Kauai - The Garden

Kauai Map - Best Of Hawaii - Hawaiian Islands Vacation Travel Island Travel Maps Island Chain Kauai , Oahu , Lanai , Molokai , Maui , Big Island , Pleasent Holidays Has Complete Vacations To Beautiful Tropical Getaways.Spectacular Deals on Hotel & Airfare Escape To Paradise Today! HAVE FUN!!! Vacation Destination Hawaii Packages consist of round trip flights and hotel stays. Inclusions, transfers, car rentals, meal plans, sightseeing, and trip insurance may be available as you build your package! Click here to enlarge map in a new browser window. Kauai - The Garden Isle... and a garden it is! Pink sand beaches and tropical rain forests are the backdrop for a "postcard perfect" tropical escape. Kauai'ssplendor has been the setting for Hollywood productions such as South Pacific, Jurrasic Park, and Fantasy Island. Lihue is the county seat and location of the Kauai Airport. Total area is 549 sq. miles - 33 miles long and 25 miles wide with 90 miles of coastline. Population isalmost 51,000 residents and the highest point is Kawaikiki Peak at 5,243 ft above sea level. Driving Times from Lihue: Kalalau Valley Lookout - 1 hour 40 minutes Kilauea - 45 minutes Kokee - 90 minutes Koloa / Poipu - 30 minutes Princeville / Hanalei - 60 minutes Waimea Canyon - 75 minutes BarefootTours - Voted the BEST Hawaii activities company in Hawaii. We have searched every year since 1995 for the ultimate activities provider in Hawaii. The 2005 winner Barefoot Tours offers the best of the best. They have your passport for your next adventure in Hawaii and the exotic islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai & The Big Island of Hawaii. HAVE FUN!!! Hawaiian Travel News provides the latest discount information on Kauai car rentals, B&Bs, tours, activities and dining plus it's FREE! Sign-up here. top of page Home/General Info Packages Lodging Transportation Airfare Food & Entertainment Activities Shopping Culture Travel Store Travel Maps BOH Home Page Site Search Site Map Contact Us © 2001 Best of Hawaii

Hawaii Honeymoon

Hawaii Honeymoon packages, Hawaii Honeymoon Vacations, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Big Island Bride & Groom Guests & Gifts Log In | Sign-Up -- Shopping Bag | | What do you think? What's the best thing about WeddingChannel.com's charity program? I can raise money for my favorite cause I can choose a charity in memory of a loved one It's super easy to sign up There's no cost to me or my guests Hawaii Lush greenery, sparkling ocean, and spectacular sunsets... say "Aloha" to the honeymoon of your dreams in Hawaii. Click to View Top Honeymoon Spots Kauai Lanai Maui Molokai Oahu Things to Do The Big Island Featured Destinations Sheraton Kauai Resort Surround yourself with tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls and luxurious appointments. Honeymoon at the Sheraton Kauai Like no place on earth Hilton Waikoloa Village ® presides majestically over 62 spectacular oceanfront acres along the sunny Kohala Coast. -- Hilton Hawaiian Village ® Beach Resort & Spa offers the perfect mix of exceptional hotel accommodations and classic Hawaiian hospitality. MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL Legendary for its classic island charm on the famed Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, this luxurious hotel overlooks the spectacular Kauna'oa Bay. W Honolulu-Diamond Head Find the perfect hotel for your honeymoon! Select Region Hawaii Ideas & Advice Cooking up Romance in Oahu Honeymoon Hints Etiquette For Honeymoon and Alternative Registries Find Your Hawaiian Style: Match An Island To Your Personality Honeymoon Hints Best Spots For Weddings in Hawaii: The Big Island Top Golf and Leisure Sports Honeymoons in Hawaii The Top 5 Most Romantic Beaches Hawaii Is For Lovers: Romantic Excursions Around the Big Island Packing for Your Tropical Honeymoon The Magic of Maui Hawaii's Top 5 Most Romantic Hideaways What's Hot for Your Honeymoon The Top 10 Hotels in Hawaii The Top Romantic/Fantasy Honeymoons in Hawaii The Top Spa/Relaxation Honeymoons in Hawaii see all Paradise Awaits : A jewel box of sensual delights and romantic activities reward your imagination and spark your passion on heavenly O'ahu . Romance blooms on the Magic Isles of Maui, Molokai and Lanai Discover the adventure . Kauai - Hawaii's Island of Discovery. Beautiful swaying palms overlooking the glistening blue ocean, plan your wedding at Hilton Waikoloa Village ®. -- Choose a Beachfront Wedding or the new Ocean Crystal Chapel at Hilton Hawaiian Village ®. Great Deals Honeymoon on the Beach Book a tropical beach getaway now. From coast to coast, domestic and international - hotels.com has a beach deal that's right for you. Book a celebrity styled destination wedding by Preston Bailey , exclusively at Sandals & Beaches Resorts and receive a special keepsake gift (promo code: WM201). Reserve yours now! All-Inclusive in Los Cabos from $1,850 Enjoy 5 nights luxury accommodations at The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos for $1,850 per person. Pampered in Puerto Vallarta from $1,525 Enjoy 5 nights at the spectacular oceanfront Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta with daily breakfast and dinner, couples massage, dolphin encounters and more for $1,525 per person. Romantic. Secluded. The Westin St. John . Experience the ultimate in romance at The Westin St. John with seven nights deluxe accommodations, couples massages, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, full daily breakfast, and more. MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL Golden sunsets and swaying palm trees make Mauna Kea Beach Hotel the most perfect and romantic paradise on the Big Island of Hawaii. Experience our Romance Package and enjoy luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining and warm island hospitality. Sponsored Links buy a link PHOTO CREDITS: Susan and Andrew: John Riedy Debbie and Ivan / Rebecca and Alan: Stewart Pinsky Katie and Greg: Robert Evans

Hawaiian Food Glossary )

Hawaiian Restaurants - Maui Restaurants Maui Printer Friendly Version A Word About "Symbols and Awards" Help us preserve the Islands. Tell our advertisers you found them on Alternative-Hawaii. HAWAIIAN (see Hawaiian Food Glossary ) Hawaiian Cuisine Types Hawaii Regional Cuisine: Local food beautifully presented by professional chefs using the freshest Hawaiian ingredients. Local Kine Grinds: An ethnic mix of local-style comfort food. HAWAII REGIONAL CUISINE | LOCAL KINE GRINDS HAWAII REGIONAL CUISINE AHA AINA 7 Aewa Place Pukalani, HI 96768 (Upcountry Maui) Tel. (808) 572-2395 A little taste of Hawaii Regional Cuisine! A small Upcountry restaurant serving homemade dishes utilizing fresh local produce. (BL $) BIG WAVE CAFE Long's Shopping Complex 1215 South Kihei Road Kihei, HI 96753 (South Maui) Tel. (808) 891-8688 Home of award winning Chef Raul Bermudez. Delivering great food at reasonable prices while using only the freshest Maui-grown vegetables, fruits and organic herbs. (BLD $) HOTEL HANA-MAUI Main Dining Room Hana, HI 96713 (East Maui) Tel. (808) 248-8211 Dine at this lovingly restored hotel - a true spirit of place. Featuring Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. (BLD $$$) HULA GRILL Whalers Village 2435 Kaanapali Parkway Kaanapali, HI 96761 (West Maui) Tel. (808) 667-6636 On the beach. Chef Peter Merriman's award winning Hawaii Regional Cuisine. (LD $$$) PACIFIC GRILL Four Seasons Resort 3900 Wailea Alanui Wailea, HI 96753 (South Maui) Tel. (808) 874-8000 Sumptuous breakfast buffet. Hawaiian Regional Cuisine Menu highlights seafood specialties including Hawaiian fish and produce grown locally. (BLD $$$) ROY'S KAHANA BAR & GRILL 4405 Honoapiilani Highway Kahana, HI 96761 (West Maui) Tel. (808) 669-6999 Famous Honolulu chef's Maui Hawaiian Regional Cuisine transplant. 2004 & 2005 Hale Aina Award. (D $$$) Top LOCAL KINE GRINDS ALEXANDER'S FISH & CHIPS 1913 South Kihei Road Kihei, HI 96753 (South Maui) Tel. (808) 874-0788 Popular fish 'n chip place. (LD $) ALOHA MIXED PLATE 1251 Front Street Lahaina, HI 96761 (West Maui) Tel. (808) 661-3322 Local grinds. Plate lunches. (LD $) BAMBOO BAR & GRILL 505 Front Street Lahaina, HI 96761 (West Maui) Tel. (808) 667-4051 A cosmopolitan menu - American - Chinese - Vietnamese - Thai. (LD $) DA KITCHEN Rainbow Mall 2439 S. Kihei Road Kihei, HI 96753 (South Maui) Tel. (808) 875-7782 Local and Hawaiian-style food. (BLD $) HANA HOU CAFE 610 Haiku Road, Unit 404 Haiku, HI 96708 (North Shore) Tel. (808) 575-2661 Local kine food - plate lunches, burgers, pupus, beer and wine. (LD $) HANAFUDA SAIMIN Akeka Mauka 1279 South Kihei Road Kihei, HI 96753 (South Maui) Tel. (808) 879-9033 Plate lunches, noodles, sandwiches. Generous portions, reasonable prices. (BLD $) HOUSE OF SAIMIN Lahaina Center 900 Front Street Lahaina, HI 96761 (West Maui) Tel. (808) 667-7572 Oodles of noodles! (D $) KITADA'S KAU KAU KORNER 3617 Baldwin Avenue (Upcountry Maui) Tel. (808) 572-7241 Funky decor and good Hawaiian plate lunches. (BL $) MALA OCEAN TAVERN 1307 Front Street Lahaina, HI 96761 (West Maui) Tel. (808) 667-9394 A chic waterfront spot with family style dining. (LD $$) MAUI'S MIXED PLATE Maui Mall 70 E. Kaahumanu Avenue Kahului, HI 96752 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 877-0706 Affordable local grinds. (LD $) MIKE'S RESTAURANT 1900 Main Street Wailuku, HI 96793 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 244-7888 Taste the family flavor of authentic Chinese cooking and ono local grinds. (BLD $) NAZO'S RESTAURANT 1063 Lower Main Street Kahului, HI 96732 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 244-0529 Local grinds - good oxtail soup. (BLD $) PAIA FISH MARKET 110 Hana Highway Paia, HI 96779 (North Shore Maui) Tel. (808) 579-8030 Casual atmosphere and great portions! (LD $$) PUKALANI COUNTRY CLUB 360 Pukalani Street Pukalani, HI 96788 (Upcountry Maui) Tel. (808) 572-1325 Specializing in traditional Hawaiian foods. (BLD $) PULEHU BBQ SHACK 1500-A Lower Main Street Wailuku HI 96793 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 244-4049 Baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, sandwiches. (L $) RAY'S DELI 270 Waiehu Beach Road Wailuku, HI 96793 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 242-5993 Home of Mochiko Chicken. (BL $) ROSIE'S LUNCH 1322 Lower Main Street Wailuku, HI 96732 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 242-1471 Ono (delicious) local foods. (LD $) SAM SATO'S Millyard 1750 Wilipa Loop Wailuku, HI 96793 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 244-7124 Extremely local grinds. (BL $) SHEIK'S RESTAURANT 97 Wakea Avenue Kahului, HI 96732 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 877-0121 Popular with the locals for their island grinds. (BLD $) SUNRISE CAFE 693 A Front Street Lahaina, HI 96767 (West Maui) Tel. (808) 661-8558 One of Maui's hidden secrets - Hawaiian-style foods. (BL $) TASTY CRUST RESTAURANT 177 Mill Street Wailuku, HI 96793 (Central Maui) Tel. (808) 244-0845 A local favorite for years - great breakfasts. (BLD $) TUTU'S 174 Keawe Road Hana Bay Hana, HI 96713 (East Maui) Tel. (808) 248-8224 Funky burger and saimin place. (BL $) Top Maui Restaurants Index | Restaurants Index | Home Page Contact Us | Sponsor Join Us Form ©Ala Mua Hawaii 1997

Hawaiian Cruise

Cruise Ship Profiles Cruise Lines - American Hawaii Cruise Home Photo Gallery Cruise Talk Cruise Search Cruise News Search -- Search CruisePage -- Book a Cruise - CruiseServer - Search Caribbean - Search Alaska - Search Europe - 866.469.4733 Forums Cruise Talk Rail Talk Air Talk Destination Talk Hotel Talk Buy Stuff Evolution of the Ocean Liner Poster Reviews - Ship Reviews - Dream Cruise - Ship of the Month - Reader Reviews - Submit a Review - Millennium Cruise Community - Photo Gallery - Join Cruise Club - Cruise News - Cruise Survey - Cruise Jobs - Special Needs - Maritime Q & A - Sea Stories Industry - New Ship Guide - Former Ships - Port Information - Inspection Scores - Shipyards - Ship Cams - Freighter Travel - Potpourri Shopping - Shirts & Hats - Books - Videos - Reservations - Vacation Specials - Web Deals Contact Us - Reservations - Mail - Feedback - Suggest-a-Site - About Us Travel Resources Reservations Destinations Hotels Air Travel Cruise Travel News/Weather SHIP PROFILE American Hawaii SS Independence TravelPage.com Rating : Submit your review here Operator: American Hawaii Cruises Year Built / Last Refurbished: 1951 / 1994 Length / Tonnage: 682 / 30,900 Number of Cabins / Passengers: 406 / 872 Officers / Crew: American / American Operating Area: Year-round Hawaii Telephone / Fax: Tel 150 2244 / Fax 150 2244 Review by Mark H. Goldberg, TravelServer.net, Cruise Editor Hawaii captures you, soothes and enchants you, she lets you hangloose and envelop yourself in the bright colors of her land andsea. Sail the INDEPENDENCE and it won't be long before you'redecked out in a loud, colorful Hawaiian shirt and enjoying lifethe Old Hawaiian Way. Simply because the State of Hawaii iscomprised of islands, the ideal way to approach them is from thesea and the best way to see them is by this wonderful old cruiseship. Able to produce a maximum of 55,000 shaft horsepower at 150rpms, her steam turbines geared to twin screws are a sight tobehold. When she was new the INDEPENDENCE showed how powerfulthat is when she steamed at just over 26 knots on her trials offCape Cod. By international rules, when new, the INDEPENDENCE was theeleventh largest liner in the world and certainly one of thefastest. The big question was...would anyone care? For spoken intones of a flat declaratory to a shrill protest the cry "No onetravels in an American ship!" was heard in steamship agencies andsmart parties the world over. Experienced travelers and neophytesalike looked upon American ships with a bemused condescension,secure in the "knowledge" that in terms of food and service,those "Yankee" liners just couldn't produce - the foreign linerswere better. American ships had a severe image problem. Yet theAmerican twins INDEPENDENCE and her identical twin CONSTITUTIONsoon proved themselves extraordinarily popular, hostingglittering rosters of notables intent on sailing under the "Starsand Stripes". Movie producers were drawn to them. Cary Grant andDeborah Kerr starred in "An Affair to Remember" costarrinq theCONSTITUTION. After United States Lines stodgily rebuffed Desilustudios, American Export sent plenty of material and film footageof the twin liners to Hollywood. Who among us can ever forgetLucille Ball "landing" by helicopter on the after Bridge Deck ofthe CONSTITUTION? And yes...THIS is the INDEPENDENCE the agent onthe pier mentioned when he told a distraught Lucy that she couldget to Europe on the following sailing... So great was theirpopularity that in 1958 American Export Lines sent both ships formajor overhauls. Fitting additional First Class cabins, theforward ends of their superstructures were massively altered. Forall that, against the ANDREA DORIA and CRISTOFORO COLOMBO andlater the LEONARDO da VINCI and the superliners MICHELANGELO andRAFFAELLO on the "Sunny Southern Route", the American liners justcouldn't compete. The results of a projected trio of 20,000 ton express liners forthe Mediterranean route, these ships began to take shape as farback as 1940 when American Export Lines, Inc. planned for thefuture. It would be YEARS before any such ships were built andwhen they were, there were two, not three. And bucking anAmerican Export Line tradition, the two ships were not givennames beginning with "EX" but were instead named for historicU.S. Navy frigates. Had the intended third sister been built, shewould likely have been named CONSTELLATION. Asking for inputfrom many quarters, it is Gustavo Pulitzer, famed Italianinterior designer who should be given first initial credit formany of the pleasing touches in the ultimate form of theseclassic liners. Noted American industrial designer Henry Dreyfussin collaboration with the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporationdeserves credit as the designers of the INDEPENDENCE and hersister CONSTITUTION. With the help of mail contracts and buildingsubsidies to pay the $25,000,000 each ship cost (that's over $150million each, in TODAY's dollars!) two ships were laid down atBethlehem Steel Company's Quincy, Massachusetts yards at thevery end of the 1940's, the INDEPENDENCE on March 29, 1949, theCONSTITUTION on July 12th. Their plans included many eventualdefense and military needs so safety provisions, fire proofing andrapid convertibility to trooping requirements took first place inthe design of the pair. And the INDEPENDENCE is still a very safeship today! Debuting with a 53 day cruise to the Mediterranean, Red Sea andIndia in 1951, the INDEPENDENCE got into service before theItalian postwar liners came out and captured the cream of theItaly trade. And even had the competition been less, theINDEPENDENCE and CONSTITUTION would have been hard pressed tomeet the enormous costs of operating under the American flageither on their regular Atlantic service or on cruises throughthe Mediterranean or to the Caribbean. By the late 1960s theseAmerican liners were desperate for money and American ExportLines entered into an agreement with Diner's Club/Fugazy to jazzup the twin ships. Only the INDEPENDENCE was actually updated toappeal to a "mod" generation and when she appeared with Harlow'seyes peering out from her halo of a "mod" sunburst on her whitehull, eyes rolled in contempt. Before the ship lover knew it, sheand the CONSTITUTION were gone from our lives. Withdrawn by 1968,the CONSTITUTION went into idleness at Jacksonville, Floridafollowed a few months later by the INDEPENDENCE which was laid upat Baltimore with their fleet mate ATLANTIC. Reports of a sale ofone or both of the sisters to Chandris came to naught. A plan tooperate the INDEPENDENCE on charter by Wall Street Tours, aManhattan based travel company also went nowhere. Should theyfind buyers willing to operate them, they would be but shadows oftheir former selves. The ships were idle for years until 1974 when fabled Chineseshipowner C.Y. Tung came to their rescue. Buying the pair with anobligation to return them to the control of the United Statesgovernment in time of war, he had each ship's twin funnelsrepainted with his signature livery, a red chrysanthemum on buff.Prefacing each ship's name with "OCEANIC", he sent them to HongKong. Some work was found for the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE but nonefor her sister which now rode at anchor in the shadow of VictoriaPeak. For a while in 1975 the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE shuttledbetween Lisbon and Angola carrying refugees, mostly civiliansfleeing Angola to Portugal Lisbon. Then, despite several goodintentions, she was again retired and returned to lay up. When Matson and later Pacific Far East Line went out of thepassenger business leaving the piers at Aloha Tower bereft ofpassenger tonnage save the occasional cruise caller, C.Y. Tungsaw possibilities where others saw problems and investigated thepossibility of operating his beautiful OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE as acruise ship among the Hawaiian Islands. But since Congressthought to protect American ship owners and shipbuilders as earlyas 1886, any ship operating Hawaii cruises would have to haveAmerican registry. American ships sold abroad are ineligible toreturn to U.S. registry except in time of war. Though Americanbuilt, the ship was now registered abroad and THAT could havebeen a big problem for the proposed weekly cruises through theHawaiian islands. Unanimously approved by both the U.S. Senateand House of Representatives in 1979, an Act of Congress broughtthe OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE back under the Stars and Stripes andallowed American Hawaii Cruises to go into business. The pleasanttask of refurbishing the graceful vessel for modern cruisingbegan. Eliminating class distinctions, upgrading cabins on thelower decks and altering the decor to include the soft atmosphereof the Hawaiian Islands, the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE was ready tobegin a new life. Wearing a traditional Hawaiian lei at her stemas she arrived off Honolulu for the first time, she paused offPearl Harbor long enough to drop a wreath in memory of Americanforces killed in the surprise attack there on December 7, 1941. But after that, at least since her maiden sailing on her 7 daycruise circuit of the major islands on June 21, 1980, the gentleHawaii of the tradewinds reigns supreme aboard this wonderfulship. In the meantime American Hawaii Cruises has changed handstwice and the newest owners, who also own the wonderfulMISSISSIPPI QUEEN, AMERICAN QUEEN and DELTA QUEEN decided toupgrade and substantially improve the INDEPENDENCE. In 1994 theship was withdrawn from service and sent to Newport NewsShipbuilding and Drydock Company where she was extensivelyrefitted and prepared to last another forty five years! Conceived to be an example of luxurious modernAmerican living at sea the INDEPENDENCE still offers relaxedelegance in a bright and airy modern decor reflecting the naturalbeauty and colors of Hawaii. The INDEPENDENCE has acres of deck space and both open andcovered promenades. The design of the ship includes a pair ofwings over the old Sea Isle Club, once the First Class pool. Fromthere you have an eaqle's view of the festivities on the afterdecks. It's also a great place to see and not be noticed...Justbeyond the former Sunlane Club, now called the Ohana Lounge isthe big swimming pool and its surrounding lido is the scene ofmany a party. The main public rooms are the semicircularCommodore's Terrace...aft on Kamaa'ina (formerly Promenade) Deckwhere evenings are welcomed with a cocktail and a tune from thetalented pianist. Next is the Hoi Hoi Showplace where sightlinesare mostly good and the efforts of the cruise staff and twoHawaiian dance troupes are shown during nightly shows.Centerpiece of the INDEPENDENCE's public rooms, though, is theKama'aina Lounge...newly thought out and opened up during herrecent refit...so it now extends to the floor to ceiling windowsof the former glass enclosed promenade. Tropical in decor it'sworth a visit if only to write a postcard home...if you can evenremember you had a life before you came to Hawaii. One deck below are the Ohana Lounge and the Ohana Buffet...theformer providing seating for people feasting from the buffet aswell as offering a venue for some late night entertainments. Waydown deep in the ship is a cinema while in spaces once occupiedby Tourist Class public rooms on Maui (formerly A) Deck are thegym and a conference center. There are generally two sittings at dinner, mostbreakfasts and lunches are served in open sittings. Down in the420 seat Hibiscus Dining Room on sailing night there's a buffet.The more intimate 110 seat Orchid Dining Room doesn't operate onSaturday night...it opens for breakfast on Sunday morning. "Aha!"you'll think if you are skeptical of American tonnage - the hotdogs. "There must be something fishy here...Is this an Americanship? This is a sumptuous set up and it looks good," you'llthink. That's what I thought the first time and every time I'vesailed since as I pile on enough shrimp, roast beef and assortedfoodstuffs to choke a pig. A steward brightly garbed in an Alohashirt will escort you to a table and your culinary adventurebegins. For a change I cannot say enough about the food in theINDEPENDENCE. Maybe it's because my expectations were low ormaybe because the food is so good...in fact the food is usuallybetter than good and I'll spill the beans...one feisty old lady,a Mrs. Gottrocks in her own right...and something of a cruiseship reviewer proclaimed the only cruise ship to serve betterfood than she ate on the INDEPENDENCE was the SEA GODDESS I, anaccolade I surely second.... You will eat so well aboard this ship I'd be surprised if you'reable to muster up the curiosity to investigate the midnightsnack. If the lunch buffet doesn't tempt you and the menu in the DiningRoom does, GO...even if you feel less than hunger pangs. Iremember sitting down and thinking "Drat!, foiled again! No HotDogs" - but for simple meals there are great burgers assembled asyou like them, a big sandwich and several choices of hot dishes. Every brochure in the business trumpets the praises of the shin'scuisines so loudly that few can really deliver. American HawaiiCruises has always underplayed its claims to wonderful foodthough the food aboard the INDEPENDENCE is a treat. Somewherebehind the scenes in this American operation must be a Jewish orItalian grandmother demanding that all hands be overfed! Underlining the contemporary American way of living, there was solittle cleavage between First and Cabin class spaces it seemedthat most cabins were interchangeable between the two. And therewas a lot of truth in that for 40% of the 1,003 berths in eachship were interchangeable among classes. Only 205 berths werepermanently graded First Class, 109 always Cabin Class and 258full time Tourist Class. That flexible passenger arrangement gaveAmerican Export Lines tremendous leeway in following marketdemands. Highlight of modern American living were cabinsconvertible to sitting rooms by day. Most cabins are still soequipped and that sofa you use in the afternoon is a verycomfortable bed - because it's not a pull out...the sofa back folds down to reveal a thick comfortable mattress. TheINDEPENDENCE is a one class ship now offering a dazzling 13different varieties of private quarters from tiny Category GBudget Cabins (both inside and outside available) to a CategoryAAA Superior Suite...Category D is the lowest grade for two lowerbeds but for this cruise...your cabin is not where you will wantto be. Take a look at an outside cabin on A deck forward. Decorated withHawaii in mind, it has a Hawaiian name as well as a number. It'sbig enough to sleep four comfortably and the round portholereminds you you are aboard ship. Once you unpack you will bepuzzled by the surfeit of storage space for there are enoughclosets for a dowager and enough drawers for an apothecary. What is small, though, is the shower...but that good Americanplumbing is happily in evidence. American Hawaii Cruises is very"INTO" Hawaii...so much so that one of the most popular employeesaboard ship is the KUMU, the Hawaiian story teller....whose jobit is to tell the visitor as much as possible about Hawaiianlore, customs and culture... Around twilight time on Saturdayevenings, passengers gather in the Hoi Hoi Showplace for aHawaiian Show, one show aboard ship I'm glad I saw. Thisextravaganza of Hawaiian music and hula dancing and memories ofthe "Aloha" that evening will remain with you long after theINDEPENDENCE stops sailing. With the full range of usual cruiseship activities enhanced by some like lei making and ukelelelessons apropos in these parts, it's not hard to imagine how mostpassengers spent their day at sea. I saw some at breakfast in theDining Room where the extraordinary personalities of friendlystaff broke the ice of a first morning at sea. I saw others atthe breakfast buffet while I was on my way to stock up withlogoed souvenirs in the ship's signature shop. But a visit to theNavigation bridge of THIS ship always gets me and I alwaysvisit...even if only for another look at the framed noticeinstructing the officer on watch to take the ship immediately tosea in the event of a nuclear attack. My favorite Hawaiian island is always the one I'm on and I thinkI'd like to keep with the INDEPENDENCE until I have done everyshore excursion the line offers... and at last count there are 56of them. Getting ready to board the INDEPENDENCE I grin like ahyena even before a lei is placed around my neck and I pause forthe obligatory mug shot cruise lines like to sell boardingpassengers. Even before sailing the INDEPENDENCE offers a lot ofthe Hawaii experience but for me one of the best is the moment ofdeparture on this unique American flag ocean liner. Once out ofthe harbor the ship turns to port and is soon off Waikiki. Sunday - It's not far from one island to the next but Sundays are spent at sea and for most of the day from nearly anywhere outon one of her 23,000 feet of open dock space, you can look outand see islands, Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, depending uponthe circuitous route the Captain chooses to navigate. An activesort, I spent usually spend Sunday afternoons aboard theINDEPENDENCE in a deck chair outside the Surfrider Bar, hardlyable to pause later for some fresh popcorn. When Monday morning comes...be ready for a wonderful time onKauai, the Garden Island. There should be time for a drive out toHanalei Bay. If there is a prettier spot than that end of Kauai,its not on this planet. It's vaguely around the corner from theNa Pali coast, a formation of lushly covered steep cliffsshrouding pretty beaches accessed only by boat orhelicopter.Compelling is the word for the helicopter trip theline offers for a look at those cliffs which rise majesticallyfrom the sea. It's a toss up as to which is lovelier...Kauai orMaui but since the ship arrives at Kahului, Maui on Tuesday foran overnight call, you have plenty of time to check it out anddecide for yourself IF YOU CAN! Maui, so deservedly popular withvacationers, exudes a charm of her own. From the jumbled strandsof spaghetti paved into a road called the Hana highway, a 55 milecourse through landscape inordinately compelling to the majesticIao valley, Maui is a sensual delight. Never mind that AmericanHawaii brings a fabulously rousing Hawaiian show to entertainpassengers here. It's during the Maui call that American Hawaiioffers a shore excursion like no other. Uncommercial in theextreme, it's Tour 32 (at least it USED to be), not a trip forthe queasy or the debile. Leaving the ship's side at 3:30 AM,participants follow a tour leader and bike down the slopes fromthe summit of Mt. Haleakala, 10,000 feet above sea level.MAGNIFICENT! On Thursday the INDEPENDENCE calls at Hilo on the Big Island ofHawaii where you can pick up another rental car and drive it toAkaka Falls, catch another look at Volcano National Park, drivedown the Chain of Craters Road and maybe have lunch in town.(Whatever you do...DON'T bother with the buffet at VolcanoHouse...) To me it is near Hilo, sleepy, rainy little Hilo, wherethe air is gentlest and the breeze softest. Kona on the bright,dry side of this big island is the next port and the INDEPENDENCEanchors there on Friday mornings and the tender gives youflawless views of the ship as it pulls away, runs alongside andcuts across the liner's gently raking bows. Coffee plantations,macadamia nut farms and the Parker ranch are on this side of theBig Island. After the INDEPENDENCE clears Kona on Friday evening, my leiwent into the sea from the after deck. I know that it washedashore and will bring me back...A week in the INDEPENDENCE speedsby like an hour, drawing all to soon to a close. This graciousGRANDE DAME really does turn on its ear for all time must be thatabsurd old saw, "No one travels in an American ship" for here inthe waters of Hawaii the INDEPENDENCE is deservedly popular, anAmerican ship that wins the hearts of most who sails with her. The "who's who" of who has sailed in the INDEPENDENCEor CONSTITUTION at some point in the ship's career really doesread like "Who's Who" for so many names in that book have been onthe ships' passenger lists. It was President Reagan who happilysigned the bill to bring the CONSTITUTION back under Americanregistry. He was familiar with these ships and had been aboardthe INDEPENDENCE for a Governors' conference back in the 1960'swhen he was Governor of California. A framed photograph of himand Mrs. Reagan hangs in the ship's wheelhouse. It is said thatwhen he took the helm the ship veered slightly to the right... People demanding nonstop 24 hour a day loud action accompanied bypulsating bass may not enjoy a cruise in this ship (though I'd besurprised if there is ANYONE who doesn't enjoy a 7 nightINDEPENDENCE cruise). This ship is particularly popular withpeople over 40 who seem to enjoy the sock hop, pajama party andother events calculated to please us aging "boomers" but there isa lot here for everyone - from toddlers to great grandpa!. The first time I set out for Honolulu to takethis ship I hoped for the best and expected the worst. Visions ofplastic cups, paper plates and hot dogs, motel modern style andindifferent American service filled my dream track the nightbefore my first sailing in this ship. Well I needn't haveworried! That cruise was marvelous. Now, after a multi-milliondollar refit and plenty of attention to detail, the ship exudes awarm, friendly Hawaiian air. In a nutshell...this ship and her 7night Hawaii cruise is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS Check out these great deals from TravelPage.com Holland America - Holiday Adventures from $372 per person Description: Take advantage of these great holiday itineraries. Sail with Holland America to an amazing collection of ports in the Caribbean and Mexico. You won't find these fares anywhere else! Celebrity - Caribbean from $330 per person Description: More great Celebrity Caribbean values. Stroll on the velvety sands of a Jamaican beach or wander through an emerald rain forest. Swim with the stingrays or Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters or Grand Cayman. Relax with two days at sea. Cruises depart from Miami. SilverSea - Europe and South America includes $200 Onboard Credit Description: Explore the exotic ports of South America, stroll the streets of the French Riviera, or watch the changing of the seasons in New England. Sailing aboard a Silversea ship is unique and intimate. Its as if you had your own chartered yacht and could sail anywhere you wanted, except we do all the work for you while you laze in our pool, or watch the dolphins play. Crystal - Mexican Riviera and New England from $1,323 per person Description: Choose between extended itineraries to the Mexican Riviera or relaxing fall foliage cruises to Canada and New England. Sail with Crystal Cruises and discover why the difference is Crystal clear. Experience a convenient 7, 11 or 14-day voyage with the luxury Crystal Harmony or Crystal Symphony. NCL - Caribbean and Bahamas extra savings of $100 per person Description: Explore the islands and beaches of the Bahamas with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay. Visit historic Bermuda or experience the changing of the seasons in New England. On your way home, enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Includes Philadelphia and New York departures. Disney World - 6 Days, 5-Nights from $499 Description: Vacations to Walt Disney World Resort are more affordable than ever. Plus, new magical benefits will make staying at Disney Resorts the most relaxing way to do and see everything Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. Check out these great deals. More Vacation & Cruise Specials... Cruise Home Photo Gallery Cruise Talk Cruise Search Cruise News This page, and all contents, are © 1995-2002 by Interactive Travel Guides, Inc. and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved. TravelPage.com is a trademark of Interactive Travel Guides, Inc. Powered by TravelServer Software

Hawaii hotels share in being surrounded

Starwood Hawaii Hotels & Resorts - Sheraton Kauai Resort - Poipu Beach, Kauai Vacation | "Sunrise to Sunset" Offer Enjoy more of the Garden Isle with our best value offer.... Relaxing Spa Services Rejuvenate your body and mind with a massage, facial and more... View all news The Sheraton Kauai Resort is the perfect "Garden Isle" hotel for any type of Hawaii vacation. Ideally located on Kauai's famous Poipu Beach, you can enjoy a host of activities from ocean sports to nearby championship golf, children's programs, and shopping. Here you immerse yourself in the heart of the island's beauty while experiencing a luxurious vacation on the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, serene Kauai. Although many Hawaii hotels share in being surrounded by incredible natural wonders, only at the beachfront Sheraton Kauai Resort do you experience a beauty of rare splendor with personal service and Aloha. --- Check in Check out Room(s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Adult(s) 1 2 3 4 Book a Room + Air + Car package Select a Property ------------------------------ Starwood Worldwide Starwood Preferred Guest ------------------------------ Starwood Hawaii ------------------------------ Sheraton Hawaii ------------------------------ Sheratons in Waikiki Sheraton Waikiki Sheraton Moana Surfrider Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Sheraton Kauai Resort Sheraton Maui Resort The Royal Hawaiian Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa ------------------------------ The Luxury Collection Hawaii ------------------------------ Princeville Resort ------------------------------ The W Hotel Honolulu ------------------------------ The Westin Maui Resort & Spa The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas