Fanning Island, Karibati

Fanning Island, a coral reef, has an elevation of 10 ft. 

Discovered in 1798, no inhabitants. Land area about 13 sq.miles. 

A population of 2,000+ with no electricity or running water.

We have arrived !

Tenders took us into English Harbor...

Our arrival was special as very few ships stop here each year.

the Village Church chorus welcome...what energy + enthusiasm !

the Market set up just for us.

The Island School children's chorus 

Really !! .... Seaweed plantations.
In addition to coconut products, locals also harvest + export seaweed.

Looking across the lagoon, which is about 425 sq. miles.
50 ft at it's deepest, but mostly shallow waters.
This is probably as close as anyone could get to a...
"proverbial virgin tropical island". What a great experience !

Christmas @ Sea

~ a Merry Christmas to you ~

Honolulu Holiday!

Impressive !

Honolulu ! is a great place to see new construction,
as well as many historic bldgs. We walked about the downtown district and saw these places.....

Supreme Court of Hawaii /circa 1874 ...exterior above, interior is below

Fun to see all the Christmas decorations in their new...
and these historic bldgs.

Iolani Palace completed in 1882, w/ fabulous restoration completed 2011.

We had a great tour of USA's only Royal Palace...the Throne Room above

This church was used by Hawaiian Royalty.

Still used today ...
and during our morning visit there, the organist was "at practice"

 Honolulu Hale built in 1920's, is their City Hall

Hawaiian State Gov. Bldg

We so enjoyed their "old 'n new"...

...including the international historical area.

 our "Sail away" 

Holiday in Honolulu

Our view ...of the Captain, in his room, as he "docked us" in Honolulu.

and ....our view of the Waikiki shoreline + Diamond Head,
as seen from our room/balcony. 

Then some views ....taken on today's drive around the island.

Lovely in Lahaina

Our early morn cruising by Maui coast line. Tooooo dark to get any good pix of the humpback whales that were "blowing" near our ship. 

Our arrival view of Lahaina....

We anchored off shore and tendered in... 

.. greeted with this Christmas "Welcome" to the village.

Their famous Banyan Tree planted in 1873, now has 12 trunks and
fills a "block" size area in front of the historic Lahaina Court House.

We rented a car + drove to the north side, to Paia, to enjoy the beach
and see the "unusual" huge waves.

Hilo

Sunrise over Hilo, just as we arrived at the big island.

Japanese Gardens 

 Akaka Falls ~ 440 ft deep (note: the Niagara Falls are 176 ft.)

San Diego

Visit to Old Town

Our evening "Sail Away" 

Holiday Cruise

~ Holiday Cruise ~

Dec. 15 ~ Jan. 14

Thanksgiving Week

Spending time with our favorite g.kids !

Trip to St George, Utah

our favorites !

                                                         Then on to Vegas !

                                                              Such a fun time !!