2028 - AQS Seam Quilt Cruise - Hawaii

Itinerary & Highlights

Highlights

• Begin in San Diego and cross the Pacific to Hawaii’s lush islands—Hilo, Maui, Kauai, Honolulu, and Kona—where volcanic landscapes and emerald valleys await. Then sail back toward the mainland with a final taste of Baja in Ensenada before returning to San Diego.
• Hilo, Hawaii: Positioned on the tropical eastern side of the Big Island, Hilo is home to stunning waterfalls, beautiful gardens and lush rainforests. A visit to this city is the perfect opportunity to travel back in time and witness a laid-back, serene version of Hawaii that isn’t often replicated today. Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park is a short distance from Hilo, making it an excellent launchpad for exploring the park.
• Kahului, Maui: Maui has an incredible mixture of terrain for exploration and sightseeing. In Maui, you can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like. You will find world class golf courses, spas, and restaurants. Experience a marvelous sunrise on the summit of Maui’s Haleakala that is 10,000 feet above sea level. Watch romantic sunsets from one of the many beautiful beaches, from a catamaran cruise, or from your table at an excellent Maui restaurant. You will learn of the rich Hawaiian history through a visit to the Iao Needle, luaus, and strolls through historic Lahaina. Spend a day taking a scenic drive along the road to Hana and see jaw-dropping views of lush Maui rainforests, a black sand beach, and abundant waterfalls.
• Nawiliwili, Kauai: Kauai is the fourth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is often called the “Garden Island” because of its lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and abundant waterfalls. It can feel remote but still offers a great variety of shops, restaurants, and activities. Nature excursions, relaxation and outdoor sports are top draws on the island.
• Honolulu, Oahu: The capital of Hawaii—and gateway to the island chain—is a suitably laid-back Polynesian mash-up of influences and experiences. Away from the Waikiki crowds and glossy high-rise hotels, will give a taste of the “real” Hawaii: brick Victorian buildings, including America’s only royal palace; thriving Chinatown nightlife; sacred temple remains on distant bluffs; and the wartime memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial.
• Kona, Hawaii: Hawaii’s Big Island divides into exact halves. The east is jungly, dark, and prone to lava flows. The other side, the Kona side, grows all the coffee, and everyone wakes up early. Much of this drier region almost resembles a desert. But the shapes of the hills and the way rain snags on ridges means Kona holds hundreds of microclimates. That’s how the coffee growers have flourished. Thankfully, plenty of places exist to play and burn off a little caffeine around Kona. History lies thick on the ground, from Kamehameha’s heiau (temple) to the sacred buildings of Puuhonua O Honaunau (“The Place of Refuge”) to the bay where Captain Cook breathed his last. Whales love the Kona side, spinner dolphins live up to their names, and giant mantas slowly barrel roll up from the depths.
• Ensenada, Mexico: Nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific, Ensenada is Baja California’s third-largest city and one of its commercial and cultural hubs. The weather here is pleasant year-round, evoking comparisons to Mediterranean climates. But the hot days and cool nights aren’t the only reasons Ensenada and surrounding towns are compared to the Mediterranean; similar crops are grown here, including asparagus, olives, and grapes. It’s this last crop that makes Ensenada the gateway to Baja’s wine route, where labels little known outside of Mexico are produced, often in small batches. Winery tours and tastings are a quintessential Ensenada experience. It all makes for a pleasant visit, especially for foodies and oenophiles, who will appreciate the area’s farm-to-table ethic and its many alfresco restaurants. Active travelers will love the region too, their greatest challenge being how to choose among the many adventures—zip lining and horseback riding are two highlights—that await in Ensenada and its outskirts.
• San Diego (Departure/Return): End your journey in this beautiful Southern California port, offering a convenient gateway to the Pacific.

This itinerary focuses on the Hawaiian islands with all of its tropical beauty, and warmly highlights the spirit of Aloha.