Hawaii Cruise Vacation
Nov 14th, 2006 by Hawaii Cruiser
Land Excursions: The Secret To A Fabulous Hawaii Cruise Package
Of course with all Hawaiian cruises come the all-important land excursions to such exciting destinations as Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. And to make a great Hawaiian trip into a fantastic deal, you want to visit a few of the following on-shore areas, many of which are kept secret from most Hawaiian tourists.
Oahu – Lyon Arboretum is one of the best-kept secrets of Oahu. Here you’ll find an amazing variety of Hawaiian flora and fauna as well as a magnificent waterfall at the end of a main trail. Many of the plants and trees have tags to help you identify them. This Oahu spot is a photographer’s dream.
At the Bishop Museum, you’ll find the largest collection of historical Hawaiian artifacts. There are also special activities during the day including planetarium shows as well as hula and dance demonstrations.
The Mission House Museum is located in the heart of Historic Honolulu. Here you’ll learn what the daily life and work of the American missionaries was like. Explore the three remaining buildings from the Hawaiian mission station, including the oldest frame house in the islands and a church made from blocks of coral skeleton.
Maui – The Hawaii Nature Center is a natural history museum located in the center of Maui’s tropical rainforest of Iao Valley. In one afternoon, you can view more than 30 exceptional exhibits that will enable you to unlock the secrets of a Hawaiian Rainforest.
Molokini, a crescent-shaped inlet, is the remnant of an exposed Hawaiian volcanic crater. It’s actually an uninhabited island just off the coast of Maui, but quite accessible and definitely worth the trip. Considered an excellent Hawaiian marine preserves, it’s a perfect place to see lots of tropical fish, green sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life. This is a great place to snorkel and one of Maui’s best-kept secrets.
The Sugar Cane Ride Paniolo Express Dinner Adventure departs every Tuesday and Thursday evening from Puukolii Station in Kaanapali, for a wonderful Maui sunset train ride. The trip ends at the Kaanapali Station where Paniolo’s (Hawaiian Cowboys) and Town Sheriffs join you for a sumptuous Hawaiian Style BBQ.
Kauai – Limahuli Garden, named the nations National Botanical Garden of the Year, has 17 acres of beautiful Hawaiian gardens and rainforest to visit on your own, or with a guided tour.
Located on the west side of Kauai is Waimea Canyon or the Hawaiian Grand Canyon. Here, you’ll find breath-taking panoramic views especially at the Pu’u Kila Lookout. The best time to come is in the morning when clouds haven’t yet obstructed the view.
The Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge is the best place in Kauai to locate birds and other wildlife. Here you’ll see Hawaiian frigate birds, red-footed boobys, white and red tail tropicbirds, shearwaters, and Laysan albatross. The lighthouse on the point has the world’s largest clamshell lens.
As much as you enjoy your Hawaiian cruise ship, be sure to venture on shore to visit the magical delights of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.
