Magical Hawaii (8 Days) 

     Your Hawaii family vacation begins at the Honolulu Airport. A transfer from the airport is included to the Moana Surfrider; when you arrive, drop your bags, kick off your shoes, and dabble your toes in the warm waters of Waikiki Beach. You'll have a hands-on opportunity to learn a little about the charming customs of Hawaiiana when you make Hawaiian leis and learn to dance the hula at our welcome reception tonight. (D)

     Take a sightseeing tour of Honolulu today. Grandparents and kids alike form an everlasting bond on a visit to Pearl Harbor; see the USS Arizona Memorial that honors the brave men who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. You'll find this visit to be a special opportunity on your Hawaii vacation for the entire family to learn about one of the most important chapters in American history. Grab a surfboard and hit the waves off Waikiki Beach this afternoon with a surfing lesson; the Hawaiian name for this ancient sport – he'e nalu – means "wave sliding." (B)

     Fly to lovely Maui for a two-night stay; the island is known for having some of the islands' best beaches, making it the perfect choice for a Hawaii vacation. Visit the Maui Ocean Center, a state-of-the-art marine park dedicated to understanding and respecting Hawaii's marine life; ocean naturalists introduce you to everything aquatic. An awesome beach awaits you at the Maui Prince Hotel. (B,L,D)

     You're on a Hawaii vacation to enjoy the sun, enjoy the ocean and find out about Hawaiian life, past and present. Spend the morning at the fascinating Ho'omana'o Experience, a celebration of hundreds of years of traditions that define Hawaii today. The Aloha Welcome Chant is followed by a hula performance, a delicious Hawaiian-style breakfast, and interactive cultural encounters where you'll experience the traditions of the early Hawaiians, see demonstrations and participate in activities such as poi pounding, throw-net fishing and kapa cloth making. Afterwards, spend some time in the coastal old whaling town of Lahaina, then return to your resort where endless possibilities exist for a day at the beach – or poolside. (B)

     Fly to the Big Island, home to the largest and most active volcano in the world, and see some of the Pacific’s most bizarre volcanic scenery at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Lava tubes, craters, steam fissures and a landscape that looks more like the moon than a tropical Hawaiian island are just the start! Arrive at your fabulous oceanfront resort for a three-night stay – Hilton Waikoloa Village is a destination all in itself! (B,L,D)

     The most difficult decision today will be where to swim first, and how to make the most of your day! Your resort is set on 62 acres along the sunny Kohala coast of the Big Island, and it is a swimmer's paradise. Swim in some of Hawaii's coolest pools – three freshwater pools and a 4-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon teeming with colorful reef fish and green sea turtles. The Kona Pool has a dramatic waterfall, a 176-foot twisting water slide, and three Jacuzzis, set within rocks and caves! The Kohala River Pool is actually three pools connected by short water slides and a gentle river current. You also have an opportunity to do some sightseeing by helicopter today, for an additional $399 per person. End your day at a Hawaiian luau, where the food and entertainment are pure magic. The luau is one of Hawaii's oldest rituals; try traditional Hawaiian food, discover the music and dance of different Polynesian cultures, and who knows – you may even appear on stage yourself dancing the hula! (B,D)

     The crystal-clear waters off the shores of the Big Island and the volcanic seascape they surround are the perfect place for Hawaii's marine life to call home. A cruise aboard a sleek catamaran is enjoyable – shore and surf are sublime; educational – these waters are a true natural history paradise; and most of all – fun! All members of your family spend the remainder of the day as they please at Hilton Waikoloa Village. In addition to water activities, the resort features two championship golf courses, world-class tennis, a sand volleyball court and a basketball court. Your family's Hawaii vacation comes to an end with a special event. Join us for an evening on a historic 8,500-acre working ranch in the Kohala Mountains. History comes alive as stories are shared about the introduction of cattle in 1794, and the arrival of the Paniolos. You'll have dinner with the owners; take pictures with the working ranch horses; share the past with guitar-playing Paniolos who tell their story with music; and participate in horse-shoe throwing, roping, s'more making over a crackling fire... and maybe even a chance to try your hand at branding! And you'll never forget stargazing through a deluxe celestial telescope – it's why we call this Hawaii vacation Magical Hawaii. (B,D)

     Your Hawaii family vacation ends on the Big Island of Hawaii. A transfer from the hotel to Kona Airport is included - you can fly home anytime. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. (B)