Lions Tours and Activities for the 2015 Honolulu Convention MC&A is offering all Lions and their guests a variety of specially priced local tours and recreational activities to enjoy during the international convention in Honolulu. They have chosen the “best of the best” for Lions to enjoy. The hardest decision will be choosing which tours to take! As Oahu is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, we encourage you to book your favorite tours early using their secure online link before space sells out. Search “Local Tours” from the LCI home page to access the booking link and detailed tour descriptions. MC&A will have a Tour Desk at the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC); however, please note that online reservations will be accepted until June 5, at 5 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, based on availability. For your convenience, tours will depart from your official LCI hotel. If you are interested in designing a custom local tour for your group, or if you have any special requests or questions, please e-mail [email protected]. Lions tour offerings include: Historical Tours: A Tale of Two Palaces Tour Step back in time on this unforgettable and exciting adventure as you visit the historic highlights of the 1,500-year-old Kingdom of Hawaii. Join Oahu’s most experienced guides for a fun and interesting adventure to see the crown jewels of this former sovereign nation. Traveling into the lush Nuuanu Valley, the first stop is Queen Emma's Summer Palace where a past era comes alive. Queen Emma was the wife of King Kamehameha IV. Born in 1836, she was descended from Hawaiian chieftains and John Young, an Englishman who became friend and advisor to King Kamehameha I. Her summer retreat contains Victorian and Hawaiian treasures, rare artifacts and personal memorabilia of Hawaii's royalty. Next, drive through a tropical rainforest en route to the world famous Pali Lookout where Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu in the Battle of Nuuanu, bringing the island under his rule. After driving through a spectacular tree-tunnel, arrive at Hawaii's sacred Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala—the final resting place of six of the kingdom's last eight ruling monarchs. You will also see the historic sites of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace used as an official residence by a reigning monarch in the United States, the legendary King Kamehameha statue and unique Kawaiahao Church, "the Westminster Abbey of Hawaii." This tour is offered on June 24, 26, 29 and July 1. Arizona Memorial and City Tour Step back into Honolulu’s island history as MC&A takes you on an early-morning tour that includes reliving the fateful morning of December 7, 1941. See rare footage of the attack on Pearl Harbor and visit the Arizona Memorial Museum built in honor of those who gave their lives that day. Then embark on a short shuttle boat ride to the Arizona Memorial itself. After returning to the Pearl Harbor landing, you'll set out on a scenic city tour of Central Oahu that includes Punchbowl Crater and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. You'll discover a world of contrast as you tour Honolulu's bustling downtown area and historic Chinatown right next door. Cruise past Iolani Palace and the famous King Kamehameha statue, seen in many episodes of “Hawaii Five-0.” Honolulu City Hall and Kawaihao Hawaiian Church are also included on this great half-day tour of Oahu. This tour is offered on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 and July 1. Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri and City Tour Celebrate the honor, valor and courage of the U.S. Servicemen who served during World War II on this special historical tour. It’s a nostalgic journey to the two historic places that marked the beginning and end of the war for the United States—Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri. At the site of Pearl Harbor, you’ll view the Arizona Memorial where the remains of the USS Arizona lie silent beneath the waves. The events of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor are unfolded through detailed narrations and photos. While at Pearl Harbor, you’ll travel across the Ford Island Bridge to the historic USS Missouri battleship, otherwise known as the “Mighty Mo.” It was on the decks of this celebrated warship that the Japanese surrender ceremony took place, signaling the end of their involvement in World War II. Explore the passages, rooms and corridors on a special guided tour. From Pearl Harbor, you’ll take a drive through metropolitan Honolulu and up to the Punchbowl Crater for a drive through the National Cemetery of the Pacific. After enjoying the serenity and spectacular view atop Punchbowl, you’ll wind through downtown Honolulu for a cruise through its many highlights. This tour is offered on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 and July 1. Ocean Activities: Star Wild Dolphin Watch BBQ and Snorkel Tour A tropical afternoon featuring dolphin watching and snorkeling in paradise with a BBQ lunch! See wild dolphins as you enjoy a delicious lunch freshly grilled onboard. Next, explore the beautiful underwater world of Oahu's best snorkeling spot (snorkel masks, fins and instruction provided). This tour offers the best facilities including a freshwater shower, easy-step stairs into the water, open-air deck space and onboard restroom. Just wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen and camera! All aboard the Dolphin Star, an eco-friendly catamaran custom built in 2007. This tour is offered on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 and July 1. Land Activities: Explore the Famous North Shore Adventure Travel with the island’s premier eco-tour company on an exciting journey of discovery to the famous North Shore of Oahu. Driving over the Koolau Mountains to the windward side of the island, the first stop is the fabled Valley of the Temples, where you’ll visit the picturesque Byodo-In Temple located at the base of stunning 2,000-foot lush green cliffs. Then drive along the scenic shores of Kahana Bay arriving at Laie Point, a great location to observe several native plant and seabird species. Continuing North to Kahuku, visit several shrimp farms to see endangered wetland birds including the Black-Neck Stilt, Hawaiian Coot and Moorhen. The next stop is the world-famous Sunset Beach where incredible waves thrill viewers especially between November and April. At Turtle Beach, observe rare green sea turtles resting on the golden sand. Traveling south you’ll arrive at the colorful and historic village of Haleiwa, home to many surfers, artists and craftspeople. The final stop is the Dole Pineapple Plantation, showcasing a colorful collection of unique pineapple species from all over the world. This tour is offered on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 and July 1. Natural Highlights of Oahu Listen to the soothing songs of Hawaii’s native birds and examine close-up the native beauty of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Your adventure begins at the Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and follows with a stop at Oahu’s famous Hanauma Bay Preserve. After immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of a lagoon and pristine coral reef, you’ll visit Halona point, site of Oahu’s famous blowhole. Witness a spectacular seawater eruption, erupting every few minutes from a volcanic vent. The hike into a beautiful volcanic tuft cone, Koko Crater, will be an excellent opportunity for you to take some pictures of an extinct volcano. This is a complete tour of Oahu’s magnificent volcanic and coastal regions. This tour is offered on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 and July 1. Mini Circle Island Tour It’s a Hawaiian road trip, with the sights and sounds of beautiful Oahu as your companion! Take a scenic drive displaying some of the best sightseeing the island has to offer. The first stop is the gorgeous Pali Cliffs in Nuuanu Valley, where King Kamehameha conquered the island of Oahu. Then proceed through the historic Waimanalo community to the eastern coastline where the famous Makapuu and Sandy Beaches are known for their excellent body surfing. Stop by the blowhole to view a spectacular seawater eruption from a natural saltwater geyser. On your way back to Waikiki, a drive through the plush residential district of Kahala will take you around the famous Diamond Head Crater for some sensational vistas. This tour is offered on June 22, 24, 29 and July 1. Grand Circle Island with Dole Plantation Get to know Hawaii from the inside out with an all-day tour that circles the entire island, covering 120 miles of Oahu’s best sightseeing spots. For a close-up view of a seawater eruption, you’ll visit Hawaii’s own Old Faithful known as the “blowhole,” where you’ll witness oceanside water play at full force. Besides Sandy Beach, a favorite for body surfers, you’ll venture to the most celebrated surfing zones in the world along the North Shore—Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the spectacular Banzai Pipeline. Then enjoy a tram ride at Kualoa Ranch, the site of many Hollywood blockbusters. At Dole Plantation, stroll through plantation gardens and learn about the history of Hawaii’s pineapple industry. In colorful contrast to the brilliant blue of the crystalline waters, you’ll also find emerald oceans of shimmering pineapple and sugar cane fields waving gently in the breeze. Take a glimpse into the Hawaii of long ago as you pass remnants of old homesteads on your return to Waikiki. This tour is offered on June 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 and July 1.