Cruising Through an Island Adventure
More than 118 Club Members just took a grand adventure — that is, a ClubPartner Perk Grand Adventure cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.
Departing from the capital of the Rainbow State, Honolulu, on July 23, Members began a seven-night round-trip tour of the islands.
"The overall experience was awesome,” said Club Members David and Sandra Simpson, noting that seeing Hawaii’s natural wonders was their favorite part of the experience.
Just one of Hawaii’s many natural wonders. Photo courtesy of Sandra and David Simpson.
The cruise began in Honolulu and was scheduled to continue with two days in Kahului, Maui, but the travel itinerary was altered slightly by tropical storm Darby, which delayed the ship’s arrival in Maui. The delay turned into a unique opportunity, however, as the ship changed course to sail off the coast of the island of Molokai, providing all onboard a view of the world’s highest sea cliffs, with the cliffs of the North Shore Pali ranging from 3,600 to 3,900 feet tall. From there, the group went onto the destinations that were scheduled by first visiting Maui, followed by two days on the Big Island, with one spent in Hilo and the other in Kona. Next, the cruise ship took Members to Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai, where they spent another two days before heading back to Honolulu on the final day of the trip.
Club Members who participated in the Kona excursion to Kings’ Land gather for a photo.
From Kona, 10 Members, including the Simpsons, participated in an exclusive excursion to Kings’ Land. Some Members teed off at Kings’ Course, while others indulged in spa treatments — from massages to the steam room — at Kohala Spa.
“To say we golfed in Hawaii was [our] first goal,” said the Simpsons, who have been Members for six years and currently own at both Ocean 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. “Who else back home can say they golfed out of a lava hazard or had to look out for coconuts dropping on your head?”
Club Member David Simpson takes a swing on top of lava rocks during an excursion to Kings’ Course. Photo courtesy of Sandra and David Simpson.
Before getting back on the bus to head to the pier, Members enjoyed a private lunch on the Kings’ Land property. Filled up and ready to go, they continued their adventure.
The Simpsons also went on three other excursions: The Best of Maui Plantation, which included visiting the plantation and Maui Ocean Center Aquarium; the Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls excursion in Hilo; and the Wailua River Cruise and Fern Grotto in Kauai.
“I would say Kauai was our favorite stop,” Sandra said. Additionally, the couple took advantage of onboard entertainment while hopping from island to island on the recently remodeled Pride of America, Norwegian Cruise Line’s only U.S.-flagged ship.
“We attended Wonders! A Magical Experience and two shows by Toby Beau, which were excellent, especially the Tribute to the Eagles,” David said, adding that they spent most of their evening meals in the ship’s restaurants, of which there were a total of 18, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature Brazilian steakhouse.
This wasn’t the Simpsons’ first Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPartner Perk adventure, either. “Last year, we went on the Alaska three-day land and seven-day cruise tour, [and it] was one of the best vacations we have ever been on,” Sandra said. “The scenery and wildlife were awesome to see.”
Find out more about ClubPartner Perks on your new Member website!