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My Portrait
Photography
My Nature Photography
Upon arrival to the airport, the porter took us out to catch a ride to the hotel. $30 for a limo, not too bad.
We chose to book our own hotel and not use NCL. We paid $225/night for an ocean view room in the Rainbow Tower. We chose the Hilton due to the large number of activities present on-site and the reviews of the resort.
Check-in was a breeze - we arrived at about 1:45 PM and did not have to wait. If you are not a Hilton Honors member, sign-up on the website at least 40 days prior to your trip to get you membership card. This will allow you to use the members line if check-in is busy when you arrive.
The room was nice, not great, with two double beds. Balcony was nice.
The in room safe indicated a fee for use each day, we were not charged. We could not believe they charged for the use of in room coffee, besides the usually honor bar system. This was supposed to be a Hilton, not some low rent hotel. On site was an ABC store, a mini-market type place, that was a good place to get the things you needed.
The view from the room was great.
Pools were nice, but not heated. Probably OK for most, but we are used to very warm pools here in phoenix.
The grounds were nice to look at and not too crowded. Plenty off shopping for just about anything you could want. We never needed to leave if we did not want to.
We did this shortly after arriving. Great fun, follow the link for our picture tour of theAtlantis Submarine. Would definitely do this again.
There were lots of places to eat, but don't try to dine on a budget. The first night we grabbed a snack by the beach/pool at a snack bar. Food was adequate snack bar food.
That night they had a show by the main pool. If you wanted a seat near the action, you had to pay a two drink minimum. If you go up to the lobby and sit on the wall behind the fountain, you will have a pretty good view for free.
We were tired so went up to our room as we were still on Pacific Time. Then came the fireworks. They were very loud - woke both me and my wife from our comatose state. Some how the kids slept right through it though.
Ate breakfast at a coffee/pastry stand. Quick and easy. Then off to start our day.
There is on on-site car rental which made it easy to get a car for the day.
First we climbed diamond head. Awesome. You will need good shoes, a flash light (can rent from people) and drinks (can buy at base of trail). Take some fluids, this is a long and hot hike. It is a long unpaved climb with the famous 99 steps. When you climb the first group of steps (66) you think you have made it, then you later you see them, 99 steps - straight up.
You will pass through a tunnel that is so dark that you will not be able to see your hand in front of your face. You can either bring a flashlight, or wait for someone who has one (not really much of a wait on a busy day).
When you reach the top the views are spectacular.
We then started driving around the island on the coast. We stopped at several scenic points. And got to see the blow hole, pipeline, wiminea bay etc. No place to be, so it was a nice leisurely drive around the island. A good map is critical, as the roads are not always labeled as you might think they should be. North and South are very hard to guess when selecting a road.
Good place for a snack, the pineapple whip was great (just like at the Tiki Room at Disneyland). The girls really enjoyed solving the maze, which is really a timed race to find the six locations. Some people cheated by cutting through or peaking at the maps. If you do not have kids, this may not be for you (although plenty of adults were having great fun) - just stop by for the snack.
Finally headed back to our rooms.
Ate dinner at Tapas cafe. We were surprised to find their menu was Italian food. Pleasant and affordable meal.
Spent some time window shopping and called it a night.
Since we got lucky and our room faced down the beach towards the harbor, the girls and I got up and watch the Star sail into port.
Called down for a late check-out so we would not have to go to the pier too early. Ate breakfast at Tapas buffet. Standard buffet fair. No cooked to order items though.
We spent the day playing on the beach until it was time to head on to the ship.
| Our Trip | Pre-Cruise | Sun-Board | Mon-Hilo | Tue-Sea | Wed-Fanning |
| Thu-Sea | Fri-Maui | Sat-Kauai | Sun-Leave | Ship Tour | Home |
|
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