I haven't published and news lately because I am on Celebrity Millennium in Hawaii.  We have bounced around the islands and start a transit to Vancouver tonight!

Swine Flu Update:  The cruise lines are taking this very seriously, working closely with the CDC.  Virtually all cruise lines have stopped visiting Mexican ports substituting additional days at sea or other  ports when at all possible.  Additionally, all passengers boarding a cruise ship will fill out a medical pre-screening form at embarkation alerting the on board medical staffs of any flu-like symptoms.  The Medical authorities will make the decision as to whether to allow those folks with symptoms to board or not.  This is another example of the importance of purchasing travel insurance.  I personally never leave home without it when traveling outside of the 48 continental United States.

Our visit to the great state of Hawaii has been wonderful.   I flew in a day early, and stayed at the military hotel on Waikiki - the Hale Koa.  That was a wonderful experience as retirees from WW2, Korean, Vietnam, the Cold War, and active duty folks currently serving in harms way come together without fanfare or expectations.  Everyone has an ID card, either active or retired, and there was a great sense of mutual respect and admiration. 

Kauai - It was a little drizzly when we pulled into Nawiliwili, but it is a rustic and quaint island.  Having never been to that island before, I took a general tour that hit the highlights.  Kauai is definitely not as developed as the other islands, but is very pretty, known as the garden island.

Hawaii - Hilo.  This town is the starting point for visiting Volcano National Park.  I have been there before, so I took another tour that hit one of the lava tube caves, Lave Tree State Park, and the Volcano lava flow and the black sand beach that has developed.  In the distance you could see the steam plume from the lava entering the pacific. 

Cruising - that night we cruised by the two vents where the lava flows into the ocean.  The ship approached within a quarter mile, and the bright red lava stream and glowing pink steam lighting up the darkness was wonderful!

Hawaii - Kona.  This is the start finish for the Iron Man Triathalon, and much of the town focuses on the promotion of that event.  I was supposed to go diving there, but the excursion was undersold and got canceled.  I walked over to a state beach park that was about 15 minutes away to take some pictures and then wandered around the town enjoying the quiet ambiance.

Maui - Lahaina.  To me, Lahaina is the Key West of this part of the world.  I rented a car and set out on my own.  I drove through Kapalua - a very high end resort complex, and then headed to the summit of Haleakala.  At 10,023 feet, and above the clouds, this is a sight that is truly a must.  The air is thin and the view is spectacular - and you could see the snow topped summit of Mauna Kea on the big island of Hawaii in the distance.  I then drove about 5 miles of the 20 miles of the Hana Highway, easily the most curvy road I have ever taken.  It reminded me of 20 miles of Lombard Street in San Francisco.  We spent the night anchored in Maui, and I plan on just wandering around the town today before we start our voyage to Vancouver tonight!

Aloha for now!