PRIDE OF AMERICA SHORE EXCURSIONS - Norwegian Cruise Line

PRIDE OF AMERICA SHORE EXCURSIONS
WORLDS TALLEST MOUNTAIN – MAUNA KEA ITO-005
Approximate Duration: 6 hours Level 2 / Meal / Age Restrictions
Mauna Kea Volcano measures 32,000 feet from its base to its summit at 13,796 feet above sea level. This makes it the tallest mountain in the
world, and the most sought after astronomical site, with 13 telescopes representing 12 countries scanning the heavens and looking beyond the stars
to galaxies far beyond. Home to the most powerful observatories and telescopes, including the Keck Telescope which has the world's largest mirror,
it is also home to the cultural heritage of the Hawai‘ian people. During the last Ice Age, Mauna Kea was heavily glaciated and with the mixing of
ice and molten lava it formed a dense rock that ancient Hawai‘ians quarried to make durable blades and adzes. Your “Sea to Sky” experience
will start as you depart from the pier in an air-conditioned 4 x 4 van, making your way through the historic town of Hilo northward towards Mauna
Kea. The ancient Hawai‘ians also considered it the home of the Female Deities, and of their spirituality that brought life to all below. It was the
meeting place of Heaven and Earth and the burial place of High Chiefs. The view atop Mauna Kea can only be described as "Majestic", with the
clouds often below you. This tour includes a stop at Onizuka Center for International Astronomy at 9,200 feet and the world's largest telescope at
Keck Observatory (weekdays only). A journey few experience and none forget, the closest you’ll get to the sky without leaving earth.
Note: Participants must be over 16 years of age (State Requirement). Sandwiches, water and snacks provided. The Visitor Center also has coffee, candies and
souvenirs. Oxygen is carried for emergencies. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, persons suffering from respiratory disorders or heart
problems. Jacket, long pants and comfortable shoes are recommended. Warm parkas are also provided, as the temperatures at the summit may be cold.
During winter, rare overnight storms can close the summit road without warning. In these cases we will provide an alternate tour but cannot visit the Summit
Telescopes. When Keck is closed we will visit one of the other open facilities.
EXPLORE THE LAND OF FROZEN FIRE ITO-021
Approximate Duration: 4 1/2 hours Level 2
From the pier, in an air-conditioned van, you head to the "Wild West" Pahoa Town and Lava Tree State Park, on the eastern rift zone of
Kilauea. In 1959 the massive Kapoho Lava flow engulfed the area with enough lava to pave an eight-lane highway four times around
the world. Today you can see the lava tree molds formed when lava surrounds a tree, freezes against it then drains away. You’ll visit
Ahalanui warm springs, with its volcanically heated 90-degree water, then drive along a stretch of highway that often floods at high tide.
Along the way and at brief stops, you will view the dramatic and beautiful scenery formed when lava meets the sea: cliffs, lava tubes
and blow holes. At Kaimu, once the site of a famous black sand beach and a small town, both destroyed by a 1990 lava flow, a stop is
made where you can walk on the “Frozen Fire” and view the active volcanic vent in the distance. You will visit a standing survivor of the
eruption, Uncle Robert's Hawai‘ian Village and Snack Shop, where you can purchase beverages, and view a picture exhibit showing
information of the lava you just walked on and the area prior to the 1990 lava flow.
Note: Some walking on uneven ground is required. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing.
COASTAL HILO & HAWAI‘I TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS ITO-007
Approximate Duration: 2 1/2 hours Level 2
Located on Onomea Bay, this world-renowned tropical garden is a nature preserve that is acclaimed by visitors as ‘the most beautiful
area in Hawai‘i’. En route, your narrated tour takes you through the Japanese-style Liliuokalani Gardens, along Hilo Bay and the lush
Hamakua Coast to Onomea Bay. Here, in the Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden, more than 2,500 species of tropical plant life have
been assembled from regions all over the world; plants are labeled for identification. A stroll through the incomparable Orchid Garden
is a true photographer’s paradise. You’ll receive a map of the garden trails at the Visitor Center, and then enjoy your time wandering the
garden grounds on your own, taking photographs or simply enjoying the incredible beauty. A great add on to your day!
Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. There is approximately one mile of walking.
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Document #5903 Revised 6/20/05
Page 6 of 43
Ship’s Registry: United States of America. © 2005 NCL Corporation Ltd. All Rights Reserved.