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Polynesian Paradise
HIGHLIGHTS
Papeete The island of Tahiti's urban center has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the new Jardins Paofai, watch the surfers on their longboards, marvel at Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, Fern Grottos.
Huahine "The Garden Island" is filled with easily accessible pristine white beaches kissed by emerald waters; you can rent a bicycle and explore the island, take a boat to the hanging oyster beds to see the black pearl farm, or go on a shark-feeding excursion.
Moorea Breathtakingly beautiful, stunning landscapes await, from the verdant mountains to the azure seas and white sand beaches. Take a canoe ride through the lagoon; snorkel, scuba or helmet-dive the reefs, or hike up to the Afareaitu Waterfalls.
Raiatea You'll notice the rich scent of vanilla the moment you step off the ship onto this stunning island, with its vanilla plantations scattered throughout. Visit one or two, visit a pearl farm, snorkel the clear waters of the surrounding reef, or take a kayak trip along the Faaroa River.
Bora Bora Known as "the most romantic island in the world," the dramatic Mount Otumanu stands watch over sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands. Snorkel, swim with the Manta Rays, enjoy an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its sparkling motus at sunset.
Christmas Island Savor the unspoilt beauty of the world's largest coral atoll; it's a protected wildlife sanctuary for rare bird species (which can be heard all day), a diver's paradise, a shore-fishing dream, and -filled with lakes-- comprises more water than land.
Kailua-Kona With 11 separate climate zones, the perfect activity is a luxury realized. Visit any of the 500 coffee plantations in the region, snorkel at Kahaluu Beach Park, or be a cowboy for the day at Parker Ranch, the largest continually operating ranch in the U.S.
Honolulu Enjoy the sun-drenched beaches surrounding this active city, climb Diamond Head or visit the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial or take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.
Nawiliwili In Hawaii, a rain shower is called a "blessing." Kauai has been blessed many times over, with verdant rainforests and shimmering peaks. Play a round of golf, hike in Waimea Canyon, take a raft on the Wailua River, marvel at the Botanical Gardens or luxuriate on one of the many sun-kissed beaches.
Kahului Delight in the breathtaking sight of whales breeching just yards away from your excursion boat; meander through the tropical gardens of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, play a round of golf, explore Haleakala's crater on horseback or find paradise on a secluded beach.
Should you decide to Extend Your Vacation … there's lots to see in San Francisco
San Francisco With icons like the orange-colored Golden Gate Bridge, clanging streetcars, rolling fog and impossibly steep hills, scenic San Francisco never fails to capture your heart. While the setting is dramatic, the atmosphere is positively laissez-faire, so feel free to do whatever you wish. Tour notorious Alcatraz. See predators like the sharks that live in the surrounding waters at the Aquarium of the Bay. Observe the bonsai in the Japanese Tea Garden in emerald-green Golden Gate Park. Go up mural-covered Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill for an amazing view of the city, which looks even more dynamic at night.
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