Globe trotters on island excursion won’t want to miss an opportunity to explore Mount Leahi, also known as O’ahu’s legendary Diamond Head. Exciting group tours of the iconic crater begin with a brief introductory talk by a trained nature guide; learn about volcanic creation, rich and colorful Hawaiian history, European discovery, early cattle ranching, and modern day military use of the Gibraltar of the Pacific as you and your fellow adventurers are escorted on the 763’ climb to the summit. Convenient rest stops along the way afford wonderful opportunities to photograph the famous landmark; exploring a dimly lit 225 foot tunnel and hiking up intriguing staircases completed in the early 1900’s imparts a keen sense of history to your tropical hiking adventure. Once at the top, you’ll see old bunkers on the crater rim and a navigational lighthouse built in 1917, and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the stunning shoreline of southeastern O’ahu. This memorable, must-do excursion lasts approximately 3 hours and is a truly notable accomplishment: guests are presented with an authentic Certificate of Achievement once they’ve completed their grand Diamond Head expedition!

You and your group have finally made it to your dream Hawaiian destination! Why not indulge in a little orientation before embarking on any free-lance exploration of the legendary local culture, landscape, color and hospitality?  An exciting offering of narrated historic tours of the state capitol of Honolulu on the beautiful island of Oahu await visitors on tropical excursion, all certain to enhance perception and experience through a basic historic outline of area landmarks and points of interest.  The first, and most memorable stop on any classic city tour – reached by Navy shuttle boat – would have be a visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, a sobering and moving tribute to the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great Country on that darkest “Day of Infamy.”  Next up: The Punchbowl National Cemetery (Courts of the Missing) where you will find resting inside the Punchbowl volcano a heartbreaking memorial inscribed with the names of Americans gone missing from the WWII,  Korean and Viet Nam wars.  The iconic King Kamehameha statue stands across from the grand Iolani  Palace – the only royal compound on US soil. The Kawaiahao Church, the first Christian church built in Hawaii, the Mission Houses Museum, the State Library and Archives and the Honolulu Hale – (City Hall) – are all noteworthy Capitol District attractions;  be sure to make time for a guided tour of  the new and exciting Pacific Aviation Museum!

Groups exploring the Islands must not miss the powerful experience of a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center; over one million people make the trip across the water every year just to pay their respects to the selfless 1177 men and women who lost their lives in the ultimate sacrifice on December 7th, 1941 – “The Day of Infamy.” Accessible only by boat, the iconic USS Arizona Memorial spans the sunken hull of the ambushed battleship without ever touching it. A world of exploration through a sobering cross section of wartime history awaits guests upon arrival; sweeping panoramic views of now-peaceful Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial serve as a grand backdrop to this fully – immersive WWII history lesson. Be sure to visit the USS Bowfin Submarine, the USS Missouri Battleship, and Ford Island while you’re there; you’ll leave with a heart forever changed and a new respect for the men and women of our military along with an enhanced understanding of what Pearl Harbor Day meant to our great Nation.

Groups on Island holiday who’ve left their dusty boots behind but not that itch to ride will be pleased to know a diverse array of horseback activities await visitors to the Hawaiian Wild West, catering to every age, size, ability and desire! Ride the open range or get up into the mountains and rainforests on a fine mount selected just for you; enjoy gorgeous views of fabled coastlines and hear colorful legend and lore as you embark on a classic narrated trail adventure or branch out on a ranch-style wilder ride and feel the wind in your hair, sun on your face and the power of the willing animal beneath you. Explore lush upcountry pastures, take a private ride along a valley rim and picnic amongst the splendor of pristine hidden waterfalls, ride the scenic Island shores or spend the day on a working cattle ranch; whether you opt for a refreshing 30 minute ride or spend hours in the saddle discovering the paniolo’s Hawaii, the Island horseback excursion of your dreams awaits. Why not round up your travel pards and ride off into the tropical sunset?

What better way to get acquainted with your host island than on a totally customizable Great Ohana Hunt? More than “just a scavenger hunt,” these fast and furious, fun-filled, fact-finding expeditions send groups on Island escape out on an entertaining quest – an absolutely immersive, interactive journey  through  tropical paradise! Maps and clues are provided and you are turned loose with your fellow explorers on a thrilling – and yep, sometimes maddening – race against the clock to solve riddles, answer questions, collect specific objects and absorb some cool local history and trivia along the way, all the while earning points for each accomplishment. Visit famous locations and points of interest and meet and mingle with interesting characters against a scenic Island backdrop; prizes await the team with the highest tally. Show up in comfortable shoes and put your heads together to hammer out that sure-fire strategy, then, ready…set…HUNT!

Groups taking Hawaiian holiday and plotting a quintessential Island itinerary will definitely want to book a catamaran cruise! These amazing, twin-hulled pleasure/adventure/transportation vessels provide guests the ultimate in a stable, comfortable ride. Whether you’re after a day, week or month of cruising and water activities or an exclusive overnight trip, a dolphin, turtle and whale watching ECO tour, a casual-to-elegant evening dinner cruise or Hawaiian sunset/cocktail sail, you will find a catamaran the perfect platform for a safe and enjoyable excursion! Choose from a selection of private luxury yacht charters tendering more personalized services, mega cats that cater to larger crowds and events and sporty sailing cats that get you out onto coastal waters – and back again, FAST- and an array of fabulous options to customize your perfect Hawaiian catamaran outing.

Your group has landed at their dream destination…a warm, tropical breeze kisses your face as you draw your first long breath of legendary Big Island essence. Friendly island greeters approach, welcoming you and your companions with a warm “aloha” and presenting you with a beautiful lei crafted of colorful, fresh and oh, so fragrant exotic blooms— a heartwarming traditional symbol of special welcome and love in Hawaii.

The original 1600 foot Southern California attraction was first completed in 1909- to hide a monstrous sewage pipeline. The Pier became an instant favorite with the local fishing community, men, women and children of all ages from all walks, who found plenty of elbow room and an ample catch; the local waters were full of giant Black Sea Bass and the stories flew. Eventually a small menagerie of amusements including a hand-carved 44 horse carousel found home on a second, wider pier, adjacent to Santa Monica; Looff Pleasure Pier was born, and soon became a top attraction to the area. In 1909, the original pier collapsed! The insidious culprit? Rust! Reconstruction, changes of hands…tides in, tides out-1924 saw the grand opening of the magnificent La Monica Ballroom, headlined as “A Castle Floating over the Ocean;” for a short while, it was the place to see and be seen-the hottest ticket in town. With the advent of the Great Depression, the ballroom saw its ultimate decline, and it, too, was repurposed several times-at one point used as a county jail! Today, Pacific Park amusements and Playland Arcade, hidden gem Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, fun, fresh seafood eateries, snack shacks and soda fountains like Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co., Ristorante el Mare, Soda Jerks and Pier Burger, and a boatload of wonderful shopping opportunities including a first-rate bait and tackle shop, make the Pier a top-notch attraction, affording locals and travelers alike a fine time at the Santa Monica shore. After sundown, slide by Rusty’s Surf Ranch for ocean-fresh crab cakes and calamari, all-American live rock, drink specials and dancing! Modern-day Santa Monica Pier, with its colorful history amidst constant change and the inevitable ravages of time and the elements stands revitalized and proud, a constant reminder of a resilient community spirit. The original carousel is back in action, and the fishing’s fine as it was in 1909!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

This rocky little Shangri-la with a manifestly Mediterranean charm and star-studded past lies just off the sunny southern California Coast. Originally settled by indigenous peoples, across the years the island saw use as a smuggling center, a trading post, prime ranch land, gold mining destination and hunting ground before successful development into a popular tourist destination by chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley. Catalina’s population barely exceeds 4000, most of whom occupy the only incorporated city, Avalon, with the rest living in Two Harbors;  almost everyone tools around via golf cart as the use of motor vehicles is restricted. Conservation is a way of life here, and beautiful Catalina is home to dozens of protected endemic species; a small herd of American bison – descendants of a handful brought over from the mainland for film production – roams the island, mingling with the native wildlife. The deep, blue waters surrounding this tropical sanctuary are a fisherman’s dream; a thrilling diversity of watersports, outdoor activities and tours by land, sea and air keep guests jammin’ from dawn ‘til dusk. A range of fantastic accommodations – from beach-front hotels and charming huts to luxurious condos and a four-star country inn –  promise a comfortable stay year-round, and an excellent menu of dining options starring fresh, local seafood ensures something for every palate. By day, Catalina caters to even the wildest sense of adventure; come sundown, a vibrant nightlife beckons.  Come for the day, stay for a week; who knew paradise was so close to L.A.?

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

This historic seaside amusement park with a nostalgic beach boardwalk/midway vibe located in the Mission Bay area of sunny San Diego saw its debut in 1925; two of its original rides continue to operate: the Giant Dipper, a classic wooden roller coaster and “The Plunge,” Southern California’s largest indoor swimming pool that actually contained salt water back in the day! Modern attractions Flow Rider and Flow Barrel recreate totally awesome surfing conditions; Sky Climb, a 30 foot rock wall course encourages climbers of all abilities to stretch their limbs and test their skills. Take the Vertical Plunge, conquer the Control Freak and customize your own dizzying “spin” on Octotron; classic amusements like the Libery Carousel, Tilt-a-Whirl and Speedway Bumper Cars tickle your taste for retro fun! Tiki Town Adventure Golf invites the pros among you to hone their skills; Sky Ropes – a swinging obstacle course challenge through the tops of towering palm trees is definitely not for the shrinking violet. The better-than-ever arcade invites you to get your game on while familiar midway challenges with all the traditional trappings taunt you to step right up and test your skills. Plenty of good ol’ amusement park fare-fresh-squeezed lemonade and killer corndogs, the best funnel cakes around, hand-dipped caramel apples and homemade fudge, succulent rooftop sushi and quintessentially classic café and grill menus ensure your gregarious group on Southern California excursion a well-fueled Belmont Park playdate!