Celebrating a little early (since I'll be working in ANC on the actual date), we marked this event by taking a cruise around the "neighborhood".
We started in Honolulu, sailing out on New Year's Day evening, 1/1/11 - an auspicious date in itself!
Our first stop was Maui. Among other things, we took a bus up the many switchbacks to Haleakala -- a Mars-scape if ever there was one.
The view of the top was most striking, but the view from the top was no slacker either -- you could see the entire "waist" of the island. We were blessed with a spectacular day.
We then were off to Hilo, on the Big Island, where we took a helicopter over Pu'u O'o vent. Madame Pele was taking it easy, so there was no lava drama, but it was still an amazing site to see.
And the flight along the coast was amazing...black sand beach and rugged lava. The volcano is creating acres of new land even as it destroys everything in its path.
We took it easy while in Kona, just chillin' and doing a little window shopping with lunch at one of our old haunts.
Kauai offered more spectacular vistas, as we took a helicopter ride through the amazing Waimea Canyon and along the NaPali coast. The only ways to see the NaPali are to fly along it, boat along it or hike its narrow, high peaks. Guess which way(s) I chose?
We also got to see the Wailua falls - that famously opened each episode of Fantasy Island.
One short week, then then my wonderful celebration cruise was over and we sailed home.
The best news? Home IS Hawaii!! I'm so blessed to live in this lovely paradise.
