Cruise to Hawaii, Oahu, Kaua'i & Maui

Aloha!  Dale was offered a last minute trip to lecture on a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands (well, not quite last minute - we did get a week's notice!).  Fifteen days, so he did ten lectures to a very warm and welcoming audience.  The rest of the time, we ate, relaxed, watched shows and movies and did I mention that we ate!  The food was superb and the shows were spectacular.  It was a lovely trip.

And then - we got to the islands.  Our first stop was in Hilo, Hawaii and here is an account of our Summit & Stars excursion -

Reach for the stars at the summit of towering Maunakea Mountain.  Revered by astronomers from around the globe, it plays host to the most expansive astronomical complex on Earth.  Your full-day adventure begins with a 4-wheel drive transit vehicle ride to the Imiloa Astronomy Centre for an exclusive planetarium show focusing on the history of stargazing in the Hawaiian culture.  Continue up the mountain, stopping at magnificent Pu'u Huluhulu for a short, guided walk through a native koa forest.  Then it's on to the Visitor Information Station at 9,000 feet for spectacular views and your picnic lunch.  Reach Mauna Kea's summit for a peek inside the Keck Observatory, a cutting-edge astronomical installation.  Also at the 13,796 foot summit, you'll find telescopes monitored by 11 countries, taking advantage of the highest number of clear nights on the planet.  (Yes, it was chilly!)

Next stop was Honolulu where we did a Tropical Treats tour -

From the pier you'll make your way around Oahu's scenic North Shore to the Waialua Sugar Mill.  After a brief tour you can sample Hawaiian coffee before rejoining your vehicle and driving on to Shark's Cove for a photo stop at the famous lava-rock beach.  You'll continue on to Kahuka Farms and Country Cafe for a delicious fresh and organic lunch.  Then, you're off to Manoa Chocolate Factory, located on Oahu's windward coast.  Watch as they create smooth chocolate then sample a few tasty morsels before returning to the pier.  (Yes, we couldn't resist the coffee or the chocolate!)

Kaua'i was a real treat with the Wailua River cruise, Luau and Romantic Ceremony -

Cuddle up on a Wailua River cruise to Fern Grotto followed by a luau and Polynesian show at Smith's Tropical Paradise.  The highlight of the day is a special ceremony where your love is honoured with a performance of the "Hawaiian Wedding Song" interpreted by a dancer's "hula hands".  Stopping on the way back at magnificent Opaekaa Falls for a photo opportunity.

And in Maui, it was one adventure after another -

First the Atlantis Submarine Adventure - Discover Maui's underwater wonders and experience a new depth of adventure onboard a real submarine on this two-hour excursion.  The 65 foot Atlantis submarine features comfortable seating and large view ports.  Your marine naturalist provides narration and points out sights of interest as you descend down to depth of up to 130 feet.  See vibrant tropical fish, thriving coral gardens and giant moray eels as well as a sunken vessel - the Brig Carthaginian.  (We also saw a sting-ray, sharks, trumpet fish, etc.)

Then the Trilogy Catamaran sail - Join your captain and crew for an unforgettable 2-hour tour on this enticing catamaran cruise.  Maui's premier safe and comfortable ocean sailing catamaran provides the best way to experience the beauty of Maui.  Onboard you will enjoy an assortment of appetizers to satisfy the most discriminating gourmet.  With panoramic views this sail is relaxing and fun for the whole family. 

On the way back, Dale got to finish up his lecture series - again, a very warm and encouraging audience (the best ever).  Our ship did a quick stop in Ensenada, Mexico on the way back.  Dale went ashore to catch up on emails and I stayed onboard and watched a Cirque de Soleil movie, Kooza.  All in all a lovely trip.  So glad we missed the snow at home, but we have come back to lots of rain.  Obviously, back to reality!!!