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Pacific Odyssey: Islands of Hawaii and French Polynesia |
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Program Number: |
21063RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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12/15/2013 - 1/15/2014;
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| Duration: |
31 nights |
| Location: |
Tahiti, French Polynesia
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| Price starting at: |
$7,490.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
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| Meals: |
92;
31 Breakfasts, 30 Lunches, 31 Dinners |
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Experience enchanting islands of the Pacific, have a “Mele Kalikimaka” in Hawaii and celebrate New Year’s Eve at sea on this grand voyage that begins and ends in San Diego. Onboard presentations cover intriguing topics like island customs, volcanic geology and the settlement and exploration of Hawaii and Polynesia.
Activity Particulars
Walking up to 1.5 miles per day. Some uneven terrain and unavoidable stairs.
Itinerary At-a-Glance
San Diego, Calif., 1 night; aboard ms Statendam, 30 nights.
Coordinated by Hawaii Pacific University.
Days 1-2: Arrival San Diego, Calif. / embark ms Statendam: |
Lodging: Four-star hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter.
A nature walk in Volcanoes National Park includes the Kilauea caldera and Thurston Lava Tube.
Discover the lush Iao Valley and the Maui Ocean Center’s state-of-the-art tropical reef aquarium.
Days 10-11: Honolulu, Oahu: |
Visit Pearl Harbor then delve into the story of Hawaii at the Bishop Museum. Enjoy a second day to explore on your own.
Return to the “Big Island” of Hawaii to experience Puuhonua O Honaunau, the historic “place of refuge” for Hawaiians.
Days 16-17: Christmas Island (Kiribati) / At Sea: |
Independently explore this island of peaceful lagoons, swaying palms and abundant birdlife.
Days 18-19: Bora Bora (French Polynesia): |
Learn about this idyllic island’s role in World War II plus enjoy time on your own.
Discover the Taputapuatea marae, once the central religious center of eastern Polynesia.
A shore excursion reveals natural wonders including plummeting waterfalls and the Arahoho Blowhole.
Visit the University of California’s Gump Research Station and enjoy a traditional Polynesian meal.
Days 23-24: Rangiroa / At Sea: |
Snorkel in Rangiroa’s natural, open-water aquarium, renowned for its colorful marine life.
Explore the Taipivai Valley — Herman Melville’s experience living with the natives here inspired his first book.
Days 26-32: At Sea / San Diego, Calif. / disembark / departure |
ms Statendam
The ms Statendam is the fifth ship to bear the name in Holland America Line's more than 130-year history. At 720-feet, she is designed to carry fewer guests while providing more space for maximum comfort. The ship features a theme of Dutch life and exploration, and displays art and artifacts beautifully throughout the ship.
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| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | John Fleckles
| | In 2008, Dr. John Fleckles was awarded the Fellow of the Pacific Award, the university’s highest accolade for outstanding contributions to higher education and the community. Now retired after serving at HPU for 38 years, he serves as special assistant to the president. Fleckles graduated and earned his doctorate in history from the University of California, Berkeley. His love of the South Pacific has taken him throughout French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. | | | |
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Meals and Lodgings |
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The Westgate Hotel |
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San Diego, USA |
1 night
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MS Statendam |
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At Sea
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii, USA
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii, USA
At Sea
Christmas Island, Republic of Kiribati, At Sea
At Sea
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Raiatea, French Polynesia
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Moorea, French Polynesia
Tuamotu Islands - Rangiroa, French Polynesia
At Sea
Marquesas Islands - Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
At Sea |
29 nights
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| The Westgate Hotel |
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Type: |
Five-Star Hotel |
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Description: |
Located 2.5 miles from the airport, the Westgate hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy Horton Plaza shopping center and trendy restaurants and nightclubs in the Gaslamp Quarter. Designed as a re-creation of an anteroom in the Palace of Versailles, the Grand Lobby is noted for its magnificent antiques, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Flemish and French tapestries and Persian carpets. |
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Contact
info: |
1055 Second Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101 USA
phone: 800-522-1564
web: www.westgatehotel.com
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Room amenities: |
Room amenities include minibars, DVD & CD players, iron/ironing board, clock radio, hair dryer, climate control, a desk and laptop-compatible safes. High-speed Internet access is complimentary, and TV-based Internet access is also available (surcharge). |
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Facility amenities: |
Guests enjoy access to two restaurants (Le Fontainebleau - Flagship restaurant known for romantic atmosphere and contemporary French cuisine and Le Grand Café featuring Continental-inspired California cuisine), 24 hour room service, an upscale grocery, a bar, afternoon tea served every weekday, a fitness center and a spa. |
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Smoking allowed: |
No |
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Elevators available: |
Yes |
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Additional nights prior: |
See Additional Nights Comments 2012 & 2013 Rates: $205 per night plus taxes
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Check in time: |
3:00 PM |
| MS Statendam |
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Type: |
Cruise Ship |
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Ship
Information: |
Ship's Registry: The Netherlands
Passenger capacity: 1,260
Crew members: 580
Gross Tonnage: 55,819 grt.
Length: 719 feet
Beam: 101 feet
Maximum speed: 22 knots
Dedicated: January 1993, by Mrs. Lin Arison
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Contact
info: |
Holland America Cruises
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119 USA
phone: 206-281-3535
web: www.hollandamerica.com
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Smoking allowed: |
No |
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Elevators available: |
Yes |
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The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
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Day 8: |
Arrive Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii/Hawaii Volcanoes National Park/Orchid Garden/Depart Hilo for Honolulu
(Sunday, December 22)
Note: Thurston Lava Tube: Can be wet and slippery, 15 -20 stairs down to the tube and 15- 20 back up. Walking on uneven ground, on and off busses all day. Approx total 1-2 miles walking.
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| Arrive To: | Ship arrives at Hilo, Hawaii Island at 8:00 am | | Breakfast: | Aboard ship | | Morning: | Field Trip: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your exploration will include guided nature walks and hikes. Stops include: •Jaggar Museum and its overlook into Kilauea Caldera. •The Steam vents. Ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks in this area and returns to the surface as steam. •A walk through a lush rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, a natural cave formed by ancient lava flows. •Devastation Trail. The Trail was formed in 1959 as a result of an eruption from the Kilauea Iki crater (Iki is Hawaiian for small). •Kilauea Visitor Center to see exhibits on volcanoes, rainforest, and island formation. | | Lunch: | Deli lunch - Crater Rim Cafe, Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) – KMC is a 50 acre military “R&R” camp located within confines of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It was founded in 1916, the same year as the National Park. | | Afternoon: | Continuation of Volcanoes field trip. Along the way back to the ship, we'll make a brief stop at an orchid nursery that has over 1000 blooming orchids on display - one of the largest collections in Hawaii. | | Dinner: | Dinner on ship on own | | Evening: | Free evening to relax and participate in shipboard activities.
| | In Transit: | All aboard by 5:00 pm. Ship sets sail for Lahaina, Maui at 6:00 pm. | |
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| Accommodations: |
MS Statendam |
| Meals
Included: |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 9: |
Arrive Lahaina/Iao Valley State Park/Maui Ocean Center/Depart Maui for Ensenada, Mexico
(Monday, December 23)
Note: This is a "tender" port. As Lahaina has a small, shallow port, the ship must anchor off-shore. The group will board tenders (smaller boats) that will transfer them to shore. Assistance is provided by ship staff at boarding time. Iao Valley field trip: scenic drive with interpretation on bus. When you reach the the park, there is an option of climbing 131 stairs to the top or staying at the bottom at the visitor's center or on the bus.
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| Arrive To: | Ship arrives at Lahaina, Maui at 8:00 am. | | Breakfast: | Aboard ship | | Morning: | Field Trip: Iao Valley State Park - This lush green valley is a sacred site to the Hawaiian people and is the historic location of a fierce battle between Maui warriors and the army of Kamehameha I.
| | Lunch: | Seascape Restaurant-Maui Ocean Center | | Afternoon: | Field trip to Maui Ocean Center. Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium which is devoted to Hawai`i’s unique marine environment. This state-of-the-art marine park features spectacular live coral displays (the largest collection in the nation), elusive garden eels and majestic lionfish, colorful Hawaiian wrasses, Hawai`i’s beloved green sea turtles, sharks, rays and more. | | Dinner: | Dinner - Rotterdam Dining Room | | Evening: | Free evening to relax and participate in shipboard activities | | In Transit: | All aboard by 4:00 pm. Ship sets sail for Honolulu, Oahu, at 5:00 pm | |
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| Accommodations: |
MS Statendam |
| Meals
Included: |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 20: |
Arrive Tahiti/Field Trip: Circle Tahiti/Overnight in Tahiti
(Friday, January 3)
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| Arrive To: | Arrive Papeete, Tahiti, at 8 am. | | Breakfast: | Aboard ship | | Morning: | Arrive Papeete, Tahiti at 8 am. Field Trip: Circle Tahiti Nui. Depart Papeete and pass through many districts and villages. Notice how each area's mayor tries to out do the others with enormous town halls. Passing Faaa Airport, notice that land for its runways was reclaimed from the lagoon. It was not until 1961 that modern jets were able to land here. Stop at the ancient Arahurahu marae which has been restored to its former grandeur. Next visit the Maraa Grotto, a beautiful garden and cave area, and continue on past the golf course which was once a huge cotton plantation worked by coolie labor from China. It was planted to fulfill the shortage of cotton in Europe caused by the American Civil War. A short distance further on, visit the Vaipahi Garden with its beautiful waterfall before stopping at restaurant Musee Gauguin for a buffet lunch. | | Lunch: | Buffet lunch at a local Tahitian restaurannt. | | Afternoon: | Continue on and pass through beautiful Papeari Village and along the inlet (Phaeton Bay) which has a number of fish traps; then cross the Isthmus of Taravao, pass the base where the military have been located since 1844. The ships of Antoine de Bougainville, anchored near the two small offshore islands in Hitiaa in 1786. At Mahaena, Tahitians fought an armed rebellion for three years against the annexation of Tahiti by France. Next stops will include Arahoho Blowhole, Fa`aurumai Waterfall, and Point Venus and Matavai Bay. Captains Wallis, Cook and Bligh anchored in the Matavai Bay area. Located here is a memorial to the arrival of the first Christian missionaries in 1797 and a lighthouse constructed in 1868, despite its 1867 date. Continue on to Pirae and pass One Tree Hill called Taharaa today. | | Dinner: | Dinner on your own aboard ship or in Papeete | |
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| Accommodations: |
MS Statendam |
| Meals
Included: |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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Free Time Opportunities |
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| Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii |
Imiloa Astronomy Center
The relationship between Hawaiian culture and the universe is showcased through a colorful variety of displays and interactive exhibits. There are daily Planetarium shows, an extensive Exhibit Hall to discover, landscape tours. Lunch is available at the on-site restaurant.
Hours of Operation are:
Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Admission Rates:
Adults (13 and up) $17.50
Located at: Nowelo St, Hilo, HI 96720
Reservation Info
Phone:(808) 969-9700
Fax:(808) 969-9748
For additional information, visit www.imiloahawaii.org
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Liliuokalani Park Gardens
The Liliuokalani Park and Gardens covers almost 30 acres on the Waiakea Peninsula. This authentic Japanese garden park was built in the early 1900's as a memorial to the Japanese immigrant sugar plantation workers who developed the old Waiakea Sugar Plantation. It is named in honor of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani who bequeathed part of park land for public use. Beautiful grounds for a leisurely stroll featuring gazebos, fish ponds, bridges, statues and a panoramic view across Hilo Bay.
Phone: (808) 826-1053
Hours: Grounds are always open For additional information, visit www.gohawaii.com
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| Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii |
Sugar Cane Train
Railroads traveled through the history of Hawaii for more than 100 years and became a picturesque part of the Hawaiian landscape between fields of sugar cane and plantation villages. The Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad crosses a 325-foot curved wooden trestle whose elevation yields panoramic views of neighboring islands and the West Maui Mountains. Be transported from the Maui of yesteryear to the beauty and charm of Maui today.
17 Kaka'alaneo Drive
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Phone: (808) 661-0080
Fax: (808) 661-3444
One Way, Roundtrip and Dinner Tours Available.
For additional information, visit www.sugarcanetrain.com
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Ulalena - Maui Theatre
Ulalena is a fabulously unique theatrical experience staged at Maui Theatre in historic Lahaina Town. An original presentation which has been acclaimed by critics as masterful, exhilarating and surprising. Ulalena tells the story of Hawaii through visual expression, song, acrobatics and dance.
878 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui
Toll Free (877) 661 6655 or (808) 661 6655
Doors open daily at 6pm, Monday - Friday
Prices start at $60. For additional information, visit www.ulalena.com
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| Kona, Big Island of Hawaii |
Hulihee Palace
Built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini, Hulihee Palace remained until 1916 a retreat and vacation spa for Hawaiian royalty. The Palace is now a museum, displaying historical treasures from Hawaii's past including a collection of former Hawaiian royalty furniture and effects, as well as ancient artifacts. In 1925, the palace was purchased by the Territory of Hawaii and turned over to the Daughters of Hawaii, an organization dedicated to perpetuate the memory and spirit of old Hawaii and of historic facts.
75-5718 Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
Tel: (808) 329-1877
Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9am-4pm
Adults: $6.00 Seniors: $4.00 For additional information, visit www.huliheepalace.org
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Kahua Ranch
Kahua Ranch is located on the western slope of the Kohala Mountains, 3000 feet above sea level. This 8,500 acres of private ranch land provides a variety of landscapes. It is a working ranch with cattle and sheep ranching, hydroponic greenhouses, and also offers visitor related activities including ATV and horseback tours, paniolo bbq, shooting range, and hiking.
Reservation Information:
Phone:(808) 882-4646
Fax:(808) 882-4444
For additional information, visit www.kahuaranch.com/
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Kona Coffee Plantation and Factory Tour
Almost everyone has heard about the magnificent taste of hand-picked Kona coffee. Some of the best coffee in the world is grown on a narrow strip of land in the mountain slopes above Kailua-Kona. Nearly 600 farms share space in this 20-mile-long, 2-mile-wide coffee-rich corridor. Island Sun Coffee or Greenwell Farms are a couple of farms that offer a plantation tour and tasting for a unique sightseeing and educational experience. For additional information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com/vendors.html
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| Marquesas Islands - Nuku Hiva |
Tahiti Tourism
Contact the Tahiti Tourism office for details on activities and events in Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands or Tuamotus. The US office is in Los Angeles, CA. Phone # 310-414-8484 or by email at info@tahiti-tourisme.com For additional information, visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com
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| Tahiti |
Tahiti Tourism
Contact the Tahiti Tourism office for details on activities and events in Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands or Tuamotus. The US office is in Los Angeles, CA. Phone # 310-414-8484 or by email at info@tahiti-tourisme.com For additional information, visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com
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| Tuamotu Islands - Rangiroa |
Tahiti Tourism
Contact the Tahiti Tourism office for details on activities and events in Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands or Tuamotus. The US office is in Los Angeles, CA. Phone # 310-414-8484 or by email at info@tahiti-tourisme.com For additional information, visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com
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| Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii |
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii and is dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the Bay. It is one of the more popular recreational swimming, snorkeling and picnicking areas on O`ahu. The bay itself is legally designated as a State Underwater Park and is the first Marine Life Conservation District in the State.
7455 Kalaniana`ole Highway. (Enter Hanauma Bay Education Center off the main coastal road Kalanaianaole Highway Route 72 near the eastern tip of Oahu). Pre-recorded Information: (808) 396-4229. Open daily from 6:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. except on Tuesdays. Admission Price - $7.50per person. $1.00 per car to park. (prices subject to change)
For additional information, visit www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay
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Shop in Waikiki and in the Greater Honolulu Area
Waikiki is a great place to shop and offers prestigious retailers such as Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton as well as more modest stores such as the ever-present ABC Stores and the world-famous International Market Place. The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center contains 150 stores and restaurants on four levels. Ala Moana Shopping Center, located in the heart of Honolulu, is one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the world with more than 200 stores to meet your every need. The Center is recognized as having the flagship stores for most major international, national and local retailers. Other nearby malls in Honolulu to shop at include Aloha Tower Marketplace; Ward Warehouse and Ward Center, across from Fisherman’s Wharf; and Kahala Mall in Kahala.
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Waikiki at Night
At night Waikiki is an exuberant world of shops, bistros and neon lights, alive with people, and complete with amusing street entertainers. Often heralded as the ambassadors of aloha, these musicians, singers, mimes, drummers, and a myriad of other performers give Waikiki a local color and ambience found nowhere else in the Hawaiian Islands. Street performers start about 8pm and ends about 10pm.
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Suggested Reading List
Big Island of Hawaii
Author: Bisignani, J.D.
Description: General
Shoal of Time
Author: Daws, Gavan
Description: General
The Illustrated Atlas of Hawaii
Author: Daws, Gavan
Description: General
Volcanoes in the Sea: The Geology of Hawaii
Author: Macdonald, G.A., A. T. Abbott, and F.L. Peterson
Description: General
Hawaii - A Natural History
Author: Carlquist, Sherwin
Description: General Environment
Hawaii: The Islands of Life
Author: Daws, Gavan
Description: General Environment
Art of the Pacific
Author: D’Alleva, Anne
Description: Best short and most comprehensive account of the arts of the Pacific.See particularly chapter 1 for New Guinea art.
France and the South Pacific – A Contemporary History.
Author: Stephen Henningham
Description: After reviewing the French presence in the South Pacific until WWII, Henningham examines the recent history and politics of the three French Pacific territories before analyzing the often tense relations between France and the independent South Pacific countries.
Gauguin by himself
Author: Thomson, Belinda
Description: This unique book is the first to give equal weight to Gaugin’s activities, both as an artist and a writer, providing rare insight into his intractable character and uncompromising ideals. Includes over 230 reproductions of the artist’s most powerful and decorative works of art, as well as rare letters to his wife and friends, including fellow painters Pisarro and Van Gogh.
Mave Mai, The Marquesas Islands.
Author: Chester, Sharon and Heidy Baumgartner, et al
Description: May be ordered from “Wandering Albatross” 724 Laurel Avenue, #211, San Mateo, CA 94401; Tel/Fax: (650) 342-6507 ***Out of print***
Oceania: The Native Cultures of Australia and the Pacific Islands
Author: Oliver, Douglas L.
Description: Two volume general survey of what is known or theorized about the traditional societies and cultures of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Provides summaries of the theories and interpretations of anthropologists who have studied Pacific cultures.
Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia
Author: Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia
Description: A thorough and up-to-date reference work on just about every topic related to the Pacific islands, from geology to history and politics and from Papua New Guinea to Rapanui
THE BOUNTY: THE TRUE STORY OF THE MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY
Author: Alexander, Caroline
Description: Reconstructs what happened by using the trial documents.
The Explorations of Captain James Cook in the Pacific as Told By Selections of His Own Journals, 1768-1779
Author: Capt. James Cook
The Hidden Worlds of Polynesia.
Author: Suggs, Robert C
Description: An exciting account by the archeologist who uncovered major settlements on Nuku Hiva. Thorough and clear explanation of the archeological process of discovery. Out of print but sometimes found in used book stores.
Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life
Author: Melville, Herman
Description: A classic tale based on the encounters of Melville with Marquesans, first published in 1846.
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