Tales Of The South Pacific

Nestled along California's sun-kissed coastline, San Diego enchants visitors with its blend of laid-back beach vibes and vibrant urban culture.

Get ready for lush fern grottos, grand canyons and the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast (experienced by helicopter and from the decks of your Holland America ship during an afternoon of scenic cruising). Sample shore excursions: Kipu Falls Zipline Trek; Kauai's Grand Helicopter Tour.

Once the playground of Hawaii's royalty, Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai. Here, too, is Parker Ranch, the largest privately owned ranch in the U.S. Sample shore excursions: Kona Outrigger Canoe Adventure; Parker Ranch; Big Island Helicopter Spectacular.

Follow in the footsteps of The Beach Boys and fall in love with incredible Hawaii.

A mixture of enthralling cultural attractions and magnificent natural phenomena, Hilo offers some of the best sights in Hawaii.

Pristine reefs, white sand beaches and friendly locals – Tabuaeran, or Fanning Island as it’s commonly known – is a remote tropical paradise. Buy handmade crafts from the islanders including jewelry, palm frond baskets and hand-carved wood pieces. Go on a fishing expedition or head to private Napali Beach to nap in an ocean-side hammock. During your stay, savor the breathtaking views, calm azure seas, expansive beaches and sun-drenched landscape.

Pago Pago’s small size belies its historic stature and epic setting. The city—or more accurately, cluster of several fishing villages—lies along the shore of Pago Pago Harbor, which was carved from thousands of years of volcanic-crater erosion on Tutuila Island. The fjordlike harbor, one of the most stunning in the South Pacific, is bordered by steep and lush hills and dominated by Rainmaker Mountain. The protected harbor site was selected in 1872 by Commander R.W. Meade for a fuelling station for the U.S. Navy. Meade negotiated the real estate deal with a Samoan high chief and the resulting naval base at Pago Pago was in use from 1900 to 1951. Pago Pago itself is tranquil as far as capital cities go, though there is commerce and activity in the areas of Fagatogo and Utulei. The hills near the seafront are dotted with houses, while a variety of shops line the street that runs in front of the dock itself. The best views of the harbor and downtown can be had from the summit of Mount Alava in the National Park of American Samoa.

The remote Polynesian nation of Samoa, surrounded by dragonfly-bright seas, boasts a dramatic volcanic landscape with vibrant green jungles. The country has two major landmasses: Upolu, the most populous of the Samoan islands, and Savai'i, the third-largest Polynesian island. Samoa's capital, Apia, sits midway along Upolu's north coast. This sprawling metropolitan area features a waterfront promenade and Beach Road, an avenue curving along the harbor where the Royal Samoa Police Band marches and hoists the national flag at Government House on weekday mornings. Check out their sharp ensembles, which feature navy lavalava (kilts) and robin's-egg-blue dress shirts. Adventurers will want to make a splash at Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve near Apia harbor, while bookworms make a beeline to the home and grave of Robert Louis Stevenson. But perhaps the best way to experience fa'a Samoa (the Samoan Way) is by visiting the small villages scattered throughout the two islands. Here, you'll see locals still living in traditional fales—round thatched homes with no walls, all the better to enjoy the ocean breeze—and cooking on umus, "ovens" of hot stones placed in shallow holes in the ground.

Explore a lush rainforest, feast at a lovo before trying Kava, or simply unwind on an uninhabited atoll without a care in the world.

Welcome to paradise - white sand, clear turquoise waters and 50 luxuriant acres of orchids at the late Raymond Burr' s Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Sample shore excursions: Nausori Highland Village; Nadi Hinterland & the Garden of the Sleeping Giant; Shotover Jet Boat & Shopping.

Explore a lush rainforest, feast at a lovo before trying Kava, or simply unwind on an uninhabited atoll without a care in the world.

Explore a lush rainforest, feast at a lovo before trying Kava, or simply unwind on an uninhabited atoll without a care in the world.

Unique in many ways, Tonga is the only country in the South Pacific that has never been colonized. The secret to this tiny kingdom's lasting autonomy lies with its monarchy - rich in culture and tradition; unafraid to modernize and move forward. You'll find Nuku'alofa on the isle of Tongatapu - the largest of the 171 island jewels in the Tongan crown. Hopefully the Tongan people, cheerful and welcoming, will treat you to a version of the lakalaka - their compelling art of storytelling manifested in a breathtaking dance.

The Vava’u (va-vuh-OO) island group is part of the Kingdom of Tonga—an even larger collection of tropical Pacific Ocean islands. With an ideal year-round climate that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sailing, the islands—which are mostly uninhabited—boast a varied set of attractions for visitors that only begin with their famed white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters (with visibility down to 30 meters, or 100 feet) and enchanting coral reefs teeming with abundant marine life like tropical fish, dolphins and sea turtles. In addition to these simple but highly memorable watery pleasures, the Vava’u islands offer tropical forests, limestone cliffs and caves to explore, traditional villages to check out and a wealth of activities ranging from sea kayaking and gamefishing to yachting. Not only can you spot humpback whales (between July and October) and take in the unique atmosphere of historic cemeteries, you can also enjoy a hike up Mount Talau. The island’s tourism infrastructure extends to boutique resorts and ecolodges, as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants, particularly in the main city of Neiafu. VIEW CRUISES Featur

Spread over 850,000 square miles of the South Pacific Ocean, these beautiful islands and atolls were formed by volcanic activity.

Oro, god of war, guards his temple deep in the rain forest of Raiatea. Nearby on Mt. Temehani grows the rare and delicate tiare apetahi flower, whose petals open only at dawn in the presence of lovers. Sample shore excursions: Faaroa River Jungle Cruise; Raiatea - The Sacred Island; 4-wheel-drive Safari.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tahiti with its vast mountains, white sandy beaches, turquoise ocean and glittering coral reefs.

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.

Nestled along California's sun-kissed coastline, San Diego enchants visitors with its blend of laid-back beach vibes and vibrant urban culture.