(Cruising aboard the Tahitian Princess)

After five days at sea with a stop at Kiribati (Christmas Island), we docked in the port of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our day exploring the Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea was absolutely excellent! We rented a van for the six of us and drove into the park, around Crater Rim Drive and down the Chain of Craters Road. We were able to see the steam plume from the hot lava flowing into the ocean. The view from Chain of Craters Road was perfect and, we were soon to learn, precious. Three days later, 200+ small earthquakes opened gaps in the road and it remains closed as I write this.

We walked on top of the lava flows from the 1980s and 1990s, once again getting to a point--but miles away--where we could see the steam plume. We plan to return and hope to walk the trail that the rangers lay out to get close enough to see some hot lava.

There is much more to see in the park: steam vents, sulphur banks, the Jagger museum, the visitors center and the lava tube. Be sure to plan on lunch at the Volcano House (restaurant and hotel across from visitors center). They have a great buffet (if you have lots of time) and a snack shop right next to it for a quick sandwich, soup, or salad. Both overlook the crater. 

Our ship was due to sail at 6 so we had little time to see anything else before we needed to drop off the van and get a ride back to the ship on the Budget rental shuttle but we managed a quick stop at the orchid greenhouse not far from the park and the Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm.

Moving on to Maui

On our previous trip to Maui, we were impressed with how green it was. Not so this trip. Hawaii was in the middle of a drought and much of the green was a bit brown or faded. The ocean views were still great and the trip to the top of Haleakala followed by a quick descent by bicycle was the highlight for half our group. The chase car--or rather van, followed a little more slowly and stopped to take pictures of the view along the way. (The last time we visited, we had enough time to take a bag lunch and stop at a lookout to eat lunch above the clouds. I highly recommend it.)

There are lots of other things to do on Maui and I hope to post again after our return trip to see the whales in 2008.

The Garden Island, Kauai

While most of our group went off to the Waimea Canyon excursion, Bob and I opted to try the hike and cave excursion. Our guide took us on a beautiful hike along the shore and explained how King Kamehameha failed to conquer the island. He shared the legends and the history and some of the religious background explaining that all the different stones on the island were said to have different sacred meanings. It explained why the Hawaiians are so sensitive about any tourists pocketing a stone for a souvenir.

After our coastal walk we made a short drive to a trail that led to a cave entrance we had to get down on our hands and knees to enter. But wait! Since we were pampered cruisers, our guide laid down rugs for us to crawl on. Inside was open-aired since part of the cave had collapsed. We were able to explore some of the work areas of a paleontologist who is doing research there. It was all quite interesting.

We spent the rest of our afternoon enjoying the beautiful garden island views from the ship's deck chair.

Oahu

Disembarkation was at Honolulu. Our trip was extended however with reservations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for two nights. We've stayed there before and enjoyed their well-kept grounds full of all sorts of surprises like penguins and flamingos. Lots of ponds dot the resort with koi and other colorful fish as well as birds--some of which I am sure are uninvited dinner guests.

Since we were too early to get into our rooms, we checked the baggage and picked up the van we'd reserved. Tour book in hand, we began a drive around the east side of the island--stopping at all the pullouts for the views and of course the famous blowhole. We were anxious to see the north end of the island where the big surfing events take place but were disappointed to find calm seas and no surfers. We were there at the wrong time of year. There are wonderful beaches there though.

Rounding the top of the island, we headed down through the center where there used to be acres of pineapple fields and sugar cane. Almost all of that is gone now and the tourist business has taken first place in economical importance.

USS Arizona, USS Bowfin, USS Missouri

Our major reason for staying in Honolulu was to visit the Arizona memorial. It is an awesome experience to view the movie that explains the attack and shows footage of the devastation and then to stand on the memorial and look out into the waters over the top of the battleship. A gun turret is the only part that sits above the surface.

The submarine USS Bowfin gives you a whole new appreciation for the term "elbow room." The Bowfin was called the avenger of Pearl Harbor for its role in destroying so many Japanese ships.

Of course the USS Missouri was impressive. The battleship is open for visitors to wander most everywhere. On the Surrender Deck is a plaque marking the spot where the Japanese signed the surrender in 1945.

Heading Home

After a morning walking the beach and enjoying the ocean breeze, we packed six of us and all the luggage into the van and managed to get to the airport with all of it. It was aloha for now but with the anticipation of a return trip soon.

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©Karen Robbins All text and photos on this page are copyrighted in my name. Please obtain permission for use.

10/18/2008

Tips and Suggestions and General Observations:

• We used Budget in Hilo, Hawaii, and Thrifty in Lahaina, Maui, for rental cars. Budget was right there to pick us up and got us back to the ship with no problem. Thrifty was not there to meet us and it took a lot of hassle with an 800 number before we finally got the local number and were assured someone would come and pick us up. Be sure to reserve well in advance. (At Honolulu, we used Hertz right at the Hawaiian Village. No problems.)
• Hilo: Ships excursions will not take you down the Chain of Craters Road even if it is open due to the time restraints but we found that we had plenty of time on our own by renting the van ahead and being ready to get off the ship as soon as it was cleared in the morning--around 8 a.m.
• Maui: There are lots of bike rental places as long as you have a way to get the bikes to the top of Haleakala and back to the rental place. Otherwise, take an excursion from the ship. While the traffic wasn't bad when we went, on your own you could be dodging tour buses along the way. Excursions travel in groups with a van trailing behind for safety.
• Kauai: If a helicopter ride is tempting you, be very careful about who you book with. Do your homework and check safety records if possible. A few years ago, two very dear friends of ours lost their lives on their dream vacation when an inexperienced pilot didn't realize the sudden change in weather patterns and crashed into the mountainside.
• Oahu: If you stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and need a break from pricey meals, try the Wailana Coffee Shop on Ala Moana Blvd. Great breakfast! Especially the waffles with coconut syrup. There are also a few other familiar places like Tony Romas within a block or so.
• USS Arizona: The visitor center opens at 7:30 a.m. We arrived at 8 and found a huge line already forming to get their tickets (free). It moved steadily however and the tickets that were handed to us were for 10:45 a.m. Each person must be in line to receive a ticket. You cannot get more than one or choose your time. Be aware that no bags or "articles of concealment" are allowed in the center due to security. Take only your camera--no large camera bag. There is a storage facility across the parking lot by the USS Bowfin and Museum that will hold your things for a nominal fee if you have no other option. Once you have your ticket, you can visit the Bowfin and the Museum while you wait. There is also a snack bar with tables/chairs, and a gift shop. It took about 1 1/2 hours to wander through the submarine and the museum indoors and out. From the parking lot you take a bus to the USS Missouri--a short ride over the bridge to Ford Island. The bus stops at the Air Force Museum on the island as well. Price for a self-guided tour of the Bowfin and Missouri was $20. Guided tours were available for additional charges.
• Flying out of Hawaii: In addition to all the other security checks, you will be required to go through an agricultural screening for your checked baggage before checking in. See Airport Visitor Information site for more details.