Hawaiian food for cheap.

Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Hawaiian Walk In at Epinions.com Join Epinions | Help | Sign In Restaurants Restaurants & Gourmet All Categories Advanced Search Home > Restaurants & Gourmet > Restaurants Hawaiian Walk In Overall rating: Reviewed by 3 Epinions users Food and Presentation: Ambiance and Decor: Quality of Service: Write a Review Compare Prices View Details Read Reviews Subscribe to reviews on this product Read Review of Hawaiian Walk In Review Summary About the Author Ho-Hum Plate Lunch in Downtown Oakland Nov 24 '04 Author's Product Rating Food and Presentation: Ambiance and Decor: Quality of Service: Pros Fill up on cheap Hawaiian food for cheap. Cons It's not that great Hawaiian food. The Bottom Line Hawaiian food in downtown Oakland. Full Review Hawaiian Walk In 402 15th Street Oakland CA 94612 During the week - 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM weekends - 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Ever since Aloha Fest at Presidio Park this past summer, I have been fixated with plate lunches, malasadas, and SPAM. Ideally, SPAM in my plate lunch somewhere, but defnitely not in my malasada. Imagine then, how excited I was to discover that Hawaiian Walk In - a place that cooks up plate lunches - was located less than five miles from my apartment. Awooo! Then, imagine just how disappointed I was after finding out the food was just under so-so. That's just how it happened. Location It's in downtown Oakland, a stone's throw from Broadway. You really wouldn't be doing anyting in downtown Oakland unless you work there or are going to Temple Tattoo, so there aren't too many accidental walk ins at Hawaiian Walk In. There is no parking lot either, so you'll probably have to spend some time looking for metered street parking. The best time to try this place out is after work hours or on weekends. Of course, the closest BART station is City Center. The Scene It's downtown Oakland - not in the hip part - not that there is a hip part. There's one woman who is the hostess, waitress, and cashier and she'll happily hand you a pink paper photocopied menu and hang out by the cash register up front. Behind her post is a fridge, the kind you can see in, where you'll find a jumble of Hawaiian Sun juices and sodas. This place is ridiculously casual, and almost has a dive, hole-in-the-wall charm to it. Menu Lots of island-style plates at ridiculoulsy low, low prices. The food is better to talk and read about than eat. Specials include things like a Teriyaki Mixed plate (think of it was a three way plate - teri short ribs, teri chicken, and teri steak), Loco Moco (a hamburger patty and fried egg smothered in gravy atop a mound of rice), Pork Lau Lau, or a Bento lunch of Mahi Mahi, teri steak, teri chicken and ham. All Specials come with two scoops of rice and a scoop of mac salad, just like all Hawaiian plate lunches. Specials are around $5 and each plate is plenty. The monster special, which is a ridiculous amount of food, is the Mahalo Chicken Combo - Teri chicken, Lemon chicken and Chicken katsu with rice and mac salad. It was more than enough for two starving adults. There are also "regular" plates, which include one meat choice with the same sides - other things like lemon chicken, deep fried shrimp and curry are available. ($5-$6). For lighter eaters, or if $5 is too expensive, opt for a "mini" plate wich is the same as regular, but you just get one scoop of rice instead of two. No mini plate is over $4. Need to go cheaper? Get a sandwich - teri chicken, mahi mahi or teri beef - less than $2.50. Yup. $2.50. Now you're thinking that this is plate lunch nirvana with its jumbo portions and mega low prices. Nope. The food isn't that great. The chicken breasts for every chicken item we ordered was way too fatty with mystery, chewy bits. (I've eaten here a handful of times now.) The teriyaki flavor is actually pretty good - a full sweet taste - but no amount of marinade and sauce can mask poor quality chicken. The lemon chicken is a heavy overly battered and deep fried breast - the batter is so thick and bready, kind of like corndog batter without the cornmeal, which becomes a pocket sponge for what it was deep fried in. The lemon sauce - sugary, lemony, sad. The mac salad, which for many is what makes or breaks a plate lunch, is actually pretty good. But, cannot stand for the plate lunch. They also have saimin - but I can't recommend it either way because I haven't tried it yet. ($4 with egg and chicken, $2.25 plain!) I'm such a fan of island food that I'll probably go back to try the saimin. The Verdict I was disappointed, but it doesn't mean I won't go back. I really should learn my lesson. The prices are low, and there are enough things on the menu for several visits. This place though, is better and more authentic than the new place in El Cerrito (Waikiki something.) However, if you work in downtown Oakland anyway, and are short a few bucks... Recommended No Kid Friendliness: No Vegetarian Friendly: No Best Suited For: Friends Comments on this Review Read all comments (8) Write your own comment Epinions.com ID: megugrrrl in Restaurants & Gourmet Location: Beast in Pig Latin Reviews written: 136 Trusted by: 298 members No, I'm not ignoring you. I'm still waiting on those cities to be added. View all reviews by megugrrrl View megugrrrl's profile Return to top Back to all reviews Featured Resources Additional information on Hawaiian Walk In or other products. Hula Dancers Hula Dancers and Tahitian Dancers Hula lessons and Hawaiian lessons www.okapakipika.com Walk In Cooler / Freezer Walk-in Coolers and Freezers shipped nationwide by ACD www.acitydiscount.com Walking Exercise - Walking Fitness Programs That Work For You. www.1800Fitness.com Help | Member Center | Message Boards | Site Rules | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Site Index About Epinions | Careers | Contact Epinions | Advertising Epinions | DealTime USA | DealTime UK | PriceTool | Shopping.com | Rent.com © 1999-2006 Epinions, Inc. Trademark Notice Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.

Maui Snorkeling

Snorkel Maui: Snorkel Equipment Intro Snorkel Equipment The Mask: This is what you put on ummmm your face. This allows you to see underwater without getting your eyes and nose wet. It's important that the mask is a good fit when renting or buying a mask. If the mask doesn't fit well, you will experience some leakage of water in the mask. I would highly recommend using a mask that has a "silicon skirt". The skirt is the soft substance that is molded to fit your face, and prevents water from entering the mask. You can also rent or buy masks that use rubber ask the skirt, but the seal is not nearly as good as the silicon, and is quite simply a dated technology. Ask your local snorkel or dive shop about choosing a mask that fits well. They will know what to look for. The Snorkel: Well, this is what makes you a snorkeler. A snorkel is a hollow curved tube that is placed in the mouth that allows you to breathe while you are face down in the water. So basically, while you looking down into the water, the snorkel is sticking out of the water on one end while the other end is in your mouth. When looking for a snorkel, I would recommend asking for what is called a "purge" snorkel. The Fins: This is what makes life a lot of fun. Fins allow you to swim like a fish. Yeeeha! There are 2 kinds of fins, but for snorkeling in warm water, most people will do just fine with the close heeled kind. The open heeled kind is more for Scuba Divers which requires a special boot (bootie), or for colder waters. Anyways, make sure that the fins are a good fit, or else you will either be cutting off circulation to your feet, or they will easily come off. Make sure that they are a snug fit, but you should be able to wiggle your toes.

HAWAIIAN MUSIC REVIEWS By

Hawaiian Music Reviews by Aloha JOE "Aloha Joe.com is one of themost influential Hawaiian Websites on the Internet" (Movieline Magazine) Top 10 Music Reviews Song Lyrics Music Stores Independent Artists EMAIL Aritsts Aloha Radio Rotation Broadcast Schedule NEW HAWAIIAN MUSIC REVIEWS By Aloha JOE (All of these albums have been added to our station rotation) as of 11/07/05 BRITTNI PAIVA - "HEAR..." Brittni Paiva's second album, "Hear..." combines both island and non-island selections. She won a Na Hoku Hanohano award as "most promising artist" for her first album, and will be in contention for "Instrumental album of the Year" for this release. Ms. Paiva (now 17), began recording 2 years ago but has had a fascination with Ukulele, Bass & Slack Key guitar for many years. She plays all three instruments on this album. (using multi-tracking). You'll love her interpretations of the island classics, Akaka Falls & Opihi Moemoe. Brittni wrote several tunes on the album and finishes with her first vocal. She sings "E Lohea Mai" (which means "hear...") in both Hawaiian and Hebrew. The album just touches the surface of this young lady's talent. Look for many more albums and awards in the future from Brittni Paiva! Aloha JOE www.brittnipaiva.com JASMINE TRIAS Jasmine Triass long-awaited self-titled debut album, Jasmine Trias, was released nationwide on July 12, 2005. If the name sounds familiar, it is because she appeared on Fox TVs American Idol. While on the top-rated Fox show, the Hawaii-born Trias joined Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo to finish in the top 3. Although it has taken Jasmine a while to get her songs and arrangements together, IT WAS CERTAINLY WORTH THE WAIT! (read full review) RAIN DROPS - Ozzie Kotani - Produced by Daniel Ho - www.danielho.com - Ozzie Kotani is one of the most proficient slack key players on Hawaii's music scene. If you're a slack key fan, add this album to your collection, you'll truly enjoy Ozzie's performances. OUR FIRE - Round & Round - Great sounds from 3 very talented Island guys! Very inventive group with a "hit sound." The more we play them, the more requests they receive. Order DIRECT from the group..you'll enjoy the "sounds" Visit their website . www.roundnroundband.com <It's in rotation> ALOHA JOE Ho'omalei - Ray Sowders with Shawn Ishimoto - Ki Ho'alu Dreams - www.raysowders.com Ho'omalei is a well-balanced collection of island mele (songs). Ray's voice, on this, his second album, is mellow and strong. Shawn is heard on backup vocals, and a wide-variety of instruments. Bobby Ingano's steel guitar rounds out the mix on this album. <It's in rotation> ALOHA JOE DANGEROUS - Keahiwai - 808e Productions - www.keahiwai.com The girls are in great form with this new release. It's well balanced and will top the charts VERY SOON.. If not already !! ALOHA JOE SOME CALL IT ALOHA...DON'T TELL - The Brother's Cazimero - Mountain Apple Company Another winner from the CAZ - almost every song is in our station's rotation. I'm sure you'll hear them. This album was a GRAMMY NOMINEE! ALOHA JOE MAGIC BESIDE THE SEA - Paul Shimomoto - Hula Records www.hularecords.com This is the first album from the winner of the Hapa Haole Festival's vocal competition. It contains many of our listener's favorites. ALOHA JOE HULA - Big Island Style - Palm Records - www.palmrecords.com Palm Records has produced a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary island hulas, that combine the talents of some award-winning Big Island artists. The collection of "NEW RECORDINGS" is produced by "Grammy Award" winner, Charles Michael Brotman, and has the "right stuff" to keep hula fans smiling and dancing. ALOHA JOE HULA JAZZ - Owana Salazar Have you bee trying to add a GREAT album for your Hawaiian music collection? I found it! It's HULA JAZZ! Owana Salazar picked some great island standards that have been just begging to be put to a jazz/swing beat. "Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi," "I'll Weave A Lei of Stars for You," "Kainoa," and on and on. The steel players are tops in Island music. Alan Akaka, Casey Olsen, Greg Sardinha and Ms. Salazar put the right hula touches to "HULA JAZZ" ALOHA JOE COOL ELEVATION - Ho'okena Ho'okena continues its long line of first-class albums with "Cool Elevation." This is some of their best work to date. <We haveCool Elevation in our store> GRAMMY NOMINEE ALOHA JOE UKULELE BREEZE - Herb Ohta, Jr. Herb Ohta Jr's new release will put smiles on ukulele fans worldwide. "Ukulele Breeze" has a wide-variety of musical styles (rumba, samba, island contemporary, etc). This is very enjoyable WORLD-CLASS music! Aloha JOE ISLAND STYLE - Various Artists - www.palmrecords.com ISLAND STYLE c ontains a great mixture of island talent and songs. The overall outlook for this release is bright and sunny. This will be one of Palm Records biggest sellers. (full review below) KEALI'I REICHEL - Ke`alaokamaile This is a touching collection of material that can best be appreciated when one reads the accompanying liner notes...Just know, it's another "chart-topper" from KR. We have the album in our BIG STORE - take a look - you will love EVERY TRACK! GRAMMY NOMINEE ALOHA JOE http://www.spun.com/music/product-detail.jsp?id=2207701 HERB OHTA - Rainforest - Herb Ohta Sensational jazz inspired melodies from the smoooothest ukulele player around.... We LOVE this album and think you will too. ALOHA JOE KU'UIPO KUMUKAHI - Ho`ulu`ulu A fifteen-song collection featuring the "classic sound" we've come to associate with former "Female Vocalist of the Year," Ku'uipo Kumukahi. She is in GREAT FORM! ALOHA JOE SLACK KEY GUITAR V2 - GRAMMY AWARD WINNER - Various Artists - Palm Records ....It's like having front-row seats at an island Slack Key Festival. <full review> ALOHA JOE NA KAMA - Come and See...Hawaii COME and SEE ....HAWAI'I is one of the best NEW albums to come from the Islands in a LONG, LONG TIME! ALOHA JOE KOHALA - COOL BREEZE - Once again, gentle guitars from the Big Island take us on a mesmerizing journey. Kevin Teves, Charles Michael Brotman & Charles Recaido, who perform as KOHALA, present an impressive collection of mele (songs) that carry the listener to a place where you do feel the cool island breezes. This is the sixth release for these talented Big Island artists who continue to amaze us with their, sensitivity, inventiveness and magical sounds. To see all of the KOHALA releases visit - PALM RECORDS WEBSITE - When you visit, tell them Aloha JOE told you to drop by. ALOHA JOE THE GIFT OF MUSIC - From Father to Son - Dennis Kamakahi with David Kamakahi on Ukulele. A remarkable work from two of Hawaii's great treasures - The Kamakahis. There are ten Island classics, each introduced with a narrative that gives you a bit of historical insight into the song. AVAILABLE ON-LINE - www.denniskamakahiproductions.com ALOHA JOE MARTIN PAHINUI - Ho'olohe (Listen) This album stems from the "LIVE" slack key tour featuring Aaron Mahi, George Kuo and the ever-popular Martin Pahinui. This is another sensational Dancing Cat Records Production. AVAILABLE ON-LINE www.dancingcat.com MOHALA HOU - Music for the Hawaiian Renaissance - Keola Beamer Keola Beamer has, once again, released another "winner." Mahala Hou is a collection of contemporary and traditional mele (songs), each with the "distinct Keola touch." He's a master, that's for sure. AVAILABLE ON-LINE www.kbeamer.com ALOHA JOE OFFSHORE - Sam Keli'iho'omalu - Hula Records If you're a fan of Hawaiian Falsetto singing (leo ki'iki'e) you will truly enjoy this Hula Records release. In this, Sam's second album, we are treated to twelve selections that showcase his soaring voice.. AVAILABLE ON-LINE www.hularecords.com ALOHA JOE THE LEGENDARY RAY KANE - Old Style Slack Key Slack Key Guitar fans worldwide are smiling because Hana Ola Records and Dancing Cat's George Winston got together to release eighteen past recordings of Ray Kane. Ray's playing style on this re-release from the late 1950s or early 1960s is real "old time" sound of the slack key guitar. AVAILABLE ON-LINE www.cordinternational.com ALOHA JO JOHN KAMEAALOHA ALMEDIA - 1897 - 1985 - This musical masterwork is the latest offering from Hawaiian music historian Harry B. Soria, Jr. and Hana Ola Records. (read full review Jasmine Triass long-awaited self-titled debut album, Jasmine Trias, was released nationwide on July 12, 2005. If the name sounds familiar, it is because she appeared on Fox TVs American Idol. While on the top-rated Fox show, the Hawaii-born Trias joined Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo to finish in the top 3. Although it has taken Jasmine a while to get her songs and arrangements together, IT WAS CERTAINLY WORTH THE WAIT! Jasmine was admittedly excited when she called into Aloha Radios Daily Show from Honolulu on release day! After hearing the album I know whyits GREAT!! What will you find there? Jasmine brings us a 14-song mixture of Pop, R&B, and light urban Hip-Hop which will fit into the rotation of every station that plays these genres. The Aloha Radio Network gives all island artists the opportunity to be heard worldwide whether they perform traditional Hawaiian music, pop, country, jazz, or other styles. We think youll really enjoy this album from Hawaiis American Idol, Jasmine Trias To learn more about Jasmine, visit www.jasminetrias.net To purchase the album www.islandergroup.com ISLAND STYLE - Palm Records - www.palmrecords.com I received a nice surprise from the Big Island of Hawaii, Palm Records' new compilation album, ISLAND STYLE. The 12-track collection presents a wide variety of island tunes by some of Hawaii's best-known artists. Island friends, the Cruz `Ohana, are well represented. Ernie, John & Desiree Cruz (in her "premier performance") each favor us with a tune. Also included are selections by The Mana'o Company, Bryan Kessler, Randy Lorenzo, Lorna Lim, Pomai (another "new" solo performance), Alan Thomas, RJ Kaneao, Robi Kahakalau and the very talented composer and musician, Charles Brotman. ISLAND STYLE contains a well-balanced mix of island talent and songs. The overall outlook for this release is bright and sunny. This will be one of Palm Records biggest sellers. Island Style , and all Palm Records releases, featuring such talents as KOHALA, are in daily rotation on our Aloha Radio Network. All of their albums are well conceived and attractively presented by Art Director, Jody Brotman. Visit their website to see their entire on-line catalog. www.palmrecords.com Aloha JOE SLACK KEY GUITAR Volume 2 - Palm Records A compilation of ten island artists The slack key guitar's roots can be traced back to the early days of the Hawaiian Cowboys. (the Paniolo). In the past ten years, this musical form has moved from the "backyard" to concert halls around the world. The slack key guitar is a solo instrument played with the virtuosity of any concert performance. There are many "slack key festivals" in Hawaii that showcase a variety of artists during one program, but concert promoters around the world can't afford to present ten island performers on one show. That's where SLACK KEY GUITAR V2 from Palm Records comes in handy. It's like having front-row seats at an island Slack Key Festival. Fans of slack key turn to the many instructional books and videos which teach the concept of tuning the guitar and explain the basics of playing, but to really learn, you need to listen to a wide variety of styles. Producer Charles Brotman corralled ten of Hawaii's slack key artisans to present a cross section of musical styles. These range from traditional to more contemporary treatments. Sonny Lim, Ken Emerson, Keoki Kahumoku and Charles Brotman do a pair of tunes each and Bryan Kessler, Randy Lorenzo, Jeff Peterson, Charlie Recaido, John Cruz and John Keawe each favor us with a selection. I'm glad Big Island company, Palm Records, decided that the world NEEDS another album of guitar music because Slack Key Guitar Volume 2 is a perfect learning tool and a wonderful addition to your Slack Key collection. Remember, you can listen and pretend you're attending a concert featuring ten of Hawaii's best. If you would like to know more...visit PALM RECORDS website...tell them I sent you...Aloha JOE JOHN KAMEAALOHA ALMEIDA 1897- 1985 - Hana Ola Records This masterwork is the latest offering from Hawaiian music historian Harry B. Soria, Jr. and Hana Ola Records. The album spotlights the musical genius of John K. Almeida by presenting 22 performances and 21 original compositions. The well-written liner notes present an extensive "family history" and chronicle the professional career of "Hawaii's Blind Musician." John Almeida picked up the ukulele at age 4 and during his 87 years on Earth, he mastered that instrument, the mandolin, guitar, steel guitar, violin, banjo, bass, saxophone, piano and composed over 200 Hawaiian language compositions. The song list is familiar and impressive - Lei Hinahina, Holoholo Ka'a, Noho Paipai, Kanaka Waiwai, Kiss Me Love, and on, and on..... Mahalo to Harry B. Soria and Hana Ola Records for putting together this musical time capsule which preserves an era that should never be forgotten. Available at CORD INTERNATIONAL - www.booklineshawaii.com a nd fine music stores, everywhere! Aloha JOE

Hawaii weddings & Hawaii

Hawaii vacation and Hawaii wedding guide - Information on resorts, spas, golf, honeymoons and wedding packages to Hawaii Need help planning your Hawaii vacation or event? email: info@previewhawaii.com or Call us toll-free at 866-773-8844 ! Hawaii weddings & Hawaii honeymoons begin here... Home Kauai Oahu Maui Big Island Quick Search: Choose a Category B&B/Rentals Bicycle Tours Boat Catering Dining Diving Event Venues Florists Gifts/Apparel Golf Helicopter (air tours) Hotels/Resorts Land Activities Luau Photo/Video Shopping Spa's Theatre/Entertainment Theme Parties Transportation Walking Tours/Gardens Water Activities Wedding Coordinators Choose an Island All Islands Hawaii Kauai Lanai Maui Molokai Oahu Home::Planner Wedding Preview Hawaii Wedding Planner Personalized utility to create Hawaii wedding itinerary. - Login Preview Hawaii Featured Partner Starwood Hotels Hawaii Guide to Starwood Hawaii Hotels and Resorts. Hawaii Travel Blog Hawaii Weddings Hawaii Honeymoons Hawaii Travel News Get Preview Hawaii newsletter Get Hawaii's #1 internet discount card. Preview Hawaii Wedding Planner Romance travel to Hawaii has never been easier or more customized! Our streaming video guide is a state of Hawaii resource for all you traveling romantics out there. Using this website, you can plan a destination Hawaii wedding for just the two of you and a group of two hundred. Our list of professional Hawaii wedding planners on each island can provide expert support every step of the way to the big day. Using our directory of Hawaii wedding suppliers, you can find professional Hawaii wedding photographers, Hawaii wedding videographers, stunning Hawaii florists, talented Hawaii musicians and unique Hawaii wedding venues, from simple beaches to lavish Hawaii resorts. Use our unique Hawaii Event Planner software to send you personalized Request For Proposal (RFP) to one or many of these suppliers with a simple email. Our qualified Hawaii wedding professionals will reply to your request within three days, and provide you with the best possible prices for your Hawaii wedding or Hawaii event. Click the button above to utilize our proprietary Hawaii Wedding Planner software that will allow you to submit your contact information and wedding profile to the Hawaii hotels, Hawaii wedding coordinators, Hawaii activities and Hawaii Wedding Suppliers that you choose after viewing their information on our website. Here is how it works: 1. First you create your profile. That lets our partners know important details about your planned Hawaii wedding. This includes your name, address, email, when you are coming, approximately how many in your party and more. Some of the questions about your Hawaii wedding are optional, but some are necessary information for our Preview Hawaii partners to quote you any rates on their services for your destination Hawaii wedding. 2. You then select which category of vendor you are needing to procure for your Hawaii wedding. This list includes all Hawaii accommodation options, all Hawaii activities options, various types of Hawaii wedding suppliers, Hawaii restaurants, Hawaii shopping and more. Please select which category you are looking for. 3. You will then be presented with a list of Preview Hawaii partners that match your query for that island. Please de-select the companies (if any) that are not interested in your information being sent to. 4. Press "submit Request For Proposal (RFP)" , and your information will send automatically by email to each company you have selected to receive more information about in regards to planning your Hawaii wedding. 5. Our Preview Hawaii partners will then contact you directly by phone, email, fax or standard mail within 3 business days. All of our Preview Hawaii are screened for participation in Preview Hawaii, and they all provide excellent professional services in the Hawaii Wedding Industry. If you can't find what you are looking for, please don't hesitate to call us toll free in Hawaii at 866-773-8844. We do our very best to assist you in finding anything you might need in planning your dream Hawaii Wedding. Preview Hawaii Home | Kauai | Oahu | Maui | Big Island - Hawaii | Preview Hawaii Advertising | Contact Us Travel Resources | Site Directory | Hot Dates/Hot Rates | Press Releases | Hawaii Travel News Preview Hawaii Wedding Planner | Planner Login | Preview Hawaii Vacation Planner | Preview Hawaii Meeting Planner | Planning Tips 2005 Preview Hawaii - Hawaii travel planner for business & leisure

Hawaii Cruises American Hawaii

American Hawaii Cruises: Maritime Matters MARITIME MATTERS Ocean liner history and cruise ship news [Home] [Table of Contents] [Shipping Mall] [Index of ships] American Hawaii Cruises American Hawaii Cruises (1980-2001) American Hawaii Cruises, AHC, was formed in 1979 and revivedAmerican-flag cruising around Hawaii. The company bought the laid up 1951-built linerOCEANIC INDEPENDENCE (ex INDEPENDENCE, American Export Isbrandsten) from C.Y. Tung's AtlanticFar East Line. A special act of congress was needed to return the US builtship to American registry. Refitted in Taiwan, and then Japan, she entered service on a slowsteaming economical seven day interisland schedule in June of 1980. As the venture was sucessful, the former sister ship of INDEPENDENCE waspurchased. The 1951-built CONSTITUTION was refitted and began sailing a similar itineraryin June of 1982 following a gala christening by Princess Grace of Monaco that April. These two ships became the only American flagged ocean-going ships in the passenger trade. Briefly, AHC also operated the 1958-built former Moore McCormack Liner BRASIL (later Holland America line's VOLENDAM) on seven day cruises out of Papeete, Taihiti, as the LIBERTE in 1986/7. Due to poor air lift, this venture was a failure and the LIBERTE was sold to present owners, Commodore Cruises, who are presently chartering her to World Explorer Cruises and the Seawise Foundation as the UNIVERSE EXPLORER. In 1994 the INDEPENDENCE was extensively refitted at Newport News, VA. The CONSTITUTION was to follow, but after estimates for the work skyrocketed, she was laid up in Portland, Oregon in July 1995. Two years later, she was stripped of spare parts for her sister and sold for scrapping in India. She mysteriously sank on November 24, 1998 while under tow in the Pacific, 700 miles north and west of Hawaii enroute to the scrap yard in Japan. AHC made the announcement that new US Built ships would be added to thefleet and Ingalls Shipyard at Pascagoula, MI has won the contract for two 1,900 passenger ships for service in hawaii in 2003. In the meantime, another shipwas bought as a stop-gap until the first of the newbuilds is delivered. On October 18, 2000 American Classic Voyages (parent company to Delta Queen Steamboat Cruises and American Hawaii Cruises) revived a famous name in American shipping -- United States Lines -- when it purchased Holland America's 1983-built NIEUW AMSTERDAM and renamed her the M.S. PATRIOT . USL acquired the ship for $114.5 million and the transfer occurred at sea, approximately 14 miles off Portand, Oregon. At the same moment she changed registry to Honolulu and nowshe sails under the U.S. flag. A christening event on December 8, 2000 in Hawaii kicked off the new service beginning the following day.Under the "Project America" initiative, (which allowed this foreign flagged vessel to become US registered) the parent company American Classic Voyages Co. is constructing two 1,900-passenger ships scheduled to begin cruises around the Hawaiian Islands under the United States Lines name beginning in early 2003 and 2004.The two 72,000-ton vessels, under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding (a division of Litton Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Missippi) will be the largest ocean-going cruise ships ever built in a U.S. shipyard, and the first in more than 40 years. In September 2001, American Classic Voyages Co. reached an agreement, endorsed by theU.S. Maritime Administration with the support of U.S. Secretary of Transportation, thatwould enable the uninterrupted construction of two 1,900-passenger cruise ships in the US. Rumouredto be named UNITED STATES and AMERICA the two vessels under grouped under the title "Project America" whichis a pilot project aimed at reinvigorating U.S.-flag cruise ship construction and operation. The two shipswere in the early stages of construction at Northrop Grumman's Ingalls Operations. The cruise ship delivery dates wereextended by 12 months, to February 1, 2004, and February 1, 2005. Sadly this was not to be, as on October 19, 2001, one year after United States Lines had been announced, American Classic Voyages, Inc. announced that it filed for bankruptcy court protection and would cease operating all but one ship. the SS INDEPENDENCE and MS PATRIOT stop sailing on Saturday, October 20 after completingtheir cruises. The Delta Queen Vessels AMERICAN QUEEN, MISSISSIPPI QUEEN, COLUMBIA QUEEN and CAPE MAY LIGHT werelaid up within three days. Only the historic DELTA QUEEN, continued to operate its Mississippi River voyages. American Classic claimed that half of its bookings had fallen off since the terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001.Rumors the company was in financial trouble had circulated for for some time and Nasdaq officials halted tradingin American Classic's shares after they reached a new low of 46 cents each. AMCV hoped to work out a deal with Los Angeles based Northrop Grumman Corp., owner of the shipyard, and the U.S. Maritime Administration to keep the ship-building projects underway, however the project was suspended on October 25, and cancelled on November 1. SS INDEPENDENCE now the property of the US Maritime Administration sailed past Pier 39 in San Francisco at 10:30 AM, November 8, 2001 into lay up at the former Alameda Naval Station adjacent to the museum ship HORNET while she prepares for longterm layup within the reserve fleet at Suisuin Bay possibly in February 2001. S.S.INDEPENDENCE , S.S. CONSTITUTION , SS LIBERTE United States Lines vessels: M.S.PATRIOT United States Lines page References: AMERICAN PASSENGER SHIPS, Emmons; Passengers Liners American Style; William Miller [Home] [Table of Contents] [Shipping Mall] [Index of ships]