Zawadi's Pacific Adventure 14-31 Aug 2014 (17/18 Maui)

[Zawadi]

Before the saga continues, there is a selection of photos of here.

Sunday morning, 17th, was an early buffet breakfast as we were on a 08:00 tour. We had a full cooked breakfast followed by melon, gala and cantaloupe, and pineapple. The pineapple was both acidic yet very sweet. We've never get them like that back home. These are a delight.

The ship arrived into Kahalui in the Wailuku region of Maui for an overnight stay.

We were told to visualise the outline of Maui as a side profile of a lady's head and torso. Kahalui is on the north east coast at the base of the lady's neck.

Today's tour was a coach trip to the Haleakala crater along a winding road that climbed 10000 foot. En route we passed the last working Hawaiian sugar plantation. One of the fields was charred after being burnt the previous day. Burning removes the leaves and drives out the vermin before the cane is harvested and transported to a processing plant in huge 75 ton wagons.

The Haleakala crater is 11.25km long, 3.2km wide and 790m deep (6.9 miles, 2 miles and 2600 foot). Higher up is the observatory which is being extended. That means construction traffic on the twisty 378 Haleakala Way. Thank goodness it was a Sunday! On the way up we saw several Silversword plants, which can live for up to 50 years but die after they flower. Somehow these plants know the best time to flower ready for the next generation. We had been warned to take extra clothing for the coolness at the crater. We took fleeces but did not bother with them even though it was breezy and cool. Just like we're more used to back home. So, there was DW and I in short sleeved shirts and shorts whilst everyone else was wrapped up. The weather was idyllic to the extent that Mauna Loa, on the Big Island, could be seen.

On the way down, we had a Soarin' experience in terms of looking down on a hang glider then after a few more turns it was back, this time above the coach. We were just outside Kahalui when BANG! A rear tyre burst. The driver maintained control and pulled over. Luckily we were on a two-lane highway not the winding mountain road. We were told that a relief coach was being dispatched and would collect us in about 30 minutes. This is the type of scenario when you're glad to be on a tour. Especially if the ship is preparing to depart since it will wait for late returning NCL organised tours but otherwise late returning independent guests get a perfect sail-a-way shot from the shore.

Back at the port, I set off the metal detector due to not removing my belt. Oops! Even more disastrous was that we had missed lunch! Time to find a new venue. The Cadillac Diner provided a nice burger with fries followed by a chocolate brownie sundae. When we boarded we had the option to purchase a soda package. This worked out to be around $7 a day for all the soda you can drink. Cheap when you consider how little drink you actually get due to the amount of ice in the glass therefore requiring several refills.

After a short rest to digest lunch, we changed and relaxed in one of the hot tubs before it was time to use the first of our complimentary signature meals in the Bistro. (This was a perk of our NCL loyalty status) To our amusement we were given the full wine list to have it replaced with the complimentary wine list. Never mind, a Pinot Noir complimented the beef entree.

We watched a close up magic show with illusionist Charles Bach. This guy was witty and slick. The audience members that assisted him did not monitor their 10 minutes of fame as he lifted their watches without anybody noticing.

The wine and jet lag then took over and it was time to turn in as we had a 08:20 tour departure in the morning.

We awoke to a bright sunny Monday morning and after made to order omelettes, melon and pineapple we headed off to the Ioa Valley via the Kenpaniwai Park. Our driver had a very dry sense of humour. His get out phrase of in depth stuff was "I was a surfer", before giving the answer. He also said that he was from a large family, because his parents didn't have a TV so, early nights with nothing to do. Now, the driver himself had two children because he had cable.

The park contains scaled houses and gardens used by early immigrants. The Ioa Needle itself was a sacred burial ground for the elite. After the valley we had lunch and a road train tour at the tropical plantation. This was the first time that we'd seen pineapples being grown and the husk of a coconut being removed. Our female tour guide also showed us the novel use of a coconut saying one size does not fit all.

From the plantation it was on to the Maui Ocean Centre with its 54 foot tunnel. If anything the stop here was too short. Plentiful displays of brightly coloured fish, coral, Cnidaria (jellyfish), sharks and turtles that are native to the Hawaiian waters. Before we left, I asked DW if she wanted to use the rest room. DW declined saying it was only 20 minutes back to the ship. However, I did, saying, as Oken in Frozen, "in case we have another big summer blowout" (referring to the previous day's tyre incident).

Back on board, there was time to relax in the hot tub before changing for the Latitudes Party. Whilst in our cabin, we saw the escort tugs turn up before the mooring lines were released. We said our farewells to Maui and headed towards Hilo on the Big Island, aka Hawai'i.

At the start of the party, the Latitudes rep. gave the welcome back speech highlighting the 4 platinum members on board, which included us. The captain was introduced and he decided to find out about some members. DW tried to look inconspicuous so of course the captain picked on her. During the party the Mai Tais were free flowing so a merry time was had.

After the party, we had diner. NCL operate "Freestyle" dining where the restaurants operate open seating. Just turn up and check in, which is what we did and we were seated immediately.

After diner we sat outside a while before turning in prior to yet another early morning tour departure. Who ever said that cruises were relaxing?

[faline]

Nice time on Maui! It's the island I've spent the most time on and my favorite. The aquarium there is a terrific place to spend an afternoon. We've only driven up Haleakala once - the altitude got to me so I'm not in a big hurry to return!!

Your pictures are very nice!!

[NJGIRL]

Sounds like you did a lot of things we would like to do. Nice vacation so far!