Wednesday, April 16, 2025
This was a new island for us today. On one prior trip, we had to miss it because of bad weather. On the other trip, the island was not included on the itinerary. I was looking forward to our tour today. As soon as we finished our room service breakfast, we headed to the world stage to wait for our tour to be called.
Our HAL tour today – Grand Canyon of the Pacific
About The Excursion – Experience one of Kauai’s most popular attractions, Waimea Canyon — often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
From the lookout at 3,400 feet in elevation, take in the unsurpassed view of the 2,857-foot-deep canyon and the surrounding countryside. The canyon’s dramatic size combined with the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock and the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation truly create a magnificent sight.
Stop at Kauai’s Spouting Horn blowhole before your return to the ship and your guide will tell you the legend of who makes the sound and why.
This excursion is a popular one and there were several busses heading to it. We found our bus without too much trouble.
It was a nice roomy bus. Our guide, who also served as the bus driver, had lived all her life on the island so she had plenty of island information as well as personal stories about life on the island. Made the trip on those winding roads seem to pass quickly.
Our first stop was an area to see some active blow holes. One was very impressive – spewing water and mist high into the air every few minutes.
Our next stop was the Canyon. Even with all the tourists, we were able to find some nice viewing areas. It was very impressive.
I also couldn’t get over all the chickens that were zipping here and there. Our guide said they are all over the island, but they were not good to eat – too much muscle from running around. I also saw a sign that said not to feed the feral cats. I wondered if the cats thought the chickens weren’t good to eat. I didn’t see any of the cats.
On our way back to the ship, we stopped at a small town where we could shop or have a bite to eat. Chuck and I and another couple got some coffee at a shop. We chatted, drank coffee, and people-watched. Just before getting back on the bus, I wandered through a crafts market, but nothing jumped out at me that I wanted or needed.
Once we were back on the ship, I used the HAL Navigator app and ordered lunch from the Dive In burger restaurant. By the time we made it up to the area, my phone alerted me that our burgers were ready for pick-up. I like using the app for the New York Deli and the Dive In. Beats standing in line.
We were delayed leaving because of the need to do a medical disembarkation. I hated that the person(s) was having to be disembarked on the smallest of the islands that we visited. I hope everything turned out okay. They would be having a long flight back to the mainland.
Since we were leaving the state of Hawaii, the Casino re-opened and it was packed. We played for a while and then went to the Rolling Stone Lounge.
We had a late dinner in the main dining room. We each ordered the carne asada. It is one of my favorite meals in the main dining room, so I ate it before I realized I wanted to get a photo. Google will have to show you a similar carne asada meal. Chuck had never had it. He was not a fan.
We went back to the Rolling Stone Lounge. After the next set was over, I called it a night while Chuck went to play some cards.
It was an enjoyable day and I’m glad we were able to finally visit the island.
Next- Five Sea Days back to Vancouver