Traveling Cows

As we sailed into our berth next to the Aloha Tower, there was a group on the pier performing traditional music and dancing to welcome us.

Approaching Honolulu

Honolulu Hula

We had spent several days in Honolulu in the Fall on 2003, so we felt we had seen most of what the excursions offered, so we decided to go out on our own. We heard there would be a Chinese New Year celebration at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, a small shopping mall next to the pier. I (Hanson) we out early to see if I could find a schedule. I couldn’t, but I did find a rainbow.

Honolulu Rainbow

At the left is a ship in the Maritime Museum, to its right the Aloha Tower, and further right the twin stacks and some radar domes of the ms Rotterdam.

After breakfast, we all got off the ship and wandered around the mall. John and Janice listened to a Feng Shui lecture. That was followed by a dragon dance.

Then the dragons went around and people, specially the children, “fed” the dragon money for good luck in the new year.

Feeding the Dragon

As everywhere, the young children really get into it.

Boy with Dragon Puppet

We had lunch aboard ship. Then Janice and I set out to return to Hanauma Bay, a beautiful beach in and old caldera in the Southeast corner of Oahu. We had been there in 2003 but only briefly. As it turned out it was equally brief this time, too. We took a crowded public bus to Wakiki, then the Beach bus to the bay. By the time we got to the bay, we realized that we needed to head back soon. So we took a few photos and headed back to the ship.

Hanauma Bay

We find it one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen, so we were happy just to see it again.

After checking in with John, Janice and I went out again and found a free Wifi hot spot at the marketplace. On board, Internet time costs between 0.25¢ and 0.75¢ per minute depending upon how you buy it, so it is nice to find it cheaper or free. We returned to the ship for a BBQ picnic by the Lido pool and the sail away.

Aloha Tower Sailing Away from Honolulu

Hilo is the largest city on the island of Hawaii, “The Big Island.” Hilo is on the Eastern side, the wet side, of the island which receives 10 to 20 feet of rain a year. Although rain was in evidence as we sailed into port, the most we felt were a few brief, light showers.

The last time we were on Hawaii (2003), we went to the Volcanoes National Park. This time we headed in the other direction on an excursion to see three of the many waterfalls that the rains feed. We were in a ten-passenger van with a delightful driver/guide who lives on the island with her native husband and three children.We went through town and out the main road to the north. We then turned onto the old main road—decidedly narrower and more twisty. We traveled through lush vegetation, past beautiful coves, and over many streams.

Umauma Falls

First stop was Umauma Falls, a lovely three-tier falls.

Botanical Garden

Then a walk through a botanical garden.

John and April, Our Guide/Driver

As usual, John charmed the tour guide/driver.

Akaka Falls

The second falls, Akaka, is among the tallest in the islands at 400 feet.

Local Hilo Fruits

Another stop was at a farm for Hilo coffee and native fruits.

Rainbow Falls

Finally we went on to Rainbow Falls. They say that if you are there early, you see the rainbow. Needless to say, we weren’t there early and didn’t see rainbows. But it is a lovely falls.

After the excursion we returned to the ship. We had to show both our ship ID and a photo ID so the van could get back into the cruise terminal. Once inside the terminal building, we had to go through a screening much as you do at an airport. That is standard procedure at all ports.

After lunch on board, Janice and I took the free shuttle to Wal-Mart to buy some of the essentials that we didn’t want to add to our luggage. Not only guests, but staff and crew went shopping. There is a joke in Hawaii that the attraction that draws the most tourists is Wal-Mart. We’ve been told that the one in Honolulu is the largest Wal-Mart in the world.

Wal-Mart Dragon

While at the Hilo store, we had a visit from a dragon. The Chinese New Year starts Monday, so the dragons are out celebrating early.