The Pride of America docked in Nawiliwili Harbor, on the island’s southeast coast, near the town of Lihue. We hopped on the Harbor Trolley to the beaches of Kalapaki Bay. We enjoyed the refreshing water, the sandy beach and watching boats coming and going. We stopped in at Kalapaki Joe’s for drinks. After a morning in Nawiliwili Kauai, we headed back to the ship for a relaxing afternoon. The ship was hosting a sail away barbecue pool party, as we sailed out of Kauai, we went poolside and enjoyed the live music from the ships band “The Wave.” After awhile we moved from a table to the lounge chairs and the pool. We had a great waitress, who keep our drinks full, even when we were in the pool. No need to get out and go to the bar, she was right there checking on us, calling us by our …
Kauas origins are volcanic, the island having been formed at approximately six million years ago, is the oldest of the main islands. One of the wettest spots on earth, with an annual average rainfall of 460 inches, is located on the east side of Mount WaiÊ»aleÊ»ale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains, carving out canyons with many scenic waterfalls. Outside of the port, there were lots of buses to take hundreds of people off to their adventures for the day. Oral traditions tell of the sacred births of Kaua`inui and Wailuanuiho`ano and the establishment of this area as a birthing site reserved for royalty. These ancient stones were synonymous with both birth and death in ancient times. Pregnant women carrying Kauai’s unborn royalty were led here to give birth. The location was also used to sacrifice enemy warriors and others unfortunate people to the …
We watched as the crew as they lowered the life boats down to tender us to the shore. We picked up tender tickets and was off to Kailua-Kona was the first royal capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. There were historical landmarks within walking distance of the pier including a Heiau (temple), the first Christian church in Hawaii and a summer palace. A painter was doing a landscape of these in the distance. The water was so clear you could see the bottom with many rocks. Back from Hattie’s we stopped in at Splashers Grill for drinks and apps, before heading back to the tenders. Out in the bay the Atlantis Submarine, a 48 passenger submarine, was docked. The sub was featured in National Geographic television specials. We hopped on a shuttle to Hilo Hattie’s, the store of Hawaii. They carry a wide selection of Hawaii attire. We wore are …
At the Big Island Candy Factory we were met at the door by a super friendly staff member, who immediately offered fresh sweets and coffee! The facility is clean and modern with large windows through which we observed staff creating a variety of hand-made chocolate treats. The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is a museum on volcanology with displays of equipment used by scientists in the past to study the volcano, working seismographs, and an exhibit of clothing and gear from scientists who got a bit too close to lava. The overlook, outside the building, offers an incredible view of the main crater, Halema’uma’u. Along the rim there were interpretive displays about Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. We were hoping to see the lava but they keep you a safe distance from it. In May 2018 the facility was closed and the property evacuated due to collapse explosions …
The 318-foot-long Olowalu Tunnel on the Honoapiilani Highway along Maui’s southwest coast west of Maalaea Harbor was built in 1951. It is the oldest highway tunnel in Hawaii. On the mauka (inland) side of each portal is wire netting to keep rocks from falling onto the roadway. Mai’Poin’a ‘oe Ia’u Beach Park is a quiet beach located in North Kihei, on South Central Maui. The narrow beach runs a mile and is an extension of Maalaea Beach and Sugar Beach. Water is typically calm in the mornings making it excellent for swimming. In the afternoons, it can get quite windy making Mai’Poin’a a popular spot for wind surfing. Ukumehame Beach Park is located near the 12 mile marker along the Honoapiilani Highway. The park takes its name from the huge valley which can be seen directly behind it which carves a spectacular “V” in the West Maui Mountains. These dangerous …
As we docked in Maui, the sun was coming up with dense cloud cover. As it began to peeked through a hole in the clouds, it was as if it was burning a hole in the clouds. Finally, the sun won and the sky opened up to a bright sunny day. The Coast Guard came along side the ship to come aboard to complete the paper work necessary for us to leave the ship. With all the paper work done, we got off the ship and had our ship photos taken. Along Maui’s rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hana, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului. The road was so narrow that many times it was a one-lane road (even though it went 2 ways) with a mountain on one side and a sheer drop …
A cruise was a great way to see the best of the main islands: Maui, Hilo Kona and Nawiliwili. The itinerary provided over nights in several of the ports, so there was plenty of time to get out and enjoy the islands without having to rush back to the ship. We arrived early, 11:30, so check-in was quick. We filled out our forms, had our photos made and received our room keys. We were given leis (Lupe & mine were purple & white flowers and Steve & Fred’s were shells) and had our photo taken with hula dancers. We were given fresh coconut and cups of cold water, while we watched a hula dance and information about Hawaiian customs. We boarded the ship and headed to Skyline, one of the dining restaurants. Afterwards, we explored the ship and had drinks. Finally, we got into our cabin where we had chocolate …
After a morning in Nawiliwili Kauai, we headed back to the ship for a relaxing afternoon. The ship was hosting a sail away barbecue pool party, as we sailed out of Kauai, we went poolside and enjoyed the live music from the ships band “The Wave.” After awhile we moved from a table to the lounge chairs and the pool. We had a great waitress, who keep our drinks full, even when we were in the pool. No need to get out and go to the bar, she was right there checking on us, calling us by our names. Like I said she was REALLY GOOD! The guys gave her a huge tip for her hard work. After “The Wave” finished Toby Beau took the stage to do a tribute to Jimmy Buffet. It was a great relaxing afternoon of drinks, music and a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” in “Margaritaville.” Â Â …
We celebrated birthdays on this cruise. Lupe’s on the 1st, Fred’s on the 8th and Steve’s on the 27th. The ship do cakes for birthdays and anniversaries. Our last night on board, a wine toast, cheesecake and coconut soufflé for dessert. Save
The Napali Coast nourishes the soul. Kauai’s famous coastline is truly majestic, featuring emerald-green pinnacles towering along the shoreline for 17-miles. Located on the North Shore of Kauai, the Napali Coast features panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, velvet green cliffs and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago. As we sailed along the Napali Coast, the ship had a local resident onboard to give commentary on the history and current day facts about this amazing part of Kauai. The ship actually sailed the coast going both directions so that guests could participate from their stateroom balcony or other parts of the ship and not have everyone crowding one side of the ship.
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