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Published: January 27th 2014
DIAMOND HEAD
Oahu's famous landmark The night before our arrival in Hilo, we were awakened by a thunder clap so loud that it was startling. The lightning light show that followed filled the sky. Fortunately that storm stayed off shore as we had a relatively dry day in port. Hilo is known for its vast amounts of rain and that contributes to its lush beauty.
Hilo was a supply stop for us. Everything we forgot or extra stuff that we would need can be found here. Even though it was Sunday, all the big box stores were open, but the small local shops and museums were closed. But the first priority was to watch the San Francisco 49ers playoff game against Carolina. Since it wasn’t being aired on the ship we took the free shuttle bus to (gasp!) Walmart thinking that with their dozens of TVs blaring, surely one would be showing the game. But that was not to be as all they were broadcasting was Walmart promos. So I signed up for an NFL radio feed. We found a nice bench outside a Saimin shop and gathered ‘round the iPad to listen to the game…just like old times. After the 49ers dispatched
WAHINES
These lovely ladies welcomed us to Lahaina the Panthers, we went about our tasks.
The local market usually has about 300 stalls, but on Sunday just a few fruit and vegetable stands and none of the local handicrafts as on weekdays. Hilo is very quaint unlike the touristic Kona side of the island. We did notice many folks who looked like they might be homeless and a few Rastafarian types. If you’re going to be homeless, I guess this would be the place to be…weatherwise.
In Maui we went to the famed Kaanapali beach and took a long hike. There are certainly plenty of visitors to the islands, so hopefully their economy is booming. This is whale season in Maui and approximately 5,000 humpbacks escape the polar winter for these warmer climes. I saw a whale leap out of the water and when it came back down the splash was enormous. We were anchored off Lahaina during our stay. That night while sitting on our balcony we heard a loud whoooooosh. A whale came up right next to our ship. I couldn’t believe it was so close. A sight and sound we haven’t witnessed since we rowed amongst them in Monterey.
HILO TSUNAMI MUSEUM
Tsunamis have had a major impact in Hawaii We sailed past Hickam Airfield on our way into Honolulu. In the 1960s I flew into this airport for five years when I was a flight attendant with Braniff International. Kevin and I have since spent many vacations in these islands. We love Hawaii, even the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. We took the bus down to the Ala Wai Marina to check out the boats and yacht club. The Waikiki YC was very welcoming and they have a lovely club complete with swimming pool. The beach was packed as we strolled from one end of Waikiki to the other. That night as we sailed away we passed Diamond Head, the striking symbol of this Polynesian paradise.
Each cabin on board is tended to by a stewardess and butler. This is the first time we have had a butler. Janaka’s duties include making dinner reservations, resupplying our mini-fridge and providing room service. Janaka is from Sri Lanka and is a true professional. Risza, our stewardess, is from the Philippines and she takes great care in the cleaning of our suite.
Our planned stop in Fanning Island was cancelled because a recent
CAPTAIN ANGELO CORSARO
Italian skipper from Taormina storm caused much destruction there. As a result, we had six sea days with no land in sight. We lucked out with glorious weather: warm balmy days, beautiful ocean sunsets and sunrises, azure blue seas and starry nights. Our very own picture postcard.
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Dick
non-member comment
Haweaii--Aloha
You guys make me swim in my own memories. Bought a condo at Piikoi and Ala Moana and had it about 10 years. Bought on the drawing boards from Dillingham. Loved it. Almost bought a condo at Napili Kai on Maui. Neat secluded little place. Hale Koa is the best place to stay. Great locztion and reasonable rates (for Honolulu). SO-you off on to bigger and better places. Don't worry about missing Fanning Island, not much there and the trucks are hard on lyou back. Keep on truckin'-and keep on sendin'. Dick