![]() Masks were required to be worn throughout the cruise, except when we were actively eating or drinking, in our own cabins or on outside decks where we could socially distance. We were each given several KN95 masks. From what I observed, a vast majority of my fellow passengers were compliant of the mask rule - even when dancing at one of several music venues on the Koningsdam. Kainoa Delacruz, our onboard “Hawaiian Cultural Ambassador,” told me that despite Pele’s occasional outbursts, most Hawaiians don’t fear the deity. ![]() If ever there were an aptly named volcano, it would be Kilauea, which means “much spreading” in the Hawaiian language. Tutu Pele’s burning lava flows have caused significant property damage to farms and homes as recently as 2018. Another eruption - thus far low-key - started last September within the Halema’uma’u crater, the volcano’s most active vent.Ĭruising Portugal's Douro Valley: A tranquil way to explore historic wine region Kilauea's eruptions: 'We refer to it as creation' It’s believed that Pele, short for Pelehonuamea, inhabits Kilauea and its even larger but less active neighbor to the west, Mauna Loa. Hawaiians often refer to the goddess as Tutu - grandmother - as a sign of fondness and respect. On our final day in Hawaii, the Koningsdam was docked on the more tropical eastern side of the island in Hilo, a gateway to picturesque waterfalls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.įor Hawaiians, Kilauea is much more than a scenic mountain that glows at night during eruptions. It’s a wahi kapu - sacred place - that has deep spiritual significance. In Kona, we toured coffee plantations and hiked through a “cloud forest” on the slopes of the Hualālai Volcano, 3,000 feet above sea level. We also visited the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge) National Historical Park, where ruling chiefs would grant absolution to Hawaiian lawbreakers and vanquished warriors. ![]() We were anchored for two days off the coast of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island’s relatively dry western side, home of most of the island’s resorts. The cruise, heavy on sea days, started and ended in San Diego. After a stop in Catalina Island - 22 miles west of mainland California - we were at sea five days before reaching Honolulu on the island of Oahu. We also visited Maui and spent three days exploring Hawaii’s Big Island - so named because it’s larger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined. Other cruise lines, including Carnival and Princess, also resumed Hawaii sailings in January. I was aboard the first Holland America ship to return to Hawaii since November 2019. My late January visit to the top of Kilauea and the surrounding Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was one of the highlights of a recent 17-day cruise to the Hawaiian Islands on the Holland America Koningsdam.Ĭruising the Galapagos: Exploring the islands' wild wonders from a small ship Hawaii cruises resumed in January The legendary Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes has been busy flexing her muscles and cleansing the Earth in the place where many Hawaiians believe she resides - the famed Kilauea volcano in the south-central part of the Big Island of Hawaii. HILO, Hawaii - While cruising in the Hawaiian Islands is just now returning to life after a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, Tutu Pele has been far from dormant. View Gallery: Cruising in Hawaii on one of the first ships back: Photos
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