My Passport’s Travels

After a room service breakfast, we hit the gangplank as soon as it opened up, grabbed a cab to the Kahului airport so we could get our rental car. On the way to the airport, the taxi’s radio provided a reminder that the Tsunami warning system would be tested at 11:45 today. Which was good to know – had we heard it, it would have been disconcerting! Upon arrival, we had to take the train to the car rental terminal. (We also saw some pretty planes!)

Picking up the car was a bit of an adventure, but three cars later, and a complimentary upgrade to a full-size SUV, we were finally on our way. Today’s Shaka Guide tour is to Haleakala National Park!  While only a few miles away as the crow flies, with the 20+ switchbacks, the trip up and down the mountain is almost 40 miles of driving. Mostly at 10-15 miles an hour.

The mountain is almost always ringed in clouds – they call it the mountain’s Lei on Maui. They make for interesting weather – we were in and out of light rain showers, sun showers, and even dense fog during the drive up and down.  We drove straight to the summit – 10,000 feet!

Mom made it highest up the mountain – all the way to the park ranger’s building at the top.  On the top, there are a couple of different observatories – one of which specifically studies the sun. We were higher than the clouds!

We found several ‘Ahinahina (silversword plants). They are only found in Hawaii and can live to be 90 years old. They bloom once, right before they die, but they can produce up to six feet of flowers.

We made our way down to the upper tourist center, which had the best view of the volcano’s caldera.  And did I mention it was cold? Without the windchill, it was in the low 50s, and the wind was blowing like crazy!

Then, it was time to start heading back (with a quick stop at the lower visitor’s center so I could collect my certificate!). 

We stopped at the town of Makawao. It has several artisan shops and a great little restaurant Freshies where we had amazing pulled pork in a lovely outdoor seating area, under a huge tree.  We wandered through a couple more shops before returning back to the airport, and on to the Wonder. We also met Puff (of Bodega Cat fame) in Rodeo General Store.

Back on board, we played games in the French Quarter Lounge until sail-away. Mom and Eve went on back to the room, but I went out on deck 4.  The tug boats were back again – we’re still not sure what they’re doing, they never actually touch the ship.  I also ran into some friends! Chip and Dale told me about their great day ashore. Chip caught some rays while Dale went surfing.  They also reminded me about tonight’s session on Wayfinding up on deck 10.

Dinner tonight was at Tiana’s Place. We had a lovely meal with good food and great music. The Crawfish Crooners are a hit! Their rendition of “Ma Belle, Evangeline” was especially pretty – and Tiana danced with a young man from the audience (jr high age).  At the end of the meal – we celebrated Mardi Gras! The wait staff put on a big parade, then led a round of limbo. 

After dinner, Eve and I went up to deck 10 for the Wayfinding session, led by Uncle from Aulani.  It was amazing how many stars we could see, especially since the lights in that section of the ship were turned off for us.  He walked us through some of the basics of navigation by the stars.  And tonight – maybe we’ll dream of them!