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My Portrait
Photography
My Nature Photography
We woke up to Honolulu, a site we were not looking forward to seeing. The cruise was over way too soon. We had ordered our last breakfast to our room from the room service menu, and as usual it was right on time. We took our time as our limo wasn't due until 10:00. I didn't want to have to hurry.
While waiting I read the magazine 101 things to do in Oahu that was in our cabin. There were several ads that caught my eye. It seemed I could go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay for $12 including pick-up and return to our hotel and gear. No one else seemed interested, but I was going to see if I could fit it in.
We got off the ship and went to get our bags. Panic hit as one of the bags were missing. A quick walk over to the service desk and they had the bag right there. The tag had come off and they weren't sure where to put it as if they put it with the wrong group it could really get lost.
Out the door and I saw our limo waiting. The crowds were thick with people trying to get on buses or in taxis. We made it through the crowd and our driver loaded the luggage. The drive back to the Hilton was nice.
We chose to stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village again as we really like it there. Getting to the hotel at 10:30 in the morning I was not to optimistic about getting an early check-in. I went to the honors check-in line as the regular line was quite long with people checking-out.
One of the staff came over to see what I wanted and told me to just wait there. She went over to one of the clerks and had me come on over. The guy who was next in line did not look happy (join Honors program its free). I asked about an early check-in and told the clerk that I would take one of the two rooms if available. I also told her the two rooms could even be in separate towers. We she looked around for a bit and found a room that was ready. She put the other room on the list for an upgrade. We had the luggage delivered to the room and everyone got what they needed for the day.
I called about the tours. Each company had different schedules. I finally found one who could get me back on time and had room for me to leave soon. I needed to be back by 3:30 as our Luau was tonight and pick-up was at 4:15. I met the guy at the pick-up location and he said there was supposed to be some other people. Then he said he couldn't take just one person. I was about to get really annoyed, but before I could react he said to hold on and started making calls. I really want to snorkel this volcano crater.
It turns out these guys all seem to work together. He found another van that was almost full and nearby. We met them and they took me to the tour in van number two. About 15 minutes later we get out in the middle of nowhere and the van pulls into this neighborhood and stops. Now I should tell you everyone else on the van is Japanese, and even the driver speaks limited if any English. A third van pulls up and we are pointed to it. I'm getting a bit nervous to say the least.
The driver of the third van spoke English and I asked what was going on. He explained the other guy didn't have a permit to go into the park as a tour. a few minutes later he pulled into the park and explained where we needed to check-in at the park. He gave us our gear and scheduled our pick-up. You pay a fee of $5 to the park and watch a nine minute movie. Depending on when you arrive this will take 10-20 minutes out of your time. The video tells you a little about the park and what the rules are that you should follow.
Then you hike down the long hill to the water or you can take the shuttle for a small fee. I walked down and it wasn't bad at all. There is a nice beach, but real attraction is the snorkeling. I waded into the water about knee deep, put on my gear and started swimming. I was immediately confronted by colorful fish. The water was barely two feet deep and there were everywhere. Shot some great video.
I swam all over for the hour that I had to spend and took lots of video. I saw many kinds of fish, and some very large impressive fish 3+ feet in length. There were many varieties too, some were different from my other two snorkel trips. Snorkeling was different as the was a very, very mild surf that would push you around in some areas. I would be filming and the next thing I knew, a wave would move me 3-4 feet away from where I was.
Every direction I turned there seemed to be a new type of fish.
Time was up and I had to go. I decided to use the shuttle to get back to the top as I was tired from swimming. I was pretty far out when I noticed the time and realized I need to get to shore. They charge $1 for a ride up the hill. Luckily I some some cash that I kept dry in my camera case.
Now once I got to the top, I still had a long walk (150-200 yards) to the parking lot where the van was supposed to be. I got there five minutes late for my 3:00 pick-up. Luckily they were still loading the van. Unfortunately the van was full and there was another group of people ahead of me. Once again these guys started talking and people were moved from one van to another based upon their hotel. If you are the nervous type this probably would not be fun, but they work all out.
I made it back to the hotel with time to shower and get ready. Everyone else was back and getting ready. They all had a great time while I was gone - shopping and playing in the pool. The other room had become available while I was gone and it ended up being upgraded to a nice ocean view room.
We went down to meet our bus for the luau and the first thing we saw a lot full of buses. So I figured I'd just check and see where they said they were going. The all said "Charter". Great. Walked to the curb and there was a man with sign for our luau. We were directed to one of the charter buses. A little while later we were on our way. We made a few more stops at other hotels then to the luau.
The our luau representative was great. During the drive he kept talking about this and that making the 30 minute ride pass by very quickly. As you arrive they explain how things work, give explain how your drink tickets are used, seating etc. As you get off the bus they have you line up and get a photo taken. Then it is pretty much open seating.
You can sit in the front on the low tables and mats, or further back at picnic style tables with benches. I think the best seats are the first row of picnic style tables after spending time at the show. We sat on the mats and were right by the stage. The kids liked it, but the stage speakers did block the view a little.
When you arrive you put your lei's at your seat to indicate it is taken. You can then look around and get some drinks, take some pictures and listen to some music. They have two bars - one with alcohol and one without. The soda was free, but the virgin drinks took a drink ticket (but the kids didn't get drink tickets). The adults all got three drink tickets each so we had plenty to get the kids some fun drinks along with the soda.
Before the food they have the pig ceremony which is a luau tradition. It was fun to watch, but the pig had been cooked so much, you really couldn't tell it was a pig. My youngest, Olivia, says pigs are too cute to eat so she skipped that show.
When the food was served they had those who needed more time, and families with kids to go first. I'm sure all the families like this as kids tend to hate waiting. I waited with my in-laws and got my food when they called our table.
The line moved plenty fast. I finally tried poi and now I can say the rumors are true. Poi needs to be mixed with something and should not be eaten alone. My wife said it was ok with the pork, I don't agree. The rest of the food was good. I went back for seconds on the things I really liked.
Then as we were finished eating they came and cleared the tables by having us pass the dirty plates to them for the trash bags. Very quick and efficient. Soon afterward it was time for the show. Made some fun video.
The dancers represented various Polynesian islands.
Even the bus guides got into the act.
Of course what show would be complete without various audience participation activities. They participants were all good sports and had good fun.
Later it was time for the drawings for the door prizes. Second and third prize winners were told to stand when there number was called and their prizes were taken to them. First prize was called to the stage.
The first prize winner was standing on the stage when she discovered she'd been set-up. Her boyfriend proposed and she said yes.
The show was great. Dances of various types, fun costumes and of course the classic fire dance.
After the show we made our way to the bus for the ride home. Once again we were kept well entertained. The pictures taken when we arrived were shown to us for purchase if we wanted. We figured since we had been the first pick-up that we would be the last drop off. Turns out we were the first drop-off.
Back to our room and straight to sleep as we had an early flight.
Our driver was waiting for us at 6:00 AM just like we asked. All in all Star Limousine had provided awesome service! At the airport check-in takes a long time. First you carry your bags to wait in line for agricultural inspection. Then you check-in with the airline. Next your take your bags to security inspection. Then you proceed to the gate.
To enter the gate area you go thru the standard security inspection. They added a new one, video cameras must be taken out of the bags. So I unloaded my laptop and cameras and off we went. We ride the shuttle to the gate and yet another inspection - this time carry on agricultural inspection. We arrive at the gate and they check our ids and stamp our boarding passes. They have no food or drink at this point, but you can walk a ways back to get some nourishment.
Once again my in-laws had seats that needed to be adjusted, but this time they got it done while waiting at the gate. The flight to LAX was uneventful and once again the food was not bad. Our connection to Phoenix was scheduled for about 90 minutes after we were scheduled to arrive. Our flight was early so we have some time to enjoy lunch. Hawaiian and America West fly out of two different terminals at LAX so we once again had to do the security check again after walking between terminals (they were close and the shuttle would be silly). We check the monitors to see our flight was delayed.
After we cleared security we now how plenty of time for a long lunch. Everyone found something to eat and we all eventually met at the gate. Our flight kept getting delayed even longer. The next flight to Phoenix that was scheduled to leave after us was boarding and our plane still was not here. I called our limo and let them know our flight was delayed and to watch our flight. Finally our plane arrived and we made it to Phoenix.
We got our baggage without problem. We were concerned with the delay that are baggage would get "lost" again. Amanda's Limousine service was great. You ring them when you have your bags and they meet you at the curb a few minutes later. Phoenix won't let them wait for you at the curb - no parking, no standing, no waiting due to security.
Home at last and an end to a great vacation!
| Our Trip | Pre-Cruise | Sun-Board | Mon-Kauai | Tue-Kauai | Wed-Hilo | Home |
| Thu-Kona | Fri-Maui | Sat-Maui | Sun-Honolulu | Ship Tour | Videos | Back |
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