"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #18 Lahaina, Hawaii October 10, 2017 Tuesday Mostly sunny & 85 degrees Part #1 Of 3 63 Pictures

The town of Lahaina on the island of Maui was our port of call today. Today Lahaina is a popular paradise destination, according to the port shopping info. We recall that the name Lahaina actually means "unrelenting sun", or something to that effect. Maui is an island of fertile plains, sandy beaches, and beautiful bays. Way back in the 16^th century, Lahaina was home to Pi'ilani chiefs, and later became the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Reigning at the time was the Kamehameha family. They would have witnessed the rise and fall of warriors, kings, whales, traders, sugar barons, and celebrities. Today, the area is full of world travelers just like us.

Normally, we would have gotten a notice that we would have priority tendering. This means that we would not need to get a tender ticket in the BB King's Blues Club starting at 8am. The way this works on other ships, we would gather at the front desk, then be escorted down to the tender platform by an officer. And that might be through a hidden secret door, only used by staff and crew. However, we never got that notice.

So while doing our emailing by the office, we checked to see if this perk had been suspended. The receptionist looked surprised that we did not get the special instructions, and offered to escort us down to the boat. Since we were not ready, we said we would wait until the next tendering group was announced. At least we know that we not forgotten.

As it turned out, when we went to go down to deck A, the "guard" at the stairs let us pass without question. They are trained to look at the symbol on your key card, as four and five star Mariners, as well as deck seven folks (suite people) get priority tendering. That can be problematic when 75% of the passengers have that status. There is no special escort like for the President's Club members, but they are allowed to blend in with the ticketed guests. Can get touchy.

On this 24 day cruise, this is the one and only tender port. And it worked well in our opinion. Two boats were being loaded and off-loaded at the same time. We went down a narrow flight of inside stairs from deck A, coming out at boat level. Lucky for all, the swells outside of Lahaina were at a minimum today. The ride over was cozy, but mostly smooth. The bad thing was that today had to be the hottest of days since we reached Hilo a few days ago. Actually, the warmest we have felt in a long time.

Getting to town, it felt like it was just a few months ago that we were here, not two years. What we did notice that the dock area has been renovated. It was under construction here the last few years, and it is finally done. Many tours are offered here, especially boat-related.

We took a right turn on Front Street, which led to a small strip of beach with the older, but nice hotels. There are always groups of guests that take kayak or surfing lessons from this beach. They can stay within the confines of the coral reef, and get plenty of exercise rowing or swimming. The waves are fairly gentle in Lahaina, and surfing is suitable for all ages.

Going back towards town, we enjoyed the shade of the largest banyan tree in the world. It was planted in 1873 to commemorate the arrival of Christian missionaries who arrived 50 years previously. The tree has been allowed to root and re-root over the decades, and now it consumes about ¼ of an acre. Most impressive, indeed. On every visit here, under the shade of this tree have been many artist's stands, selling souvenirs. Today, there was not a one. Perhaps this is the low season.

The same could not be said about the rest of the town's shops and restaurants. Everything was open, and promoting sales. With only one more port in Hawaii left on this trip (and a short one at that), we think folks spent a lot of money here today.

We headed up Front Street, taking photos, and window-shopping. The big decision was where we would land for lunch today. Maui's Hard Rock Café has closed their doors since we were here last. Hard to believe they could not compete with the rest of the chain restaurants in town. Glad we thought to buy one of their city t-shirts on our last stop there. Now it is a collectible.

Zipping through the Outlets of Maui complex, we took a stroll through Hilo Hattie's, now down-sized from the original store. There is still a clearance section through a side door, but we found nothing that interested either of us.

Continuing up the road, we did remember checking out a pizza café, but since we did pizza yesterday, a burger sounded better today. But first, we wanted to walk another beach a bit further up called Baby Beach. This is another thin slice of clean, sandy beach with shallow water perfect for the little ones. It is conceivable to hike to Kaanapali from here, but it would be a long way back.

We got as far as Mala Wharf and the Lahaina Jodo Mission. This appeared to be a complex where picnics are catered. Next to this mission was an old cemetery, part of which appeared to be Buddhist. Unfortunately, there were tents for the homeless on the outer ring of the graveyard. You would never guess that the paradise they call Lahaina also has homeless.

It was time for lunch, so we headed back towards town. Thank goodness, a breeze was blowing, because it was downright hot and sticky. Lunch today was a good choice at a place that offered patio seating on the ocean with a strong breeze blowing. It was Kimo's, and although we had to wait 15 minutes, it was well worth it.

We immediately ordered two ice cold sodas with a lime, then added a BBQ western cheeseburger to share. When the entrée arrived, they had already split the burger and piled French fries generously on each plate. It was delicious, made with beef from the Double R Ranch, just like the beef that is served on the Eurodam. Dessert was the absolute best ever. We had to try their Hula Pie, which was similar to what we know as Mississippi Mud Pie. Only the ice cream part was a creamy macadamia nut vanilla, covered with a thick chocolate sauce. The "hula" skirt part of it was whipped cream made to look like a grass skirt. You should have seen the looks we got from the tables around us. Actually that is how we got the idea to order one. Good thing we shared it, because it was huge.

We ended up at the tender pier around 3pm, and decided it was time to go home. This is the first time we ever remember staying so late in Lahaina. Usually, we are sailing out of the area by 3pm. Today all aboard was 6:30pm. Officers Jorn and Nadia, who we dined with, were just getting off the boat, and heading for Baby Beach (first time for them). Giving them quick directions after asking, they were on their way, well slathered with a high numbered sunscreen.

Spending the late afternoon in our room, we caught up on computer work, while watching the sun disappear. Actually, it had clouded up, and the sun was gone for the day. Only the heat remained. Showers on the horizon headed our way, and a light sprinkle covered the veranda railing. It was most welcomed.

The final tender boat brought back the shore equipment after 6:30pm. Shortly after, the ship left silently, leaving the evening-lit coast of Maui behind us. On this particular cruise, there have been few sail away parties on the aft deck. Mostly because we have been leaving after sunset, and during the dinner serving time.

Dinnertime found us back in the dining room, enjoying the sweet and sour chicken entrees. The serving size was massive, but presented quite nicely. Dessert was minimal however, since our lunch treat was not conservative, not by a long shot.

Here is another observation concerning dinner times. Every night we arrive in the dining room, the room appears to be half full already by 8pm. So finally, we asked Hananto, our waiter, why that is. He informed us that they have been opening up the doors on deck three at 7:35pm, and allowing the late fixed seating guests to come earlier. Seems that they are doing anything to avoid unhappy guests, who may have to wait in a line. Also, the over-flow from the open seating guests have been sent up here to un-assigned tables. So we are not late in coming, but about the last to arrive. Can we assume that "fixed seating" is doomed to extinction???

Now we're wondering if tomorrow evening will be a "gala" night? This is one thing done differently here, or actually, not done at all. On the first day of the Hawaii cruise, it would have been nice if the 17 day trip was printed on the front of the daily newsletter. Normally, every day's itinerary, such as port durations, tendered or docked, and the dress suggestion is provided. Not here. We have to wait until we get the next day's paper to find out what's happening. Of course, this info could be gathered at the front desk, but why not post it ahead of time?

Our final stop in Hawaii will be Nawiliwili on the island of Hawaii. A short stay, but better than nothing.

Bill & Mary Ann

Maui on the right, Molokai on the left