Heaven on Earth-- Hawaii

It has been a dream of mine for years to take those closest to me on a cruise.  About a year prior to my actual retirement date the dream began to take form.  After much discussion the destination was chosen-- Hawaii.  So it came to be that on the 22nd of June, from around the country, we gathered at SFO for our flight to Honolulu.  On the 23rd we sailed on NCL's, Pride of America, for a 7 night, 6 day tour of Hawaii's main islands, visiting Honolulu, Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kuaui. 

The above photo was taken on Maui on our "Road to Hana" excursion. I could sit forever soaking in the peace and tranquility exuded by the sight and sound of its' beauty.  In the corner of the picture is part of the one lane bridge over the stream of the falls' waters.  A one lane bridge over the stream and the one lane road on either side equalled a rain forest traffic jam. Our tour driver-- "Champ" was a veritable fount of information-- historical, botanical, adding humor throughout to keep all the info from overwhelming.

     

Pictured above is a painted eucalyptus tree, another of the wonders on the island of Maui. 

Over the week we were there I took hundreds of pictures and shot some amazing video.  In time, I hope to put the best of both into an album of sorts to preserve our time in paradise for an intermittent return, if only as a stroll down memory lane.

aio