Honolulu is both the capital and most populated city of Hawaai. In the Hawaiian language, honolulu means "sheltered bay" or "place of shelter." The city was settled by Polynesian migrants, but it is not known when they first made the area their home. The turbulent late 19th century and early 20th century saw the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaii's subsequent annexation by the United States, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, all keeping Honolulu the main seaport of the Hawaiian Islands.
Discover the vibrant charm of Honolulu and its rich historical treasures. From the poignant sites of Pearl Harbor to the cultural richness of a traditional luau at Paradise Cove, this journey is a feast for the senses. Explore the natural beauty of Waimea Valley, the charm of Waimea town, and the fascinating Dole Plantation. Stay in luxury accommodations while immersing yourself in the history of Iolani Palace and the educational exhibits at Bishop Museum. This adventure promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Special Note: Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be send to our local ground operators for review.
DAY 1 – January 29, 2026
Upon arrival at the Honolulu International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, affectionately known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” is a luxurious beachfront oasis in Waikiki. This iconic hotel, with its distinctive pink façade and Spanish-Moorish architecture, offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance. Guests are treated to stunning views of Diamond Head and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, while enjoying world-class amenities and personalized service. Whether lounging in private beachfront cabanas, dining at the exquisite Azure restaurant, or exploring the vibrant local culture, the Royal Hawaiian promises a wonderful experience.
Check in time is at 3:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee room availability upon arrival or you may choose to store luggage at Reception and begin to enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
After checking in, take a moment to soak in the stunning surroundings and the rich heritage of this legendary hotel, ready to embark on a Hawaiian adventure.
DAY 2 – January 30, 2026
Following breakfast at the hotel meet your guide in the lobby and depart for Pearl Harbor.
The first stop is the Peal Harbor Visitor’s Center. Be immersed in the poignant history of this iconic site. Next, step aboard the Battleship Missouri and explore the storied decks, imagining the events that unfolded.
The journey continues at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, where the group will split up to tour the control tower and hangars, and marvel at the historic aircrafts. After a fascinating morning, enjoy lunch at the Aviation Museum, savoring the unique atmosphere.
Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to Paradise Cove for an evening of festivities. Upon arrival, be greeted by vibrant sights and sounds of a luau. Spend the evening indulging in a delicious dinner and enjoying the captivating performances that showcase Hawaiian culture.
As the night concludes, depart for the hotel reflecting on a day filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Settle in for the night at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, ready for more adventures tomorrow.
DAY 3 – February 1, 2026
Following breakfast at the hotel meet your guide in the lobby and prepare for an exciting Grand Circle Island Tour. The journey begins with a scenic drive past the iconic Diamond Head, followed by a quick stop at the Halona Blowhole. Continue the drive past the stunning Sandy Beach and Makapu’u Point, soaking in the breathtaking coastal views. A the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, pause to admire the panoramic vistas before visiting the serene Byodo-In Temple. The exploration leads to the lush Waimea Valley for an immersion in natural beauty and cultural heritage.
After the morning, enjoy lunch and take some time to shop in the charming Waimea town.
In the afternoon, depart for the Dole Plantation to learn about Hawaii’s pineapple history and perhaps indulge in a sweet treat.
The return to the hotel where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and dinner on your own.
DAY 4
Following breakfast at the hotel, settle any incidentals and check out before meeting your guide in the lobby and embarking on a journey to the historic Iolani Palace, a symbol of Hawaii’s rich royal heritage.
Built in 1882, Iolani Palace served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs until the overthrow of the Kingdom in 1893. This magnificent structure is the only royal palace on U.S. soil and is a stunning example of Hawaiian Renaissance architecture. Explore the opulent interior, including the throne room, dining room, and private quarters of the royal family. The palace offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past, showcasing the grandeur and elegance of the Hawaiian monarchy.
After the visit to Iolani Palace, the journey continues to the Bishop Museum. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Hawaii and houses the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural specimens. Encounter ancient Hawaiian artifacts, royal regalia, and natural history displays. Highlights include the Hawaiian Hall, which features a complete sperm-whale skeleton and prized koa wood display cases, and the Science Adventure Center, which offers hands-on exhibits about Hawaii’s unique environment and geology.
After an enlightening and educational visit to the Bishop Museum, depart for the cruise port to embark the cruise ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests who do not arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program without notice will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm. Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Honolulu International Airport.
You are met at the baggage carousel and transferred to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure
3:00pm Check in time at your hotel
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed
Meals are on your own today
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
From 6:00am Breakfast at hotel
7:00am Meet your guide and depart for Pearl Harbor
7:30am Arrive at Pearl Harbor and explore
9:00am Battleship Missouri
11:00am Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum + Control Tower + Hangars (alternating groups depending on the number of guests booked)
1:00pm Depart for hotel
2:00pm Depart for hotel
2:30pm Arrive back at the hotel and freshen up
3:45pm Transfer to Paradise Cove
4:45pm Arrive at Paradise Cove
5:00pm Paradise Cove Luau Dinner (concludes at 8:45 PM)
9:00pm Depart for hotel
10:00pm Arrive at hotel
Overnight at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel or similar
DAY 3
From 6:00am Breakfast at hotel
7:00am Grand Circle Tour Island Tour
12:00pm Lunch in Waimea Valley
1:30pm Waimea town (visit & shopping)
3:00pm Depart for Dole Plantation
4:00pm Depart for hotel
5:00pm Arrive at hotel, remainder of evening at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel or similar
DAY 4
From 7:00am Breakfast at hotel
8:30am Depart for Iolani Palace
9:00am Iolani Palace tour (guests split into smaller groups depending on number of guests booked)
10:15am Depart
10:45am Arrive at Bishop Museum
12:45pm Depart for ship
1:15pm Approximate arrival at the ship for embarkation.
What to bring:
Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing, umbrella or rain jacket, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, camera, chargers, and sunglasses.
Local Currency:
US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Hawaii is 120 volts (V) at a frequency of 60 Hertz (Hz). This is the same as the standard voltage used in the mainland United States. For guests who reside outside of Canada or the USA, we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Hotel address:
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
2259 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, 96815
Phone: (808) 923-7311
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel(s) listed in this program.
Please Note:
Every effort will be made to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 nights at the Royal Hawaiian hotel (subject to change) – Mailani Tower Ocean King
•Local English-speaking tour guide on transfers and sightseeing tours
•All entrances and touring per the above itinerary
•Transfers
•Hospitality Desk on Day 1 of program
•Breakfast on Days 2, 3 and 4
•Lunch on Days 2 and 3
•Dinner on Day 2
•Porterage at hotels, airports and pier (based on 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals and beverages not listed above
•Hotel incidentals including room service, mini bar and laundry
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
Please note:
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
