I'll be going nuts today. I have booked a tour to a Macadamia Nut Farm. We will also visit the Akaka Falls, a waterfall plunging 422 feet (128m) straight down into a small pond below.
We had a very leisurely start to the day, arrivng in harbour at 9am. Our tour started at 10.30 and were expected to return at 2.30. No lunch, but time for afternoon coffee and a cookie. There is a 'Cookie Girl' or a 'Cookie Man' each afternoon about 3pm for those who cannot resist. So if I skip lunch and wait for a cookie or two... If I have lunch I normally have some rabbit food and skip the cookies.
At 10.15 we were all waiting in the Princess Theatre and then walking together to the bus. A lot less fuss with Customs here in Hawaii. Maybe they realised we were all thoroughly checked out in NY and LA. We were told to bring Cruise Card and photo ID in all american ports. And they were checked, but no 1 hour line up to smile at the guys.
Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on earth. If you combine the height under the sea and that above sea level it is the largest mountain, higher that Everest. It is not apples and apples, but the Hawaiians use it.
Our first port of call was Akaka falls, we had a short walk through the rainforest to reach it. A loop so we did not go back against the next lot of people coming in. It was beautiful. There was no sun, so no rainbow on the day. On top a man was cutting and shaping palm fronds into dainty birds and attaced them on sticks. It looked like they were flying.
Before arriving at the Macadamia Farm, we made a stop at a small zoo. They have a white Bengal Tiger which has been sick and is now back on display, but not very lively. He was sleeping under some trees with his back to us. There were many exotic birds including macaws. They also have miniatur goats, only 50-60cm tall and with longish hair. Very cute.The Hawaiian State Bird, the endangered Nene is also here.
At the Nut Farm we received a small cup with a few macadamia nuts. Inside they had many varieties of macadamia nuta. Standard roasted with sea salt, honey roasted, garlic and sea salt, and a few more. Of course also chocolate covered nuts! I opted for a sit down and a macadamia ice cream, very nice. Made up for lunch, it was a big serve.
After all the nuts were packed into the bus we headed for 'home' through lush rain forest. Very humid, but not too bad as the temperature was only 25-26 degrees. When we were scanned back on board, I went down to my favorite bar for a cup of coffee.
Tomorrow Honolulu.
Alaska Falls
Hilo Port
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