Imagine touring the ocean depths in a real submarine and waving to giant turtles or sharks through the portholes, watching native Polynesians engage in a fire-stick performance, taking a brisk hike through a rainforest, or going deep-sea fishing and reeling in a Pacific blue marlin.
These and many other Hawaiian adventures can be yours when you attend the annual APA meeting in May, thanks to tours that APA has organized. Here is a sampling:
Atlantis Submarine Trip
During this commercial submarine trip and while relaxing in an air-conditioned cabin, you'll descend more than 100 feet in the ocean. During the descent you'll be able to view, through large portholes, amazing plants and animals—for example, moray eels, giant sea turtles, and sharks.
Available May 15, 16, and 17 at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Cost: $106.75 for an adult, $48.50 for a child. The dive is about one hour long, and the trip takes about two hours total.
Polynesian Cultural Center
For at least 1,300 years, the Polynesian people have made Hawaii what it is today. Come celebrate their songs, dances, and crafts with them at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The center also displays replicas of Polynesian villages of yore, not just in Hawaii, but in Tahiti, Fiji, and the Marquesas Islands, which is where the Polynesian people of Hawaii originally came from. The tour includes a buffet dinner.
Available May 16 and 17. Depart hotel 10 a.m. or noon; return to hotel at 10:30 p.m. Cost: $112.50 for an adult, $88 for a child.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Book a deep-sea fishing excursion on a commercial fishing vessel to catch some of the most splendid game fish in the world— a Pacific blue marlin, a yellowfin tuna, or a mahi mahi (dolphin fish). Fishing gear is provided.
Available May 15, 16, and 17. The cost for a full day is $200 for an adult or child; the cost for a half day is $160 for an adult or child.
Grand Circle Island Tour With Kualoa Ranch and Dole Plantation
This tour circles the island of Oahu. It includes Sandy Beach, a favorite for surfers; a tram ride into the Koolau Mountains, overlooking Chinaman's Hat and Kaneohe Bay; a visit to the Dole pineapple plantation; and a stroll through Plantation Gardens. A stop for lunch will be made at Kualoa Ranch.
Available May 15, 16, and 17. Departs hotel at 8:15 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $74.50 for an adult, $44 for a child.
Oahu Bike and Hike Tour
How about being whisked to Manoa Valley to enjoy a brisk two-mile hike through the rainforest? You'll follow a mountain stream to a 200-foot-high waterfall. After that, you'll coast downhill on a mountain bike. During this experience, the aroma of tropical flowers and fruits may well make you feel heady.
Available May 17. Departs hotel 9 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m. Cost is $110 for an adult, $75 for a child, including a sandwich lunch.
Honolulu's Hidden Treasures
This tour is a great way to experience the island of Oahu's botanical gardens, historical sites, and scenic waterfalls without much walking. You'll also learn the legend of an ancient guardian spirit who was said to protect travelers near Alapena pool.
Available May 15, 16, and 17. Departs hotel 8 a.m. and returns at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $65 for an adult or a child.
Pali Makani Helicopter Tour
During this half-hour helicopter tour, you'll be able to see historic Honolulu Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Magic Island, the "Gold Coast" where multimillionaires make their homes, and other stunning sights.
Available May 15, 16, and 17. Departs hotel 8:30 a.m. Flight time is 9:30 a.m. Cost is $155.25 for an adult or a child.
Magic of Polynesia
During this dinner show starring illusionist John Hirokawa, you can watch beautiful women float through the air, Hawaiian legends come to life, and people disappear before your eyes. Polynesian songs and dances pepper these mystifying acts.
Available May 15, 16, and 17. Dinner show seating is 7 p.m. Cost is $85 for an adult, $57 for a child.
Star Sunset Dinner and Show Cruise
This evening cruise features a three-course crab and beef dinner, vistas from a high observation deck, and continuous live entertainment.
Available May 15, 16, and 17. Boat departs 5:30 p.m. Cost is $96 for an adult, $61.50 for a child.
Arizona Memorial, Pacific Aviation Museum, and City Tour
During this tour, recognize the courage of the U.S. servicemen who served in World War II. It includes a visit to Pearl Harbor, which the Japanese attacked in 1941, prompting the United States to enter World War II; a visit to the Pacific Aviation Museum, which contains aircraft from World War II; and a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Available May 15, 16, and 17. Departs hotel 6:30 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $62 for an adult, $37.50 for a child.
More information about these and other tours can be accessed at <www.activitysaleshawaii.com/apa2011/> by clicking on "Tours." If you have questions about a tour that are not answered on the Web site, send an e-mail to apa2011{at}mcahawaii.com or call (877) 589-5589. You can either sign up for tours online or at the hospitality desk in the Hawaii Convention Center.