The islands of paradise were my home and playground for almost 21 years of my life growing up on the island of Maui. Over the years since my departure I have had the opportunity to return to my birthplace on a number of occasions. One of my favorite ways of doing so is via cruise ship. My personal favorite, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, offers you an 11-night itinerary that takes you on a journey through the islands of Hawaii filled with sights you will remember always.
Your itinerary begins in the capital city of Honolulu located on the island of Oahu. In my previous article I listed many different activities and sights for you to choose from. While there you may choose the historical Arizona Memorial and the Mighty Mo excursion which includes a tour of the actual harbor, a pivotal point and location during World War II, or take a jaunt out to the Polynesian Cultural Center where you can learn and experience the lifestyles and practices of the ancient Hawaiians.
The next port of call on your journey through paradise is Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai. There you will find a landscape decorated with tropical ferns and blossoms described by many a writer over the years. Being the most lush of all the other islands, Kauai lives up to its nickname 'The Garden Isle'. There are two shore excursions that I highly recommend. The Kauai Helicopter Flight seeing excursion, which allows you views of the Waimea Canyon known as the 'Grand Canyon' of the pacific, the valleys and cliffs of the Na Pali coast including the Valley of the Lost Tribe, and view the Waialeale Crater dubbed the wettest spot on Earth. Another memorable excursion is the Wailua River Cruise and Fern Grotto tour. After boarding your riverboat, cruise down the river surrounded by the greenest valley you have ever seen to the first point where the Polynesian Settlers first landed, then on to the Fern Grotto, an amphitheater naturally formed where you will be serenaded by the sounds and melodies of the ancient Hawaiians, performed by a Hawaiian Chorus that will transport you back in time to ancient Hawaii. You will find towns along the coast of Kauai, where time seems to have stood still, giving you an old Hawaii feel when visiting.
The Big Island of Hawaii, which is your next stop, offers you two ports of call. Hilo and Kailua Kona. While on the Big Island of Hawaii, there are a number of different shore excursions you may choose from. While docked at the port of Hilo, I recommend the Mauna Kea Summit Tour. The tour takes you to the top of the Pacific's highest peak including sights of Hawaii's famous waterfalls, lava flows and the world's largest telescope located at the Keck Observatory. Another tour is the Volcanoes National Park Walking Tour. Here you will be able to view and experience a number of wondrous if not awe inspiring sights created by one of natures powerful forces including large pit craters and dramatic land formations. On the opposite side of the island is Kailua-Kona home of Hawaii's most luxurious resort areas. Here you may choose the Kona Highlights tour, visiting popular sights that include the Painted Church, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Park, and the Mauna Loa Royal Kona Coffee store. After the tour you can take a stroll along the streets of Kona visiting storefronts and art galleries that offer you unique items found only in Hawaii. For the certified scuba diver, the Kona Scuba Tour lets you experience natural coral formations, lava flows and tubes, and Hawaii's abundant sea life. Nature enthusiasts may choose the Kona Cloud Forest Botanical Walk. A walk through a native forest among the palm trees, tree ferns, blossoms and bamboo, all the while being serenaded by songs of the wild birds provide a relaxing and almost mystical experience.
Next on your itinerary is my personal favorite, Lahaina Maui. Lahaina, at one point in Hawaii's history was the capital city and a very prosperous whaling village and community. With it's quaint streets lined with shops offering unique Hawaiian items, gourmet restaurants, and art galleries of the likes of Gary Wyland, Chris Lassen and Thomas Kinkade, combined with awe inspiring views of Maui's surrounding islands, makes it a must see while in Hawaii. Excursions that are offered and that I recommend are the Haleakala Crater tour that takes you to the top of Hawaii's only
dormant volcano. Standing at roughly 10,000 feet above sea level, you will be treated to a bird's eye view of the island of Maui, and on a clear day, it's surrounding islands as far as the Big Island of Hawaii. The crater itself is 3,000 feet deep, and can house the entire island of Manhattan with room to spare. The landscape itself is quite a sight, being compared to what you would see if you were to set foot on the moon. It is quite an experience. Another excursion is the theatrical performance of Ulalena at the Maui Theater. Combining Hawaiian mythology, history and culture with an original Polynesian music score, choreography, and acrobatics makes this a show that will have you glued to your seat.
As for the cruising experience, Royal Caribbean made an excellent choice using the Serenade of the Seas for this itinerary. Being a Radiance class ship, it blends a lot of brass and glass, original works of art and hardwoods, giving you a most luxurious feel when roaming the ship. Spacious staterooms filled with all the creature comforts that we have become accustomed to while vacationing, and an international staff and crew that treat you like royalty makes you feel like kings and queens when on board. You will find a state of the art fitness center combined with a luxurious day spa, the Solarium which is an indoor/outdoor pool and lounge area that allows you to enjoy it even during the most inclement weather, and the Tropical Theater providing you with a bountiful amount of Broadway/Las Vegas style performances every night of the cruise. For your dining pleasure, you may choose 'traditional dining' in the Reflections main dining room, or alternative specialty restaurants such as the Chops Grille if you're in search of the perfect steak or the Portofino if Italian is what you're craving. The Windjammer Caf'located on deck 11 provides you a buffet style setting for breakfast, lunch, snack time and dinner in a very relaxed atmosphere. Your itinerary includes four full days to enjoy and experience all of what Royal Caribbean has to offer. All of this, and more is included in your vacation package, simplifying the aspects of your vacation planning.
Combining the Islands of Hawaii, with a Royal Caribbean cruise, will make your vacation, a very special, and memorable one. Given the opportunity, I would take this cruise again in a heartbeat.
On a personal note, I know that all of us on the Treasure Coast have been greatly affected by the recent bouts with Hurricane Jeanne and Frances. I myself have not been spared. I just want everyone to know that you are all in our prayers here at Gadabout Travel. Until next time''
Written by: A Gadabout Travel Staff Member Gadabout Travel, Sebastian FL
