Mar_April 2022

Extended Travel

Hawaii February 5-14, 2023

Day 1: We’ll travel to the Chicago airport today to board our flight bound for beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii! Upon arrival we’ll check into the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa for three nights. This lovely property is just steps from Waikiki Beach and offers ocean view rooms. Day 2: After breakfast we depart on a morning East Side of Oahu tour. Ride through the exclusive Kahala Estates, then marvel at the beautiful views at the Diamond Head, Halona Blow Hole and Nu’uanu Pali Lookouts. We’ll also ride through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater. The afternoon is free to enjoy the amenities at our hotel, stroll along the beach or browse through the stores. We’ll meet up for dinner at the Hula Grill. (B,D) Day 3: We’ll see the State Capitol and the King Kamehameha Statue. Tour the fabu- lous Iolani Palace, the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii. At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II. Board a naval launch for a cruise to the USS Arizona Memorial where you can pay your respects to the 1,177 fallen soldiers. View the marble wall that displays the names of those who perished, as well as the “black tears,” which is the oil that is still seeping out of the ship. The afternoon and evening are free for your enjoyment. (B) Day 4: A five-minute walk this morning takes us to Duke’s for breakfast with a view. We’ll return to the hotel to check out before heading to the airport for our short flight to Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle. We’ll check into oceanfront Sheraton Kauai Coco- nut Beach Resort for three nights. Get settled in your beautifully appointed ocean view room and then meet for dinner at the hotel. (B,D) Day 5: We’re off for a fun day of sightseeing! The 3,600-foot-deep Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, boasts a colorful array of red, brown, and green hues adorned with waterfalls and frequent rainbows. We’ll see Spouting Horn, in Kauai, where the ocean water sprays several stories high into the air. At Gaylord’s Restau- rant, we’ll learn how to craft Hawaii’s famous drink, the Mai Tai, before we dine on fresh, island-influenced dishes. This afternoon, we’ll cruise on the Wailua River Cruise, the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. During our two-mile journey we’ll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaii and learn how to hula. Take a short nature walk through the rainforest to see the lush Fern Grotto. We return to the hotel for a free evening to relax. (B,L)

Day 6: We depart on a five-hour tour to experience Kauai’s many tropical landscapes and natural beauty. We’ll see the mighty Opaekaa Falls cascading down into a hidden pool. Admire the views from the Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei Pier. There will be free time in Hanalei for lunch and shopping. This afternoon enjoy the hotel’s beautiful pool and the beach. Tonight, a short walk brings us to the Hukilau Lanai where we’ll have a wonderful dinner. (B,D) Day 7: Relish a leisurely morning before we transfer to the airport for a quick flight to the beautiful island of Maui. On arrival, we’ll visit the Maui Tropical Plantation and sample some delicious fruit while on the tour. We’ll check into ocean view rooms for two nights at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Set amidst 27 tropical acres, this oceanfront hotel sits along an exclusive half-mile stretch of Kaanapali Beach. Enjoy the Myths of Maui, a cultural celebration featuring the dances, music, and festivities of the Hawaiian and Polynesian people. (B,D) Day 8: Enjoy breakfast and then do as you wish on your free day in Maui! Take a trol- ley into Lahaina Town to Whaler’s Village for shopping, museum exploration and lunch or enjoy the day on the beach or by the pool at the resort. Perhaps you’d like to go on a Whale Watch cruise or a day-long Road to Hana tour (additional fees apply). (B) Day 9: Mid-morning, we’ll check out and depart for a day of Maui sightseeing. We’ll ride through Makawao, the biggest little town in Maui’s upcountry, famous for its Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo. We’ll stop at the ʻIao Valley State Monument including the striking Iao Needle. We’ll make our way to the Maui airport for our overnight flight home. We’ll be taking with us very fond memories and the remarkable Spirit of Aloha! (B) Day 10: Arrive home. Pricing will be available late March.

Travel Preview: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 5:15 on 12th floor, 895 Main St., Dubuque. Call 589.0804 to register.

20 Connections Club

Connections Club 21