Diamond’s Event of a Lifetime

As a Timeshare Owner with Diamond Resorts, I am always invited to a special event when I come to Maui. These events are called Event of a Lifetime and are usually interesting and enjoyable. The cost is minimal and 90 minutes of your time to hear an “owner update”. This time the Event of a Lifetime is a day trip on the Trilogy to Lana’i.

Sail Trilogy

Trilogy is one of the premier attractions providing sunset Dinner cruises,whale watching trips and a day trip to the island of Lana’i. As of 2012, the island was 97% owned by Larry Ellison (Founder and Chairman of Oracle), with the remaining 3% owned by the state of Hawaiʻi and privately owned homes. There is a ferry to Lana’i so you can visit the island on your own. An animal sanctuary on the island is home to 380 feral cats! They have no natural enemies so they just multiply.

Hulopo’e Beach and Marine Preserve

We requested permission to enter the harbor by blowing on a conch shell. Then we waited for a response. Once it came we headed to our slip at the dock. We were greeted by Native Hawaiians chanting. As we disembarked we were presented with shell lei’s of welcome. It was only a short walk to the beach but air conditioned van’s were waiting if anyone wanted to ride.

Part of the beach was set up exclusively for us. There were picnic tables and chairs, a supply van with masks and snorkels and snuba equipment. Nearby was a trail down to the tide pools.

Captain Coon’s BBQ lunch

After a morning spent relaxing on the beach, swimming, snorkeling and snuba diving we were escorted to a covered open air building for lunch. Captain Coon’s BBQ is salad, rolls, BBQ chicken and noodles. The chicken was quite tasty but several guests said their chicken wasn’t cooked through. I suppose cooking for a crowd like ours can be a challenge.

Crossing the Auau Channel

Heading back to Maui we had to cross the Auau Channel. We were heading into the wind now and that served to give us a wet and wild ride. Water soaked everyone in the bow until the captain had the sails set and turned off the engines. Once we had wind power the ride smoothed out. Over paper cups of ice cream we looked for whales. Too soon it was time to make our way back to Lahaina.

If you are on Maui and want to explore Lana’i you can take a ride on the Trilogy or take the Maui to Lana’i Ferry. Its a step back to “old Hawaii”.

Dinner Cruise along the Big Island Coast

It was time to board for the dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay. As we cruise along the coast we’re going to see the Big Island from a new perspective. A lovely local historian told the stories of the Island as we cruised along. She also pointed out landmarks that look so different from the ocean side. We also had musical entertainment when the historian wasn’t presenting. The boat had two levels. The upper level was open while the lower level was semi enclosed. It was easy to step to the bow and be out in the open.

Along the Coast

The cruise is about 12 miles and lasts about 3 hours. When we first cast off the cruise seems to follow Ali Ave on the land. There are the shops and church and then there is the resort. I got a great view of the Royal Kona Resort, my home away from home. After we pass the resort the coastline becomes rugged and less developed. We pass caves and lava tubes and learn that they were once used as burial caverns and are still considered sacred.

We even saw a fisherman using the traditional nets perched on the lava rocks.

Captain Cook’s Monument

As we approach the bay our captain turns the boat in toward the shore. There is a white monument dedicated to Captain Cook. Originally Captain Cook and his men were considered Gods and given adoration and respect. But eventually the native Hawaiians realized Cook and his men were mere mortals. Relations quickly deteriorated after that resulting in a confrontation the ended in Captain Cooks’s death.

What’s for Dinner?

Leaving The Monument we turned into Kealakekua Bay where we were greeted by an active pod of spinner dolphins. They seem to be such happy animals jumping and spinning and putting on quite the show. While were busy with the dolphins the crew was busy setting up the dinner buffet. Heading back to the pier we dined on Kalua Pulled Pork & Cabbage, Braised Brisket of Beef and Grilled Pulehu Chicken. For Side dishes we had Lomi Lomi Salmon, Steamed Rice Vegetable Pilaf, Garden Salad, Punalu’u guava and taro dinner rolls & butter. There was also a fruit platter that was my favorite part of the meal. All fresh, local fruit including the orange slices. A bar was available for both soft drinks and stronger refreshments. A drink ticket was provided with your boarding pass. All in all a good, relaxing time. A prefect way to wrap up my Big Island experience.