botanical - adj. - relating to plants or botany (the study of plants). (Oxford Language)
I have always thought that portions of the Hawaiian Islands were synonymous with Heaven, God's preview, His glimpse into what the afterlife might look like if you believe that life perpetuates beyond the borders of this one.
Our initial stop on this Pacific tour of around fifty ports was Honolulu. At first glimpse, the city looks just like any other except for the fact that it is built on volcanic rock, surrounded by verdant towers, presided over by the famed Diamond Head, a ubiquitous reminder of Oahu's incendiary, yet procreative past. At Pier 2, I was fortunate enough to meet up with an old college buddy for a delicious crab cake sandwich at the port's fish market, Nico's. Afterwards, he taxied me to his neighborhood of Waikiki. Extending for miles, the beach at Waikiki reflects common stereotypes of the region: amateur surfers mimicking pros as they negotiate whitewash, tanned bodies sporting revealing bathing suits as they catch the sun's rays on stretches of parallel lounge chairs, screaming children frolicking in the foam, and rainbow colors of umbrella parasails dotting the azure skies of the near offing. Other than the view of Diamond Head, what separates Waikiki from South Beach and other similar American beaches is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a.k.a. "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," the second hotel built on the sand in Waikiki. Opened in 1927 before the fall, it is the perfect reminder of the glamour and elegance of the Jazz Age, Hawaiian style. Rates range from $267 to over $800 per night depending on the room's location and the season. The expansive, well-appointed ladies' powder room just off the main lobby alone is worth a visit. I am sure the male equivalent is equally impressive. As the saying goes, they sure don't make'm like this anymore.
Stop 2 was Kauai, a more natural, ruggedly rudimentary alternative to Oahu. Another old friend of mine, also from college, who just happened to be vacationing with her husband near Koloa, picked me up in her rental car at the pier, and we drove to the divine National Tropical Botanical Garden, otherwise known as the Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden, named for the original owners. Somehow we managed to get on a semi-private excursion (there were two of us women and five men) conducted by Bob, a seasoned, omniscient vet of the gardens who extended the experience by a half hour (three hours total) because he was enjoying our company. (I think he would've gone on for five hours, but I had a ship to catch.) Thanks to Bob, we learned that the Europeans and Polynesians introduced many varieties of animals and plants to the region, changing the ecosystem. For example, the pineapple that most associate with Hawaii came from Paraguay. The famed coconut palm trees came from Tahiti. Interestingly enough, but not surprisingly, scenes from both Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed there. Its beauty is unrivaled bliss, that preview of Heaven, for sure. After our visit, we headed to one of the area beaches for what amounted to about ten minutes in the water. Armed with a snorkel and mask and wearing my psychedelic dry suit from 1986, I took two steps into the ocean and hit a large, volcanic boulder with my one shin. OUCH! Undaunted and unfazed, I continued my pursuit of seeing–up close and personal–the native fish, ignoring the fact that I was polluting the water with B- blood. (I had a deja vu moment when I visited with about ten tropical fish. I felt that I had met them before in the Caribbean.) Lesson learned: Do not assume that all tropical waters look and feel like those of the Caribbean. Hawaii's beauty has little to do with its beaches. It's real draw is its sculpturesque topography. If you like to SUBA or snorkel, go to St. Croix. Go to Kauai for the jungle gardens, not the beaches (although the beached, sunbathing/sleeping sea turtles and seals were a memorable sight).
Stop 3, Maui I chose to view from the starboard side of the Coral Princess's deck as I had thoroughly explored the island years ago and was not curious as to whether or not it had changed. The view of the city of Kahului was spectacular enough, and it satiated my curiosity from a relaxing distance. There is just too much to see in Maui to attempt to do it in under twelve hours.
Stop 4: Kona, Big Island I really enjoyed. Despite being herded to and from the ship via a tender boat, four hours in this quaint, shopping hamlet reminiscent of Key West was just enough time. Much of the sights are walkable from the pier as well. In fact, the only downer was that I had invested too much on a ticket for the hop on, hop off tour bus. Still I harbor no regrets. Whatever happened to the black sand? I'm guessing it must be on the other side of the giant island. The beaches of Kona are narrow and outlined with volcanic rock. Even though it is difficult to swim and snorkel and surf, people were out there risking injury. When in Hawaii, most do what they came to do regardless. Whatever you do, if you come to any of the Hawaiian Islands, don't leave until you've had shave ice. Considering it is only favored shaved ice, it'll cost you about seven dollars, a hefty price, but it is just hard to find anywhere on the mainland, and it just doesn't taste the same as it does in Hawaii.
All in all, I recommend a trip to any one of these islands as each is its own generous portion of ethereal Paradise. But if you only have time for one, Oahu is a safe bet as it has everything, even unspoiled tropical botanical gardens (like Kauai) and sandy beaches sans volcanic rocks in the North. As there is only one highway, the traffic can be rough, so give yourself at least a week there to see all of the worthy sights.
Mahalo!
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