"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report # 15 Hilo, Hawaii October 7, 2017 Saturday Scattered showers & 82 degrees Part #1 Of 3 68 Pictures

Hilo was our port of call today. It is Hawaii's oldest port city with a current population of about 38,000 people. It is possibly the first of the islands to be inhabited by Polynesians. It is also America's wettest city with annual rainfall of 120 inches. It is not unusual to get 12 inches of rain in one day.

The island of Hawaii is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, and Kilauea, the world's most active volcano….erupting daily since 1983.

The city of Hilo is famous for two tsunamis. One was back in 1946, and the second biggest one in 1960. The Merrie Monarch Festival occurs here every year. It is a weeklong hula competition, world renowned. Also a recognizable name is the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, the world's leading producer of the macadamia nuts. Kona Coffee is big here as well.

Breakfast was great in the dining room, because most everyone was elsewhere. The waiters seemed happy to have been given a lighter job this morning.

Over the years, we have toured each and every one of these high lights. More than once. So as we always do, we took a morning shuttle to the Prince Kuhio Mall, specifically Walmart. It sure was the most popular activity for many passengers too. Could not help but overhear some ladies talking that they were going to buy gifts for friends there. Not a fancy shop, this major store has everything you might need. They also have a decent fabric section with the nicest cotton Hawaiian prints. Never have a problem finding a few lengths for future blouses. Among other things, we found the items we went for, then went back to the ship to put it away.

Then we walked from the pier to our favorite lunch spot at the Pond. The sun was out, and boy, was it hot? You bet. Hot and humid. The forecast for scattered showers never did happen, although during the course of the day, the dark clouds did take over the skies. Taking umbrellas was a good idea anyway, as one of us used one for shade.

Located on Kalanianaole St., this restaurant is perched over what the locals call the Ice Pond. Actually, it was our morning bus driver who explained that the pond is brackish water, getting the fresh, cool water from lava tubes in the mountains. It is also a favorite spot for the locals to fish, swim, and picnic. The water is shallow, but cold and extremely clean.

Under this restaurant is a caged area where large koi carp are kept. They seem suspended in air, the water is so clear. We were quite lucky to get a table for two at the windows. Thankfully, they were opened and a nice breeze was blowing through. Small sparrows took advantage of these windows, and flew right inside to clean up all the crumbs they can find.

We ordered an appetizer of beef taquitos and a mushroom cheese burger to share. They served draft beer, and we both ordered the golden ale. Sure tasted good since it was a warm, sticky day so far.

While dining, we watched a group of local teenaged boys jumping from the road from the fence and into the pond. Their objective is to try to drown folks walking by them. Yes, they did get us wet once, but the breeze was not blowing off of the ocean today, so the splashes were negligible.

We continued on with our walk around Reeds Bay, where many families were spending a lazy Saturday afternoon. Do you know what we noticed? Not one of the locals were playing on their cell phones or using any modern devices. The kids were swimming, playing kickball, fishing, or eating, while the elders sat at picnic tables chatting away. Really nice to see for a change, when people are communicating with each other….young and old.

We continued past Reed's Bay and hotel, the Country Club Condo Hotel, and the Hilo Naniloa Hotel. Liliuokalani Gardens is a cultural park with much history, as well as beauty. The theme is Asian, and it is a lovely place to walk. Restrooms are present in this park also. Watching a Vietnamese couple fishing the banks of the small ponds here, we discovered they were catching small dark crabs. We also kept a lookout for mongoose, which frequent this park. Never did see one today.

We hiked out to Mokuola or Coconut Island, crossing over a foot bridge. Many more local families were here having BBQ's and chilling out. There is an old bridge mooring where kids, mostly boys, climb to the top of the rocks, and jump in the water. Occasionally, you will see a few brave girls showing off for the boys.

The sky was getting so dark, it felt like it would rain at any instant. So we headed back towards the ship, and stopped for a soda and an ice cream cone (Kona coffee flavor) at Uncle Billy's General Store, a tiny variety store by the hotels. The walk back was so much more pleasant, since the heat of the day was gone, and an afternoon trade wind was blowing.

Security at the port is thorough, with a check point before you enter the area. You absolutely need your picture ID with the cruise card. That could be a driver's license or a passport. They make no exceptions. Whether by bus, or on foot, each and every person is checked.

Going into the terminal, we were checked again, then proceeded through the xray and bag search. At least we did not have to repeat that process once we boarded the ship.

The Eurodam left the port quietly before 6pm. We had gotten involved in photo sorting and report writing, and never made an attempt to attend any sail away at the aft deck. Just read the daily newsletter, and realized there was no sail away party. Probably because it was dinner time already for many guests. Relaxing on our veranda was a far better idea.

It was almost dark by the time the ship left Hilo Bay. This is about the only place in Hawaii that we seldom see wild life, either in the water or in the air. No sea life and few birds. You would expect sea gulls, but we never spotted one. Odd.

Dinnertime found us back at our table, welcomed by the head waiter, wine stewardess, and our most friendly waiters. It had been three days that we dined here last. If we had made reservations elsewhere tonight, we would have cancelled them, because on the menu was the Bronx veal chop, a most delicious entrée.

The show tonight was a combo act of Brett Cave and Dale Kristien. Since our meal was served without delay (which we like), it was only 9:30pm….too early for the 10pm performance. So we headed back to our room for another episode of Downton Abbey. There are two season and several episodes, so we need to take in a few every day now.

Tomorrow, we shall be docked in Honolulu, an overnight stop with two full days to enjoy Oahu.

Bill & Mary Ann

Hilo Bay