capped by towering volcanic peaks, offers magnificent panoramas wherever you turn. Contrasting with Waikiki’s high-rises and crowds, the peaceful countryside encompasses sugarcane fields, jagged red cliffs and verdant mountains.

Experience the grand vistas of Waimea Canyon, a place Mark Twain once called "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Majestic views of the Na Pali cliffs, Polihale Beach, and Spouting Horn are also captured on the journey to the canyon. Discover the serene folds of Hanapepe Valley, Port Allen, and the mysterious remains of a Russian Fort. Travel through Koloa, where Hawaii's first sugar plantation once thrived; then journey up to historic Waimea Town, the site of Captain Cook's first landing.

Hundreds of restaurants offer international menus ranging from the finest haute cuisine to kalua pig and poi. Master chefs create unique cuisine from the island's fresh bounty. Each of Halekulani's restaurants boast spectacular ocean views and yet is distinct from one another. Enjoy a seamless and exciting vacation with special rates at first class Hawaiian hotels. Spend a few extra days and discover the hidden historical, scenic and cultural treasures in Honolulu.

Halekulani - With understated elegance and gracious hospitality, Halekulani lives up to its name translation - "House Befitting Heaven." Enjoy the splendor of one of Oahu's most prestigious hotels.

Royal Hawaiian - The Royal Hawaiian is one of the most celebrated landmarks on Waikiki Beach. This "Pink Palace of the Pacific" is well known by discerning travelers for its luxury and romantic elegance.

Turtle Bay Resort - This extensive resort complex located on 808 tropical acres on Oahu’s north shore features golf and tennis. Enjoy well-appointed guest rooms with television and a refrigerator.

Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio - Spectacular sunsets, sweeping views of the Pacific and Honolulu’s twinkling city lights are on view from most guest rooms in this exceptional hotel. Elegance, comfort and value combine for your tropical island pleasure.

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani - Sitting proudly in the heart of Waikiki, on the site of the former home of Hawaii’s s latest princess, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is just a short crosswalk away from Waikiki Beach. 1,152 rooms after captivating views of the Pacific, the Ko`olau Mountains and Honolulu’s fabled lights while nearby Diamond Head promises hikers a vista that sweeps the horizon.

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel - Directly overlooking Waikiki Beach, the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is the ultimate in hip, Hawaiiana design. Check out the surfboard showers, hula skirt lamps and tattooed front desk. Continental beach breakfast is included!

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort - The newly renovated Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort offers deluxe guestroom accommodations, restaurants, lounges, Hawaiian entertainment, two swimming pools, a fitness facility, shops and boutiques. The resort is located across from world renowned “Waikiki Beach” and is within walking distance from the International Market Place, Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, Diamond Head and other major Waikiki attractions.

Renaissance ‘Ilikai Waikiki’ - Situated at the gateway to Waikiki, overlooking picturesque Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, the newly renovated Renaissance ‘Ilikai Waikiki’ Hotel offers the ideal location with the world famous Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ala Moana Beach Park and Waikiki Beach just steps away.

Sheraton Moana Surfrider - The First Lady of Waikiki combines the elegance of a bygone age with an abundance of modern amenities. A private stretch of ivory beach lies just steps from Sheraton Moana Surfrider’s 793 elegant guest rooms. And when night falls, island melodies fill the legendary Banyan court, the starlit venue that first brought the music of Hawai’i to the world.

Hilton Hawaiian Village - Situated on Waikiki’s best beach and set amid 22 acres of lush tropical gardens, with exotic wildlife and cascading waterfall, this luxurious resort offers dramatic views of Diamond Head and world-class amenities.

Ali'i Tower - Condé Nast Traveler rated Ali’i Tower within Hilton Hawaiian Village as one of the Top 25 Pacific Rim Resorts in 2001. Enchanting walkways, waterfalls and exotic gardens surround the Tower’s ultra-deluxe guest rooms and suites.

Outrigger Waikiki - This newly renovated hotel is situated on Waikiki Beach and perpetuates Hawai`i traditions with pride and passion. A large section of the lobby is devoted to Hawaiiana, including a koa outrigger canoe and two kahili (feather standards).

Kahala Mandarin Oriental - This luxurious resort is located on a secluded beach on the island of O`ahu just 10 minutes from Waikiki. The resort features 364 rooms with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Ko`olau Mountain, and the resort’s Dolphin Lagoon, home to four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and the Dolphin Quest interaction program. Or for the ultimate in pampering, spoil yourself with one of the hotel’s new luxurious spa suites.