Cynthia Hawbolt

Most of us have a dream vacation spot. My dream vacation, one that evokes an image of paradise and romance, was always Hawaii.

At the beginning stages of planning our trip we decided that it would be more economical and time efficient
to cruise the islands. The Norweigian Wind would be our floating hotel for 11 days while we sailed around the Hawaiian Islands.

My first memory of arriving in Oahu was the feel of the tradewinds and the fragrant smell of flowers in the air.

HONOLULU
Our 3-day stay in Honolulu was very short, we swam in the famous Waikiki beaches, shopped at Hilo Hatties
and visited the Maui divers factory & stores. The best part was the Luau. We got to meet people from all different countries, enjoy delicious luau food and socialised until late. I left Oahu determined to return, I loved the energy of Honolulu the amount of activities would be great for a family or couples. The Keiki (children) preforming most nights at the waterfront stage were beautiful. Oahu is definitely not to be missed.

HILO
Our very first port day was Hilo, on the big island of Hawaii. Hilo with its many historical & cultural sites and quaint shops is a great place to stroll around. The Hawaii Volcanoes national park- Hawaii's only world heritage site - was the highlight for most. The Macadamia nut factory, world botanical gardens and Umauma falls were just some of the tours to do.

KAUA'I
Arriving in Kaua'i, known as the garden isle, lush tropical & green with sparkling sand beaches. Kaua'i has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii and has three botanical gardens it is also the largest producer of Hawaiian coffee. Kaua'i was also used as a backdrop in over 60 major motion pictures.

Our sail away from Kauai was unforgettable with breathtaking views of the Napali coast.

LAHAINA
Our stop in Lahaina, Maui, once the playground for royalty & a historical whaling port, was alive with energy and aloha. Transportation was very convenient at this port and we spent the day at Ka'anapali Beach visiting the whalers village shops and swimming in the waves. The ship stayed overnight in this port so people could attend the Luau or be up early for the earliest morning tours. The road to Hana is not to be missed and is one of the most beautiful, scenic drives in the world. Winter months in Lahina are wonderful and you'll be able to view the monstrous whales that migrate back here.

FANNING ISLAND
With most of our port days behind us the ship sailed two days to Fanning Island the republic of Kirabati, Fanning island is considered to be what Hawaii must have been to us 100 years ago. The water was very pristine, blue & green, beautiful and clear. Our day here was very relaxing and the famous purchase was a stamp to mail my letter back home, how long did it take? 3 months! This day was one of pure relaxation among the palm trees. The Fanning Island natives had beautiful craft items to sell, grass skirts & hats and items with shark teeth and carvings. The Kirabati people call this Tabuaeran also known as heavenly footprint.

2 more days at sea, time for the spa, the stringing of the nut lei's and Hawaiian speakers were all a part of this cruise.

KONA
Our last port day was Kona the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii, we had the best snorkelling day of our lives here; there are many fish that are only native to Hawaii and its waters. I was extremely excited to see Turtles or Honu. And swimming in the cove with us - 6 large turtles. They are protected in Hawaii, but we found them to be very curious with everyone. The beaches are very interesting and black sand.

On departing our floating Hotel we had prearranged a limo to pick us up at the port, I highly recommend this, while the others were searching for the shuttle bus we were whisked away and in the airport in 10 min.

The best thing about this trip was the weather, the people of Hawaii and the islands themselves. It would be very difficult to choose a favorite island.. they are so diverse and so beautiful each with a very different flair.

If you are thinking of an Hawaiian cruise or a destination wedding to these beautiful islands please call - I would love to help you plan your vacation in paradise. Mahalo!