Kona, Big Island

Aloha Everyone,

We went ashore using a Princess Cruise tender. Our attempt to get to a nearby shopping center was unsuccessful. We waited for about an hour for the Trolley which was to charge $2.50 per person per one way. Taxi for the same destination to shopping center asked for $40. We decided to return to the ship.

Dinner table mate included a couple from Williams, AZ whose son graduated from Art Center. Expensive tuition paid off. He now does animations for Nickelodeon and is a successful, highly compensated who loves his work. The couple has been married for 58 years.

The other table mates were from Fresno, CA. Introvert of a man who was celebrating his birthday. The couple have been married for 53 years. He shared his small birthday chocolate cake with everyone which I enjoyed  with my Glutton free cheese cake.

It was heartwarming to share with two happily married couples who have been married longer than us.

Michael Wilson, Master Impressionists took a little while to warm up his audience. His final piece, a tribute to Robin Williams via song, “It’s a wonderful world” by Louis Armstrong was an emotional and perfect choice to close the program.

J.J. and I dressed up to wrap up our wonderful Hawaiian islands visits.

Aloha -- Cathi

Day in Kauai, Lunch at Duke’s

Aloha Everyone,

It was a 10 minutes walk from the dock to Duke’s. The weather was cooperative with clouds shading us part of the way.

J.J. had a plate of Kalbi beef and BBQ chicken plus macaroni salad, rice and kimchi. This was a typical island plate lunch. I ordered macadamia nuts hummus. Different from the Merriman’s version, but both were delicious.

Dinner at Captain’s Circle at the 18th floor lounge. J.J. supplemented the appetizers with a pizza and Japanese salad on the Lido Deck.

I left my sunglasses in Jeff’s car. So a replacement was purchased at the ABC store in Nawiliwili.

Nawiliwili Harbor has a regulation that no ship may move after the sunset. With 12 still on a Princess Tour unaccounted for, the ship anchored outside the harbor waiting for the tender to bring these passengers back.

Tonight is forecasted to be rainy and some turbulence heading to Kona tomorrow.

Aloha -- Cathi

Fabulous Day in Honolulu

Aloha Everyone 

Sky, one of the newest buildings in Kakaako, is beautiful. Its lobby reminded J.J. and me of Makati Diamond Residence. Functional but not showy with security guard. The building’s recreational deck is large with two pools, BBQ and private party areas.

Jeff then walked us to Walmart which is just across the street from Sky. J.J. and I were able to replenish our provisions.

Lunch with our dear friends, George & Lena at one of our favorite Hawaiian Restaurants, Highway Inn. My favorite was Haopia, a coconut based custard. Slightly sweet and melts in your mouth. Mmmmm, I could have it everyday :-)

Dinner with Jeff at Merriman’s. No wonder this is Jeff & Jenny’s hangout. Food was great and the service was excellent.

Folkloric Performance with Halau Lilia Makanoe contributed to this perfect day on Oahu.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Latest Meal Selections

Aloha Everyone,

I continue to enjoy my Gluten Free dishes. If 80% of the time, they look healthy and taste good, I consider it a successful meal.

J.J. on the other had needs to practice more patience. Often he and others don’t get the dishes they ordered or servers are not working but chatting. We still find diners asking for change after their dish was delivered.

The two of us are delighted when we are seated with interesting fellow travelers. In such cases we are totally okay if the service is slow.

Aloha -- Cathi

Day 5, Sea Day, Hawaiian Ambassadors

Aloha Everyone,

Kumu Rowena and her husband Brian are fabulous Hawaiian Ambassadors. They are sharing their love of Hawaii in multiple ways.

In addition to Destination presentations, they offer Ukulele classes, hula dance classes, Hawaiian Music & Dancing. The latter is a special treat with Brian singing and playing slack key guitar and Rowena dancing Hula.

For some passengers, they are attending everything including making Hawaiian lei and jewelry. This is a total immersion in things that are Hawaiian.

Aloha -- Cathi