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.