The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience, and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. You’ll have the option to gather around the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song.

PREBOOK ONLY. NOT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING ONBOARD. The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. You’ll gather around the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song. Enjoy the Luau Kalamaku with your premium seating, second row back from the stage.

On this introduction to the “Garden Isle,” you’ll explore two of Kauai’s most dramatic natural attractions - the 3,000-foot deep Waimea Canyon and the lush landscapes lining the Wailua River, including the famed Fern Grotto.

From a lookout point high above, you’ll have a panoramic view of Waimea Canyon and its array of rainbow colors, created by the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock mingled with the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation. This magnificent gorge is 10 miles long, one mile wide and 3,000 feet deep. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture the spectacular beauty of this natural work of art.

Board a riverboat for a cruise up the tranquil Wailua River as it floats past jungle landscapes on the way to Fern Grotto. This beautiful lava cavern, dripping with ferns, forms a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. At the grotto, keeping with island custom, a chorus will serenade you with the traditional Hawaiian Wedding Song.

Discover Waimea Canyon, the breathtaking gorge in the heart of Kauai that is one of the island’s most dramatic natural attractions. You’ll begin your scenic drive by passing through a tunnel of trees, and traveling along Kauai’s south coast, on its one main highway.

From a lookout point high above, you’ll have a panoramic view of Waimea Canyon and its array of rainbow colors, created by the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock mingled with the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation. This magnificent gorge is 10 miles long, one mile wide and 3,000 feet deep. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture the spectacular beauty of this natural work of art.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the heart of Lihue and enjoy tastings of local products whose ingredients and cultural relevance will be described in detail. You will meet owners and chefs eager to engage you in “talk story,” a Hawaiian term for a casual conversation in which they share personal experiences about the foods, beverages and community. You can expect to drop by Aloha Ginger Beer for a spicy non-alcoholic soda, Rob’s Good Times Grill, a local's watering spot. It has a menu that includes everything from sampler plates of Hawaiian specialties such as Kalua pork and poi to fish sandwiches made with ono, the Hawaiian word for wahoo. You will also visit the Kauai Beer Company, a microbrewery known for its inventive artisan brews. Another stop will be made at the Alakoko Shop, which carries an array of locally made products perfect for bringing home.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an array of local foods and beverages while walking around Lihue.
• Learn about each tasting and product from the chef or the merchant that offers it.
• Sample beverages such as ginger beer and locally brewed beer.
• Visit stores, markets and a sports bar for a glimpse into local life.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Admire the endless beauty of Kauai by cruising through the jungle to the Fern Grotto, exploring a wildlife refuge and stopping in an idyllic bay in the shadow of lush mountains. Depart from the pier and enjoy a leisurely drive north to a marina on the Wailua River, one of the few navigable waterways in Hawaii. Starting high atop Mount Waialeale in the center of Kauai, the river tranquilly weaves through 20 miles of thick jungle. While cruising, you will stop at the geological wonder Fern Grotto, a lava-rock cave covered with tropical flora. Being a natural amphitheater, the grotto provides a wondrous setting and fine acoustics for the musicians who will serenade you with traditional Hawaiian tunes. Continuing on, you will head toward Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge to see its towering lighthouse and bird sanctuary. The refuge’s ocean cliffs and grassy slopes provide a fine habitat for some of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in Hawaii. Be on the lookout for red-footed boobies, Laysan albatross, and wedge-tailed shearwaters. (The lighthouse is open Wednesday through Saturday. When the lighthouse is closed, we visit the overlook area for about 20 minutes.) Then, you will stop for a quick lunch in Hanalei town at Ching Young Village. After that you will be treated to a view of beautiful, crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay and its signature pier. The landmark Waioli Huiia Church stands nearby, a reminder of the missionaries who settled here in the 1830s. Finally, you will depart the North Shore and return to Nawiliwili, but not before stopping for photos of the 150-foot Opaekaa Falls. Opaekaa means “rolling shrimp,” which were once abundant in the stream.

Board a flat-bottom motor launch for your journey up the tranquil Wailua River as it floats past lush jungle landscapes on the way to Fern Grotto. This beautiful lava cavern, dripping with ferns, forms a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. At the grotto, keeping with island custom, a chorus will serenade you with the traditional Hawaiian Wedding Song. Travel by moto coach into the valley of the Sleeping Giant, where you'll find Opaekaa Falls, cascading down the hillside into a hidden pool.

PREBOOK ONLY. NOT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING ONBOARD. Enjoy the beauty, culture and tastes of Kauai, from sacred sites, waterfalls to the heart of the island, followed by a traditional Hawaiian Luau at the historic Kilohana Plantation. Drive along the coast and visit Hikinaakala Heiau, where ancient Hawaiians worshipped. Continue up to Opaekaa Falls, one of Kaui’s major waterfalls. YYou’ll pass through the town of Lihue and through Koloa, the birthplace of the sugar industry in Hawaii.

A highlight of your tour is a visit to Waimea Canyon, it will greet you with a spectacular array of colors created by the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock, make sure to have your camera to capture this stunning sight.

Complete your day at a traditional luau and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at Luau Kalamaku. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song.

OVERVIEW

Visit the movie locations for some of Hollywood’s most celebrated films and then snap your own pictures at gorgeous Opaeka’a Falls. As you approach the various film locations, you will watch videos of scenes that were shot there and then stand exactly in those spots. You will see the pier at Ahukini Landing from the John Wayne classic “Donavan’s Reef,” the park that played a significant role in Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” and Kilauea Lighthouse Overlook, where parts of “Jurassic Park” were shot. Other highlights include pausing for photos at picture-perfect locations for films such “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Honeymoon in Vegas” and “The Descendants” with George Clooney. As you will see, the Hanalei pier is so photogenic that it has been in numerous film classics, including “South Pacific.” As a parting shot, you will stop at Opaeka’a Falls, a setting that just begs to be captured on film.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stand exactly where movie stars shot famous scenes from classic films.
• Visit locations for films such as “Jurassic Park,” “Blue Hawaii” and “South Pacific.”
• Spend free time in Hanalei, where you may enjoy lunch on your own.
• Capture the beauty of Oscar-worthy Opaeka’a Falls.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

McBryde and Allerton Gardens are breathtaking wonders and part of the network of gardens and preserves that make up the National Tropical Botanical Garden, you’ll have an opportunity to explore both of these jewels on this tour.

Allerton Garden is a masterpiece of landscape design. Stroll through the expertly crafted, colorful garden rooms and marvel at the collection of exotic plants, towering Jurassic trees, sculptures and water features.

Further up the Lawai Valley in the McBryde Garden – the flagship garden of National Tropical Botanical Garden and home to the largest collection of native Hawaiian plants in existence. Discover spectacular displays of vivid tropical plants and visit a beautiful waterfall surrounded by the garden’s lush tropical flora.

A deli lunch is served stream side under a covered gazebo. After the tour you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the South Shore Visitors Center and a stop at Spouting Horn blowhole before returning to the pier.

Hike through the rainforest in Huleia National Wildlife Refuge to two spectacular waterfalls, where you may swim in the refreshing pools below. The refuge is closed to the public to protect the endangered species, but you will enjoy special access to this natural wonderland. As you follow a descending trail, the guide will describe the lush flora, which may include wild coffee, lobster claw heliconia and hau trees, the branches of which Hawaiians once used to make outrigger floats. Named for its stand of graceful bamboo, Bamboo Falls is the smaller of the cascades, while Papakolea Falls plummets down more than 60 feet. Both are breathtaking. Feel free to swim, stand under the waterfalls for a natural massage or simply relax on the rocky shore and behold nature’s beauty. Later, you will gaze out over Menehune Fish Pond, home to dozens of avian species such as the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold two little-known waterfalls in Huleia National Wildlife Refuge.
• Swim in the pools below the cascades or simply enjoy the beautiful peaceful settings.
• Learn about the surrounding flora and fauna, much of it indigenous and endangered.
• Admire nearby natural areas such as the Menehune Fish Pond.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.
• Wear water shoes or walking shoes with good traction.

PREBOOK ONLY. NOT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING ONBOARD. Take a narrated tour through fruit orchards and exotic tropical flower gardens. Then feast your eyes on hulas and fire dances and dine on a lavish luau. Climb aboard one of the elegant, mahogany passenger cars of the authentic, narrow-gauge Kauai Plantation Railroad for a 30-minute journey. You’ll be entertained by fun loving conductors, and learn about Kilohana Plantation history and commercial farming on Kauai today, as you travel through fields of sugar cane, pineapple, banana, papaya, coffee, tropical flowers and hardwood trees.

The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience, and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. . You’ll have the option to see the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song.