Under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina
Day 77, Grand Asia 2018
Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, Lahaina, Maui:
We made it to Maui!
Yesterday I wasn’t sure, as the marine forecast called for swells. But the captain was able to anchor the ship fairly close to shore to avoid the worst of them. When I returned on the tender to the ship in late afternoon, we banged hard against the landing platform a dozen times. But the crew was able to snug the tender up tightly enough that we could step off with help.
I think the fact that the only alternative would be another sea day contributed to the captain’s decision, although I am sure he would not have tried if he didn’t think it was safe. We are ending this cruise with plenty of sea days as it is.
The weather ashore was sunny and breezy, so I set off to sightsee around Lahaina, on the west coast of Maui. It boasts the largest banyan tree in the United States, covering just about a whole block. The limbs reach out horizontally and eventually establish new connected trunks and roots.
Crowds gathered underneath while street performers worked for tips. One enterprising guitar player brought his dog, complete with antlers, to help collect.
The last time I was in Lahaina was 13 years ago on a cruise, and the main change is there are more souvenir shops and perhaps fewer high-end boutiques. This being our final port before home, many passengers were searching for last-minute purchases.
Others took off for nearby beach resorts and tours around the island. Some went on whale-watching boat trips, but I haven’t heard of any success. It’s a shame, because winter is the season for whale sightings.
Charlie, Melissa and I met up for a fresh fish lunch on a patio overlooking the water. We could see Lana’i and Moloka’i in the near distance. The fish was great, but the view even better.
I wish I had planned ahead to see more of Maui, but I don’t think I really believed we would stop. Lesson learned.
Some passengers took advantage of our 11 p.m. departure and had dinner ashore. The Lido used the leftover leis that were handed out in Honolulu to help decorate the buffet and served a luau dinner, complete with suckling pigs. I hear they prepared 10 pigs.
Now we’re down to no ports, just five sea days. In some ways the start of this cruise in late September seems a lifetime away. But in others it has passed in a flash.
Glad to see you made it to Maui. It’s our happy place and we’re returning in January. In the past, when we’ve been there in February and March we’ve seen plenty of whales – didn’t even need to go out on a boat to see them. We could sit in the outdoor restaurants and watch them just off the shoreline! We’ve also noticed how the shopping in Lahaina has changed as we’ve been back to Maui many times in the past. Our favorite art gallery is still there and we also have a couple of restaurants that we really, really like. We usually take one day while we’re on Maui to visit Lahaina and walk the town. We also stop at the aquarium which is south of Lahaina. Sounds like you’ll be home just in time for Christmas. Merry Christmas, Jo!
Laurie, I see why you like Maui so much! You have a Merry Christmas, too!
Jo I have been reading all your entries and loved them all. Sorry I haven’t commented more but they all have been fabulous and brought back so many memories. Did they put the train up this year? That was a favorite of mine. Will the Amsterdam go back through the Panama after you all get off ? You haven’t said much about entertainment and I’m wondering if it was to your liking? Did you enjoy the guest speakers this year? Anyway we leave for Hawaii in two days and have spent several days in San Pedro with a day trip to Catalina. Enjoy your sea days home it looks like some storms may come throug the Pacific.
Beth, I love your comments. Yes, the train is up and working great. I think it is new. Henk was like a little boy playing with it. This year the Amsterdam is leaving for a 15-day Hawaii cruise over the holidays, then after that through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale for the 2019 World Cruise, which starts in late January.
I don’t see a lot of the entertainment, and most of what I have seen has been good but not great, in my opinion. The speakers are good, although because Holland America doesn’t really coordinate them, they are a bit repetitive.
Have a great time in Hawaii, and I’ll see you in Boston next summer for the Voyage of the Vikings!
Job well done! Enjoyed your pictures and Descriptions of the ports????