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

Maui Windsurfing Sails Refine

Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Hot Sails Maui Windsurfing Sails at Epinions.com Join Epinions | Help | Sign In All Categories Beauty Books Business & Technology Cars & Motorsports Computer Hardware Education Electronics Games Gourmet Health Home & Garden Hotels & Travel Kids & Family Magazines & Newspapers Movies Music Musical Equipment Online Stores & Services Outdoor Gear Personal Finance Pets Restaurants & Gourmet Software Sporting Goods ---------------------------------- Related Deals Home > Sports & Outdoors > Windsurfing Sails We found 17 results for Hot Sails Maui Windsurfing Sails Refine these results by Type Race (5) Slalom (3) Wave (9) view more Search Results Showing 1-15 of 17 items Page 1 2 - View all Next Hide photos Sort by Name or Rating Sort by Price Compare Hot Sails Maui Stealth 1999 Hot Sails Maui · Freeride 1 consumer review Compare Hot Sails Maui Stealth 2000 Hot Sails Maui · Race Compare Hot Sails Maui Diva Hot Sails Maui · Wave Compare Hot Sails Maui SpiderLok Wave 1998 Hot Sails Maui · Wave Compare Hot Sails Maui Sonic 1999 Hot Sails Maui · Race · Slalom Compare Hot Sails Maui Sonic 1998 Hot Sails Maui · Slalom · Race Compare Hot Sails Maui Fusion Hot Sails Maui · Freeride · Bump N Jump Compare Hot Sails Maui Slide 1999 Hot Sails Maui · Wave Compare Hot Sails Maui Ozone Wave Hot Sails Maui · Wave Compare Hot Sails Maui Mach 2 Hot Sails Maui · Race Compare Hot Sails Maui Mach 1.1 Hot Sails Maui · Race Compare Hot Sails Maui Hyper Hot Sails Maui · Slalom Compare Hot Sails Maui Fusion Wave 1999 Hot Sails Maui · Wave Compare Hot Sails Maui Fusion Wave 1998 Hot Sails Maui · Wave Compare Hot Sails Maui Slide 2000 Hot Sails Maui · Wave Showing 1-15 of 17 items Page 1 2 - View all Next Refine these results To refine the 17 results above, select a more specific characteristic that best defines what you are looking for from the list of links below. More Options by Type Bump N Jump (1) Freeride (2) Race (5) Slalom (3) Wave (9) Featured Resources Windsurfing Direct Free Shipping. Save on Closeout 2005 & latest 2006 Windsurf Gear. www.windsurfing-direct.com SurfingSports Windsurfing Closeout Pricing On Killer Gear. We Guarantee You Will Be Stoked. www.surfingsports.com AirForce Sails Custom Cruising & Racing Mainsails, Headsails & Spinnakers. Value Add! www.airforcesails.com Windsurfing Specialists Windsurfing Experts for 21 years, Our Staff is Ready to Assist You. www.isthmussailboards.com 40% Off On Windsurf Gear Save 40% On Windsurf Equipment, Sails, Booms, Masts, Wet/Drysuits www.The-House.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.

Hawaii Volcano Observatory is

*** VOLCANO! *** VOLCANO! Land of fire and home of Pele! HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK The premier Big Island attraction is 30 miles from Hilo and attracts over two million visitors each year. At the main visitor center, an outstanding film begins every hour on the hour introducing you to volcanology. The Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcano Observatory is perched above the rim of Halemaumau Crater with outstanding educational exhibits and displays. Besides earth sciences and volcanology, the park is also the center of Hawaiian cultural preservation and values. Unlike other volcanoes, Hawaiian eruptions are not generally explosive and are relatively safe if you obey the rangers. The current eruption phase has began with dramatic fountaining on January 3, 1983 and has been steadily pumping molten lava into a well developed tube system that speeds the fluid magma to the sea to build new land. It's cut Chain of Craters Road but you'll be able to get near the new flow, explore the old Hawaiian village sites, the petroglyph trails, and see the aesthetic beauty of fresh lava. The park is filled with things to learn, panoramic scenery, details of nature, and places to explore. Hike across a frozen lava crater floor with steam still rising. Explore a "kipuka" island of old forest surrounded with barren newer lava. Walk through a lava tube or see "lava trees" or tree molds. There's so much to see and do and only some of it is covered in the following two links! HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WEBSITE KILAUEA UPDATE - HAWAII VOLCANO OBSERVATORY VOLCANO VILLAGE Just outside the park, the village is steadily and quietly becoming a major destination with a lot of the flavor of California's Marin County or Carmel-Monterey. At a cool elevation, it was a favorite area for the wealthiest families from throughout Hawaii to have vacation homes. From ancient times, Volcano has been a sacred place where Pele and nature rules. It's the very special Big Island place that cannot be discovered by the day-trippers or cruise boat passengers on the tour buses. Those who know or seek to discover make Volcano Village their basecamp. Some beautiful older vacation estates have been converted into wonderful, comfortable, and personalized small scale accommodations. The inventory keeps growing to serve all segments of interests and budgets. Modern elegant retreats or historical comfortable homes featuring full breakfast table discussions of places to see or things to do. Luxurious secluded vacation homes or larger facilities are ideal for elegant corporate retreats and meetings. Cozy modest cottages ideal for newlyweds are tucked into the rainforest surrounded by the scent and sounds of pristine nature. Here hot tubs and fireplaces create a magical romantic mood. Tall straight Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) trees line the old Volcano Road that passes through the village. Monterey Cypresses blend with azaleas in gardens more associated with temperate climates than the tropics. SPECIAL PLACES IN THE VOLCANO AREA VOLCANO WINERY. A winery in Hawaii? Of course! Where else would you find exotic tropical fruit blends like Passion Chablis or Volcano Red? Or Tropical Hawaiian Honey Wines! Or Symphony Grape Wines! Open every day from 10AM to 5:30PM with a tasting room. Contact: General manager Scott Bothof PO Box 843, (35 Pii Mauna Drive), Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7772 or 967-7479; FAX (808) 967-7679 E-mail: volcanowin@aol.com URL: www.volcanowinery.com VOLCANO HOUSE. Since the mid-1800's, this venerable institution has been sitting on the edge of Kilauea caldera. By 1877, there were improvements and the building that now houses the Volcano Art Center was built. A new and larger hotel was built in the 1890s and George Lycurgus and his nephew arrived in 1894 to manage it. He acquired it in 1932 and became its gracious host. In 1940 the hotel burned but was rebuilt as it stands today. VOLCANO ART CENTER. Inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, next to the main Visitor Center, and in the original Volcano House, you'll find the best juried selection of the finest art of Hawaii with the creations of over 300 Hawaiian artists ranging from furniture to jewelry. Volcano Art Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt, educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii's people and environment. They present programs, classes, workshops, lectures and performances and more! Enjoy the staff and enter into Hawaii's fine art community! For more information, contact Kate Whitcomb, manager; phone (808) 967-7511 or e-mail: gallery6@gte.net or visit: www.bishopmuseum.org/vac/vacgall.html ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE VOLCANO AREA There are a huge number of eco-tourism activities available in the Volcano area. Current information and rates are available from accommodation staffs. The following companies are members of Fuku-Bonsai's Promotional Partner Program and are committed to preserving and sharing high value Big Island activities: CARSON'S VOLCANO COTTAGES Romantic story book private rainforest cottages or family cottages sharing a grassy lawn, or guest rooms with private baths and entrances; minutes from Volcano National Park. Hot tubs, fireplaces and full deluxe breakfast. Brenda Carson, PO Box 503, Volcano, HI 96785 Phone (808) 967-7683, Toll-free 1-800-845-LAVA, FAX (808) 967-8094 E-mail: carsons@aloha.net URL: www.carsonscottage.com KILAUEA LODGE A COUNTRY INN & RESTAURANT in Volcano Village amidst giant tree ferns and majestic Sugi pines. Dinners reflect a European heritage and served alongside the historic Fireplace o Friendship of the former YMCA camp. Today, Hawaiian hospitality reigns as a dedicated staff cares for guests with kamaaina graciousness. Rooms are filled with original artworks, fresh flowers, heated towel warmers with most rooms having the added warmth and romance of a fireplace. Lorna & Albert Jeyte, PO Box 116, Volcano Village, Hawaii 96785. Phone (808) 967-7366; FAX: (808) 967-7367; E-mail: stay@kilauealodge.com URL: www.kilauealodge.com MY ISLAND BREAD & BREAKFAST INN Gracious hospitality by a pioneer of Hawaiian bed and breakfasts! In Volcano Village in a 7-acre botanical estate, a historic farmhouse is the main complex with rooms, separate garden units, studio and guest house with prices to accommodate most anyone with a more-than-you-can-eat breakfast. Gordon, Joann and Kii Morse PO Box 100, Volcano Village, HI 96785, Phone (808) 967-7216, Fax (808) 967-7719 E-mail: myisland@ilhawaii.net URL: www.myislandinnhawaii.com CHALET KILAUEA COLLECTION In 1989, Lisha & Brian Crawford firmly set down their roots in the Volcano community and began their first bed and breakfast. It became a unique boutique inn now known as the Inn at Volcano (left top photo) and the headquarters and reservation center for a full range of accomodations in the Volcano area which collectively are known as the "Chalet Kilauea Collection." CHALET KILAUEA CENTRAL RESERVATIONS (at the Inn at Volcano) Box 998 Wright Road, Volcano Village, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7786; Toll-free: 1-800-937-7786; FAX (808) 967-8660 E-mail: reservations@volcano-hawaii.com URL: www.volcano-hawaii.com <<< INN AT VOLCANO : A Hawaiian haven offering amenities and the kind of hospitality found only in the most exclusive resorts ($139-$399) CASTLE SUITES AT MAUNA LOA : Grace and elegance in a modern Victorian Mansion in landscaped gardens with gourmet breakfasts. ($149-$249) VOLCANO VACATION HOMES : For families and large parties, here's a selection of five one, two and three bedroom cottages and vacation homes with the highest level of comfort available in Volcano Village! ($139-$379) LOKAHI LODGE : (lower photo) Blending modern convenience with country charm ($129-$149) THE LODGE AT VOLCANO : On 30 acres of lush fern forest, this serene seven bedroom ranch-style lodge is just 5 miles from the park ($89-$129) VOLCANO BED & BREAKFAST : A peaceful country home in lush and cool Volcano Village. ($49-$69) VOLCANO HIDEAWAYS Cheery accommodations for the traveler! In the heart of Volcano Village tucked in a native rainforest. The hosts live just across the lane and invites guests to drop in for an insider's knowledge of the area. Also, The Maid's Quarters, etc. Todd Marohnic and family; PO Box 611, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 985-8959; E-mail: todd@volcanovillage.net URL: www.volcanovillage.net . VOLCANO RAINFOREST RETREAT Wander the magical paths . . . heal and deepen your life . . . discover and explore! Three private hand-crafted guest cottages secluded in a native Hawaiian rainforest, 3,800 feet above he sea adjacent to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Groups, families, couples or singles welcomed! Kathleen and Peter Golden. PO Box 957, Volcano, Hawaii 96785; Phone (808) 985-8696; Toll free: 1-800-550-8696; E-mail: volrain@bigisland.net URL: www.volcanoretreat.com THE GUEST HOUSE AT VOLCANO Affordable ecotourism and nice, too! Three separate housekeeping cottages with full kitchens/baths (totaling 4 units) sleeps 2 to 6 people each. Kid friendly and wheelchair accessible with TV and telephone. Great for families! Two night minimum. Bonnie Goodell, 11-3733 Ala Ohia; PO Box 6, Volcano, Hawaii 96785-0006 Phone (808) 967-775; FAX (808) 985-7505 E-mail: cmaplan@interpac.net URL: www.volcanoguesthouse.com HALE OHIA COTTAGES Retreat, Relax, and Relive Hawaii with the serenity and magic of a historic estate on several landscaped acres. The Master Suite at the main residence, four unique cottages, and several suites! Check out Cottage #44 and sleep in a water tank! Michael Tully, PO Box 758, Volcano Village, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7986; Toll-free: 1-800-455-3803; FAX (808) 967-8610 E-mail: haleohia@bigisland.com URL: www.haleohia.com VOLCANO COUNTRY COTTAGES Ohelo Berry Cottage and the Artist's House are nestled among tall, sheltering tsugi tree in a lush secluded setting. In the heart of Volcano Village as close to the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as one can get. Kathleen Porter, PO Box 545, Volcano, Hawaii 96785, Toll-free: 1-800-967-7960; Phone (808) 967-7960; FAX (808) 967-7960 E-mail: aloha@volcanocottages.com URL: www.volcanocottages.com VOLCANO INN A spacious inn with exquitely appointed rooms and/or fully equiped cottages offering true Aloha hospitality! Come and enjoy and experience of a lifetime! Private entrances and baths, fireplaces, gourmet breakfasts, and boxed lunches or dinners on 24 hour notice. Joan & Eric Lightner 19-3820 Old Volcano Hwy., PO Box 490, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7293; Toll-free 1-800-997-2292; FAX (808) 985-7349 E-mail: volcano@volcanoinn.com URL: www.volcanoinn.com HALE KILAUEA & LAVA LODGE Streses slip away in paradise! Surrounded by towering pines and ohia trees in Volcano Village, just minutes away from Volcano National Park and Volcano Golf & Country Club. All rooms with private baths and a continental breakfast. Maurice Thomas, PO Box 28, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone (808) 967-7969; Toll-free: 1-800-733-3839; FAX (808) 985-7008 E-mail: value@aloha.net URL: www.hawaii-volcano.net JOURNEY JUNCTION BED & BREAKFAST Bedrooms of a 1927 plantation manager's vacation home are available with shared kitchen living room-bath, 52" TV, computer, Jacuzi and a great view! The hosts live in a nearby unit to be available at any time. (next to post office). Robert & Susan Hughes, BO Box 91, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 Phone/FAX: (808) 967-7289, Toll-free: 1-888-967-7286 E-mail: junction@aloha.net URL: www.bbvolcano.com *** Continue to next Big Island section *** Return to Big Island index page *** Return to Fuku-Bonsai home page Fuku-Bonsai Inc. Phone (808) 982-9880

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. 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Hawaii Vacation Package Deals

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaii Starts Here Help/FAQ Sitemap Membership #: Password (Need Help?) : Roundtrip One-Way Multi-City From: Oahu - Honolulu Big Island - Hilo Big Island - Kona Kauai - Lihue Maui - Kahului ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA MAINLAND U.S. ~ Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles, CA Phoenix, AZ Portland, OR Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Seattle, WA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA INTERNATIONAL ~ Sydney, Australia Pago Pago, Samoa Papeete, Tahiti ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ALL OTHER CITIES ~ Fresno, CA Juneau, Alaska Monterey, CA San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Barbara, CA Spokane, WA To: Oahu - Honolulu Big Island - Hilo Big Island - Kona Kauai - Lihue Maui - Kahului ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA MAINLAND U.S. ~ Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles, CA Phoenix, AZ Portland, OR Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Seattle, WA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HA INTERNATIONAL ~ Sydney, Australia Pago Pago, Samoa Papeete, Tahiti ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ALL OTHER CITIES ~ Fresno, CA Juneau, Alaska Monterey, CA San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Barbara, CA Spokane, WA Depart: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Anytime Before 9am 9am - 12pm 12pm - 3pm 3pm - 6pm After 6pm Return: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Anytime Before 9am 9am - 12pm 12pm - 3pm 3pm - 6pm After 6pm Adult(s): 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Children (age 2-15) : Restrictions 0 1 2 3 4 5 Infant(s) (under age 2) : Restrictions 0 1 2 3 4 5 Detailed rules on unaccompanied minors Baggage Check-In Service Flight Tracking/Status Flight Schedule Route Map Hotel & Car Vacation Packages Activities, Tours & Dining Hawaii Destination Info > “Just for You” $55 Interisland Fares We're celebrating with $55* each way interisland fares. Why? No, it’s not our birthday… (After 75 years, we've stopped counting!) We're celebrating "You, our HawaiianMiles members" — Hurrah! Book: Now – Jan 12th | Travel: Now – March 9th | Learn More -- > Enjoy Live Hawaiian Sights & Sounds NOW Download the free “Hawaii Anytime” portal for a virtual vacation to everyone's favorite islands! | Learn More > WINTER FARES January 9 - March 15, 2006 Starting at $298* Roundtrip | Book Now > MELE FARES Starting at $298* Roundtrip Book: Now – January 31, 2006 | Learn More > Low, unadvertised fares. Receive email announcements of exclusive interislandand mainland fares. | Learn More > Hawaii Vacation Package Deals Exclusive Offers on All Islands Starting at $564 pp/dbl from the West Coast Limited Time Offer | Learn More * Fares are subject to seat availability during the travel period shown and may change at any time without notice. Additional cost of $3.30 ZP tax per segment, a $2.50 per enplanement September 11th Security Fee (not to exceed $10) and PFC surcharge of $3-$4.50 where applicable will be applied to each ticket purchase. Taxes, fees & other restrictions apply. Hawaiian's Quality of Service Tops All Carriers Department of Transportation October 2005 Air Travel Consumer Report Learn More Contact Us Privacy Policy © 2005 Hawaiian Airlines