Hawaii Cruise - from Papeete - 118117

Papeete is the capital of Tahiti. The island is a mixture of beautiful coves, white sandy beaches, tropical plants and French vanity.

The volcanic island of Bora Bora is home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, "the pearl of Polynesia". It is surrounded by several small islands. The region's airport is on one of these islands, the other has hotel resorts. There are also orchids growing in the wild, making this a wonderful area to take a long walk. Thanks to the lagoon, there is also a wide range of water sports on offer, such as sailing, glass-bottomed boat-trips, snorkelling, diving ... The main atttraction is the 100 metre-high mountain "Muto Toopua" with "Hiro's bell" - uniquely shaped basalt rocks that sound like a bell when struck.

Moorea, the pineapple island, was formed from the remains of an extinct volcano. The island has excellent tourist facilities and a large range of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. Moorea can be explored in just a few hours - a bike tour is highly recommended. Several diving schools also offer interesting underwater tours.

Nuku Hiva is part of the northern island group of the Marquesas Islands. The island's particular charm undoubtedly lies in the beautiful bays found all around the craggy coastline. Taiohae is the adminstrative seat and the seat of the archbishop and also boasts many attractions, such as the Nôtre Dame des Marquises cathedral, with unsusual sculptures carved from exotic woods, or the wooden sculpture dedicated to the author Herman Melville. Just a few kilometres from Taiohae, in the valley of the same name, is the archaeological site of Tohua Koueva. It was the main headquarters of chief Pakoko, who lead a successful rebellion against the French in 1845. A visit to the site is worth it just to see the bougainvillea and hibiscus plants that bloom in an array of colours and the ancient Banyan trees.

Hilo is the capital of the "Orchid Island" of Hawaii. The extremely humid climate means the town has been spared the travails of mass tourism. It has snow-covered volcanoes, huge macadamia nut plantations, forests of orchids and black volcanic beaches. The main attractions in Hilo are the old town, "Susian" fish market and the Akaka Falls.

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. With a population of 1.24 million it is the largest city between America and Asia. The most important sights on Hawaii include the memorial at Pearl Harbour and Punchbowl National Cemetery, the King's Palace (the only one ever to be built on US territory) and the extinct volcanoes "Diamond Head" and "Koko Head".

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. With a population of 1.24 million it is the largest city between America and Asia. The most important sights on Hawaii include the memorial at Pearl Harbour and Punchbowl National Cemetery, the King's Palace (the only one ever to be built on US territory) and the extinct volcanoes "Diamond Head" and "Koko Head".

Kahului is the capital of Maui, Hawaii's second-largest and third most densely populated island. The island was formed by two volcanoes. The East Maui Mountains are often shrouded in cloud, causing a cooler climate.

The green island of Kauai is a tropical paradise. The island is famous for its steep cliffs, purple-green valleys, untouched rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls.

The counterpart to Hilo is Kailua-Kona, the secret capital of the Big Island. The notable difference is that everything is considerably more modern in Kailua-Kona than in the small sleepy town of Hilo. Hotels, shops and restaurants can be found on Alii Drive. The reconstructed Ahuéna Heiau (a temple of King Kamehameha I.), Hulihe'e Palace and Moku´aiku Church, built of blocks of lava and one of the oldest mission churches on Hawaii are all worth seeing. Kailua-Kona is also world-famous for the spectacle held each October - the Ironman Triathlon.

With a population of almost 500,000 Vancouver in British Columbia is the most important port at the Pacific. It is considered to be one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world and, on account of its sheltered location, it has a mild climate all year round. A special attraction at the northern edge of the city is Vancouver's Hausberg Grouse Mountain, which can be reached by a cable-car and has excellent facilities for winter sports and hillwalking as well as a wonderful view of the city. Capilano Suspension Bridge, measuring 137 m in length and suspended 70 m above a river gorge, which visitors can cross, is also nearby. Sights include: Gastown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, Harbour Centre with its viewing platform, the waterfront with a sea bus.