Lakeshore Tours

Welcome Home

2011-03-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Our last day on tour featured another day of Hawaiian sunshine, blue skies and beautiful scenery. After a day at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel it was time to check out and head for the airport at Kahului, Maui for our return flight to Vancouver and Toronto.

Our flights were on time and smooth sailing. Vancouver offered us our first look at passing through Canada Customs electronically and we were back on our final flight to Toronto. When we arrived in Toronto we said our goodbyes to George and Gloria Rowe, Janine Broughton and Dave and Linda Wells. It was then time to board our Coach Canada charter with Todd Steele at the wheel to take us home to eastern Ontario. It was a rude awakening at Toronto with the temperature at 35 instead of the 75 we have become accustomed to. Stop by stop our folks disembarked from the coach with hugs and goodbyes all around. Finally, Doug and Jeannie were on the final leg to Brighton and our "Tour to Paradise" has come to a close.

We all have wonderful memories of the Hawaiian Islands! In all, we visited four islands (Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai and of course Maui), enjoyed some great food, tried some new experiences and made some new friends! It's great to be able to visit different destinations around the world but it's especially nice to know that we always get to return home to the greatest country in the world - our true north strong and free! We live in one of the safest places in the world and although we have to endure winters of snow, ice and cold winds, we have to realize how blessed we are. This was never more evident than the first morning we awoke at home only to hear of the disaster in Japan and the ensuing tsumami headed for the islands we just returned from.

A quick call to our friends at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel and we learned that everyone was safe and no damage was done in Maui.

We're looking forward to our 2012 tour already!! So one last sign off!!
Alooooohaaaa!!

Wednesday March 9th - Boo Hoo...we have to go home!!!!!!!!

2011-03-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Well, as the age old saying goes, all good things must come to an end and today is the day we bid farewell to paradise! Another beautiful sunrise over the mountain as the first light hits the island of Lanai in the distance. The waves are rolling in along the shore and people are up and at it to enjoy an early morning walk along the beach walk, some people in the Pacific swimming already and the golfers with the early morning start teeing it up before the heat of the day settles in.

We are leaving for the airport at 6:30 so the day is ours to prepare for the long journey ahead. More photos later at our farewell ceremony in the lobby. See you back home.

Aloha

Tuesday March 8th

2011-03-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!! We awoke to clear blue skies and the brilliant sunshine the west coast of Maui is famous for.

Everyone was back on the own schedule to “hang loose” as they please. Susan and Dean were headed out to tour the island again today, Yvan and Kristina were just going to relax around the resort as were Gunter and Ingrid. Jim and Bev decided to drive the northern part of the island first enjoying the resort area of Kapalua – not as many resort type properties but more private residences and condominiums. For those looking for a golf holiday, you can see why Ka’anpali and Kapalua are so popular – so many impressive looking courses (maybe next year!).

Once we left Kapalua it didn’t take long until the landscape became very rugged and uninhibited. We viewed some amazing inlets and bays for snorkeling and diving. Not far along the nice highway we were travelling, turned into a single lane country road (reminded me of the twists and turns into our cottage in Ompah when I was a kid) with once side of the lane cut into to the mountain and the other a shear drop off. Thankfully, we met only a handful of cars travelling the opposite direction as making room to get around each other was a bit dicey.

The scenery on the east side of the island was equally impressive as we made our way towards Waiehu, passing through Wailuku towards Ma’alaea for lunch at “Beach Bums”, then a short visit to Lahaina and our circle tour was complete upon our return to Ka’anapali.

Many of our guests were seen enjoying their last Maui sunset as the heat of the day turned into a beautiful orange sky as the back drop with palm trees and sail boats making silhouettes in the foreground – and high above a fingernail moon (that’s for you Trev!). The beach walk was busy with people coming and going to various restaurants and the Sheraton next door hosted their outdoor Luau. It was a beautiful night to close out our vacation.

Monday March 7th

2011-03-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Monday March 7^th – Happy Monday in Maui! Farewell Dinner

The winds kicked up a bit last night and blew the slight humidity off to sea. Today was a free day. Some worked on their tans around the pool and some ventured into Lahaina. Susan and Dean rented a car a tooted around the north shore of the island. Jim & Bev also rented a car and drove back to Kahului for the helicopter tour they had booked before leaving home. What an experience!! Our original tour was to circle the island of Maui, however, the low cloud cover had built about half way up the Haleakala Crater so Captain Kirk decided to show us some of the incredible scenery in the centre of Maui, then travel along the west coast of the island and cross over to Molokai, the Happy Island, with it’s 6,000 inhabitants. It was then back to the North Shore of Maui, crossing over the Ka’anapali resort area, Lahaina and back to Kahului – what an amazing experience and we would highly recommend it to anyone visiting this island.

This evening was our only “official” group function during our time in Maui – our Lakeshore “Farewell Dinner”. We had originally scheduled the event on the seaside lawn, however with a few sprinkles of rain and threatening clouds overhead we decided to move under a Tiki Hut on the grounds. We arranged pictures prior to dinner for each couple as well as a group shot. Our evening dinner was enjoyed by all, the food was great, the wine was flowing, the laughs were a mile a minute and cameras were clicking all night. We also celebrated the 50^th wedding anniversary of Gunter and Ingrid, Susan Floyd’s birthday on Tuesday and Barry Jones arranged for a birthday cake for Jo-Ann celebrating her 40^th birthday today. By the smiles and hugs, I would say it was a very good evening and the best part is that we still have two full days left on this wonderful island. Bev thinks her and I should stay behind and start “Mauishore Tours & Travel” – it does have a nice ring to it!!

Tuesday is a free day and many guests will be exploring this wonderful island one last time..................

Please feel free to comment on any post, we would love to hear from you.

Aloha

Sunday March 6th

2011-03-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday. The sun has returned and the beach walk is very busy with walkers. The golfers are out in big numbers at the Ka'anapali Golf Courses. Everyone is getting their bearings around the area. Last night some were able to eaves drop on a wedding on property and another is scheduled for tonight (not any of our group we don't think - LOL) The hotel has supplied us with breakfast daily, which is an added bonus!! Some were going to relax at the hotel while others were planning to hop the local shuttle bus to Lahaina Town. The local crafts were on display this morning in the lobby and some chose to purchase these items at great prices. Aloha!

Saturday, March 5th Kauai - Honolulu - Ka'anpali Beach Hotel

2011-03-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

Still a few lingering raindrops this morning, but the skies appear to be clearing. We have one last morning in Kauai to enjoy the lush surroundings. Hopefully, the rain holds off for Peter Piels who has booked an early tee time to play the local Jack Nicklaus course. We’ll try to track Peter down later to see if he broke 90.

When asked if he was able to break 90, it was affirmative. Peter had a great day that included three foursomes with Cory, the NCL Golf Pro, playing 6 holes with each group – offering tips and lessons along the way.

With the early (1:30 PM) departure from Kauai, most spent the morning running into town for some last minute shopping. The Garden Island continued to stay green with a constant overcast and intermittent rain. The trip back to Honolulu offered an up close look at the Na’poli coast in all it’s beauty. The fog did limit the visibility, but you could shear majesty of these volcanic mountains. One final night on board with a recap of the week’s entertainment featuring the magic of Matt Marcy, the comedy of Kermet Apio and the music of the Frankie Valli tribute group. There were lots of laughs and hand clapping this evening. After another great evening, bags were out by midnight as we sailed full throttle back to Oahu.

Saturday March 5 – We return to Maui by small aircraft

The best weather we experienced our first week in the islands happened in Maui earlier in the cruise – so let’s hope that holds true again! Everyone was well organized and ready to disembark the ship at our arranged 9:00 AM time. The luggage was quickly gathered in the terminal, our Roberts of Hawaii coach was ready and waiting to take us to Honolulu Airport and we were on our way. Upon arrival at the airport, we had arranged for a group check in with Hawaiian Airlines and we cleared security and were on our inter-island flight back to Kahului, Maui. We were no longer in the air, when the captain announced we were beginning our descent to Kahului. Again, our coach was ready and waiting, the luggage was loaded and we were on our way to the Ka’anapali region on Maui. A short 40 minute drive along the coast (with whales playing again) and we arrived at our home away from home for the next four nights – The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. A quick checkin and short orientation of the resort and area and everyone was off to their rooms.

Although still under cloudy skies and drizzle it didn’t take long for our guests to find the Tiki Bar for a liquid refreshment and a quick bite to eat. Many made their way a few hundred yards up the beach to the Whaler’s Village Shopping Centre which features many stores and restaurants, live entertainment and this is the location for the shuttle bus that takes us into the village of Lahaina. I’m sure many will head there tomorrow. Aloha – just checked the forecast and looks like the rain will finally be behind us for the balance of our vacation – Wowee, Maui.

Thursday, March 3rd Kauai

2011-03-03T17:01:00.003-08:00

Another cloudy day in paradise, with many of us going ashore today for excursions. Some of us headed up to the Fern Grotto, some to the Waimea Canyon (know as the Grand Canyon of the Islands), and a few of us (Jim and Bev) tackled the Zip Line adventure at one of the largest cattle ranch's on the island. About half way through this amazing trip the skies opened and the rains began!!!!!!!!!!!!!Even though we were soaked to the core, it was a magnificent experience that can't be described. We will let the photos speak for themselves.

I am surprised you didn't hear Bev screaming.......................................................................................

Tonight we are back on the ship at 5 and spend the night here at the harbour.

Waimea Canyon and the Fern Grotto were popular tours booked for today. Unfortunately, heavy rains were the order of the day this morning, but those that ventured out still enjoyed their tour.

Thursday night is Luau Night for NCL as they transport guests off site for an evening of Hawaiian entertainment and culture. It would appear that 60-70 % of guests take part in this evening, so the ship was much quieter this evening. The onboard entertainment included Soul Satisfaction as well as a tribute to the music of Billy Joel in the Champagne Lounge.

Aloha

Wed, March 2nd Kona

2011-03-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Another sailing experience is enjoyed today, as when we arrived here we had to anchor offshore and tender in to the downtown pier.

The 4 tender ships run to and from the ship every 15 minutes the entire day. There were many activities to enjoy on this side of the island and the pier is located directly in the retail section of the town with many local neat shops and restaurants. As we anchored off the shore the port side of the ship enjoyed a wonderful of the town with many waterfront homes dotting the shore line and some resorts popping up from the trees.

I think all the guests went ashore today at one time or another for excursions and/or shopping. Tendering offered something new for many of our group and was easier than sometimes expected. Some took the glass bottom boat ride, submarine tour, while others did the Kona Coffee Plantation tour and some did their own touring.
After a day of Hawaii sunshine we pulled up anchor at 5:30 and were on our way to Kauai-The Garden Island. As we were pulling away a school of dolphins bid a wonderful farewell to everyone alongside the ship (sorry no photos, they were too fast. LOL)
After dinner some of us headed to the "Not So Newlywed Game" (none of us offered to be a guest on stage), followed by a Salute to Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons. What a wonderful show that reminded a lot of us of our Jersey Boys performances last year.
Aloha

March 1st in Hilo.

2011-03-01T14:49:00.000-08:00

We arrived at our first stop on the Big Island of Hawaii in the town Hilo. We woke up to a cloudy day with some fog in the harbor. Most people seemed to be heading out on excursions today. WE bumped into Gwen, Doug & Jeannie, David & Linda as well as Millicent, Gloria and George who all were headed to the Botanical Gardens. A very exciting day was planned for Marlene and Janine who were booked for a helicopter tour. Will follow up later.
Apparently the geographic location of Hilo makes it the rainiest port in the islands. After 4 days of glorious sunshine it was probably a good for some shade to let the sunburns soak in.
Many visited the Botanical Gardens and enjoyed their day and well worth the visit. Many used this stop (and the lack of sunshine) to do some shopping as shuttles to Hilo Hatties, Walmart, and a local mall ran about every 30 minutes from the pier.
Once we set sail around the southern tip of Hawaii, the restaurants start to fill up as people enjoy their dining experience at the many available options. The Pink Champagne Lounge offered a evening salute to the music of Frank Sinatra. After the show the captain slowed down the ship as we passed by the Kilauea Volcano, one of mother natures most active volcanoes. The lava was still glowing red hot with the last eruption of the day, it was a spectacular site and most of the ship went out onto the gangway to observe this spectacular event and to gaze at the many stars that came out for the rest of the evening.
Aloha

Good Morning Maui, Sunday Feb 26th.

2011-02-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

We are in beautiful sunny Maui this morning at 8am. Here we were greeted out on our balconies by several groups of large whales and a very spectacular sunrise, everyone was buzzing with excitement!!!! What a welcome.

Some of us are going ashore on different excursions, and some are just relaxing by the pool getting some of that good ol vitamin D (sunshine).

That's it for now, we are headed to the pool. Touch base later in the day to see what the group has been up too.

After 2 busy days traveling and enjoying Waikiki Beach, our clients were “Wowee’d in Maui”.  While some enjoyed the ship getting their base tan and watching humpback whales frolicking off shore, others got out to explore this wonderful island and it’s raw beauty.  Some booked the “The Road to Hana Tour”, some took the Haleakala Crater tour, while others booked private charters to see the magnificent Humpback whales up close and personal.

Jim and Bev booked a tour that included a trek to the summit of Haleakala Crater and reached heights of 10,340 feet above sea level.  Jim (barely) remembers from grade school the equation for 1,000 feet raised above sea level, the temperature drops 3 degrees Fahrenheit.  Needless to say, when we boarded our van in Kahului on a beautiful Maui morning at about 70 degrees, when we reached the summit it reminded us of Canada at a chilly 45 degrees.  The views were spectacular with “The Big Island” of Hawaii (90 miles away) clearly visible as well as an aerial view of Maui with Lanai and Molokai clearly visible in the distance.  Once back in the comfort of the van, we descended the volcano to about 8,000 feet where we jumped on our bikes for our 28 mile journey back towards Kahului and the Pride of America.

The beauty of Maui leaves you with that feeling that you don’t want to leave, but we have three more ports of call to experience and we pushed away from the pier at 6: oo Pm sharp for an evening of sailing with our next port of call on the Big Island of Hawaii and the port of Hilo.  

We bumped into several of our clients this evening and the it appears everyone loved Maui and are looking forward to returning after the cruise for our four night stay at the Ka’anpali Beach Hotel.  

Susan and Dean enjoyed their tour to “The Plantation” where they learned about the pineapple and sugar business.  Ken and Charlene used some of their time in Maui to collect a few gifts and souvenirs and also booked a whale watching tour.

Saturday Feb 26th. Saying goodbye to Honolulu!!!!!!!!

2011-02-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

Today we were off to the pier at 2pm to board the Pride of America. Everyone arrived onboard and settled in to their cabins and we set sail at 7pm on our way to Maui.

Polynesian Cultural Center, Friday Feb 25th.

2011-02-26T01:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings at the airport Feb 24th......

2011-02-26T01:14:00.000-08:00

ONE MORE SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of our Hawaii guests. By now you are all packed and ready for that early morning pick up to wisk us off to Pearson.
Have a great nites sleep and we will see you all tomorrow!'
Aloha

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER

2011-02-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

What time did you say we have to get up???

Don't we make a lovely couple???

These cookies are OK!

Gotta Have My Timmies!!!

I think we have met somewhere before?????

He can be such a card sometimes!

The suspense is killing me!!!

"I am so excited!!!"

I think I have found a new shopping buddy.

I know that I have a pen in here somewhere??

Do you think they spelled my name correct?

I just want to see what excursions they are taking!

Pick me.........pick me!!!!!!

Was I supposed to write that down??

Guess I better open this up and see what everyone
is talking about.

The coffee was not bad, think I will have
another cup,how about you?

Wow, wish I was going with them!!!!!!

I didn't realize there was going to be
this much paperwork!!!!

Tuesday February 8th was our first nite together as a group. We got to meet the other guests on our Hawaii trip and received our travel documents. New friends were made and some memories started................

Hawaii here we come!!!!!!

Aloha