Hawaiian Barbecue

Hawaii BBQ - St Louis, MO, 63132-2708 - Citysearch BOC Spa & Beauty: Vote for your fave today -- New to Citysearch? Sign In · Help · Jan 25 2006 Home Restaurants & Bars Hotels Shopping Spa & Beauty Movies Events New! Biz Center See More Categories » Search Business name, category, and/or keyword Search restaurants & bars only Search by name only Address, city & state, or zip Address, city & state, or zip | Neighborhood Address, city & state, or zip | Airport Address, city & state, or zip | Attraction Select a St. Louis Neighborhood Select an St. Louis Airport Select an St. Louis Attraction My Locations Add/edit locations Recent Locations Clear recent locations Save to My Citysearch Printer Friendly Version Home · Restaurants & Bar · Profile Hawaii BBQ 8237 Olive Blvd St Louis, MO 63132-2708 (314) 994-9929 User Reviews If you home sick and like go back to the islands but no can, go here the HAWA... User Reviews (3) 8.7 Overall Recommended About our ratings Ratings feedback Send to a Friend Find a date Evite your Friends Business Info Cuisines: · Barbecue, Vietnamese Own this business? » Enhance or edit your listing See something wrong? » Suggest a correction Things to do nearby: 8237 Olive Blvd St Louis, MO 63132-2708 · Restaurants · Hotels · Bars · Movie Theaters · Department Stores · Shopping Centers & Malls · Grocery Stores · Pharmacies · Florists · Banks Related Searches · St Louis Restaurants · Search anything in St. Louis · Search Yellow Pages in St. Louis · Search other Cities · Browse St. Louis Editorial Lists User Reviews What users are saying Prompt seating: yes Make reservations: no Romantic: no Good for kids: yes Good for groups: yes Write a review and share your thoughts with other users. For the True Hawaiian Posted by waipio on 10/11/2005 If you home sick and like go back to the islands but no can, go here the HAWAIIAN BBQ. cuz that is probably the closest you can get to local grinds. give support to the only hawaiian food place in the lou so no close down on us. i love this place. stay Hawaiian. Pros: Local Food Period Cons: No Moe Overall user rating: Highly Recommended Was this review helpful: Yes or No | Request removal of this review » Read all 3 reviews Related Editorial Content 5 to Try: Bakeries Craving chocolate cake, freshly baked bread or a flaky pastry? Indulge in decadent carbs at these top St. Louis bakeries. 5 to Try: Chocolate Desserts Satisfy your chocolate craving with a decadent cake, melt-in-your-mouth pastry or another sinful dessert at a top St. Louis restaurant or bakery. 5 to Try: Exotic Cocktails From a sweet tropical pina colada to a refreshing green apple martini, find the most exotic cocktails in St. Louis. View More » St. Louis What's the best in your city? Choose a category: View All Categories Facials Hair Salon Health Club Manicures Massage Spa Yoga About Us | Advertise with Us | Contact Us | Press Center | Site Guide | List Your Business on Citysearch | Become an Affiliate | Job Opportunities | Other Cities | Get a Business Website | Submit an Event | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | About BOC | St. Louis Yellow Pages Citysearch is a registered trademark of 720619 Ontario Inc. and is used under license (C) 2006 Citysearch.com All rights reserved. partner sites: Evite - Entertainment.com - Gifts.com - TripAdvisor - ServiceMagic - Ticketmaster - Expedia - Hotels.com - Hotwire - HSN - LendingTree - Match.com - RealEstate.com - ReserveAmerica - Zerodegrees - CondoSaver - ClassicVacations - Ballard Designs - Frontgate - Garnet Hill - Smith+Noble - The Territory Ahead - Travel Smith

Maui

Introduction to Skin Cancer An Introduction to Skin Cancer And Related Topics ________________________________________________________ Daily UV Forecast Recent News News Search . . . Site Index . Reusable UV Card $4.95 NEW! Digital UV Monitor $29.95 About This Page What Causes Skin Cancer? Sunburn, Sunlight, and Tanning Heredity Environment What is Skin Cancer? Basal Cell & Squamous Cell Melanoma How can I determine my personal risk? Are there precautions that will reduce my risk? The UV Index Daily Forecast for 30 U.S. Cities Ultra Violet Sensometer Diagnosis and Treatment Information A Glossary of Terms Additional Information Always consult a physician with your questions concerning the health effects of UV exposure About This Page Our intention is to provide a general introduction to Skin Cancer, with links to specific information available around the Net. Please send us your comments, suggestions, and information about sites not listed here. E-mail form here. We would like to make this page a gathering place for all available information about skin cancer and related subjects. Your help will make it as complete as possible. What Causes Skin Cancer? Sunburn and Sunlight Very simply, sunburn and UV light can damage your skin, and this damage can lead to skin cancer. There are of course other determining factors, including your heredity and the environment you live in. However, both the total amount of sun received over the years, and overexposure resulting in sunburn can cause skin cancer. Most people receive 80% of their lifetime exposure to the sun by 18 years of age. The message to parents from this is to protect your children. Tanning is your skin's response to UV light. It is a protective reaction to prevent further injury to your skin from the sun. However, it does not prevent skin cancer. Remember, skin cancer is very slow to develop. The sunburn you receive this week may take 20 years or more to become skin cancer. Heredity If there is a history of skin cancer in your family, you are probably at a higher risk. People with fair skin, with a northern European heritage appear to be most susceptible. Environment The level of UV light today is higher than it was 50 or 100 years ago. This is due to a reduction of ozone in the earth's atmosphere (the Ozone Hole). Ozone serves as a filter to screen out and reduce the amount of UV light that we are exposed to. With less atmospheric ozone, a higher level of UV light reaches the earth's surface. Other influencing factors include elevation, latitude, and cloud cover. Ultra Violet light is stronger as elevation increases. The thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes cannot filter UV as effectively as it can at sea level. The rays of the sun are also strongest near the equator, as you might guess. But even in Antarctica, Chile, and New Zealand, the UV level is much higher than normal especially in the springtime due to the ozone hole in the southern hemisphere. One factor that actually reduces UV is cloud cover. Climates and micro-climates with regular cloud cover may have a 50% lower level of UV light. The actual amount is affected by the density of the clouds. September 1995 Measurements of Antarctic Ozone The latest HALOE data in the form of a 100 mb surface cross section of column ozone (DU) is available. Please consult the data interpretation page for more information about the sampling pattern of HALOE. United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Press Release Measurements of the Ozone Hole this year show it "was so far the most rapid depletion on record." An area the size of Europe received significantly higher levels of ultra violet exposure. Environmental Protection Agency - Ozone Depletion Page This web site contains information about the science of ozone depletion, regulations in the US designed to protect the ozone layer, flyers about the UV index, information for consumers, and other topics. What is Skin Cancer? (From the National Cancer Institute PDQ Statement) Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. It also stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin has two main layers and several kinds of cells. The top layer of skin is called the epidermis. It contains three kinds of cells: flat, scaly cells on the surface called squamous cells; round cells called basal cells; and cells called melanocytes, which give your skin its color. BASAL CELL & SQUAMOUS CELL (From the National Cancer Institute PDQ Statement) There are several types of cancer that start in the skin. The most common are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer, which are covered in this PDQ patient information statement. Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who have spent a lot of time in the sunlight. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, but it is most common in places that have been exposed to more sunlight, such as your face, neck, hands, and arms. Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. Sometime there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Skin cancer may also appear as a flat red spot that is rough or scaly. Not ail changes in your skin are cancer, but you should see your doctor if you notice changes in your skin. Full Text Available Here MELANOMA (From the National Cancer Institute PDQ Statement) Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the cells that color the skin (melanocytes). Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. It is made up of two main layers: the epidermis (the top layer) and dermis (the inner layer). Melanocytes are found in the epidermis and they contain melanin, which gives the skin its color. Melanoma is sometimes called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma. Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the more common skin cancers, basal cell cancer or squamous cell cancer, which begin in the basal or squamous cells of the epidermis. If you have basal cell or squamous cell cancer of the skin, refer to the patient information statement for skin cancer. Like most cancers, melanoma is best treated when it is found (diagnosed) early. Melanoma can spread (metastasize) quickly to other parts of the body through the lymph system or through the blood. (Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are found throughout the body; they produce and store infection-fighting cells.) You should see your doctor if you have any of the following warning signs of melanoma: change in the size, shape, or color of a mole; oozing or bleeding from a mole; or a mole that feels itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender to the touch. Melanoma can also appear on the body as a new mole. Men most often get melanoma on the trunk (the area of the body between the shoulders and hips) or on the head or neck; women most often get melanoma on the arms and legs. If you have signs of skin cancer, your doctor will examine your skin carefully. If a mole or pigmented area doesn't look normal, your doctor will cut it out (called local excision) and look at it under the microscope to see if it contains cancer. This is usually done in a doctor's office. It is important that this biopsy is done correctly. Full Text Available Here How can I determine my personal risk? It is estimated that 1 out of 7 people in the United States will develop some form of this cancer during their lifetime. One serious sunburn can increase the risk by as much as 50%. The effect UV light has on your skin is dependent both upon the intensity and the duration of your exposure. How your skin reacts to the amount of exposure received is related to your genetic background. Even if you rarely sunburn however, sensitive areas such as your lips, nose, and palms of the hands should be protected. Details about determining your skin type and accompanying risk can be found at: THE EXPERIMENTAL ULTRAVIOLET INDEX FACTSHEET: EXPLAINING THE INDEX TO THE PUBLIC Are there precautions that will reduce my risk? The following six steps have been recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation to help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Minimize your exposure to the sun at midday and between the hours of 10:00AM and 3:00PM. Apply sunscreen with at least a SPF-15 or higher, to all areas of the body which are exposed to the sun. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Reapply after swimming or perspiring. Wear clothing that covers your body and shades your face. (Hats should provide shade for both the face and back of the neck.) Avoid exposure to UV radiation from sunlamps or tanning parlors. Protect your children. Keep them from excessive sun exposure when the sun is strongest (10:00AM and 3:00PM), and apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to children 6 months of age and older. Do not use sunscreen on children under 6 months of age. Parents with children under 6 months of age should severely limit their children's sun exposure. The UV Index The UV Index provides a forecast of your likely UV exposure at noon. This forecast can help you determine what level SPF sunscreen will best protect your skin. The forecast is based on a scale of 1 (low) to 15 (high). Here is an explanation of how the UV Index works. Forecast for 30 U.S. Cities The United States Environmental Protection Agency recently began issuing a daily UV FORECAST for 30 metropolitan areas around the country. This rating is also broadcast by weather radio, and on local television weather programs. The Ultra Violet Sensometer You may also determine the UV level for your area and conditions with a measuring device such as the Ultra Violet Sensometer . The Sensometer is an inexpensive, credit card sized device that measures UV light. As with the UV Forecast, you may then determine the proper SPF sunscreen. The Sensometer can also be used to test the effectiveness of your sunscreen, and when it is time to apply more sunscreen. Diagnosis and Treatment Information ALWAYS see your personal physician or dermatologist with any questions you may have about skin cancer, it's causes, diagnosis, and treatment. The following sites may provide supplemental reading. Skin Cancers - A Medical Education Service for the Public By Singapore National Skin Centre - With Photos The National Cancer Institute PDQ Statement - Basal And Squamous Cell The National Cancer Institute PDQ Statement - Melanoma The National Cancer Institute PDQ Statement - Screening for Skin Cancer CancerGuide - Treatment of Melanoma Welcome to Cancer Links Many of the links included here are from cancer-faq. Maintained by E. Loren Buhle, Jr. Ph.D. Co-Creater of ONCOLINK, buhlel01@mcrcr6.med.nyu.edu This list is updated monthly in usenet group - sci.med.diseases.cancer and subsequetially posted world wide in BBS, Echos, Usenet Groups, gophers and Home Pages. This list is recommended and available from many of the sources listed. ________________________________________________________ Always consult a physician with your questions concerning the health effects of UV exposure. ________________________________________________________

Lahaina Outrigger Kahana Papakea

Maui Vacation Rentals - Puamana Lahaina and Hana Kai, Hana : Island Home Vacation Rentals Home Hana Kai Puamana Lahaina Outrigger Kahana Papakea Resort Masters at Kaanapali Kahana Vacation Home Hawaii Activities Reservations Maui Vacation Rentals from Island Home Vacation Rentals. Island Home is dedicated to assisting you with your Maui accommodations. We offer privately owned condominiums, corporate run condominiums, luxury homes, hotels and various resort vacation rental properties all over the Island. We work with several Property Managers and Travel Agents in order to find the vacation property that best fits your needs. Call us toll free anytime and allow us to help you plan your next visit to the number one destination - the Island of Maui. If you plan to visit other Islands we can assist you with those accommodations as well. We can arrange all of your Hawaii Activities . For your pleasure, Island Home Vacation Rentals has partnered with Hawaii State Fun Planner to offer you a knowledgeable staff to make your activity choices simple. Have Fun! With Much Aloha, 1370 Front Street Lahaina, Maui Hawaii 96761 Toll free 1-866-West Maui Our Maui Vacation Rentals ... East Maui - Hana Hana Kai - Located right on the Legendary "Popolana Beach". in Hana, Maui, these 17 Studio and One bedroom Vacation Condominiums are located on Beautiful Hana Bay. Hana Kai has a quiet retreat- like atmosphere, so there are no TVs in the rooms. Many of the units have spectacular ocean views and the others have lush tropical garden settings. The Sunrises are as magnificent as the West Side Sunsets. West Maui - Lahaina Puamana - Located in Lahaina, these af fordable two bedroom Maui vacation rentals have access to 3 magnificent pools, tennis courts and an exquisite large clubhouse. Located in a lush, tropical setting, the grounds at Puamana have breathtaking views of the ocean and the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Located near the world class golf courses of Kaanapali and Kapalua . West Maui - Kaanapali / Kahana The Masters at Kaanapali Hillside has spectacular sunset, ocean and golf course views from the windows and lanai. The Masters is a secluded peaceful gated community situated above the Kaanapali resort, between Kapalua and Lahaina. This great location offers easy access to world famous beaches, shopping, and fine dining. Kahana Outrigger is located on the choice west shore of Maui, between world acclaimed Kaanapali and Kapalua. This quiet, low profile resort has only 16 units total and is just minutes from Kaanapali and Kapalua resort areas in West Maui. Fantastic sunsets, outstanding views in all directions, romantic moonlit nights and whale watching (in season) are all to be expected at our Kahana Outrigger vacation condominiums. Papakea Resort located on North Kaanapali Beach. Two large swimming pools, two jacuzzis, four saunas, two shuffleboard courts, three lighted tennis courts, or the twelve gas barbecues, are all yours for your enjoyment. It has the smallest number of units on one of the largest acreage of any resort in Kaanapali. We offer a two bedroom that sleeps six. Kahana Vacation Home - We have a stunning, private, large home located accross the street from the ocean. You can enjoy paradise without all of the hustle and bustle of large tourist filled resorts. Vacation in your own private, gorgeous 3 bedroom 3 1/2 bath house. We believe the essence of island life is infused throughout our home with exquisite tropical furnishings. This is a lovely home that is fully stocked for all your vacation needs. Home Hana Kai Puamana Lahaina Outrigger Kahana Papakea Resort Masters at Kaanapali Kahana Vacation Home Hawaii Activities Reservations Looking to buy Real Estate on Maui? Call us toll free 1-866-West Maui or 1-866-937-8628 Local number: 808-662-8611 Cell: 808-344-3900 or send us an email at info@mauivacationrentals.net Travel Directory

Maui Snorkeling

Maui snorkeling tours Home Snorkeling Trips Snorkel Reservations Maui Links CALL TOLL FREE: 1-888-983-8080 or direct 1-808-244-1979 Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Adventure *Whalewatching included on Snorkel Trips, Dec.-Apr.* Lani Kai departs Maui's Maalaea Harbor slip #76 daily at 7:00am for Molokini Crater Marine Preserve and "Turtle Town"* INCLUDED: Continental breakfast Beer, Wine, Mai Tai's Soft Drinks Deli-style buffet lunch Snorkel equipment Optical masks Boogie boards Ski belts OPTIONAL: Underwater cameras Snuba Wetsuits T-shirts Hats Fish Identification Cards Once underway, you will be treated to a delicious continental breakfast. Upon arrival to the Molokini Marine Preserve the crew will pass out the complimentary snorkel gear and flotation devices as well as give a brief lesson/refresher course in snorkeling to anyone who requires it. ...then into the water! After your Molokini snorkeling adventure, you are invited to relax as we take a swift cruise to Maui's now famous Turtle Town * where green sea turtles, moray eels and other exotic marine life abound. Here you'll find some of Hawaii's best underwater photographic opportunities. While at Turtle Town you'll enjoy a sumptuous deli-style lunch and ice cold beverages before returning to Maalaea harbor. This 5 hour snorkel trip treats you to some of the best underwater snorkeling Maui has to offer. Fun for all ages and skill levels! Check-in/boarding: 6:45am daily Returning: 12:00 noon Price: Adults (ages 13 and up) - $88.00 Children (ages 5 to 12) - $58.00 Age 4 and under - FREE *INTERNET RESERVATIONS RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT OFF OF THESE PRICES! all prices plus tax (7.166%) Alternate snorkel sites may be chosen at Captain's discretion. Home Snorkeling Trips Snorkel Reservations Maui Links Afternoon Snorkel *Whalewatching included on Snorkel Trips, Dec.-Apr. Lani Kai departs Maui's Maalaea Harbor slip #76 daily at 1:00pm for three fabulous hours of snorkeling and whalewatching INCLUDED: Beer, Wine, Mai Tai's Soft Drinks Deli-style buffet lunch Snorkel equipment optical masks Boogie boards Ski belts OPTIONAL: Underwater cameras Snuba Wetsuits T-shirts Hats Fish Identification Cards Depending on the weather, the captain will lead you to either the world renowned Molokini Crater or secluded Coral Gardens. Both dive sites provide excellent opportunities for snorkelers of all skill levels. From late December through early April, humpback whales can often be seen en route, and Lai Kai's knowledgable crew will be glad to share information with you about these awesome 40-ton leviathans. This 3 hour snorkel experience is perfect for those who prefer to sleep in! Check-in/boarding: 12:45pm daily Returning: 4:00 pm Price: Adults (ages 13 and up) - $44.00 Children (ages 5 to 12) - $33.00 Age 4 and under - FREE *INTERNET RESERVATIONS RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT OFF OF THESE PRICES! all prices plus tax (7.166%) *Alternate snorkel sites may be chosen at Captain's discretion. Home Snorkeling Trips Snorkel Reservations Maui Links Private Charters Want the boat all to yourself? , private charters are great for conventions, family reunions, birthdays, weddings or a romantic getaway. We can cater to your special needs! Just Call Us: 1-888-983-8080

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. 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