Kamuela Museum - Big Island of Hawaii

I was watching Roseanne's Nuts tonight, and was surprised to learned that she is the new owner of the Kamuela Musuem.

From the website:

"The museum includes six pieces of furniture which were original to the Iolani Palace and which are valued in the millions. Negotiations are ongoing to have these items purchased and returned to the palace. The eclectic collection also includes Hawaiian weapons, furniture pieces, artwork, military and war memorabilia, an early Hawaiian dogtooth death cup, a piece of rope used on the Apollo mission, and ancient artifacts from the royal family. This small private museum has a fascinating collection of artifacts from Hawaii and around the world.

Address:  66-1655 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI

Directions:  On the north side of the Big Island of Hawaii, on Hwy 19/Kawaihae Rd just west of its junction with Hwy 250."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Oahu: Photo Opportunities Not to Miss

Here are some suggestions for photo opportunities on Oahu:

1.  Diamond Head Crater
2.  Duke Kahanamoku Statue  (Waikiki) (call your family back home to watch you live on the web)
3.  King Kamehameha I Statue (Honolulu)
4.  Kualoa Ranch (Horseback Riding, ATV, Jungle & Ocean Tours)
5.  Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside (lookout area)
6.  Matsumoto Shave Ice   has been around for over 60 years.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port Info: Hilo

I just received this information a few minutes ago.   A big THANK YOU to Alice Moon for giving me such detailed information about Hilo:

Aloha Mary,

Thank you for your interest in getting to Downtown Hilo from the dock!  It is possible to walk but part of the walk goes through industrial areas and also can be hot (or wet if it is rainy) with very little shelter or shade along the way.  It is a little over 2 miles one-way and if you like to walk bring a hat or umbrella and please be sure to wear sunscreen.

The pier itself maybe undergoing renovations at the time and if you don't want to walk catch the County Mass Transit bus (called the "Hele On Bus"), which you can pick up on Kalanianaole St. just outside the main entrance of the dock.  The bus is $1.00 and will be marked "Keaukaha" and can be picked up across the street next to the green building where Keaukaha Market is located.  The Mooheau Bus Station is in Downtown Hilo and is the last stop so just stay on the bus until you get to the station.  We manage the Hilo Information Center at the station and can give you the Historic Downtown Hilo Walking Map and other information about our island. Morning pick up times at the market are: 7:50, 8:50, 9:50 and 10:50 then afternoon times are 1:25, 2:25, 3,25 and 4:25 (but you don't want to get on the later bus otherwise you might miss your ship!).  The bus travels back to the ship from Mooheau Bus Station regularly with the last bus leaving at 4 p.m.

We also have a free event called Hilo Hula Days: 100 Days of Aloha by the Bay, Hawaiian music, hula and crafts in the Mooheau Bandstand next to the station from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. every day a ship comes in. So there are lots of things to see and do just in Downtown Hilo and easy to get to by bus!  You can also catch a taxi at the dock and there are some free shuttles.  Please be careful and know that a metered taxi shouldn't cost you more than about $12 - $15 from the dock to Downtown and it is perfectly acceptable (and less expensive) to share a taxi with some fellow passengers so it could work out to be pretty cheap if you have six people and can get a mini-van.

Is there anything else I can help you with to make your short stay in Hilo more pleasurable?  Please let me know and Mahalo!
Alice

--
Alice Moon, Executive Director
Hilo Downtown Improvement Association
329 Kamehameha Avenue
Downtown Hilo, Hawaii Island 96720
(808) 935-8850 Office
(808) 937-4696 Cellular
www.downtownhilo.com

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival: Bon Voyage Liquor Menu

Bon Voyage Liquor Menu

You can pre-order liquor thru the Bon Voyage Dept at Carnival so that it is waiting for you in your cabin.  Liquor cannot be ordered on-line, you must call the Bon Voyage Dept:

Bon Voyage Dept at 800-522-7648

Carnival allows each guest (21 years or older) to bring 1 bottle of wine or champagne onboard with them in their carry on luggage.   Minimum drinking age on Carnival is 21 years.

You can order additional wines and other gifts thru the Bon Voyage Dept at Carnival.  Here's the list:
http://www.carnival.com/cms/carnivalmeetings/esales/Bon_Voyage_Order_Form.pdf
 Fax order form at the bottom of this pdf file along with the fax number.
   
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival: Tipping While Cruising

This is Carnival's tipping policy: (from the Carnival website FAQ)

"Service Gratuities

For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account. The total amount is $10.00 per guest, per day (our recommended guideline) as follows:

$ 3.50 Per Day Stateroom Services             

$ 5.50 Per Day Dining Room Services        

$ 1.00 Per Day Alternative Services: distributed to other kitchen and hotel service staff

For Cruises-To-Nowhere, gratuities of $10 per guest, per day must be prepaid.

Our Staff is totally committed to exceed your expectations in every way possible. If you are not satisfied with the service you receive, we encourage you to contact the Guest Services desk while onboard. This will allow us to address your concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. At your discretion, you may adjust the gratuities at any time while onboard. Gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship.

For beverage purchases, fifteen percent of the bill is automatically added to the Sail & Sign charge. Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered. Tipping your Maître d’ is at your discretion, based upon the service you receive."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Maui - Queen Kaahumanu Center

Queen Kaahumanu Center is Maui's largest shopping mall.

I wrote the center and just heard back:

We run a complimentary shuttle to and from the port to the shopping center from 9:30am-4:30pm.  
it runs every 30 minutes,  It is a 7-8 minute ride. 
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port Info: Walking Tour of Hilo - Big Island of Hawaii

 Found a walking tour of Hilo today.  It is a 7 section article .. there is a link at the end of each section.

Hilo Walking Tour

From their website:
In their visit to East Hawaii, many people pass by the downtown shopping district, by chance or by choice. This is a shame, for they are missing a true jewel of Hawaii. Inside the buildings one can find treasures of art, collectibles, fashion and food. They will find people who have time to talk story, share their wisdom and offer the aloha spirit. Downtown Hilo Town is alive with personality. If you look closely you can see it in the architecture of memories past. If you venture indoors you will find it in the people you meet.


Here's a review of what to do in Hilo.  Interesting article.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Snorkeling on the Big Island - Body Glove Hawaii (Kona)

Lots of research tonight ... snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Body Glove Hawaii
From their website:
"All of our cruises are complimented by the first-class amenities on board our state-of-the-art, 65-foot catamaran. The Kanoa II is an award winning, multi-million dollar vessel designed with quality and comfort in mind. Our guests enjoy plenty of shade, cushioned seating, flat screen televisions, a full sound system for live entertainment, and our full service premium bar.

The Kanoa II is equipped with three restrooms, two fresh water showers, a 2o-foot water slide, a 15-foot high dive platform, two large double swim platforms, and floatation toys for everyone.

Our crew includes a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, First Mate, licensed bartender, deck hands, and all of our crew is trained in first aid and C.P.R. All of our cruises are wheelchair friendly and kids 5 and under are always FREE.

For reservations please call us today at 800.551.8911! "

Photos on Facebook of Accessibility to boat.

Here's the link to their schedule.

This is on their FAQ page:
"Can you accommodate Wheelchairs?
Yes, Body Glove Cruises is wheelchair friendly for Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner and Whale Watching Cruises. Our customized boarding ramp, with portable extensions accommodates all wheelchairs including manual, electric and scooters. The lower deck of our 65 foot catamaran is fully accessible from bow to stern including tables and restrooms. For those that just want to go along for the ride and not participate in snorkeling, special "Ride-a-Long" rates are available."

Looks like a nice boat ... lots of room.

Update 7/28/2011
Just heard back from Body Glove:

Body Glove Hawaii That is correct, the steps are three feet wide and are six feet under the water with railing to make an easy entry and exit.

Body Glove Hawaii We are in walking distance, about 50 feet from the tenders in Kailua Kona. I hope this helps!


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port Info: Walking Tour Map of Kona - Handicap Accessible Areas too

In doing some research tonight, I came across a walking tour map of Kona.   Shows accessible areas too for those with limited mobility.

Walking Tour Map - Kona

They also list Handicap Accessible Tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival Spirit YouTube - sayvan1

Thought you might enjoy some videos I found on YouTube.   All are from "sayvan1" and their cruise to Hawaii on the Carnival Spirit:

Carnival Spirit:  

Hilo


Kona

Kauai

Hope you enjoy watching.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port Info: Kauai (Nawiliwili), HI

The next port of interest is Kauai (Nawiliwili), HI.

You can walk to Kalapaki Beach.  It will take approximately 15 minutes from the cruise dock.  While there, you can enjoy swimming and even learn to surf.   The area is sand bottom and gentle waves.  Watersports rentals are available too.   Kauai Marriott is on this beach.

If you are looking for a fun place to eat, Duke's Kauai (an open air-restaurant).  It has a great deal of memorabilia of Duke Kahanamoku's. 

If shopping is on your mind, Anchor Cove is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the cruise dock.  According to "Hawaii By Cruise Ship" book I am reading:

"Anchor Cove offers a handful of shops selling Hawaiian souvenirs and good-quality clothing, as well as an ATM machine.    

The Aloha Center at 3371 Wilcox Road (former location of the old Hale Kauai store) also can be reached on foot, and it features a fine arts and crafts gallery, information on island activities and tours, public phones, Internet access and an ATM.  Hilo Hattie located in Lihu'e has a free shuttle at the pier as do K-Mart and Wal-Mart also in Lihu'e."

From the Anchor Cove website:  
Anchor Cove Center is a small mall located near Nawailiwili Harbor and a few minutes walk from Kalapaki Beach. It is across the street from Harbor Mall and mainly tourists who stay at the nearby Kauai Marriott hotel shop here. The shopping center has an ABC store, a restaurant, a jewelry store and a few other small stores.

The Kauai Museum is in Lihu'e.  From the museum website:

There are two floors of permanent exhibits pertaining to the history of Kaua‘i from the birth of the island up through the Territorial Period. These exhibits provide an understanding of the unique cultures and history visitors will encounter on the island. Our historic entry building offers a Hawaiian Heritage Gallery, three changing exhibit galleries and our gift shop.

Please allow at least two hours for your visit and if you are very interested in museums, a half day.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port Info: Kona - Shuttle

This was posted by CruiseDogMike on the Cruise Critic Message Board.   Thought it would be helpful to others here too:

Kailua-Kona

Another way to travel around Alii Drive and Kailua town is by shuttle bus. The Alii Shuttle (tel. 808/938-1112) travels up and down Alii Drive (the coastal road) and Palani Road (the main entrance to Kailua-Kona) from the Lanihau Shopping Center to Ohana Keauhou Bay Resort, stopping just about anywhere you want on Palai Road or Alii Drive (just flag the bus down). The buses run about every hour and a half. The cost is $2 one-way; the current hours of operation (subject to change, so call to check) are from 8:30am (leaving Keauhou Bay heading north to Kailua Village) to 7pm. No buses on Sunday. This shuttle is convenient for cruise ship passengers because the Kailua Pier is located on Alii Drive, along the bus route.

www.mytourhawaii.com

$25 Historical Kona Tour Cruise Ship Special

• St. Peter's Church
• King Kamehameha III Birthplace
• Leke Leke Burial Grounds
• Scenic Viewpoint
• Royal Kona Coffee Mill
• Macademia Nut Factory
• Painted Church
• Kealakekua Bay to View Captain Cook Monument

Tour shuttles depart adjacent to Kona Pier where the tenders dock. Drivers are experienced educated guides having conducted over 3000 type excursions. Vehicles are 7-14 passenger pickups, new, air conditioned and a better value than large buses.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival - A Guide for Guests With Disabilities

This guide is posted on Carnival's website.  Thought it might be helpful to anyone traveling with someone with disabilities.

Carnival's "A Guide For Guests With Disabilities"   (this is a pdf file)

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Feast at Lele - Maui Luau

Feast at Lele - Maui Luau

Reviews of the Feast of Lele that you might find helpful:
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor
Frommers


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaii Info Source

This appears to be a great site ... loaded with information about each of the islands.

Hawaii Info Source

You will find links to many air and land activities, dining, maps, and so much.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port: Honolulu (Oahu) - Limo Service & Limo Tours

Platinum Limousine Service 

They have a circle island tour that includes:  (from their website)

"Platinum Limousine takes pride in providing quality service with old-style Hawaiian hospitality. Your day begins with pick-up from your Waikiki hotel in one of their luxurious and comfortable SUV or H2 Hummer Limousines. You'll travel in comfort and style while enjoying narration from your personal local guide. Having a personal tour from Platinum allows your group to make many stops along the way at spectacular locations for photos. Sights and stops along the way include: Diamond Head, Kahala Estates, Hanauma Bay, Halona Blow Hole Makapuu Lookout, Sandy Beach, Waimanalo Town, Valley of the Temples, Laie Point, North Shore, beaches, Dole Plantation, Haleiwa Town, Pali Lookout and much more! If wish , You may make your customized tour with us. A lunch stop is made in the town of Kaaawa near the North Shore at the Crouching Lion Inn, which offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches and hot entrees (lunch is not included in the price of this tour, lunch items range from $3.95-$10.95 and up). Driver will suggest 2 other great locations for lunch- Local style or American style majority decision rules...

Location: Waikiki hotels departure

Time: Approximate 8:30am pick-up / 3:30pm Return"

More tour information and pricing on their website.   You can also set up your own private tour of the island/locations you want to visit.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port: Honolulu (Oahu) - Aloha Tower Marketplace & Cruise Ship Arrivals

More information on things within walking distance of the ship while in Honolulu:

Cruise Ship Arrivals ... tells you which pier your ship will be docked at.  The Carnival Spirit uses Pier 11 which is right by the Aloha Tower.

Aloha Tower Marketplace --- good selection of shops, restaurants, entertainment.

Aloha Tower History

Getting to and from the Aloha Tower -- this page would be worth printing out.  Show driving directions, city bus info, Red Line Trolley info, taxi & Limo service.  

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port: Honolulu (Oahu)

Always on the lookout for what is close by the pier.   Here's information about Honolulu:

The cruise port is in Honolulu Harbor.
Airport is West 5 miles.
Waikiki is East 3 miles.
Aloha Tower -- pier 10/11 at this location.
1/2 mile East of the Aloha Tower --- is pier 2.
Downtown attractions:   within walking distance or short cab ride.

Aloha Tower has a Cruise Concierge desk which is located under the Boat Days Bazaar Arch (pier 11).  This is the place to stop for assistance with car rentals, trolley/shuttle tickets, info on excursions.

In Honolulu, taxi fares are set by law.   Here's some examples of fares I found in the book  "Hawaii by Cruise Ship":

Airport to Cruise Ship:  $15 - $20

Airport to Waikiki:  $25 - $35

Cruise Port to Waikiki:  $15

Cruise port to Pearl Harbor:   $25

If you are by the Aloha Tower, you will find many restaurants to choose from. Plus there is now a marketplace next door.  Did you know that the tower was the tallest building in Honolulu.  There is a 10th floor observation deck.   It is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm (requires walking up to the observation deck.)

There is a self guided walking tour (see Pg 171-173 of the book) from the ship which includes:
1.  King Kamehameha Statue
2.  Iolani Palace
 3.  Hawaii State Capitol
4.  Hawaii State Art Museum
5.  Washington Place
6.  Hawaii State Library and Honolulu Hale (City Hall)
7.  Hawaii Mission Houses Museum
8.  Kawaiaha'o Church

Chinatown is a short walk from the pier. 

There is a shuttle that goes from the pier to the Ala Moana Shopping Center which is between the pier and Waikiki Beach  

Waikiki Beach Walk Shopping. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port: Maui (Kahaului)

This blog post will pertain to what is within walking distance of the pier in  Maui (Kahului).  This is the port used by Carnival.  Some cruiselines stop in Lahaina instead of Kahului, so be sure to check your itinerary.  In Kahului you are docked, in Lahaina you are anchored (so tender required to get into port).  Kahului is on the north side of the island whereas Lahaina is on the west side).

Kahului:   (North Side of the Island) 
Not a lot within walking distance.
The airport is 5 miles away if you plan to rent a car there.
Kanaha Beach Park is 2 miles away.
Shuttle to Lahaina takes 45 minutes from Kahului (recommended that you book thru the cruise if available)
There is a morning shuttle also to Ka-anapali Beach with an afternoon shuttle back.
Buses run Monday thru Saturday.
Wal-Mart (off Dairy Road) is 2 miles from the cruise port.  You can catch Public Transit buses once you are at Wal-Mart.
Shopping shuttle available to Queen Ka'ahumanu Center


Queen Ka'ahumanu Center
From their website:

Maui comes together at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center

That’s because Queen Ka’ahumanu Center is Maui’s own Town Square. The island’s premiere shopping and entertainment destination. The home of Maui’s only department stores, Sears and Macy’s, plus more than 100 shops and restaurants, from cool island-style boutiques to such national names as American Eagle Outfitters, Pacific Sunwear, Foot Locker and Borders Express.

And it’s the place where Maui folks and Maui visitors get going with a gourmet cappuccino, savor fabulous cuisine at Ruby’s Diner or Koho Grill & Bar, or chow down on fun international fare in the Queen’s Market Food Court. And it’s where we enjoy hot Hawaiian music on the Queen’s Stage, and treat ourselves to an ice-cream and a movie. And, of course, it’s where we relax with friends over drinks and pupus at a café table, and talk story. So join us for some real local aloha. It’s all here at The Queen Ka`ahumanu Center – located in the heart of Maui, and in the hearts of Maui folks.

Public Transportation to/from there:  Direct Routes to Queen Ka’ahumanu Center from Wailea, Maa’aea, Lahaina, Kihei, Haiku Paia, Makawao, Haliimaile, Pukalani, Wailuku and Kahului. Connections available from Kaanapali and Kapalua.

MALL SERVICES

Queen Ka’ahumanu Center features the following services and amenities:

• ATM
• Children’s Play Area
• Cubby Caboose Train
• Family Restrooms
• High Speed Wireless Internet Access
• Local Attractions Visitor Info
• Lost and Found
• Mall Gift Cards
• Newspaper Vending
• Stroller Rentals
• Taxi Services
• Transportation Schedules
• Wheelchair Service

I sent an e-mail to the shopping center with some questions.  Here is their response:

 1. How far are you from the port? Our mall is approx. 1 mile from the port.
2. Is there a free shuttle from the pier to the center? When a cruise ship is in port our center offers a free shuttle for cruise ship passengers to the mall that runs continuously from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
3. Any idea what a taxi would cost? Taxi service from the port might run between five and ten dollars.  They are available at the cruise ship terminal area.

Car Rental:
In Maui, be very specific where you want to pick up your rental car.
If you are docking in Kahului Harbor, you will want to pick up your car Kahului Airport.
If you are tendering in Lahaina, you will want to pick up your car at Kapalua West Maui Airport.


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.