The water is clear and calm. The colors are almost other-worldly —
jade, turquoise, aquamarine, teal. The breezes play in the coconut and
palm trees, sending shivers down the skinny trunks to the fine white
sand below. Perfume permeates the air from the abundance of
rainbow-hued flora, and everywhere you go the musical language of the
natives fills your senses. Flower leis, seashell art, passion fruit and
technicolor sarongs tantalize visitors in the markets, the villages and
the towns. This is Hawaii, the tropical paradise in the Pacific.
As vacationers to this island getaway, we must choose not just which
island to visit but also how best to travel and make the most of our
visit. One excellent option is a Holland America cruise, with stops at
several island ports, combined with a full day of RVing on the Big
Island of Hawaii.
Holland America is renown for its majestic ships and its
incomparable 132-year history of quality and luxury. The company’s
“Circle Hawaii” cruises offer very convenient roundtrip cruises from San
Diego, California, to the Pacific Islands — especially perfect for
West Coast residents who want to avoid long flights and wasted time.
(Other options include sailing from Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver,
British Columbia.)
The ports of call vary according to the ship, but generally
include stops at Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (The Big Island) and, occasionally,
Kauai. Guests have sufficient time ashore to sample the cornucopia of
indigenous food, flora and fauna, and to join other adventurers on land
excursions into the rain forests, jungles and waters.
One land excursion, in particular, that RVers and non-RVers should try
to schedule is a circle island tour of the Big Island behind the wheel
of a Class C motorhome. This is a true up-close-and-personal experience
around the largest, most diverse and most historic island of the island
chain. Black-sand beaches, an active volcano, coffee plantations,
botanical gardens, temples, churches, museums and tropical campgrounds
guarantee a day to remember. Island RV in Kona will not only provide a
fully stocked motorhome, but will also offer rental equipment for water
and beach activities.
This combination of luxury cruising and personal touring in the
Pacific will fill your memory bank and photo album with unforgettable
experiences.
For more information, go to hollandamerica.com or islandrv.com.
