Introduction

In honor of George's seventieth birthday, wife Marilyn arranged a week-long Honolulu to Honolulu cruise for the two of us. As a very special added attraction, Peg and Cliff joined us. It was an exciting time for all. My three traveling companions were well-behaved and accorded me all the respect and deference to which a man my age is entitled.

Cliff and I have been friends since we looked like this. Just for the record, that's Cliff at the left and me at the right. You can see how fortunate Peg and Marilyn were to catch two fellows this handsome. Unlike our youthful good looks, our substantial wit and charm have fortunately held up well through the years.

On Friday, February 27, we (the Cains) flew from Atlanta to Honolulu nonstop. Delta was defintely not ready when we were, and we left Atlanta an hour behind schedule. We departed Atlanta at 1:00 p.m., arrived in a very stormy Honolulu around 6:00 p.m., and yet we spent 10 hours on the airplane. Something about the Earth rotating from West to East, I believe.

Anyway, here's a picture of the Honolulu airport baggage claim area when we arrived. The trip to our hotel, the world famous Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, was uneventful. Our first views of Honolulu were dark and rainy. It was well past 7:00 p.m. when we finally settled in at the hotel, and so we ate in the hotel food court and then retired for the evening.

The Clarks had arrived earlier following a much shorter flight from Los Angeles. We resolved to meet them on the morrow for lunch and other fun.

You can see the Clarks' trip photos here.

Our Trip

Day One Saturday we meet Clarks for lunch and stimulating conversation. That evening it's off to Paradise Cove for a luau.

Day Two Sunday Marilyn and I begin the day with a visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. In the afternoon we board our ship and sail away that night.

Day Three We arrive early this morning in Hilo and spend our time here visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Days Four, Five, and Six We spend a day at sea getting to Fanning Island, a short day at Fanning Island, and another day at sea returning to the Hawaiian Islands.

Day Seven Today we dock at Kahului, and Marilyn and I explore Maui and Molokai by helicopter.

Day Eight Now we arrive at Nawiliwili and spend a long day on Kauai. Peg takes a helicopter tour, Marilyn and George visit Waimea Canyon and cruise up the Wailua River, while Cliff wanders aimlessly about the island.

Day Nine It's back to Honolulu and then back to Atlanta. A wonderful experience.