Islands Of The Pacific – Papeete to San Diego

The island of Tahiti’s urban center has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the new Jardins Paofai, watch the surfers on their longboards, marvel at Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, Fern Grottos.

The island of Tahiti’s urban center has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the new Jardins Paofai, watch the surfers on their longboards, marvel at Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, Fern Grottos.

Breathtakingly beautiful, stunning landscapes await, from the verdant mountains to the azure seas and white sand beaches. Take a canoe ride through the lagoon; snorkel, scuba or helmet-dive the reefs, or hike up to the Afareaitu Waterfalls.

Pure, pristine and dreamlike, the ecosystem of this gorgeous island is home to extremely rare birds, plants and crustaceans. Quaint villages, old coral churches and welcoming people are intertwined with a spectacular lagoon creating a paradise like none other in the world.

Visit the entrancing Vaipo Waterfalls and Cascade Tevaipo, which is one of the world’s tallest falls at over 1,100 feet. Wander the black sand beaches, marvel at the giant tiki at Piki Vehini, or get adventurous on an all-terrain vehicle excursion around the craggy island.

Enjoy the sun-drenched beaches surrounding this active city, climb Diamond Head or visit the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial or take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.

Enjoy the sun-drenched beaches surrounding this active city, climb Diamond Head or visit the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial or take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.

Located on the lush windward side of Hawaii’s Big Island, Hilo is the starting point to explore the eastern part of this lovely isle. Drive the 11-mile rim of Kilauea volcano and marvel at the dramatic lava formations of Volcanoes National Park. At the majestic Akaka Falls, water cascades more than 400 feet into a pool below, and the splendid Liliuokalani Gardens are authentic Japanese gardens created in the early 1900s.

San Diego is living proof that a big city can still feel like a small town. Its Spanish heritage is evident at popular sights like the Junípero Serra Museum, where the first mission was founded, and at Point Loma, which is dominated by a statue of explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. The breathtaking point is also a great spot to watch for migrating Pacific gray whales. Other noteworthy attractions include the thought-provoking San Diego Museum of Man, the peaceful Botanical Building and Lily Pond, and the signature San Diego Zoo, where rare species such as giant pandas and lowland gorillas are exhibited. Ship buffs will enjoy the maritime museum, where you can board and tour the vessels.