Checking in from Hilo, HI

We made it….another long ocean crossing. I am pleased to report that this was a much more enjoyable trip than the recent one where we crossed the Atlantic. Actually, there are several reasons for this. Despite our skepticism regarding Carnival (usually known as a low-end provider and party boat), we have had a great time on this ship so far. Carnival has worked hard to keep the onboard activities fun, the food is of much better quality (although too much of it…I have been killing myself in the gym just trying to keep the pounds off!) and the staff is truly excellent. Secondly, as we cruised temperatures and climate improved each day the closer we got to Hawaii. Finally, there were noticeably less 300 pound passengers with a liking for Speedo swim suits. Again…it’s all good!


Our first stop is Hilo on the eastern side of the big island of Hawaii. Pat and I have spent a good deal of time on the big Island and much prefer the more laid back Hilo side. Tomorrow we visit Kona which is more geared towards the tourists.

As usual, a little history is appropriate here. Hilo was founded by an English missionary named William Ellis in 1823-1824. Hilo Bay is a natural deep water port that helped Hilo become a major shipping center for the Hawaiian Islands. As with most areas in this latitude, sugar was a natural money crop that was grown widely throughout Hawaii and flourished in the period of 1850-1900. Whaling was also a major industry during that time. Obviously, both industries have dried up…..tourism and agriculture are the major economic drivers of the region now. Hilo is the second most densely populated area in the islands after Honolulu. Population is around 50,000 for the city proper.


Hilo Bay


The Big Island of Hawaii has many micro-climates from tropical to desert. Hilo is on the “wet side” of the island and is very lush and green. As I mentioned, this is our personal favorite with the wide variety of climate and natural wonders. Active lava flows still pour into the ocean south of Hilo….in Waimea, you can see the Parker Ranch which is still one of the largest cattle ranches in the world…..truly something for everyone here.

One stop that we always make is the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo. This is a great little zoo that we have been visiting for years. The main attraction is Namaste, a Bengalese white Tiger. Namaste has been here for 13 years. I have been to a lot of zoos over the years but have never seen a white Tiger before.

Namaste.....lookin' good

Pat's in Heaven!

"Corpse Plant" ...native to the Island of Borneo
Remind me never to visit there...

The zoo also has quite a primate and tropical bird assortment as well as native and other tropical plants. One of the plants is called a corpse plant (no lie) because; when it blooms it smells like a rotting corpse! What is the attraction with nasty smelling vegetables and plants anyway? First Brussels Sprouts now a Corpse Plant?……I mean, why would anyone bother growing one of these. Imagine the backyard barbeque where you show off a plant that smells like road kill. Who figured that out and named it anyway? Seriously, it is huge and a beautiful plant but I plan to be well upwind of the next one I see.

Lunch was at one of our favorites in downtown Hilo named Café Pesto (cafepesto.com)….give them a try if you are visiting. Another Hilo institution is Ken’s house of Pancakes…..if you like 2000 calorie, heart stopping meals than you can’t miss Ken’s! The Macadamia Nut pancakes are perfect if you are either going into hibernation before a long winter or you just got your cholesterol results back from your doctor and you feel like living dangerously…..Seriously, great food…..we give it the thumbs up!

Tonight, we will pass the lava flow at about midnight as we sail over to the Kailua-Kona side of the Island…hopefully we will see some active flows….wonder if it glows in the dark?


That’s all for now…..best to everyone!

Pat and Chris





I need to hit the gym again....