8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
2016
Hawaii Expedition Alooooooha! Welcome to the island paradise of Hawaii!
Step off your airplane, and hop on shore Hawaii's most popular island, Oahu, the third largest of the islands. Get ready to explore Hawaii, including its rich Polynesian influence, the biggest attack on the American Navy at Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore, legendary for its surf competitions. We will also have the unique opportunity to hike the famous volcanic mountain, Diamond Head and snorkel among the colorful fish in the beautiful clear waters of Hanauma Bay. Let's not forget a festive and fun Hawaiian luau, with traditional hula dancers! It's time to experience the island spirit of “Aloha” (love, peace, and diversity!) on Oahu's beautiful shores. Arrival Airport: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu between 12 pm and 8 pm (HST).
Belo USA contact phone numbers: • Toll free: 1-877-235.6872 - 9am to 6pm CST • FAX: 1-312-376-3688 • E-mail: belo@belousa.com Emergency contact: • Toll free: 1-855-442-7714
Some of our educational goals of the trip include: 1. Learn about the most unique culture within the United States. 2. Explore the many cultural differences and wonders of Hawaii. 3. Promote international understanding. Operated by:
PACIFIC HALEIWA
Oahu Oahu
PEARL HARBOR International WAIMANALO Airport
HAWAII
Honolulu WAIKIKI DIAMOND HEAD
Program
Departure from: Honolulu DAY 2
Breakfast (included).
their Majesties, King Kalākaua, who built it in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, walked its celebrated halls.
8:00 am – Departure from the Hotel.
5:00 pm – Return to the Hotel.
Get ready for a day full of fun and excitement.
7:00 pm – Dinner in Waikiki (included).
Catamaran Tour / City Tour
DAY 1
Arrive in Honolulu, HI Arrivals will be between 12 pm and 8 pm. You will be able to relax, use the hotel facilities, swim in the pool, and meet other participants as they arrive. 7 - 9 pm - Dinner (included). 9:00 pm - Orientation Meeting At the orientation, Belo USA will give you the guidelines, as well as the logistical specifics for the trip. The Trip Coordinator will introduce the staff so participants know who they are and what their role is during the trip. This meeting will prepare you to safely enjoy this fantastic trip.
Let's hop on board the Catamaran! We are going to sail around Waikiki and get a glimpse of Diamond Head (Included). Depart from Waikiki Beach and enjoy this 90 minute cruise on a spectacular 45-foot catamaran through stunning blue waters, several miles past Diamond Head and back. Once aboard, we will sit back, relax, and enjoy the gentle rocking of the ocean while we listen to some excellent island music, and maybe even participate in an onboard dance party! We might see flying fish, turtles, dolphins, and if we're lucky, whales! This is a truly amazing way to experience all that Hawaii's beautiful ocean has to offer. And watch out for that splashing water! 12:00 pm – Free time for lunch on the beach. *Please note that students may be divided into smaller groups which will alternate activities.
4:00 pm – We will get to know the capital city of Hawaii, and visit one of the only 2 palaces in US Territory. We will get to see the State Capital building and ‘Iolani Palace. 'Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii's monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation, and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when
DAY 3
North Shore/ Polynesian Cultural Center Breakfast (included). 7 am - Departure to the North Shore. It’s an early morning but it’s worth it - this is your chance for a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: surfing the world-famous waves of the North Shore! We will be taking a beginner's surf lesson in the ULTIMATE surf capital. Nothing compares to catching a great wave in paradise. You might even catch a glimpse of some tropical fish or sea turtles in the clear water while you're gliding back to shore! Free time for lunch at Haleiwa town. This authentic Oahu surfer town offers a nice selection of art galleries, surf shops, and restaurants. Don’t forget to try Hawaii's original shave ice – The perfect treat for a hot Hawaiian day! (Lunch not included). 2:30 pm - Are you ready to experience 7 different Polynesian cultures? Welcome to the Polynesian Culture Center! We will learn the languages, customs, lifestyles, arts and crafts, architecture, food and dress of seven island nations: Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Tonga and, of course, Hawaii.
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Program 7:00 pm – Dinner (included). You will experience their culture by doing hand crafts, learning how to dance and eating their typical food. 7:00 pm - Dinner (included). This is your chance to sample some real, authentic Hawaiian cuisine!
DAY 4
Pali Lookout / Beach Day! Breakfast (included). 9:00 am – Prepare your cameras… today we are going to visit the east side of the Island. Boarding our bus, we will head to Pali Lookout, a spot that's a feast for your eyes. The Nuuanu Pali Lookout ("Cool Height Cliff") overlooks the 985 foot cliffs of the Koolau Mountain Range, and is one of the best views on O'ahu. It was here in 1795 that King Kamehameha and his warriors defeated the O'ahu armies and united the Hawaiian Islands. This historic view is truly breathtaking! 11:00 am – Adventure to the beach! Get ready for an afternoon of bliss as you relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! White sand, blue waters, and sunny skies are just waiting for you to enjoy their beauty! We will even make a quick stop to purchase food for a picnic lunch. Lunch (not included). 4:00 pm – Return to the Hotel and time to relax.
camera!You won't want to miss the breathtaking view from atop Diamond Head, the world's most famous volcanic crater.
DAY 5
Snorkeling / Ala Moana Shopping Breakfast (included). 9:00 am - Departure from the Hotel for a day of snorkeling in the sun! (included) Snorkeling is an up close and personal look at Hawaii's amazing sea life. We will explore the crystal blue ocean water, full of diverse species of fish, rays, octopus, crabs, eels and turtles! Since they are not afraid of humans, you can get incredibly close to the wildlife. You can bring an underwater camera for some colorful, fun pictures of your new underwater friends! 1:00 pm - Lunch (not included). 5:00 pm - Shopping at Ala Moana mall! Ala Moana Center is Hawaii's premier shopping, entertainment, and dining destination - with over 260 stores and venues in a unique indoor/outdoor open air environment. Visit luxury brand shops, international boutiques, and local specialty stores including Hilo Hattie, “the store of Hawaii”! 7:00 pm - Dinner at the mall (included).
DAY 6
Diamond Head and Waikiki!
Don't worry about falling in the lava Diamond Head has been extinct for 150,000 years!It even served as an early Naval Defense Base in the United States Military - a smart choice by America, since you can see for miles and miles from the top! We will be hiking one mile up sunny trails and unique spiraling staircases, but don't count on being exhausted when you reach the top. You'll feel refreshed and liberated once you lay your eyes upon the beauty of Oahu - gorgeous Waikiki Beach, plus the Leeward coastal beaches, bountiful mountain ranges, and the endless sparkling-blue Pacific Ocean. You can even catch a glimpse of two other Hawaiian Islands, Molokai and Lanai, in the distance. It is truly unforgettable! 1:00 pm - Return to Waikiki to relax, eat lunch (not included). This is also your chance to fit in one more beach activity - maybe Stand Up Paddle or an extra surf lesson! (not included) Free time on the beach. 7:00 pm – Dinner (included).
DAY 7
Pearl Harbor / Aloha Swap Meet / Goodbye Luau
Breakfast (included). Breakfast (included). 7:00 am - Yoga class (optional). This is your chance to really breathe out all your stress and worries and breathe in the fresh Hawaiian air and aloha spirit. 9:00 am - Departure to Diamond Head Trail! Bring lots of sunscreen and water, and certainly do not forget your
8:00 am - Departure to Pearl Harbor & the USS Arizona National Monument. We will tour Hawaii's famous Pearl Harbor, home of the USS Arizona, which serves as the final resting place for many of the American battleship's 1,177 crew
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Program members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941 after the infamous Japanese attack.
Oahu's famous Paradise Cove Lu'au!For one magical evening, see through the eyes of an entire culture.
We will watch a short movie to learn about the history, and then take a boat out to the memorial which sits on top of the sunken ship.
It begins with a lei greeting on a secluded beach. Then, travel to ancient Hawaii, where you'll participate in traditional island activities. Play a game of 'Ulu Maika (Hawaiian bowling), get a historical Hawaiian tattoo (temporary, of course!), make your own fresh flower Hawaiian lei, and much more!
12:00 pm – Lunch (not included). 1:00 pm - Next we’re headed to the famous Aloha Stadium Swap Meet! This is the ultimate souvenir shopping opportunity - buy leis, aloha shirts, hula skirts, and so much more at this giant market! 4:00 pm - Departure to Kapolei for
As the sun sets by the sea, enjoy a delicious Hawaiian lu'au feast while amazing Polynesian performers put on a show complete with island music, costumes, and dances - just for you!
Hawaiians, learn about the island culture, and have lots of fun in the process! 9:00 pm – Return to hotel
DAY 8
Depart from Honolulu, HI Student Departures – 6 am to 2 pm. Breakfast (included). It's time to say “aloha” to Hawaii for now, but you will take the aloha spirit, memories, and friendships with you forever! Thanks for travelling with Belo!
The Lu’au will be a great way to talk to local Belo USA Travel Inc.
Useful Hints MANDATORY ITEMS:
· Cap;
· Original Passport - students will not be
· Personal health products;
allowed to travel without their passport; · Approximately US$ 160.00 for personal
expenses during the trip, such as meals, gifts, and others. If you are interested in buying gifts, remember to bring a larger amount; · Alarm clock. ·Health insurance card
CLOTHING AND OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS: · Shorts - take a look at the weather before
you leave home and decide what you will need to wear;
· Sunscreen!! · Sunglasses; · Swimsuit; · Accessories (belt, etc.); · Watch; · If you bring a credit card, leave a copy with
your host family;
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED ITEMS: · Camera, memory card and charger;
· Sandals;
· Video Camera and charger;
· Sneakers, tennis shoes and/or trekking
· Cell phone and charger;
boots (mandatory for the hike); · T-shirts; · Sweatshirts; layered clothing;
· MP3, I-Pod… · Flag from your country; · Musical instrument you play, etc.
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Includes & Hotel INCLUDES: · Transportation during the trip on a charter bus; · 7 Nights in Waikiki (4 person shared accommodations); · 7 Hotel Breakfasts; · 6 Dinners; · 1 Luau Dinner and Show; · Snorkeling (equipment rental); · Catamaran Tour; · Surf Lesson; · City Tour in Honolulu; · Yoga class · Tour to Pearl Harbor; · Tour to North Shore of the Island; · Ticket to Diamond Head Trail; · Ticket to the Polynesian Cultural Center; · Transfer to and from Airport/Hotel/Airport; · Belo USA Coordinator; · Belo USA Monitors; · Chaperone; · 1 Trip T-shirt; · 1 Trip Video.
Hotel Queen Kapiolani 150 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 phone: (808) 922-1941 http://www.queenkapiolani.com/
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General Conditions 01. English is the official language of this trip. 02. It is not allowed, under any circumstance, for any student to separate from the program during the trip. 03. All students must bring their original passport on the trip, however please leave a copy of your passport with your host family. 04. Each student must submit the proper authorization forms to the Belo office 7 days before the start of the trip or their reservation may be cancelled. Students who arrive on the trip without the proper forms submitted will not be able to participate, and will responsible for any fees associated with an early return flight. Additionally, at the beginning and end of the trip, each student must leave from and go directly to their host community, unless the student has written permission from Exchange Student Organization and their host family. 05. Belo USA Travel Inc. is not responsible for buying any bus, airline and train tickets from the trip's final destination to your host city. It's the student's responsibility to pay for the ticket. 06. Illegal drug use of any kind is prohibited. 07. Stealing of any kind will be severely punished in addition to any possible legal consequences. 08. Purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden. 09. Tattoos and body piercings are extremely discouraged and allowed only with the preauthorization of the natural parents and sponsor/local Exchange Student Organization. 10. Our schedules and itineraries must be followed by all students. The trip coordinator reserves the right to make changes in the schedule, when necessary, or if it is in the best interest of the group. 11. Lodging does not cover incidental costs, such as phone calls, mini-bar purchases, etc. If the students decide to use these services, they are responsible for paying these costs. 12. Keep luggage to a minimum. All students will carry and be responsible for their own luggage at all times. The maximum amount allowed is 50 pounds (23 kg) and a carry on bag (small bag or back pack). Remember to keep those items you will need during the day with you on the bus - like iPods, cameras, wallets, etc. 13. Students must be approved by Exchange Student Organization in order to travel. Students who have faced disciplinary action with Exchange Student Organization may be denied approval for participation. 14. All departure/arrival times from/to our activities will be decided by the coordinators, depending on the exact length of each activity. 15. The trip has a limited number of vacancies, which will be filled on a “first come – first serve” basis. 16. There must be at least 35 students signed up to open up the trip. However, there is a possibility for us to open more buses depending on the number of reservations. 17. Belo USA Travel Inc. reserves the right to operate the trip program backwards (i.e., switching the departure city and the arrival city) if needed because of number of students and availability.
18. Swimming: Even if you know how to swim please BE CAREFUL, because you are unfamiliar with the pool/places and are not aware of all potential hazards. 19. Please note that additional expenses are different for each individual. We believe that $25/per day is enough for food, extra entertainment, optional items, etc, but remember to bring additional money if you are planning to buy gifts. Also remember that anything you buy will have to fit into your suitcase in order to get it on the bus and back home. 20. There will be plenty of ATM machines available during the entire course of the trip in case you need more money. 21. Please bring all cash in US dollars. 22. If you are not comfortable traveling with cash, Traveler's Checks are a safer option. Most banks in the US can provide you with Traveler's Checks, which are accepted at most commercial locations. 23. Travel expenses from your host city to the trip's departing airport are not included in the program fee. 24. If you take any regular medication, make sure to bring enough for the trip's duration. Also, please bring a copy of the prescription in case you might need it (just to be safe.)
link to the video, please contact Belo USA with your current email address. 34. Please make any comments or complaints regarding the trip in writing (via email or standard letter) to Belo USA Travel within 30 days of the end of the trip to ensure Belo USA a chance to respond. All contracts with Belo officially end 30 days after the trip and Belo USA, the tour operator, is therefore relinquished of any responsibility. 35. Once any student requests the description of any of the trip's programs organized by Belo USA Travel Inc., the client declares to know and to agree with all the terms of this “General Conditions”, that can be found in our trip program or on our web site. Cancellation and Refund Policy: 36. In case we do not achieve the minimum number of participants needed, Belo USA Travel Inc. reserves the right to cancel the trip or to transfer the date and/or to offer other options of tours as well, according to the clients wish. If this occurs, all payments already made will be returned in full. 37. If the student chooses to leave the program or is sent home for breaking any program rules, he/she will pay a penalty according to the date of his written order to cancel the tour, read below: * Cancelled more than 30 days before the beginning of the trip: 10% of the trip's price.
25. Since we will be outside, please be careful and use lotion/sunscreen.
* Cancelled between 29 and 21 days before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip's price.
26. If any student's conduct is considered harmful to the rest of the students, or if any student breaks any of the program rules, he or she can be sent back to their host community immediately, assuming all extra costs, to his or her host city/family. Additionally, any violation of the rules and any students removed from the program will be reported to Exchange Student Organization.
* Cancelled between 20 and 7 days before the beginning of the trip: 40% of the trip's price.
27. All prices are in US dollars. In case of payment by international wire transfer, the dollar/euro/your local currency exchange rate to be considered for conversion will be the one listed by Chase Bank / JP Morgan on the day that the payment arrives in the USA. 28. All other optional activities that may be offered during student's free time are considered extra costs, and are not included in the overall trip price. 29. Belo USA Travel Inc. is not responsible for the cost of the student's travel expenses from his/her host city to the departure point and back. 30. Lost & Found: all the students' items found during the trip will be sent to Belo USA's office and kept for 60 days after the end of the trip. Any student who has lost something must send us an e-mail with the description of the item within 60 days of the end of the trip. Postage to return the item to any student is the student's responsibility. 31. All students who take part in this trip grant image use rights to Belo USA to produce a Trip VIDEO, as well as use of photos from the trip on our website and program materials. 32. The Trip Video will be sent to the students within six months of the completion of the trip. Belo USA will contact students by email when the video is ready. You will be sent a link and a password in order to view and download the video.
* Cancelled between 6 days or less before the beginning of the trip: 100% of the trip's price. - If a student cancels his or her trip, any payments previously made cannot be transferred to another student or host sibling. 38. Any student who leaves the trip during the program, for any reason, will not receive any refund. 39. A request for reimbursement due to trip cancellation because of an early return of the exchange student to his/her original country, must be made to Belo USA Travel Inc. at least seven (7) days in advance of the program trip's departure. After initial request, reimbursement will be made to a U.S. bank account and the penalties will be applied according to the “cancellation and refund policy” above. If the student does not follow the deadline established by the program, making it necessary for us to proceed with the reimbursement through International Wire Transfer, all taxes and bank fees will be the client's responsibility. - In case of early return of the student from the trip or to his/her original country, cost of return ticket is the student's responsibility. 40. Any cancellations or withdrawals must be made in writing – via letter, fax or email – by the tour's participant to Belo USA Travel Inc. 41. Belo USA Travel is not responsible for any reimbursements or change fees associated with flight or travel arrangements. Operated by:
33. In case you do not receive an email containing the
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