Aloha!

In five short months, I will be on a plane to Hawaii for an eight day cruise!

Lemme back up... as some of you know, the association I work for offers trips for alumni. When enough passengers have signed up for the trip, someone on staff (or a dedicated volunteer) is asked to host the trip. While the trip is completely paid for, it is NOT a paid vacation. The host is there to make sure that the trip runs smoothly and to relay any problems from the passengers to the travel company/hotel/ship/etc. 

I got the call while I was on the beach in Florida. I am beyond ecstatic! I just hit my four year mark at work, and this is the first time I've been asked to host an official trip. I will admit that I haven't been very patient about this. It's been hard because the staff that hosts trips are like the "chosen ones." Being selected as a host means that upper management acknowledges your hard work and trusts that you can be a great representative of the association. I work my booty off, I know all facets of the association and our programs, and I'm generally an accommodating person. But alas, I have finally broken that barrier. 

Here's a little preview of my upcoming trip, with content from Orbridge's website: 

Program Highlights

• Sail on the deluxe 36-guest Safari Explorer, a beautifully designed vessel that affords guests the chance to experience the islands' rich wildlife, secluded sandy beaches, and quiet coves in an unhurried fashion.
• Learn about the traditions, ecology, wildlife and geology of the Hawaiian islands from a team of expert naturalists, featuring a premier Orbridge Expedition leaders.
• Relax is spacious staterooms with large windows that offer spectacular sea views.
• Visit the 19th century whaling village of Lahaina on Maui and the Garden of the Gods on Lanai.
• Snorkel among beautiful coral reefs, sponges and tropical fish or scuba dive with sea turtles, manta rays and barracudas.
• Hike to the famous sanctuary of Father Damien, patron saint of "outcasts."
• Experience the many advantages of a flexible itinerary, with daytime-only cruising.
• Enjoy the gourmet meals, fine wines, and thrilling excursions that are part of this premium program.

Itinerary/Details

Day 1: Arrive Maui/Embarkation (January 28)

Welcome to Hawaii! You'll be transferred to the quaint 19th-century whaling village of Lahaina. After dinner on board the Safari Explorer, join us for a historic walking tour of Lahaina, site of our overnight anchorage.

Day 2: Molokai/Moomomi Preserve (January 29)

Located in the middle of the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary between Molokai, Lanai and Maui, this maritime tropical wonderland offers front-row seats to the breeding grounds for humpback whales and other myriad marine wildlife. Early this morning we'll anchor in Hale 'o' Lono Harbor to explore Molokai as you like: hike the switchbacks of the Kalaupapa Trail or ride on a surefooted mule (optional); bike around the island; join a local guide for a hike in untouched Moomomi Preserve; kayak; and, end your day under the stars onboard the Safari Explorer for a relaxed time to "talk story" with an engaging local guest.

Day 3: Molokai/Halawa Valley (January 30)

Breakfast brings us to the Kaunakakai dock for a second day to meet the people of Molokai and experience their land and traditions as few visitors ever do. Today's destination is the picture book Halawa Valley. Several hands-on activities await: hike with Lawrence through his land to a hideaway waterfall; learn about the history and archaeology of this ancient homeland on a guided walk; join Uncle Anakala and his 'ohana to restore taro terraces and pause for a refreshing brunch; help ready poi for tonight's Paina (local feast); spend leisure time back in Kaunakakai. Early evening, venture to Uncle Herb's ancient fishpond. Watch or lend a hand to net fish for the shoreside Paina which is followed by a homestyle Hawaiian music "jam" session. This is genuine Hawaii.

Day 4: Lanai (January 31)

On Lanai, steep rock faces line many protected coves. We'll cruise by white-sand beaches to Nanahoa where we will anchor close to the ancient volcanic plugs sitting both above and below the water surface. Choose snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, motor launch exploration and other water activities. This afternoon we will be underway again to Manele Bay for more activities: hiking, a leisurely nature walk, and for golfers, a chance to play either The Challenge at Manele or The Experience at Koele.

Day 5: Molokini (February 1)

It's time to be on deck for whale sightings in one of Hawaii's prime humpback locations. Later we'll go ashore and explore secluded beaches and bays. Hike on the Laparuse Trail (King's Highway) to view ancient Hawaiian ruins. Keep your eyes on the water for dolphins. Golfers can play a round of golf (optional). Later, we'll anchor beside Molokini, a partially submerged crater off the coast of Maui. Here we'll have the rare opportunity to experience night snorkeling and scuba diving (optional) to view multitudes of fish and harmless sharks.

Day 6: The Big Island (February 2)

This morning we approach the Big Island's southern coast. En route we search for dolphins, whales and the elusive whale shark. At the edge around Ka Lae (southernmost tip of the United States), we'll cruise by Black Sands Beach and if the conditions allow, we'll look for active lava flows into the ocean. We follow the coast northward, passing by the sacred Place of Refuge to Kealakekua Bay. A snorkeling excursion in the bay reveals a diversity of colorful corals, sea turtles, sponges and tropical fish. Go ashore at the very place where Captain Cook died in battle.

Day 7: The Big Island/Kailua-Kona (February 3)

We set sail this morning for the Kohala Coast. At Kailua-Kona there is an opportunity to join an historic walking tour of the town of Kailua and the gallery-rich village of Holualoa. For those so inclined, an (optional) heli-tour is available to view remote waterfalls and Kilauea's caldera. Deep-sea fishing can be arranged. Early this evening we are underway to an offshore location where we'll have the opportunity to swim with Great Pacific Manta rays.

Day 8: Depart Hawaii/Disembarkation (February 4)

Aloha! As the Safari Explorer docks north of Kailua-Kona, we'll transfer you to the Kona Airport. *Note: my flight leaves Kona at 10:40 p.m. on February 4; I land in Austin at 1:36 p.m. on February 5.