1For any further enquiries or for more information, call us on 0843 224 0723

This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Hawaii. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = DinnerDAY 1: UK to HonoluluDepart London on your scheduled flight to Honolulu, via San Francisco or Los Angeles. On arrival, you will be met with garlands of flowers in a traditional greeting, before transferring to your hotel for your overnight stay.DAY 2: Honolulu BWhile Honolulu offers the expected laidback, coastal charm, Hawaii’s state capital also boasts a fascinating historic downtown area and a rich past as a trading port. After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy the day at leisure to explore the island of Oahu at your own pace. Alternatively, take one of our optional excursions (at a fee). Hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sweeping views over the island, ride the waves with a surf lesson or marvel at the turquoise waters of Honolulu on a submarine tour or catamaran cruise.DAY 3: Honolulu BA full-day city tour starts with a visit to Pearl Harbor, the site of the tragic WW2 attack which now houses a number of memorials and museums commemorating the event. At the USS Arizona Memorial, visit the sunken hull of the battleship hit during the attack and watch a documentary detailing the day and aftermath at the Memorial Theatre. After lunch, wander through Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the U.S, which has been home to the island’s 19th century monarchy, prison to an overthrown queen, and now serves as a cultural landmark. Continue on to the National Cemetery of the Pacific, the resting place of over 25,000 victims of three American Wars, then ascend into the mountains to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for breath-taking views over the island and ocean. Return to your hotel for the evening, giving you time to enjoy the city’s nightlife and vibrant dining scene.DAY 4: Honolulu to Kona BThis morning, travel to the airport for your flight to the district of Kona located on Hawaii Island, affectionately referred to by locals as ‘The Big Island’. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to wander the area surrounding your hotel. DAY 5: Kona BDiscover the natural might of Hawaii on today’s full-day tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s biggest shield volcano. Witness otherworldly volcanic landscapes and rare flora and fauna as you travel to the Kilauea Crater, rising 4,090 feet above a volcanic wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes and fern forests. In Hawaiian culture, it is believed that Pele the goddess of fire, lighting, and volcanoes, lives in the crater and governs the lava. View the simmering crater from excellent observation points on the Kilauea and Kilauea Iki Crater and gaze upon the glowing lava of Halemaumau Crater. Follow the Devastation Trail - a barren area covered by the cinder outfall of the 1959 eruption - and visit the Jaggar Museum which offers an overlook with magnificent views of the crater in addition to informational exhibits. End your tour with a drive through dense forest to Thurston Lava Tube where you can walk through this amazing cave-like passage before returning to your hotel.

Please Note: Volcanoes National Park is closed to the public due to the recent volcanic activity. We hope that the park will re-open, however if the park is closed a different itinerary will be provided on Day 5. A tour of Kona Island will include Richardson’s Black Sand Beach, Liliuokalani Gardens, King Kamehameha Statue, Akaka Falls, Downtown Hilo, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut factory and Rainbow Falls.DAY 6: Kona BAfter breakfast at your hotel, the day is free for you to explore Kona and The Big Island at your own pace. A number of optional excursions are also available at a fee. Embark on a half-day snorkelling cruise to historic Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook Monument or go on a submarine adventure, where you’ll witness Kona’s marine life and 25-acre-long coral reef below the ocean’s surface.DAY 7: Kona to Maui B/DTransfer to the airport for your flight to the island of Maui, which brims with soaring volcanic peaks, world-class beaches, waterfalls and natural pools. On arrival, a free afternoon allows you to take in the sights of Maui, ‘The Valley Island’. Reconvene later tonight for a traditional Hawaiian dinner where you can relax to the sounds of Hawaiian music, delight in graceful hula dancers and experience your first taste of the island’s cuisine at a traditional lu’au. DAY 8: Maui BThis morning, visit Iao Valley State Park, home to the towering emerald peak of the Iao Needle, one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks. Soak in panoramic views of this rocky formation and the verdant valley below from an excellent viewpoint, passing lush greenery along the way. With no guided excursions planned for the afternoon, why not sunbathe on one of island’s volcanic black sand beaches or go in search of home-grown coffee and poké, the island’s renowned raw seafood delicacy. DAY 9: Maui BToday is at leisure, allowing you to take in the sights of Maui. Those looking for a more active day will enjoy one of our optional excursions (at a fee). Embark on a whale watching trip and witness these enormous sea animals breaching or discover a different view of the island’s rich marine life with a day of snorkelling. Alternatively, wake early to visit Haleakala National Park and watch the sun rise over this dramatic landscape. In stark contrast to Maui’s lush vegetation, you’ll pass through rocky, volcanic terrain often likened to the surface of the moon as you view the park’s most famous feature - Haleakalā Crater – and look out for wildlife; more endangered species live here than in any other national park in the USA.DAY 10: Maui to Kauai BThis morning, fly to Kauai, arriving in time for a tour of this island, where the abundant forests, foliage and blossoms have earned it the moniker ‘The Garden Island’. Set off to the Waimea Canyon State Park, driving to your viewpoint along a winding road sandwiched between dramatic cliffs. From the observation area, marvel at the immensity of the canyon, often called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. Take in sweeping views of the ocean and islands beyond before returning to your hotel.DAY 11: Kauai BA day at leisure in picturesque Kauai marks your last day in Hawaii, giving you the chance to explore the island further or soak in the sunshine on an idyllic beach or al fresco cafe. An optional cruise along the breath-taking Napali Coast is also available (at a fee) and sails past emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges, picture-perfect beaches and cascading waterfalls.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

While Hawaii’s islands offer incredible diversity, from immense canyons to black sand beaches, they also share mesmerising natural landscapes and the might of their volcanic foundations. Journey from charming Honolulu to the simmering craters of Kona, the emerald peaks of Maui and the dazzling greenery of Kauai on this captivating 13-day tour.

TRIP OVERVIEW

HAWAII: PEARL OF THE PACIFIC

YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

HAWAII: PEARL OF THE PACIFIC

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HAWAII: PEARL OF THE PACIFIC TOUR DOSSIER

For any further enquiries or for more information, call us on 0843 224 0723

• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat in summer• Comfortable walking shoes• Camera and charger• A plug adaptor - The official voltage for the USA is 120 and operates on a 2-pronged North American outlet• Mosquito repellent • Antibacterial hand gel • Binoculars

• Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc• Small day pack for excursions• Waterproof, lightweight jacket• Lightweight clothing• Sweater• Swimwear

FLIGHT INFORMATIONYour initial flight is to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) via San Francisco or Los Angeles with United Airlines (UA), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 2.

Baggage AllowanceEach passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding (The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check- in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.

Airport ExtrasIf you wish to arrange airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

WHAT TO PACK

IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP

Go West Tours 790 Eddy Street at Van Ness, San Francisco, CA, 94109Telephone number: 001 (415) 837 0154

Emergency contact informationPlease find below the emergency contact details for Go West Tours:West Coast Groups: 001 415 710 1913 East Coast Groups: 001 415 793 6458

ON YOUR ARRIVALOn your arrival in Honolulu you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Go West Tours, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Go West Tours representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

Accommodation All accommodation is 3★ or 4★ and features an en suite bathroom, heating/air-conditioning and TV. Mercury Holidays has visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available, alternatives will be used of a similar standard.

Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel.

MealsBreakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning.

Hotel informationHonolulu (3 nights) 4★ Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach ResortAddress: 2169 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USAPhone: 001 808-923-3111Kona (3 nights) 3★ Royal Kona ResortAddress: 75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USAPhone: 001 808-329-3111Maui (3 nights) 3★plus Maui Royal Lahaina Resort Address: 2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAPhone: 001 808-661-3611Kauai (2 nights) 3★ Kauai Shores HotelAddress: 420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746, USAPhone: 001 808-822-4951Los Angeles (1 night) 3★ Miyako Hotel Los AngelesAddress: 328 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USAPhone: 001 213-617-2000

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Kona

Maui

KauaiLos Angeles

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Maui North America

DAY 12: Kauai to Los Angeles BAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles, or continue on to your beach extension in Kauai. On arrival in Los Angeles, you will be met and taken to your hotel for your overnight stay and time to take in the night-time lights of the city.

DAY 13: Los Angeles to the UK or extension BAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension.

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

HAWAII: PEARL OF THE PACIFIC TOUR DOSSIER

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WEATHER AND CLIMATE

For any further enquiries or for more information, call us on 0843 224 0723

Average temperature: Honolulu Average temperature: Kona

VisasYou will need to obtain an ESTA visa. This must be applied for at least 7 days before you are due to land in the USA. Please advise if you would like us to arrange this for you. All UK passport holders must have a bio-metric epassport and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are expected to arrive back in the UK. Important note: if you do not have a bio-metric epassport, you will be refused entry into the USA.InsuranceWe strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote ‘WK830’ for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.Health and VaccinationsIt is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.Tour GuidesThis is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local driver guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Assistance will be available at all airports. Physical AccessibilityThis tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

TippingTipping is common practice in Hawaii. It is customary to tip your guides, please allow approx. $3-$5 per person for the guide. All tips will be collected by your tour guide on the last day. Tipping at restaurants, hotel staff etc is discretionary.

Group SizeThe minimum number of travellers in your group will be 30, and the maximum will be 49. If in the unlikely event there are less than 30 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Currency ExchangeThe currency in Hawaii is the United States Dollar (USD). You will be able to change currency both before you travel and whilst you are away. You will also have access to ATMs during your tour where you can withdraw money in the local currency.

Personal ExpensesYou will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. We recommend you bring along a minimum of GBP £600-£800 per person to change to local currency. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.

Credit Card InformationAs normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.

Itinerary ChangesOur intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR

YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723

KAUAI BEACH STAY EXTENSION KAUAI BEACH STAY EXTENSION

FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0843 224 0723

Kauai Shores HotelKauai Shores Hotel

TRIP OVERVIEWExperience Kauai’s glorious Royal Coconut Coast with a fabulous 2 night beach extension. Sunbathe next the hotel’s two pools, lay back on the soft, white sands of nearby Lae Nani Beach or go in search of waterfalls, look-out points and dramatic mountain peaks in one of the island’s forest reserves.

ITINERARY & DETAILSThis document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Kauai.

Hotel Information - Kauai (3 nights)Your Kauai stay will take place at the 3★ Kauai Shores Hotelon Bed & Breakfast. Located in Kapaa, this oceanfront hotel offers direct beach access, two outdoor pools and a beachfront restaurant. Kapaa city centre is a short 10-minute drive away. All rooms have been meticulously updated with warm and bright island décor and offer complimentary Wi-Fi and private terraces.Hotel address: 420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746, USAPhone: 001 808-822-4951 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.

Personal ExpensesYou will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and any additional meals, snacks or drinks you may wish to have.

Tour GuidesYour stay in Kauai is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Your time here will be free to do as you wish. Details of your departure transfer will be confirmed by your guide at the end of your tour, before you begin your extension.

Please note:This extension will start on day 12 of the main tour and a one-night stay in Los Angeles will still be required at the end of your extension.

TRIP OVERVIEWDiscover the glitz of Hollywood, the seaside promenades of Santa Monica and famed Venice Beach with an extended stay in Los Angeles. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, a few minutes away from Little Tokyo metro station, this hotel is well-placed for those looking to explore the iconic sights of star-studded Los Angeles.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

LOS ANGELES CITY STAY EXTENSIONLOS ANGELES CITY STAY EXTENSION

FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0843 224 0723

This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Los Angeles.

Hotel Information - Los Angeles (2 nights)Your Los Angeles stay will take place at the 3★ Miyako Hotel Los Angeleson Bed & Breakfast. This hotel is located in the heart of Los Angeles, with Little Tokyo and Grand Central Market just a 15-minute walk away. Rooms feature en suite facilities in addition to complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, in-room safety box, coffee maker, mini fridge, iron and ironing board.Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. All internal transfers are included. Hotel address: 328 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USAPhone: 001 213-617-2000

Personal ExpensesYou will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and any additional meals, snacks or drinks you may wish to have.Tour GuidesYour stay in Los Angeles is not escorted by a tour guide. Your time here will be free to do as you wish. Details of your departure transfer will be confirmed by your guide at the end of your tour, before you begin your extension.

Please note:This extension will take place at the end of your main tour.

Average temperature: Los Angeles

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

5For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723

Miyako Hotel