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