kona, hawaii

december 23-30, 2023

Pre/Post-tour options available to other hawaiian islands

**With option to add-on SCUBA Diving

Total package price starting at $TBD*

This package includes hotel accommodation, tours, daily breakfast, airport lei greeting and Christmas Luau ... and more!

**Prices based on a minimum of 35 people traveling.


The Resort

Royal Kona Resort

December 23 - 30

Ocean waves crash against lava rock shores. Lush gardens burst with color and tropical scents. Refreshing sea breezes and warm sunshine wash over bare skin. Royal Kona Resort invites you to enjoy a sensory escape and the aloha spirit any tioe of the year.

Savor delectable cuisine from award-winning chefs at our oceanfront restaurant. Sip a hand-crafted Mai Tai poolside under a shady palm. Discover authentic Hawaiian culture at our Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. Explore active volcanoes or scuba dive with manta rays. Stroll to the quaint seaside village of Kailua-Kona for an afternoon of dining and shopping. Pamper yourself in the serene spa. Everything you crave in an island escape is at your fingertips, ready to help you make unforgettable memories.

Dining
Enjoy the resort's vibrant food and drink scene in the bold Tiki architecture and tropical, open-air ambiance. Spectacular ocean views enhance the sumptuous Hawaiian and international cuisine, a fusion of the freshest local ingredients, European techniques and Asian influences.

Enjoy fresh seafood, island classics and hand-crafted cocktails at oceanfront tables. Island music creates a festive vibe and spectacular sunsets unfold before you. Don the Beachcomber Restaurant and Mai Tai Bar offer the best oceanfront dining in Kona, Hawaii with mouth-watering flavors and the warm spirit of aloha. See the spinner dolphins and humpback whales give breathtaking aerial performances in the Bay.

December 23:
Arrival in Kona

You'll arrive in Hawaii this morning and be met at the airport with a traditional Lei greeting.
After that you will be taken to your hotel by your diver.

*Lodging (7nt): Royal Kona Resort


December 24:
Free day - Two Step

Take today to relax at the pool or on one of the loungers next to the ocean.

We recommend visiting the Two Step. See colorful little fish like this guy as well as dolphins, turtles, and monk seals at Two Step! It’s a great snorkeling spot on Honaunau Bay, 30 miles south of Kona. It’s acclaimed as one of the most beautiful spots on the island, with clear blue waters, a vibrant reef, and dozens of marine species


December 25:
Christmas Luau

As the sun sets on the lava shores of Kailua Bay, you will go and experience a traditional Hawaiian Luau.

Every sense is engaged as you start your Luau experience with an Aloha greeting complete with photo opportunities. Your mouth will water at the savory aromas of the Hawaiian-style buffet in the air. Your senses will quicken as the mesmerizing songs, dances, and stories of the South Pacific unfold before you, culminating with the breathtaking Samoan fire dance (Siva Afi). A luau in Hawaii is the oldest of island traditions, and one you cannot miss.


December 26:
Free day - Spa

Take today to relax at the pool or on one of the loungers next to the ocean.

We recommend unwinding at the resorts own spa.
Tucked away in Royal Kona's Bay Tower, discover a spa in Hawaii that will transform your body, mind and spirit. The Lotus Center is the first step in your journey to balancing all elements of your being. Nourish body and soul with any of the spa treatments
(for an additional charge)
Complementary therapies include reflexology, acupuncture, one-on-one yoga, chakra balancing, reiki, crystal and energy sessions

SCUBA ADD-ON : Manta Ray Night Dive

You will board the Honu One and cruise north along the coast to Garden Eel Cove. You will have an opportunity to dive the reef upon arrival during the day. Afterward you will have a light meal and you will learn about the manta ray's. After nightfall, you will re-enter the water for your manta ray dive (60min).

Manta Ray Night Dive Requirements
- Must be in good health with NO heart conditions
- Proof of open water certification or higher
- Must be 12 years of age or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Have been diving within the last 2 years
- You must be a comfortable diver
- You must be able to dive in a group and not need more attention than what is normally provided on a guided dive


December 27:
Free day - Volcano Park

Take today to relax at the pool or on one of the loungers next to the ocean.

We recommend visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SCUBA ADD-ON : Lava Tubes

On this 2-tank charter, we’ll spend the morning and early afternoon diving in South Kona’s incredible lava tubes, lush reefs, and a chance to view bigger pelagic animals such as whales, dolphins, or big fish on the ride down the coast. Or, venture North to experience unique reef structures and critter hideouts, or even drift around Kaiwi Point. Between your dives, enjoy a full lunch with views of the Kona coast.

Lava Tubes Dive Requirements
- You must have 25 logged dives and been diving within the last 6 months
- You must have good buoyancy control and air consumption (at least 60 minutes on an 80cf tank, 100’s aren’t available & doubles are not allowed)
- You must be in good health and have NO heart conditions
- Should be comfortable backrolling off the boat if necessary
- 18 or older – under 18 considered with a JOW Rescue Diver Certification
- Must dive with a computer


December 28:
Free day - Seahorse farm

Take today to relax at the pool or on one of the loungers next to the ocean.

We recommend visiting the Seahorse Farm where you can hold a seahorse, splash in the tide pool, feed tropical fish.

Since 1998, Ocean Rider Seahorse Farms of Kona Hawaii has operated as a self-sufficient, family-run business that established itself has one of the world's first farm raised seahorse facilities. Today, Ocean Rider continues with on-going research and development for the purposes of extending the longevity of the species for the hobbyist and commercial aquariums around the world and for the protection of the seahorse species in the wild.

SCUBA ADD-ON : Blackwater Diving

Looking for a more advanced dive? Blackwater diving is a unique night dive which will take you miles offshore where you will hang, suspended from a 60ft tether, over 4000ft of water to watch open ocean, or pelagic, animals drift by.

Blackwater Dive Requirements
- This dive is for the confident diver that has excellent buoyancy skills and is self-reliant
- You must have at least 50 logged dives to join us on this adventurous dive
- You must have been diving within the last 6 months
- You must be in good health and have NO heart conditions


December 29:
Free day - Historic downtown

Take today to relax at the pool or on one of the loungers next to the ocean.

We recommend visiting the historic downtown area of Kailua-Kona, which is home to several famous landmarks. Two of the most notable are Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, both on the main road running through downtown. The area was once a place where Hawaiian royals like King Kamehameha liked to reside and where fishing was the main occupation of those who lived there. Today, its roots are still clearly evident but exist alongside a modern spirit marked by vibrant food, music, and people.


December 30:
Departure

Today is time to say goodbye (for now).
After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Bon Voyage!


 

TRAVEL DETAILS

TRANSPORT:

ARRIVAL Transfer
May 13

Private Bus

DEPARTURE Transfer
May 20:

Private Bus

HOTEL

Kona, Hawaii
December 23 - 30

Royal Kona Resort


F.A.Q.

What time should I arrive in Madrid?

Often times, others in your group are flying from the same airport. You may want to consult with your group to see what flight they are all on so that you can travel with them!

  • We do suggest arrivingin Madrid around 2 or 3pm on March 10.

What time is the check in to the hotel?

  • Check in at your hotel will not be until 3pm at the earliest.

    • If you arrive early, or your room is not yet ready for you to check in when you arrive, you may be able to leave your bags with the front desk and they will keep them securely held behind the desk while you go out and eat or explore the city until your room is ready.

Do I have to wear my mask the whole time?

At this time, Yes.

To keep everyone as safe as possible, we require the wearing of masks in all public areas and while on the bus.

When you are on your own, please follow all local laws-ask your guide if you are unsure about each city's current COVID19 Mask policy.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

Space on the bus allows for 1 piece of luggage per person (regular size, 20kg)

Is breakfast included?

Yes!

The serving times vary by hotel (they will tell you at check-in), but usually breakfast is served starting at 6:30am.

How dressy is too dressy?

You can still dress up if you like!
But you will fit in just as well if you want to do more of a business casual attire instead.

What should I bring on the bus each day?

Snacks and a water bottle.
Since you’ll be on the bus all day (most days), we encourage you to bring some snacks and a water bottle with you to keep up your energy!

Camera
You know we all love seeing your photos of the adventures you have together!

Cash
You’ll be purchasing lunch each day, and possibly purchasing souvenirs along the way.

Is there a bathroom on the bus?

Yes.

Will there be electric outlets on the bus?

Usually there are, yes. …. but we cannot guarantee it.

We’ve tried to get a more solid answer for this question, but the bus won’t be officially assigned until just before the start of the tour.
It’s rare not to have electric outlets somewhere on a 55 passenger touring bus; however, it has happened before.

If having a power source is important to you, we recommend bringing a portable power bank with you to charge your devices on the road.


How much should I tip the guide and driver?

They worked hard for you all week- please take care of them appropriately.

Please consider a tip of (at least):
$32/pp for the driver

$56/pp for the guide
(so- that’s a minimum of $88 per person) -(and yes, cash is best)

You can tip at any point in the tour; however, it is customary to tip on the last tour day (before you get off the bus at the hotel in Barcelona.)

It is also customary to tip any other guides that may lead part of your itinerary- $5-8/pp is a nice gesture.

Can I pay by Zelle?

Yes!

We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).

Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.

Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.

Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.

The Pros for using Zelle:

  • It is FREE (no processing fees)!

  • It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)

The Cons for using Zelle:

  • Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.

  • It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.

You can make checks payable to “Zone Travel”

Please mail your checks (allowing 3-5 business days for delivery - PRIOR to deadline) to:
Zone Travel
PO Box 12052
Columbus, OH 43212


Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.


REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(Please submit one registration form per household -max 2 people per registration form)


Pricing details

price Per Person: 

$2020 (double occupancy)
$
2495 (single occupancy)

An optional add-on to Lourdes, France is available:
+$320 (double occupancy)
+$499 (single occupancy)

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.
*Price is based on minimum of 35 people registered, and could go up if under 35 people travel on this trip.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

  • Ground Transportation

    • Arrival: Madrid Airport (airport to hotel)

    • Private Coach during tour (listed above)

    • Departure: Barcelona Airport (hotel to airport)

  • Hotel accommodations

  • Private Tour Guide and Tours

    • Daily tour itinerary listed above

  • Some Meals

    • Breakfast each day

    • 3 Dinners

  • Entrance Fees

    • Entrance fees to attractions and activities listed in the itinerary

  • Most taxes and fees

    • Tour taxes and fees

    • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

    • Current VAT- if this fee changes, we will need to collect additional charges.

NOT INCLUDED

  • 4% processing fee per payment (if paying w/credit card)

  • Airfare

  • Local taxis

  • Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)

  • Tips

    • Local guides (recommended at least $5/pp)

    • Bus driver (recommended at least $32/pp)

    • Tour director (recommended at least $56/pp)

  • Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

    • Basic (starting at $148)

      • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

    • Cancel for Anytime (starting at $269)

      • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

    • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

 

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are three payment options available to you. 
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment. 

Option 1:
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due no later than October 1, 2022.
*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 2: 
(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, an additional 10% administrative fee per payment is applicable for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

***SPECIAL: IF YOU PAY THIS TRIP IN FULL BY DECEMBER 31, YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY THE $50/PP FEE!***


(Payment plan based on a minimum of 35 travelers)

Double Occupancy:

(price per person)
Oct 1: $200 + Insurance
Nov 1: $501
Dec 1: $501
Jan 1: $551
Feb 1: $501

(w/Lourdes Add-On)

Double Occupancy:
(price per person)

Oct 1: $200 + Insurance
Nov 1: $589
Dec 1: $589
Jan 1: $639
Feb 1: $589

Single Occupancy:

Oct 1: $250 + insurance
Nov 1: $632
Dec 1: $632
Jan 1: $682
Feb 1: $632

(w/Lourdes Add-On)

Single Occupancy:
(price per person)

Oct 1: $250 + Insurance
Nov 1: $769
Dec 1: $769
Jan 1: $819
Feb 1: $769

 

REGISTRATION 

  • A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

    • If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.

 

FINAL PAYMENT

  • Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

  • Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

  • Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

 

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

  • Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

 


Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

BASIC PLAN:

The Basic Plan is so affordable you can have your fun and protect it too - all while staying within your budget. The plan has a wide-variety of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and it can also include coverage for existing medical conditions so you can book your trip with complete confidence.
Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $10,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $50,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $500.00

Baggage Delay: $200.00

Travel Delay: $300.00

24-Hour Hotline Assistance: Included

 

CANCEL ANYTIME: 
(NY RESIDENTS-PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT SIMILAR OPTIONS)

The Cancel Anytime Plan gives you the extra flexibility of knowing you can cancel your trip for almost any unforeseen reason that the Classic plan does not already cover at 100% and receive 80% of your non-refundable trip costs back. It includes benefits like trip cancellation protection, primary emergency medical benefits, 24-hour travel assistance, and more. This plan also has SmartBenefitsSM that can pay you proactively and simplify your claims process with no receipts required. Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.
Please note: This plan must be purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and must cover the full non-refundable trip cost ($10,000 maximum). You could also be eligible for pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if all requirements are met (please refer to plan documents for details).
Important information about this plan: Plan charge includes costs of insurance benefits and assistance services. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your plan excludes losses due to that condition unless you qualify for a waiver under the terms of your plan. See Plan and Pricing Details for more information.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $25,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $500,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00

Baggage Delay: $300.00

Change Fee Coverage: $500.00

Loyalty Program Redeposit Fee Coverage: $500.00

Travel Delay: $800.00

24 Hour Hotline Assistance Plus: Included