Port of Nawiliwili, Kauai, HI (Day 4 - 6)

Land Ho!

We've made it to our first port. A blow of the horn signals our entrance to port and I will admit to teary eyes; it was pretty cool. There was a ceremony for world cruise travelers a couple days back where we were presented pins and signed banner flags for the forward and aft poles. Now each port we enter the banners are raised.

Our boat is so small, hopping on and off is a breeze. I ditched my scheduled tour for a tour taxi and ventured out to the Hanalei on the North Shore.

Kauai is stunning. It is mountainous, lush and green. Wild chickens cluck everywhere. I'm told they used to stick to the mountains, but the last hurricane blew them all over and they decided to stick. Kauai is big on conservation. The plans for a car ferry among the islands were delayed when kayaks and surf boards blocked the first journey. The argument is ferry's pollute the water. You ask, why are cruise ships allowed? Well, I'm going to guess, it's part gross tonnage rule and cruise ships pollute the ocean when at sea, but not in port.

We are sailing onto the port of Honolu, Oahu, HI tonight. I'm hoping to get to Koko Head Cafe (Top Chef Lee Ann Wong) for a quick bite. Time to log off.... there's a caviar tasting in my future!