Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas

Sonnenschein und Spass gehört in San Diego zum Alltag. Ob sonnenverwöhnte Surfer, Beachgirls oder Radfahrer – sie alle freuen sich über 295 Sonnentage im Jahr und die zahlreichen Unterhaltungsmöglichkeiten. Exklusive Einkaufszentren, eine große Auswahl an Restaurants, Bars und Clubs sowie die schönen Strände der Coronado Halbinsel. San Diego bietet seinen Besuchern einiges.

Kona, einst der bevorzugte Aufenthaltsort des hawaiianischen Adels, ist gleichbedeutend mit dem berühmten Kaffee, der an den Hügeln des schlafenden Hualalai wundervoll gedeiht. Außerdem befindet sich hier die Parker Ranch, die größte private Ranch ganz Amerikas. Beispiele für Landausflüge: Kona Outrigger Kanu Abenteuer; Parker Ranch; Big Island spektakulärer Helikopterausflug.

Besuchen Sie das touristische Zentrum von Maui mit seinen historischen Gebäuden, dem Walfangmuseum und den zahlreichen Galerien.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial.

Machen Sie sich bereit für üppige Farngrotten, großartige Schluchten und die dramatischen Klippen der Na Pali Küste (die Sie vom Helikopter und vom Deck Ihres Holland America Schiffes aus bei einer nachmittäglichen Panoramafahrt bestaunen können). Beispiele für Landausflüge: Kipu Falls Zipline Trek; Kauai’s Grand Helicopter Tour.

Schlendern Sie entlang der weissen Sandstrände und geniessen Sie die Ruhe fernab von der westlichen Welt, auf der aus einem einzelnen Korallenriff bestehenden Insel.

Die kleine Stadt, Handelszentrum französisch Polynesiens ist beschaulich geblieben und wird am besten zu Fuss entdeckt.

Die kleine Stadt, Handelszentrum französisch Polynesiens ist beschaulich geblieben und wird am besten zu Fuss entdeckt.

Schwarze Sandstrände im Osten, weisse Sandstrände im Westen, üppige und unberührte Vegetation im Landesinnern.

Schwarze Sandstrände im Osten, weisse Sandstrände im Westen, üppige und unberührte Vegetation im Landesinnern.

Shaped like a heart and crowned with emerald-green spires, Moorea is easy to love. The Magical Island, as it’s nicknamed, is celebrated for its untamed landscape and symmetrical side-by-side bays (called Opunohu and Cook’s); it was said to be the inspiration for the mythical isle of Bali Hai in James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Its languid lagoon seems without end, wrapping this 132-square-kilometer (50-square-mile) isle in shades of liquid blue, from pale aqua to intense turquoise. Dolphins and stingrays glide through the waves alongside snorkelers and divers exploring the stunning undersea scene. Venture inland to the valleys and another aspect of island life becomes clear: agricultural abundance, with crops that include pineapples, bananas, taro, sugarcane, coffee and cotton. Moorea has shopping, too, mainly for lustrous Tahitian black pearls and brightly patterned pareus (wraparound skirts). Wherever you head, you’ll find the South Pacific you have dreamed of, moving to the leisurely pace of island time. It can be hard to believe Moorea is just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Tahiti’s bustling capital, Papeete.

Shaped like a heart and crowned with emerald-green spires, Moorea is easy to love. The Magical Island, as it’s nicknamed, is celebrated for its untamed landscape and symmetrical side-by-side bays (called Opunohu and Cook’s); it was said to be the inspiration for the mythical isle of Bali Hai in James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Its languid lagoon seems without end, wrapping this 132-square-kilometer (50-square-mile) isle in shades of liquid blue, from pale aqua to intense turquoise. Dolphins and stingrays glide through the waves alongside snorkelers and divers exploring the stunning undersea scene. Venture inland to the valleys and another aspect of island life becomes clear: agricultural abundance, with crops that include pineapples, bananas, taro, sugarcane, coffee and cotton. Moorea has shopping, too, mainly for lustrous Tahitian black pearls and brightly patterned pareus (wraparound skirts). Wherever you head, you’ll find the South Pacific you have dreamed of, moving to the leisurely pace of island time. It can be hard to believe Moorea is just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Tahiti’s bustling capital, Papeete.

Arriving by sea, you’ll experience the innumerable shades of blue that are the lagoon encircling Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia’s Tuamotu Archipelago. Once you step ashore, you’ll notice the beaches alternate between whitest white and palest pink sand, with a backdrop of coconut trees swaying gently in the tropical breeze. And while this pristine paradise—which counts only around 800 residents on an island 60 kilometers (37 miles) long and 21 kilometers (13 miles) wide—has a healthy tourism industry, it’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. That designation means Fakarava, as well as its six neighboring atolls, are entirely protected—both onshore and in the surrounding waters. No wonder then that Fakarava is famous for its incredible snorkeling and diving. A lagoon excursion, which also spirits you to the atoll’s most beautiful beach—one accessible only by boat—is a great way to complete your Seven Seas fantasy.

The dramatic landscape of the Marquesas is like nowhere else in French Polynesia. Formed by volcanoes, islands like Nuku Hiva—home to the charming port town of Taiohae—don’t have a barrier reef or lagoon to protect them. As such, the sea crashes directly up onto the shore, creating wild scenery that has inspired artists and writers from Paul Gauguin to Herman Melville. At the base of craggy, soaring peaks, Taiohae may be the main „city“ in this far-flung island group, but don’t expect tall buildings or massive resorts. Instead, Taiohae has a peaceful village vibe with an air of tropical languor. There’s not much to do other than wander and shop. And shop you should, as the Marquesans are known for their excellent handicrafts. On Nuku Hiva you’ll find skilled carvers working in wood, bone and volcanic stone to create true pieces of art. Beyond Taiohae are opportunities to explore Nuku Hiva’s wild interior—replete with sharp basalt pinnacles and lush, green river valleys—by either horseback or on foot.

Sonnenschein und Spass gehört in San Diego zum Alltag. Ob sonnenverwöhnte Surfer, Beachgirls oder Radfahrer – sie alle freuen sich über 295 Sonnentage im Jahr und die zahlreichen Unterhaltungsmöglichkeiten. Exklusive Einkaufszentren, eine große Auswahl an Restaurants, Bars und Clubs sowie die schönen Strände der Coronado Halbinsel. San Diego bietet seinen Besuchern einiges.