French Polynesia & Pacific Cruise

Located on the island of Maui, Kahului serves as the island's vibrant commercial hub and a gateway to many of its top attractions, offering visitors an exciting blend of local culture, historic sites, and easy access to Maui’s stunning landscapes. The town is a short drive from some of the island’s most striking destinations, including the majestic Haleakalā National Park and the nearby Hana Highway, with its lush rainforests and hidden waterfalls.

For those looking to enjoy the island's coastline, Kahului’s beaches won’t disappoint. Kanaha Beach Park, located just outside of town, is a prime spot for watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The gentle waters make it an ideal location for beginners, while more seasoned adventurers can take advantage of the area’s windy conditions. Nearby, the Maui Ocean Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters around Maui. With exhibits showcasing everything from sea turtles to vibrant coral reefs, it’s a great way for families and visitors of all ages to learn more about the island’s underwater world.

The dining scene in Kahului is another highlight, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and fresh seafood. Popular Hawaiian dishes like the "plate lunch" and Maui's iconic poke bowls are bursting with island flavors and are staples that shouldn’t be missed.

Hilo, the charming and laid-back gateway to Hawaii’s Big Island, offers an authentic Hawaiian experience steeped in natural beauty, history, and culture. As the largest town on the east side of the island, Hilo sits at the foot of two majestic volcanoes: Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano, and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that hosts some of the world's most advanced astronomical observatories. Visitors can explore the rich volcanic landscapes by venturing to the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can witness the fiery glow of Kīlauea's lava flows and hike across otherworldly terrain.

Nature lovers will find a paradise in Hilo's lush, green surroundings, thanks to the abundant rainfall that nourishes the region. Stroll through the renowned Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden spanning 24 acres along Hilo Bay, or visit Rainbow Falls, where the Wailuku River cascades 80 feet into a turquoise pool. The mist often catches the sunlight just right, creating a mesmerizing rainbow effect, a sight that perfectly embodies the natural magic of Hilo. For a truly immersive experience, explore the Hawai'i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, which boasts over 2,000 species of tropical plants and an enchanting array of waterfalls.

Hilo’s vibrant downtown area is an inviting blend of historic charm and modern appeal. Wander through its streets lined with century-old wooden storefronts that house unique shops, art galleries, and local eateries. Stop by the Hilo Farmers Market, a must-see attraction where you can sample exotic fruits like rambutan and lilikoi or buy handmade crafts from local artisans. The Pacific Tsunami Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's past, recounting the powerful tsunamis that reshaped Hilo and the resilience of its community.

A fun fact about Hilo is that it is one of the rainiest cities in the United States, with an average annual rainfall of about 130 inches. This abundance of rain is what makes Hilo's scenery so verdant and lush, contributing to its unique appeal. Despite the frequent rain showers, Hilo has a quiet, unhurried charm that invites visitors to slow down, explore, and truly experience the natural and cultural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.

Waikīkī may be the most recognized part of Honolulu, and for good reason. Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, today it’s a lively beachfront neighborhood known for surfing, shopping, and sunsets. But beyond the high-rises and hula shows, you’ll find places like Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, where traditional hula performances are offered free to the public several nights a week. For panoramic views, hike the trail to the summit of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), an extinct volcanic crater that has watched over Waikīkī for centuries.

Honolulu’s food scene is a flavorful reflection of its cultural mix. Plate lunches, poke bowls, malasadas, and loco moco are more than meals, they’re a local language of comfort. At places like Helena’s Hawaiian Food, visitors can try kālua pork, poi, and haupia in a casual setting that feels like a community gathering. Chinatown, one of the oldest in the U.S., is a walkable district packed with dim sum spots, lei stands, and noodle shops. It’s also grown into an artsy pocket of the city, with galleries and bars tucked into historic buildings.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.

Waikīkī may be the most recognized part of Honolulu, and for good reason. Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, today it’s a lively beachfront neighborhood known for surfing, shopping, and sunsets. But beyond the high-rises and hula shows, you’ll find places like Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, where traditional hula performances are offered free to the public several nights a week. For panoramic views, hike the trail to the summit of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), an extinct volcanic crater that has watched over Waikīkī for centuries.

Honolulu’s food scene is a flavorful reflection of its cultural mix. Plate lunches, poke bowls, malasadas, and loco moco are more than meals, they’re a local language of comfort. At places like Helena’s Hawaiian Food, visitors can try kālua pork, poi, and haupia in a casual setting that feels like a community gathering. Chinatown, one of the oldest in the U.S., is a walkable district packed with dim sum spots, lei stands, and noodle shops. It’s also grown into an artsy pocket of the city, with galleries and bars tucked into historic buildings.

Rangiroa, part of French Polynesia’s Tuamotu Archipelago, is one of the largest atolls in the world and a dream destination for lovers of pristine nature and crystal-clear waters. Its name means “vast sky” in the local language. The atoll is a ring of coral encircling a stunning turquoise lagoon, creating a paradise for those seeking relaxation or adventure.

The underwater world of Rangiroa is among the most remarkable on the planet, making it a premier destination for diving and snorkeling. Divers can encounter dolphins, manta rays, sharks, and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkelers can enjoy the shallow waters of the lagoon, where colorful fish dart among the coral. For a unique experience, visitors can swim in the famous Blue Lagoon, a smaller lagoon within the larger one, known for its beauty.

On land, visitors can tour the local villages of Tiputa and Avatoru, where friendly locals share their traditions and crafts. A visit to the Gauguin Pearl Farm provides insight into the production of the region’s exquisite black pearls, which are highly prized worldwide. Don’t forget to sample the atoll’s tropical flavors, including freshly caught fish, coconuts, and Rangiroa’s unique wine, produced at the Vin de Tahiti vineyard using grapes grown on coral soil.

Raiatea, often referred to as the “Sacred Island,” is a gem of French Polynesia. Located in the Society Islands, Raiatea is known as the spiritual heart of Polynesia, home to Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient site, once a central hub for Polynesian voyaging and religious ceremonies, is a must-visit for those looking to connect with the island’s deep cultural roots.

Raiatea is the only island in French Polynesia with a navigable river, the Faaroa River, where visitors can take guided kayak or boat tours surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. For adventurers, Mount Temehani offers hiking trails and a chance to see the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower that grows only on this island and has become a symbol of Raiatea’s uniqueness.

Raiatea is also known for its lagoon, shared with its neighboring island, Taha’a. The lagoon provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

Local flavors play a big part in Raiatea’s charm. Visitors can savor dishes made with fresh fish, tropical fruits, and local vanilla, often grown on neighboring Taha’a, known as the “Vanilla Island.”