When there is no pier for the ship to tie up to, they anchor out and use the ship's life boats to ferry the passengers to the shore - a process they call "tendering" for reasons not fully understood by me.
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| We were treated with a great view of Maui with the sunrise behind it as we pulled in to our anchorage |
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| We were thrilled to see a couple of whales just off the side of the ship! We took these photos from our balcony! |
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| The whale watchers were able to get very close to these two giants |
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| We had done a little research and learned that the Maui Ocean Center was accessible via the local transit bus which we could catch very near where we would land! $4 to ride all day! |
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| We rode the bus along the coast and were treated to some great views along the coast! |
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| Many people park right on the beach and camp out! |
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| We walked the 150' from the bus stop to the Ocean Center |
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| We knew from the internet that the normal admission was $29.95 for the day but there was a Senior rate of $26.95. We inquired about a military rate and after showing our ID's were admitted for $18.95! |
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| The Ocean Center has a wonderful combination of educational posts and aquariums! |
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| As well as items such as this petroglyph |
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| Even the entrance floor is adorned with sea life art! |
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| Photo op! |
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| Much of the center deals with life on the coral reefs at various depths - the next few photos are all of reef educational posts |
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| Hawaii, we learned, is the most remote island chain in the world! As a result, many of the sealife specie are unique to Hawaii and are found nowhere else in the world! |
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| Hawaii is one of three major breeding grounds for whales - so much of the center deals with them |
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| But the main attraction is the fish! |
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| These little guys greet you when you first enter |
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| We just happened in a feeding time. This diver anchored what looked like Romaine lettuce to the floor of the tank |
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| And the fish loved it! |
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| Much of the exhibits focused on the coral and the environment they provide |
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| I wish I remembered all the varieties of fish! |
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| Some of the looked pretty formidable |
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| An eel |
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| Much of the sea life is anchored to the floor of the sea but may not be a plant! |
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| The little black fish here with the white polka dots is very nearly square in cross section! |
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| The flounder is born with eyes on opposite sides of its head but as the fish borrows into the sand to hide, the eyes gradually migrate to the same side of their head |
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| Sea horse |
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| Jelly fish - a very basic life form, maybe the simplest of all |
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| These jelly fish have tentacles and are anchored to the bottom! |
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| Shrimp |
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| Lobster |
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| Snakes that burrow into the sand and then stick out like sea weed! |
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| Sea turtles |
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| Bob loved the plexiglass tunnel under the aquarium! |
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| Sand sharks resting |
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| This Ray when sailing right over Bob's head and he involuntarily ducked! |
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| Great craft shop in center courtyard |
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| Great exhibits of sea craft used by the Hawaiians to fish |
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| Much about whales but none in captivity - it's illegal in Hawaii! |
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| Deep sea research vessel |
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| We spent about 4 hours in the Ocean Center then headed to the bus stop only to see our bus pulling away! With an hour to kill, we went in the Barbecue place, had a beer and some chili |
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| Great view of the harbor |
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| Here's lookin at you, kid! |
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| Theresa can't do the Hawaiian "Hang Loose" without using her other hand |
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| Back in Lahaina, we walked to Saint Maria Lanakila (Hawaiian for Victory) One parishioner told us proudly that this was the only Catholic Church in the islands that has an Hawaiian name! |
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| Open and airy - and very pretty |
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| Statue outside in front |
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| Holy water font at the door |
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| Stations of the cross |
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| Statue of Mary inside |
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| In honor of St Damien, the priest who devoted his life to tending to the lepers of Molokai |
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| In the church courtyard |
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| Adjacent cemetery |
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| We then just strolled through the center of town |
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| The fine art gallery next to where we were to catch our boat back to the ship |
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| The world's largest Banyan tree? We bought a six pack at the local ABC store for $7 (less than one beer costs aboard ship!) and some chips and had "lunch under the Banyan tree |
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| Much to our dismay, we went to "Fleet Landing" to catch our boat back to the ship and found a line 200 feet long! They had four people searching and frisking everyone! It took us nearly two hours to get aboard! |
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| But, once aboard, we were treated to a beatuiful view of the sun setting behind the adjacent island of Lanai |
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| Much to our relief, they let us slip into the dining room 25 minutes late and we had a wonderful meal! |
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| That night we were treated to a wonderful show by the Filipino crew members! |
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| Our wine steward, Sonny, has a great set of pipes! |
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| Tinikling - A traditional dance of the Philippines |
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| And as we pulled out, we were again treated to a fantastic view of the shore lit at night |
Tomorrow - Nawiliwili (Lihue), Kauai
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