Early this morning we are transported by Christian Tours motorcoach to the Charlotte airport for our trans-oceanic flight to Hawaii. We arrive in Honolulu, the most populated city of the Hawaiian islands, late in the afternoon. Upon disembarking the plane, you will be greeted in the age-old Hawaiian tradition, a flower 'lei' and a warm “Aloha,” from a native Hawaiian. The famous Captain Cook's ships made landfall here in 1778. He called this chain of 20 islands the Sandwich Islands; visitors ever since have been calling them Paradise. You'll begin to understand why as we are transported to our beautiful Waikiki hotel for a three night stay. Tonight is at your leisure. Don't miss the sunset!

Today you'll learn one of our country's most valuable history lessons: how men and women gave their lives on December 7, 1941, “The Day of Infamy.” Today's experience will make you proud and thankful for the freedoms we enjoy. Afterwards we take a sightseeing tour of Honolulu, the fabled capital city of the beautiful state of Hawaii. We wind our way through the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). We'll see Washington Place - which is the Governor's Mansion, the State Capitol Building, Chinatown, Iolani Palace, and the King Kamehameha Statue. Tonight, we are going to be enjoying Hawaii regional cuisine. The cuisine made famous by 12 chefs focusing on locally grown produce, fresh island fish, pork, beef and cheeses, which are then creatively melded together with delectable sauces to create extraordinary treats for foodie visitors to the island. (B, D)

Rise and shine, it's Hawaiian Time. Today, you'll travel to the central valley pineapple fields. You'll make a stop at Dole Plantation to tour the pineapple garden, and everyone can sample the world's freshest Hawaiian pineapple. Now you're off for the North Shore big wave beaches of Pipeline and Waimea Bay where waves of up to 30-40 feet crash on the reefs in the winter months. Lunch is included before we arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center. You walk through the seven different cultures of Polynesia as you visit the village shows during the day. You will also want to see an IMAX movie of your choice. This evening you gather for a Polynesian feast before experiencing the most spectacular show in the islands, Ha – The Breath of Life. You return to the hotel this evening. (L, D)

This morning we meet for our transfer to the airport and a short flight to the Big Island. On the full day tour, you'll cover the best of the Big Island. You will witness some of the Big Island's most diverse and impressive natural wonders, from its volcanoes to its tropical forests to its world-famous black sand beaches. Volcanoes National Park is another highlight, where you'll learn about Hawaii's active volcanoes and see their features throughout the park. You'll also learn about the animal communities, and a bit about how the area perpetuates native Hawaiian culture. Whether you're gazing at a lava tube, steam bluff, or waterfall, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the island's rich geology, history and culture. We stop for lunch then continue viewing the diverse landscape of the Big Island. Later today we check into our Kona Hotel for a two night stay. (L)

Today is yours to Hang Loose in Hawaii. Optional activities like an Underwater Submarine Adventure or the Barefoot Snorkel Cruise, or perhaps a Rainforest Waterfall Hike will be available or you can sit back, relax and enjoy your day in paradise. (B)

This morning we depart Kona on our flight to Maui, the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain, referred to as the Valley Island. We check in our hotel for a three night stay. Later this afternoon, you might want to take a trolley ride to the historic whaling town of Lahaina. Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, it's rich in history and culture. You may choose to walk the Lahaina Historic Trail marked by bronze plaques on and around Front Street, or explore the over 40 art galleries and multiple oceanfront restaurants featuring Hawaii's regional cuisine.

These two days are yours to enjoy the day as you choose. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the tropical vistas of this island paradise. The more adventuresome among us might like to learn how to sail a catamaran, windsurf, or paddle an outrigger canoe. Other optional tours will be available for you to choose. On Night 7, we all join in and say “ALOHA” with a traditional Hawaiian party where we'll all be doing the hula, enjoying traditional Hawaiian foods, music, entertainment and gracious island hospitality. (B, LUAU)

Today we must bid a farewell “aloha” to these beautiful islands, and to a dream vacation. From Maui we board our homebound flight, but we'll never forget the sights and sounds of the tropical paradise we call Hawaii.