Hawaiian Isles Trip Report FINISHED!!! About This Page:

[DebiDebiDebi]

Winter In Paradise

Cast of characters:

Lee 42, & Debbie 42 , From Washington State
Kenny: 41 Carey 37, Casey 5, and Kalysta, 3 all from Maui

Lee & I left from our home after Lee got off work on Saturday, November 30th. We had reservations at the DoubleTree near the Seattle airport…a package deal that allowed us to stay for $84.00 and park our car for free for the duration of the trip. Not a bad deal, and aside from a less than friendly desk clerk, and major construction to parts of the hotel, the experience was fine. We were up early the next morning, had breakfast, and took the shuttle to Seattle International Airport. We arrived around 7:30 am. And found a very long line for check in. Surprisingly, check in and security went rather quickly, and we were at our gate within an hour. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 10:00 am. We were informed soon after that due to heavy fog the night before; our plane would be delayed 2 ½ hours. The plane had to be diverted to Portland, Oregon the night before, and so we had to wait for it to arrive. Thank Goodness we had the portable DVD; we popped in Harry Potter, and waited. At 12:30, we were told we were delayed again to 1:00 pm…and this continued every ½ hour until 4:00 pm. It seems that the airline had to be fully catered…and this was the new reason for delay. Our pilot expressed a desire to leave without the catering, but, since there is no catering for this flight in Maui, the delay was necessary so that the return flight would have dinner for the folks on that flight. But, we were compensated by the airline, (Hawaiian Airlines) with food vouchers for lunch and snacks while we waited, and finally, $200.00 vouchers per passenger toward our next Hawaiian Air fight. We were happy with this arrangement. At 4:00 pm, we were off and running, and finally arrived in Maui around 8:30 pm their time. It was great to see our friends Carey & Kenny again, and we marveled at how much Casey & Kalysta have grown. Home made lasagna awaited us for a late dinner, and then it was visiting for a while then off to bed.

Monday, December 2, 2002

We arose early, (who can sleep with that wonderful Hawaiian breeze wafting in over you!?!). We headed for the beach after Casey was dropped off at school, and Kalysta at daycare. The four of us spent a leisurely few hours basking in the sun, and playing in the surf. Kenny & Lee did some snorkeling, and reported seeing several wonderful colorful fish, and even an eel. It was home again in the afternoon, and dinner for all six of us at Outback that evening. Then, we all prepared for our flight to The Big Island, scheduled in the early morning on Tuesday.

[ 12-29-2002, 11:42 AM: Message edited by: DebiDebiDebi ]

[Bert & Sully]

Well I am SO GLAD to see your trip report! Can't wait to read more about your fun in the sun!

[TINKN]

Great start! Can't wait for more.

[maggy_1]

Sounds great to me [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Can wait to read more [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]

Glad you are back [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[Bert & Sully]

Still waiting to read more!

[FanOfMickey]

I wish I was there myself, I look forward to reading the rest.

Janine

[DebiDebiDebi]

Tuesday, December 3, 2003

We flew into Hilo, Hawaii and picked up our mini van…just perfect for our gang of 6. Carey & I had already discussed stopping at Big Island Candies, a large and inviting confectionary factory that specialized in Shortbreads laced with Macadamia nuts. We all enjoyed watching the workers dipping the cookies in assorted chocolates…(the chocolate shortbread dipped in mint was especially great, as was the plain shortbread dipped in caramel and chocolate). We all purchased several bags ( just for sampling, of course… [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ) and then headed for Volcanoes National Park.
What a spectacular place Volcanoes National Park is! To describe all there is to see is a huge undertaking; so I have opted for highlighting a few of the things we saw and did while there. We drove the length of the park, stopping along the way at various view points. There was the Kilauea Visitor Center, where I was able to add another cancellation stamp to my National Parks Passport. We viewed a short film on volcanoes which gave some facts and covered the dangers of lava flow, etc. We viewed the Pauahi Crater a large pit like area to which, Casey, in all his vast 5 year old wisdom, declared to be “a big ol’ hole.” We saw evidence of many old lava flows, all of which are labeled with the year and month that they occurred. It is interesting to note that as vast and moonlike these areas appear, nature does have a way of somehow breaking through this lava, and plants do find there way in amongst the rock.
The highlight of this park was the mile trek we took out onto the newest flow in the park. It occurred in September 2002. The park staff had marked a trail with yellow reflectors across the barren, black lava fields for the public to follow. We understood that if we were brave enough to venture out, we might be able to see an actual red hot molten lava flow pouring into the ocean. This can be a dangerous activity, with uneven (at best) footing, high temperatures, (that lava rock is very hot with the sun beating down on it), and there is danger of breaking through the hardened lava to the still flowing lava under the crust. It is highly recommended that you stay on the marked trail, and not venture off on your own. We came to steam vents along the path where hot air could be felt pulsing out…an indication that we were indeed walking on a still living flow. It is recommended that you wear hiking boots or shoes that cover the feet entirely, you take plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration, and use caution as the terrain is very rough and ever changing. That being said, I have to say that the experience was amazing. The lava flow makes artful twists and turns, with unique patterns hardening into black natural sculptures. You could see where the lava had flowed like a river, or where it bubbled up like hot tar, or sometimes twisted and turned, leaving a rope like appearance. It was really fascinating. Unfortunately, when we reached the trail’s end, (and much to Casey’s disappointment) we were not able to see the actual red hot lava, just a closer view of the enormous steam cloud that marked where the lava was cascading into the ocean, forming yet more and more coast onto the island. But it was truly a unique experience I would not have missed.
We visited the Thurston Lava Tube, a tunnel like structure discovered in 1913. It is a 20 minute, 1/3 mile walk through a dark cave…quite interesting, and the lush tropical forest that surrounds it is well worth the stop!
After exploring this park, we finally turned the van back and headed for Hilo, to find our hotel. We had reservations at the Hawaii Naniloa Resort. This is an older hotel, but very clean, and with a rate around $70 a night, affordable as well. We had ajoining rooms, and after showering, we all layed our weary bones down for the night.
The next day we ventured North of Hilo, with Kona, on the opposite coast, as our final destination. We stopped along the way to view Akaka Falls. This features a pleasant ½ mile loop, easy enough for the kids to maneuver, that leads to the spectacular Akaka Falls, which cascade 420 feet into a breathtaking gorge. The plant life here was lush and tropical, with unusual plants unlike I have ever seen before. This stop is a must, if you are ever over there!
The road to Kona was everchanging in it views. We would enjoy tropical areas, and then around the next corner you would be in barren old lava fields. We stopped along the way to enjoy these fry bread pastries, Portuguese in origin if I remember correctly. The name of these delightful treats escapes me, but they were delicious none the less. We stopped at a place to view the Puaku Hawaiian Petroglyphs, or stone carvings left in the rocks by ancient Hawaiians. There where literally thousands of these carvings, and it was great fun to wander around finding them.
We arrived in Kona, and made a beeline for the Kailua Candy Company, which offered a mini “tour” (OK, you viewed candy making through a glass window) and featured Barbara, the tour guide. She gathered us at the window, provided chairs for Casey & Kalysta to stand on, and began her well rehearsed and somewhat automated (and highly amusing to us) speech on the wonders of candy making. It is important to note however, that when the founder, Jack Smoot, decided to go into the candy business, he wanted to find the best chocolate around. Where did he find it? In Disneyland! He persuaded the Disney candy chef to come to Hawaii and teach him the trade…and the rest, is well, history! After purchasing enough delectable candies to feed an army (the chocolate caramel macadamia Nut Honus (turtles) were to die for!
We headed for our hotel, the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona. This was a delightful, older hotel, complete with beach front, a nice pool, and much to our delight, a Jacuzzi! We wandered the quaint streets of Kona that evening, and finally settled down for the evening late that night.
The next morning we continued on South, with Hilo (and our 6pm flight back to Maui) as our final destination. We stopped at the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, or, The City of Refuuge. This was a spectacular park which preserves aspects of traditional Hawaiian life. Here we were greeted by pristine white beaches, tall palms, and even a sea turtle basking on the warm sandy cove. The ancients believed that if you could reach this place, you were safe. It was a refuge for defeated warriors, noncombatants in time of war, and those who violated the kapu, the sacred laws. We viewed a local Hawaiian carving Tikis, and wandered around this beautiful park. I was happy to collect yet another cancellation stamp in my National Parks Passport here.
Continuing on to Hilo took most of the day, and we arrived at the airport with just about an hour to wait for the flight back to Maui. It was a great time, and we much enjoyed our stay on the big Island.

[Fortissimo]

I had a dream DH and I went to Hawaii last night. Now I really, really want to go to the Big Island!

Can't wait to read more and to see if you did the Hana (sp?) highway on Maui.

[Heidi]

Great report so far Debi. Keep it coming.

Fortissimo - I had a dream last night that I was in Hawaii too and I was eating these HUGE pineapples. Now I want to go too!!!

[LilMarcieMouse]

Great report Debix3. Your making us all want to go. Hee Hee.

[DebiDebiDebi]

Friday, December 6th, 2002
Carey and I spent the day running errands while the “boys” worked on Kenny’s Mustang. Lee, Carey, Kenny & I had reservations for the Old Lahaina Luau at 5pm. I had purchased a simple Hawaiian print dress at Hilo Hattie’s to wear, and found a wonderful Hawaiian shirt at Costco for Lee. Note: Costco is a fabulous place to buy souvenirs from Hawaii. They sell the prerequisite chocolate covered Macadamia Nuts or just regular ones at a good price; even better than the local ABC Stores. ANYWAY…We arrived and lined up to get in. We were greeted by a woman who gave all the ladies a flower to tuck behind one ear. After checking in, we were given a lei greeting, had our photo taken, and then were invited to stroll around and view the craftsmen’s wares, etc. There were dancing lessons to try, and fresh Poi to sample. Now, I have heard all the Poi horror stories, so was reluctant to try this purple goo. But, the Hawaiian gentleman assured me that most Luau’s serve a processed version, whereas this poi had been hand made by him just a few minutes ago. I took a spoonful and it was very tasty! Had a sweet potato flavor, and wonderful texture. To our amusement, there was a small boy there, eating it as fast as he could shovel. The man who had made the poi informed us this little charmer was one of nine of his grandchildren who were there as special guests of the evening. A few moments later, the rest of the grandkids arrived, and they polished off that poi in just seconds! We staked out a spot near the Imu (a traditional Hawaiian underground oven) for the presentation of the Kalua Pig. Two men began to unearth the sand covered mound in the Imu , explaining the details of cooking the Kalua Pig in this fashion. The aroma from that Imu was fabulous…couldn’t wait to try that pig! We were then showed to our table. We had chosen to sit at traditional luau tables, i.e.: on the ground. Now, although I enjoyed the experience, and we were seated next to the stage, I will admit this was not the most comfortable way to eat. However, I am glad for the opportunity to try this style of eating. We had a large buffet of wonderful Hawaiian foods, Kalua Pig, teriyaki steak, fruits, salads, and other traditional Hawaiian foods to enjoy. We had a wonderful server named Justin who entertained us with his Hawaiian charm, and kept the fruity drinks, (whether it was alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions) flowing! The program started, and we were taken through many styles of Hawaiian hula’s, along with other Polynesian dance styles. It was an enjoyable evening, and I give it high recommendations to anyone who goes to Maui!

[Bert & Sully]

Wow great report Debbie! Your recall of all the details is great! Are you going to post pictures as well? Look forward to reading more!

[Fortissimo]

Ah, Hilo Hatties. I love Hilo Hatties. [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

Now I really need to back to Hawaii! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Keep up the great report!

[DebiDebiDebi]

I might add a picture or two, but not many. Thanks for the great encouragement folks, hoping to finish this report by the end of the week...

[Love 2 Laugh]

Debbie,

This is a great report! I can't wait for the rest. I've always wanted to go to Volcanoes NP, and we honeymooned in Maui so this is bringing back wonderful memories. Thanks so much!