March 19 - Whale Watching Cruise and Waikiki shopping

The day started with Delma heading downstairs at 5:20 for a smoke break. Sounds like she is making some new friends. When we were both ready, we went to a local Denny's for breakfast. It was great. From there, we went to the airport to switch out our rental car. We got a Ford Escape when we arrived last Friday. That poor thing had no get up and go at all. Trying to climb these mountains was a chore (remember when we took H3 instead of H2 yesterday?  H3 goes through the mountains!). We switched out the Escape and got a Chevy Captiva.  It does seem to have more power.  

While at the airport, we also checked out our reservations for our trip to Hawaii (Hilo) for our Volcano Daytrip tomorrow.  We were suppose to check in 24 hours prior to departure.  That proved to be a problem when I didn't know who to check in with.  I called Hawaiin airlines; they had no record of us.  I couldn't get in touch with Pleasant Activities (I called after hours).  So, while at the airport, I talked with the Hawaiian Airlines customer service.  "Asia" was terrific.  She figured out Pleasant Activities had worked with a 3rd party vendor (Polynesia Adventures), and it was Polynesia Adventures I needed to check in with.  Wow, it was wonderful when I knew that!!

From the airport, we drove to Pier 8 to see where we needed to be to catch the Star of Honolulu Whale Watching Cruise.  We were way early, so we drove on into Waikiki and went shopping for about an hour.  Bought a few gifts, then went back to Aloha Tower Marketplace to meet the cruise.

We departed at 12:00pm.  Within 20 minutes, the captain notified us whales were spotted.  We took a lot of pictures but, of course, only got a few good ones.  Here's the best one.

We had a nice lunch aboard ship, enjoyed the ocean, and had a great time watching the whales.  The boat got back at 2:30.  We left the ship.....and went shopping again at Waikiki.  We had a LOT more time, so our purchases definitely increased.  We had another great day.

Now we are back in our room.  Already showered and ready to go to bed EARLY.  We have to get up at 3:45 so we can get to the airport by 5:30am.  BUT, that all-day volcano tour will be so worth it.  Can't wait!!