hawaii - belo usa travel

HAWAII
EXPEDITON 2012
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
Mar 10th to Mar 17th
Aloha! 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 legendary North Shore International Surfer's
competition. 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 Hawaii.
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 8 am and 6 pm
(HST).
Belo USA contact phone numbers:
• Toll free: 1-877-235.6872 - 9am to 6pm CST
• FAX: 1-312-376-3688
• E-mail: [email protected]
Emergency contact:
• Toll free: 1-866-924-8215 (Trip Coordinator - 24 hours during trip dates)
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.
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PROGRAM
HAWAII EXPEDITON 2012
•
8 DAYS/7NIGHTS
th
MAR 10 SATURDAY
Arrive in Honolulu, HI
Aloooooooha! E Komo Mai!
(Welcome!)
Students' arrivals will be between 8 am and 6 pm.
The students will be able to relax, use the hotel facilities, swim
and meet other students as they arrive.
7:00 pm - Dinner (included).
8:00 pm - Orientation Meeting (mandatory).
At the orientation, Belo USA will give all students the guidelines,
as well as the logistical specifics for the trip. The Trip Chaperone
and the Belo trip coordinator will introduce themselves so
students know who they are and what their role is during the trip.
This meeting will prepare all students to safely enjoy this fantastic
trip.
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.
Before dinner, we will watch the sun set over Waikiki
7:00 pm – Dinner in Waikiki (included).
MAR 12th MONDAY
North Shore / Polynesian
Cultural Center
Breakfast (included).
MAR 11
th
SUNDAY
Catamaran Tour / Surf Lesson
9 am - Depart from the Hotel. We will get to know the city… and
visit one of the only 2 palaces in the US Territory. We will visit the
'Iolani Palace.
Breakfast (included).
It's time to test your surfing skills on Hawaii's beautiful ocean
waves! (included)
'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
their Majesties, King Kalākaua, who built it in 1882, and his sister
and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, walked its celebrated halls.
We will be taking a beginner's surf lesson on Waikiki beach.
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!
10:30 am – Departure to the North Shore. On the way to the
North Shore we will stop at Dole Plantation and try the delicious
Pineapple whip… considered one of the best pineapple whips in
the world! Yummy!
12:00 pm – You will be able to walk across the street to the
International Marketplace! Grab some lunch (not included) and
do some shopping at Oahu's biggest, most diverse marketplace.
This is a great chance to buy some cool souvenirs from authentic
Hawaiian booths to gifts from around the world, the International
Marketplace truly celebrates the diversity of the “aloha” spirit!
Free time for lunch at Haleiwa town. This authentic Oahu town
offers a nice selection of art galleries, surf shops and Hawaii's
original shave ice – The perfect treat for a hot Hawaiian day!
(Lunch not included).
9:00 am – Departure from the Hotel.
Get ready to surf!
1:00 pm – Let's hop on board the Catamaran! We are going to
sail around Waikiki and Diamond Head… (Included)
2:00 pm – Departure to the naturally beautiful North Shore.
Here, we will stop to check Pipeline, Sunset, and Bonzai beach,
home to some of the best surf competitions in the world!
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PROGRAM
HAWAII EXPEDITON 2012
•
8 DAYS/7NIGHTS
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MAR 14 WEDNESDAY
3:00 pm - Are you ready to experience 7 different Polynesian
cultures? Welcome to the Polynesian Culture Program! 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, Hawaii.
Diamond Head Trail/
Soccer and Volley/
Ala Moana Shopping
You will experience their culture by doing hand crafts, learning
how to dance and eating their typical food.
9:00 am - Departure to Diamond Head Trail! Bring lots of
sunscreen and water, and certainly do not forget your camera!
You won't want to miss the breathtaking view from atop Diamond
Head, the world's most famous volcanic crater.
7:00 pm - Dinner (included).
th
MAR 13 TUESDAY
Pali Lookout / Kailua Beach
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 Kailua Beach!
Kailua Beach Park is often considered the "Best Beach in the
World," and is great place to enjoy swimming and other
recreational activities. It is also the home of world-class wind
surfing competitions, and a prime destination for kayakers amateurs and professionals alike!
Free time for Lunch (not included).
Get your paddle, we will row our kayaks to the Mokulua Islands.
Be prepared, because we might have some turtles in our way
(optional):
Kayak: $ 105.00
Includes: 4-hour guided kayak tour, life jackets, padded
backrest, hiking tour on Moulua Island and expert guides.
Also includes lunch (sandwich, snack and water).
5:00 pm – Return to the Hotel and time to relax.
7:00 pm – Dinner (included).
Breakfast (included).
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 afternoon we will have soccer and beach volley tournaments.
Get ready for some fun activities.
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 Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (included).
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MAR 15 THURSDAY
Pearl Harbor & The USS
Arizona National
Monument/ Social Project
7:00 am - Breakfast (included).
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HAWAII EXPEDITON 2012
•
8 DAYS/7NIGHTS
PROGRAM
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 members who lost their lives
on December 7, 1941 after the infamous Japanese attack.
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is "ground zero" where
World War II began for the United States. We will learn Pearl
Harbor's historical importance, relive the events of the attack,
and hear some amazing stories about USS Arizona survivors.
From Pearl Harbor, we will head to Downtown Honolulu where you
can the State Capitol and we will stop at Iolani Palace
12:30 pm - Lunch (not included).
2:00 pm - Depart for social project.
We also will be able to learn a bit more about the history of Pearl
Harbor through a Social Activity. We will be adding a tour to the
USS Missouri, a national memorial for the Navy of the US. There is
a great deal of historical significance about this ship as it was
where the peace treaty at the end of the WWII was signed by
President Truman.
1:00 pm - Lunch (not included).
Return to the Hotel for some time to relax and get ready for our
Lu'au!
4:00 pm - Departure to Kapolei for Oahu's famous Paradise Cove
Lu'au! For one magical evening, see through the eyes of an entire
culture.
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!
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!
The Lu'au will be a great way to talk to local Hawaiians, learn
about the island culture, and have lots of fun in the process!
09:00 pm - Return to hotel.
MAR 17th SATURDAY
This afternoon we will have an opportunity to give back and help
out by helping the community! Through our partnership with the
USS Missouri, Get ready to help to restore different sections of
this amazing ship! (Please wear clothes that can get dirty.)
5:00 pm - Head back to Hotel.
Dinner (included).
Depart from Honolulu, HI
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!
7 am – 9 pm - Student Departures
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MAR 16 FRIDAY
Snorkeling / Luau
Breakfast (included).
9:00 am - Departure from the Hotel
for a day of snorkeling in the sun!
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!
DEPARTURE DAY: The students will be taken in groups to
Honolulu International Airport. Our staff will be assisting the
students with check in and departure.
Departures are between 7 am - 9 pm HST from Honolulu
International Airport (HNL).
Students are not permitted to stay longer than the planned trip all departing flights must be scheduled for this day. If there are
any flight cancellations or delays, we will communicate with the
host family.
Thanks for travelling with us and we look forward to seeing you
very soon!
Belo USA Travel Inc.
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INCLUDES
AND HOTEL
HAWAII EXPEDITON 2012
•
8 DAYS/7NIGHTS
Price Includes:
·
Transportation during the trip on a charter bus;
·
Tour to Pearl Harbor;
·
7 Nights in Waikiki (4 person shared accommodations);
·
Tour to North Shore of the Island;
·
7 Hotel Breakfast;
·
Ticket to Diamond Head Trail;
·
6 Dinners;
·
1 Luau Dinner and Show;
·
Snorkeling (equipment rental);
·
Catamaran Tour;
·
Ticket to the Polynesian Cultural Center;
·
Transfer to and from Airport/Hotel/Airport;
·
Belo USA Coordinator;
·
Belo USA Monitor;
·
Chaperone;
·
Surf Lesson;
·
1 Trip T-shirt;
·
City Tour in Honolulu;
·
1 Trip DVD.
Hotel
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
150 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
Telephone: 808-931-441
WHAT TO BRING?
MANDATORY ITEMS:
·
Cap;
·
Original Passport - students will not be allowed to travel without
·
Personal health products;
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;
·
Lock for luggage.
·
Sunscreen;
CLOTHING AND OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS:
·
Shorts - take a look at the weather before you leave home and
decide what you will need to wear;
·
Sandals;
·
Sneakers, tennis shoes and/or trekking boots (mandatory for the
hike);
·
T-shirts;
·
Sweatshirts; layered clothing;
·
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;
·
Video Camera and charger;
·
Cell phone and charger;
·
MP3, I-Pod…
·
Flag from your country;
·
Musical instrument you play, etc.
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GENERAL
CONDITION
01. English is the official language of this trip.
HAWAII EXPEDITON 2012
•
8 DAYS/7NIGHTS
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. 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 additional 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.
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 DVD, as well as use of photos from the trip on our website and
program materials.
32. Trip DVDs will be mailed to the host family's address in the USA, via registered
letter. The DVD will be sent within 60 days after the end of the trip.
33. In case of the DVD malfunction, please return it to Belo USA and a new DVD will be
mailed within 15 days of receipt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
13. This trip will have one Exchange Student Organization volunteer accompany it as a
chaperone per bus.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
14. All departure/arrival times from/to our activities will be decided by the
coordinators, depending on the exact length of each activity.
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.
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 $20/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.)
25. Since we will be outside, please be careful and use lotion/sunscreen.
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
communityimmediately, assuming all extra costs, with partial reimbursement, 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.
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.
*Cancelled between 29 and 21 days before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the
trip's price.
*Cancelled between 20 and 7 days before the beginning of the trip: 40% of the
trip's price.
*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.
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