My final day in Hawaii. I made the most of it by starting the day with watching the sunrise over Diamond Head and a short swim in the ocean before checking out. A short visit back at the US Army Museum to see the Cobra helicopter. More fresh fish for lunch and then the afternoon at the Bishop Museum before finally flying out on the red-eye.
I started the day snorkeling at Ala Moana park and had intended to take a Catamaran ride at 11 AM before having lunch, but the Catamaran got rescheduled to 3 PM and I had to make some adjustments. I visited the Byodo-In temple and spent the rest of the day in Waikiki after the Catamaran ride.
A lot of flying today. I managed to fly at five different scenic locations today. My first stop was at Pearl Harbor. No flying there due to it’s proximity to the Navy base. My first flight was at the Aloha Tower where the NCL Pride of America and Falls of Clyde were docked. My second stop was at the Lanikai Pillboxes, where I have hiked in the past. The next stop was near the Halona Blowhole to get pictures of Koko Head. After that I stopped between Koko Head and Hanauma Bay to get photos of both. My last stop before sunset was at a park nearby Diamond Head in Waikiki. It was a very productive day, and without the hiking involved it was not exhausting.
I started the day by snorkeling at Shark’s Cove which was supposed to be the best place on O`ahu for snorkeling. I got some more delicious fresh fish at a small restaurant. I ended the day at the free Army museum in Waikiki and watching the sunset at the beach.
I was planning to go around the east side of the island today and end up on the north shore to see some of the big waves in the afternoon. I started by stopping at the Hālona Blowhole before hiking up to the Makapu`u lighthouse. After a quick lunch in Kane`ohe I stopped at Kualoa regional park to fly my drone in the scenic area. I ended the day watching the sunset and big waves at Waimea Beach.
This morning I visited the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. I spent considerable more time than I expected there. I took a few drone shots in the area and went back to Waikiki to snorkel and watch the sunset. For dinner I ate at the Tim Ho Wan restaurant I found in Hong Kong.
This morning I flew from Kaua`i to O`ahu on Southwest. I spent the day in Waikiki as it wasn’t the best weather (a bit of rain) and I wasn’t in the mood to drive around much.
Video compilation from my drone flights in Kaua’i
I woke up early this morning to fly near Anahola because of the interesting mountain that was actually featured in King Kong. Because it is on the east side of the island the lighting is best in the morning. After checking in for my flight tomorrow I went snorkeling at Lydgate Park which was much better than I expected. In the afternoon I took an amazing helicopter ride around the island.
Today I visited the Kauai Museum, Kīlauea Point Lighthouse and Lydgate Park and finished the evening with a fine dining experience.
Started my day by visiting Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Had local food for lunch and snorkeled a little in the afternoon at Poipu Beach.
Today I explored the south side of Kaua`i, including snorkeling at Poipu, ancient Hawaiian village of Kāneiolouma and Spouting Horn
Visit to Hāʻena State Park, hiking and scenic views from the Napali Coast
This morning I slept in a little, then did some laundry since the room had a washer and dryer. After I put the clothes in the dryer I walked to the beach. I picked up a snack at Subway before heading back to the hotel to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine because I…
Today was a sad day as I said goodbye to my new friend the Pride of America. Unlike other ships this is likely the last time I will be on it. After a causal breakfast (and a lot of packing) I took an Uber to the hotel. I booked an ocean view balcony room at…
This morning I got an early start. I left the ship at 7am and started to explore the north part of the island. The first stop was for a lighthouse. While driving back from the lighthouse to the main road I stopped for a few photos. while on the main road towards Hanalei pier there…
This morning the ship arrived in Kauai at about 8:00 am. The view was spectacular as the ship was arriving so I quickly grabbed my GoPro camera and set it for a time lapse video and took some pictures as well. They started allowing us off at 8:30 am. I took the rental car shuttle…
This morning was a good change in weather compared to yesterday afternoon. The weather in Kona was sunny and the water was very clear. I started the day lazily because I only planned to go snorkeling. The ship had to tender, and they used the lifeboats. I walked from the tender pier to the Mokuaikaua…
This morning I arrived in Hilo. I took a few photos from the ship before taking a taxi to the airport to get the rental car. Another Jeep with removable roof. I drove about 45 minutes to Hawaii Volcano National Park. I’m getting use of my new National Park pass. I stopped at the visitor…
I thought about waking up at 1:30am for the Haleakala sunrise, but I was pretty tired from yesterday’s circumnavigation of Haleakala. I got a reasonable start to the morning. I attempted to order an Uber, but port security wouldn’t let them in. I took a taxi to the Maui Beach Hotel where I parked the…