Day 7 : Lahaina, Maui
Our second day in Maui started off as warm as the first one. Today we were not doing a ships's excursion but were able to disembark early because of the VIP tender tickets offered to Elite Members. After being told that a bus trip to the Irowood Ranch by town bus would involve long waits, we decided to take a cab and be safe. As instructed, I called to inform the Ranch that we were there and that we were awaiting pickup at the gate. The young gentleman arrived shortly afterward to drive us to the office, where we were given waiver forms and instructional handouts.
With the paperwork out of the way, our group of 6 and Angel the guide headed to the corral to meet our mounts. To our delight, the horses had all been given Hollywood names. Our fellow riders were helped up onto Russell Crowe, The Rock, Sandra Bullock, and Will Smith, Ian was fitted for Jet Li, and I was told that my companion for the afternoon would be Brad Pitt :). With a few individual pointers from Angel in regards to the character traits of each horse, we saddled up and headed out on the trail.
What a beautiful ride. We rode in single file, guiding the horses through the beautiful forest and valleys of the Ironwood Ranch. It was challenging to 'steer' the horses around obstacles, uphill and down and through narrow mountain trails. Brad Pitt was determined to make the ride all about him, stopping to snack at every plant and flower that caught his eye. About halfway into the ride. Angel dismounted and came around to each rider to check the tack equipment and take individual photos. We continued on until we were led back to the ranch and the corral, and were helped to dismount. Beverages and snacks were offered and gratefully accepted, and the horses were led to their places in the paddock.
A friendly couple from Seattle offered us a drive back to Lahaina, which was quickly and gratefully accepted.They dropped us off on Front Street, where we decided to spend some time at the Cool Cat Cafe, overlooking the art fair under the Banyon trees. We settled on our barstools and ordered a Longboard Lager and some onion rings while watching the scene along the street. Front Street in Lahaina is much like Duval Street in Key West with its many shops, restaurants and bars.
Our last stop in Lahaina was the Banyon Tree Art Fair, where local artists and craftspeople show their wares for the cruiseship passengers. Ian came away with a carved wooden Tiki, which the artist signed and dated for him, and we reluctantly boarded the tender for the ship and sailaway.
We were able to spend some time in the sun listening to the Kristen Lee band at poolside and enjoying the beautiful weather as the Captain declared All Aboard and we set sail for Vancouver.
Later that evening we joined the band once again for the 50's Sock Hop in the Cosmos Lounge.
Tomorrow: Day 1 at Sea
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hawaii '09 - Day 6
Day 6 : Lahaina, Maui
A cloudless blue sky and temperatures in the 80's F greeted us on our first morning in Lahaina, Maui, the second of our overnight ports (our first being the embarkation port of Honolulu). Maui is my favorite of the Hawaiian islands, with its magnificent landscape and 'hang-loose' attitude. We were up early for a full day of adventure, our first stop being the Skyline Tours Ziplining expedition.
We were met on the pier by Peggy Sue. our charismatic and fun-loving shuttle bus driver. An hour's drive through the lush green rolling hills of Central and Eastern Maui brought us to the Zipline site, as well as the office for the horseback riding excursion. Peggy Sue had us leave our backpacks and other paraphenalia onboard the shuttle, which would park and wait for us. After checking in and signing waiver forms, we were fitted for harnesses and helmets by the very capable and wise-cracking George, who along with Jimmy would be our zipline guides/'catchers' for the next 2 hours.
Once everyone had been fitted with safety gear we set off on a short uphill hike which would bring us to the first zipline station. Since this was an eco-tour, with part of the proceeds going towards the Maui Parks foundation, we were given short lectures on Hawaiian bird species at each station. Jimmy gave us a brief safety demonstration, instructing us to keep our hands clear of the line and to hang on with 2 fingers through the carbonnier at the top of the harness and the other hand on the vertical strap. Unlike the ziplining I had done in Puerta Vallerta in November '08, this system had no breaks but relied on the slackness of the line itself to act as a self-braking device. With a few jokes and some nervous laughter, we each in turn stepped off the wooden platform into thin air and zipped gracefully over to the side. When speaking of the landings on the far platform, the word 'gracefully' is relative, and subject to interpretation.
With a practice run under our belts, we hiked to the next platform and onto the next zipline. Since we were only allowed individual digital cameras and no film equipment, Ian and I took turns photographing each other on the zipline by taking turns running/jumping off the wooden platforms. There were 3 more lines and a very narrow suspension bridge to cross (we crossed in single file while tethered to a safety line on the brudge). Then came the grand finale...a 750-foot long 'boomerang' line. On this particular ride, we were to zip past the wooden platform, 'climb' a pole and be momentarily suspended, 'boomerang' back past the wooden platform a second time, and be caught by the ankles by a waiting George. He then rolled a ladder into place in order for us to be unhooked from the line and to descend to the ground A short hike led us back a waiting van which in turn took us back to the office where we congratulated ourselves on a job well done.
Arriving back at the ship by 2:30 or so, we grabbed a bite to eat and relaxed before preparing for our next event - the Old Lahaina Luau. I had enjoyed this dinner show five years earlier and wanted Ian to experience it too. We met some other Cruise Critic friends on the pier and shared a van to the Luau, checking in and then heading next door to a small bar for pre-Luau drinks. Cliff and Pauline from Edmonton were to be our tablemates for the Luau as well, and we left the bar to head over to the venue.
We were warmly greeted with fresh flower leis and Mai Tais as we entered the Luau grounds. Our Hawaiian waiter Kyle lead us to our table and invited us to walk around and enjoy the lush scenery and photo stations. Ian and I had several photos taken together and went to examine the mud pit where the pig was roasting, to be dug up later and enjoyed by all. Another tropical drink and some hula entertainment later, the pig was ceremoniously unearthed and the meat piled onto a huge wooden platter, hoisted by two able young men and carried off to the kitchen.
When the meal was ready to be enjoyed, the tattooed Kyle led our table to the buffet area and we were left to load our plates with various Hawaiian delicacies, including the aforementioned roast pig, octopus, and taro leaves cooked in coconut milk (my personal favourite). With plates piled high and fresh drinks, we sat down to enjoy the meal, which was delicious. Once dessert had been served , we settled back to enjoy 90 minutes of wonderful Hawaiian entertainment with songs, chants, and dancing. A wonderful show and a fitting ending to a great day in Maui. We shared a cab back to the pier, did some shopping on Front Street, and headed back to the tender line for the ship.
Tomorrow : Lahaina, Maui, Day 2
A cloudless blue sky and temperatures in the 80's F greeted us on our first morning in Lahaina, Maui, the second of our overnight ports (our first being the embarkation port of Honolulu). Maui is my favorite of the Hawaiian islands, with its magnificent landscape and 'hang-loose' attitude. We were up early for a full day of adventure, our first stop being the Skyline Tours Ziplining expedition.
We were met on the pier by Peggy Sue. our charismatic and fun-loving shuttle bus driver. An hour's drive through the lush green rolling hills of Central and Eastern Maui brought us to the Zipline site, as well as the office for the horseback riding excursion. Peggy Sue had us leave our backpacks and other paraphenalia onboard the shuttle, which would park and wait for us. After checking in and signing waiver forms, we were fitted for harnesses and helmets by the very capable and wise-cracking George, who along with Jimmy would be our zipline guides/'catchers' for the next 2 hours.
Once everyone had been fitted with safety gear we set off on a short uphill hike which would bring us to the first zipline station. Since this was an eco-tour, with part of the proceeds going towards the Maui Parks foundation, we were given short lectures on Hawaiian bird species at each station. Jimmy gave us a brief safety demonstration, instructing us to keep our hands clear of the line and to hang on with 2 fingers through the carbonnier at the top of the harness and the other hand on the vertical strap. Unlike the ziplining I had done in Puerta Vallerta in November '08, this system had no breaks but relied on the slackness of the line itself to act as a self-braking device. With a few jokes and some nervous laughter, we each in turn stepped off the wooden platform into thin air and zipped gracefully over to the side. When speaking of the landings on the far platform, the word 'gracefully' is relative, and subject to interpretation.
With a practice run under our belts, we hiked to the next platform and onto the next zipline. Since we were only allowed individual digital cameras and no film equipment, Ian and I took turns photographing each other on the zipline by taking turns running/jumping off the wooden platforms. There were 3 more lines and a very narrow suspension bridge to cross (we crossed in single file while tethered to a safety line on the brudge). Then came the grand finale...a 750-foot long 'boomerang' line. On this particular ride, we were to zip past the wooden platform, 'climb' a pole and be momentarily suspended, 'boomerang' back past the wooden platform a second time, and be caught by the ankles by a waiting George. He then rolled a ladder into place in order for us to be unhooked from the line and to descend to the ground A short hike led us back a waiting van which in turn took us back to the office where we congratulated ourselves on a job well done.
Arriving back at the ship by 2:30 or so, we grabbed a bite to eat and relaxed before preparing for our next event - the Old Lahaina Luau. I had enjoyed this dinner show five years earlier and wanted Ian to experience it too. We met some other Cruise Critic friends on the pier and shared a van to the Luau, checking in and then heading next door to a small bar for pre-Luau drinks. Cliff and Pauline from Edmonton were to be our tablemates for the Luau as well, and we left the bar to head over to the venue.
We were warmly greeted with fresh flower leis and Mai Tais as we entered the Luau grounds. Our Hawaiian waiter Kyle lead us to our table and invited us to walk around and enjoy the lush scenery and photo stations. Ian and I had several photos taken together and went to examine the mud pit where the pig was roasting, to be dug up later and enjoyed by all. Another tropical drink and some hula entertainment later, the pig was ceremoniously unearthed and the meat piled onto a huge wooden platter, hoisted by two able young men and carried off to the kitchen.
When the meal was ready to be enjoyed, the tattooed Kyle led our table to the buffet area and we were left to load our plates with various Hawaiian delicacies, including the aforementioned roast pig, octopus, and taro leaves cooked in coconut milk (my personal favourite). With plates piled high and fresh drinks, we sat down to enjoy the meal, which was delicious. Once dessert had been served , we settled back to enjoy 90 minutes of wonderful Hawaiian entertainment with songs, chants, and dancing. A wonderful show and a fitting ending to a great day in Maui. We shared a cab back to the pier, did some shopping on Front Street, and headed back to the tender line for the ship.
Tomorrow : Lahaina, Maui, Day 2
Hawaii '09 - Day 5
Day 5 : Kona , Hawaii
The foggy skies over Hilo were left behind us as we dropped anchor in the harbour at Kailua-Kona on the 'dry' side of the Big Island. Where Nawiliwili and Hilo were industrial ports with few facilities near the pier, Kona's debarkation point is in the middle of town, giving many options for those who do not wish to take a ship's excursion. Because the ship does not dock here we waited in the Rendezvous Lounge to be escorted to our lifeboat which would carry us to the pier and our excursion to the Kohala Waterfalls.
Our large group was met on the pier by guides from Hawaii Forest and Trails, and split into 3 smaller groups for the day, each with our personal guide.We set off on a narrated tour through the fascinating countryside around Kona, with its highway cut through old lava fields that meander down from a now-extinct volcanoe. After a 45-minute drive to the small picturesque town of Hawi, we exchanged our air-conditioned 10-passenger van for a rugged open-air 6-wheel drive Swiss Army vehicle for the last portion of our trip. The starting point for the waterfall hike was located on the private grounds of a cattle ranch, and as we bounced and rattled across the pastures we indeed passed close to a bunch of cattle who looked only mildly interested at the sight of 10 tourists hanging on for dear life.
We soon reached our final destination and debarked to begin a 2 hour hike through some of the most beautiful forested areas of Hawaii. Our knowledgable guide Jon gave a walking narrative of the plants and trees as we passed, often stopping to lets us touch. smell or taste the native flora. We visited at least 6 waterfalls, pausing to take photos and listen to Jon's informative lectures.
A suspension bridge was also part of our hike, and at the last waterfall the guests were given an option to swim in the clear, cold pool before hiking back to our vehicle.
Lunch was a choice of hearty sandwiches, Maui chips, a cookie and soft drink, enjoyed underneath the Banyon trees near the Hawi Civic Center, with its life-size statue of King Kamehameha standing guard. We were then transferred once again to the 10-passenger vans for the drive back to Kona.
At the pier Ian and I decided to take the free shuttle to Hilo Hattie's, a Hawaiian chain store with authentic Aloha wear, Kona coffee, machadamia nuts and many other souvenir items. I bought a painted tile from a local Hawaiian folk artist as well as items for Ian and friends back home. We walked back to the pier area and waited in line for the next tender back to the ship. Once aboard we dropped off our treaures in the cabin and headed up to the Riviera Grill on deck 10 for our late afternoon ritual of nachos and a cold beer.
Life is good.
Tomorrow: Lahaina, Maui
The foggy skies over Hilo were left behind us as we dropped anchor in the harbour at Kailua-Kona on the 'dry' side of the Big Island. Where Nawiliwili and Hilo were industrial ports with few facilities near the pier, Kona's debarkation point is in the middle of town, giving many options for those who do not wish to take a ship's excursion. Because the ship does not dock here we waited in the Rendezvous Lounge to be escorted to our lifeboat which would carry us to the pier and our excursion to the Kohala Waterfalls.
Our large group was met on the pier by guides from Hawaii Forest and Trails, and split into 3 smaller groups for the day, each with our personal guide.We set off on a narrated tour through the fascinating countryside around Kona, with its highway cut through old lava fields that meander down from a now-extinct volcanoe. After a 45-minute drive to the small picturesque town of Hawi, we exchanged our air-conditioned 10-passenger van for a rugged open-air 6-wheel drive Swiss Army vehicle for the last portion of our trip. The starting point for the waterfall hike was located on the private grounds of a cattle ranch, and as we bounced and rattled across the pastures we indeed passed close to a bunch of cattle who looked only mildly interested at the sight of 10 tourists hanging on for dear life.
We soon reached our final destination and debarked to begin a 2 hour hike through some of the most beautiful forested areas of Hawaii. Our knowledgable guide Jon gave a walking narrative of the plants and trees as we passed, often stopping to lets us touch. smell or taste the native flora. We visited at least 6 waterfalls, pausing to take photos and listen to Jon's informative lectures.
A suspension bridge was also part of our hike, and at the last waterfall the guests were given an option to swim in the clear, cold pool before hiking back to our vehicle.
Lunch was a choice of hearty sandwiches, Maui chips, a cookie and soft drink, enjoyed underneath the Banyon trees near the Hawi Civic Center, with its life-size statue of King Kamehameha standing guard. We were then transferred once again to the 10-passenger vans for the drive back to Kona.
At the pier Ian and I decided to take the free shuttle to Hilo Hattie's, a Hawaiian chain store with authentic Aloha wear, Kona coffee, machadamia nuts and many other souvenir items. I bought a painted tile from a local Hawaiian folk artist as well as items for Ian and friends back home. We walked back to the pier area and waited in line for the next tender back to the ship. Once aboard we dropped off our treaures in the cabin and headed up to the Riviera Grill on deck 10 for our late afternoon ritual of nachos and a cold beer.
Life is good.
Tomorrow: Lahaina, Maui
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Hawaii '09 - Day 4
Day 4 - Hilo, Hawaii
The weather in Hilo was less than desirable when we arrived at 10 a.m. for our first day on the Big Island of Hawaii. A haze that hung over the town was later described to us as "Vog" , a fog caused by the gasses being released at the Kilauea Caldera from the Halema'uma'a Crater, the firepit where the goddess Pele makes her home. We were warned as we boarded our tour bus for a journey to Volcanoes National Park and the Caldera that the trade winds that normally keep the smoke away from Hilo were quiet, and that the air quality was very poor.
Lauren, our tour guide provided an interesting and informative narrative on Hawaii, its history, people and politics as we drove the 45 minutes into the Park. Our first stop was the Visitors center where we made several purchases to support the park operations, including a panoramic poster of Kilauea eruptions and a cd of Hawaiian music recorded inside the park with the Hawaiian Symphony . The center has a number of interesting exhibits on the geology and formation of the Hawaiian Islands. From there we headed to the Jagger Museum and the Kilauea Overlook, a vantage point which looks directly into the Kilauea Caldera and the Crater with its huge plume of gasses billowing out of the ground below. The heavy haze made photography difficult and the air quality was so bad that most visitors quickly sought refuge inside the museum, coughing and gasping. We stayed only long enough to observe the seismographs and their patient scribbling, and to look at the exhibits of hardened lava before returning to the bus and a retreat to better air.
A short drive took us to the Thurston Lava Tube, formed when rushing lava cooled around its own flowing core and left a perfectly formed tube 450 feet in length. The tube is a dark, cool, wet tunnel and was a nice respite from the choking air of the Caldera. Those who wished were let out of the bus to walk the 20-minute route through the tube and then picked up at the outlet to conclude our visit to Hilo with a stop at the Mauna Loa Macademia Nut factory. A sample of machademia nuts was given to us as we left the bus, and then it was inside for Chocolate Macademia Nut Ice Cream and a couple of souvenirs.
A good day in Hilo was followed by an entertaining early show with Carl Andrews, a magician/comedian who was very good with his sleight-of-hand and constant amusing patter. We then went to dinner, knowing that later on that evening we would be passing by Mount Kilauea. The Captain had promised to get us in close and we were not disappointed. We left dinner before dessert and hurried to Deck 20 with the camcorder and camera.
At 10 o'clock an announcement by the Captain heralded our approach to Mount Kilauea. We were told that the ship was within a quarter mile of the lava flow, and as we made our way to the upper decks, the spectacle that is Kilauea came into view ahead of us. What an amazing sight!. The red hot molten lava was flowing into the sea, the steam billowing high into the air and the night sky alight with a bright orange glow. We recorded the breathtaking scene on video and stills, and as the Captain slowly rotated the ship 360 degrees we raced to our balcony on Deck 6 to once again take in the beautiful sight.
A wonderful end to another great day in Paradise.
Tomorrow : Kona, Hawaii
The weather in Hilo was less than desirable when we arrived at 10 a.m. for our first day on the Big Island of Hawaii. A haze that hung over the town was later described to us as "Vog" , a fog caused by the gasses being released at the Kilauea Caldera from the Halema'uma'a Crater, the firepit where the goddess Pele makes her home. We were warned as we boarded our tour bus for a journey to Volcanoes National Park and the Caldera that the trade winds that normally keep the smoke away from Hilo were quiet, and that the air quality was very poor.
Lauren, our tour guide provided an interesting and informative narrative on Hawaii, its history, people and politics as we drove the 45 minutes into the Park. Our first stop was the Visitors center where we made several purchases to support the park operations, including a panoramic poster of Kilauea eruptions and a cd of Hawaiian music recorded inside the park with the Hawaiian Symphony . The center has a number of interesting exhibits on the geology and formation of the Hawaiian Islands. From there we headed to the Jagger Museum and the Kilauea Overlook, a vantage point which looks directly into the Kilauea Caldera and the Crater with its huge plume of gasses billowing out of the ground below. The heavy haze made photography difficult and the air quality was so bad that most visitors quickly sought refuge inside the museum, coughing and gasping. We stayed only long enough to observe the seismographs and their patient scribbling, and to look at the exhibits of hardened lava before returning to the bus and a retreat to better air.
A short drive took us to the Thurston Lava Tube, formed when rushing lava cooled around its own flowing core and left a perfectly formed tube 450 feet in length. The tube is a dark, cool, wet tunnel and was a nice respite from the choking air of the Caldera. Those who wished were let out of the bus to walk the 20-minute route through the tube and then picked up at the outlet to conclude our visit to Hilo with a stop at the Mauna Loa Macademia Nut factory. A sample of machademia nuts was given to us as we left the bus, and then it was inside for Chocolate Macademia Nut Ice Cream and a couple of souvenirs.
A good day in Hilo was followed by an entertaining early show with Carl Andrews, a magician/comedian who was very good with his sleight-of-hand and constant amusing patter. We then went to dinner, knowing that later on that evening we would be passing by Mount Kilauea. The Captain had promised to get us in close and we were not disappointed. We left dinner before dessert and hurried to Deck 20 with the camcorder and camera.
At 10 o'clock an announcement by the Captain heralded our approach to Mount Kilauea. We were told that the ship was within a quarter mile of the lava flow, and as we made our way to the upper decks, the spectacle that is Kilauea came into view ahead of us. What an amazing sight!. The red hot molten lava was flowing into the sea, the steam billowing high into the air and the night sky alight with a bright orange glow. We recorded the breathtaking scene on video and stills, and as the Captain slowly rotated the ship 360 degrees we raced to our balcony on Deck 6 to once again take in the beautiful sight.
A wonderful end to another great day in Paradise.
Tomorrow : Kona, Hawaii
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