Lahaina USA
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A very special early start to the day as we are up early to mark ANZAC Day and the service was out on the deck as the sun came up. The Captain welcomed all Returned or Serving Members of the Armed Forces that were on board to take part. After the moving ceremony, and breakfast, Lahaina, Maui came into view. Wonderful shoreline with imposing and majestic cliffs
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Soon we could see a wonderful shoreline with imposing, majestic cliffs and knew today would be very special. We had taken a ship excursion to go up to the Haleakala National Park and see the Volcanic area and some of the magnificent sights from above. Lahaina was once the capital of Hawaii and is very historic as well as an incredible place to visit with so much to see and do!!
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The coach was waiting on the dock for us and after heading off we were surprised to see how modern the roads and surrounds were. Solar wind farms, wide highways and huge traffic lights were noticeable, but the surprise was when we started to head up the mountain to Haleakala, how good the roads were!!! Steep, at times covered in cloud and the changing views to the city below was just amazing. Our coach Captain told us that the road was a challenge but easy to navigate. It was certainly worth the ride!! It can take 2 hours to drive the Highway (HI 37) and then climb the winding Haleakala Crater Road to the summit.
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Our first stop was about half way up, to see the Visitor's Centre where we are given lots of information about the area, how its being preserved and the flora and fauna that is so important to the land and its environment. Again changing views of the clouds form here and soon it was time to reboard and move on
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Well, not long after we arrived at Haleakala itself and after alighting from the coach, walked over to the fence line and we were gobsmacked with the view in front of us! The volcanic area stretched as far as we could see and the colours just are unbelievable!! There are beautiful silver protected plants scattered on the outskirts of the volcano and there is an aura of peacefulness here. There was so much to take in, and so many photos to take, we were a bit mesmerised. A trip into the Information Centre explained some of it and the challenges that the area faces. Absolutely fabulous day was had by us all. Great excursion.
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On the way back we stopped at a small town for an included lunch and it was lovely. Had a chance here to chat to fellow passengers and talk about our great experience. Back in Lahaina, we just had to check out the famous Banyan Tree, which is a symbol of the city. It is located near the wharf and covers an area of an acre. It was planted in 1873 and is a sight to see with its huge trunks and many long reaching branches. It is said to be the biggest tree in the United States! Many activities are held under and around the tree and is part of the makeup of Lahaina!!
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Another awesome day and to top it off after dinner, we were entertained by Mario and Chico and enjoyed it so much we had to celebrate with a bottle of Celebrity wine!!
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