The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise - Day 6, At Sea and Maui

The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise -- Day 6, At Sea and Maui

Awoke to strong winds and head seas. When we took the GPS on deck it indicated we were only making 20 knots instead of the usual 23. The estimated time of arrival at Maui wasn't until early afternoon, and we had to stop at Lahaina and pick up the Customs folks first.

Heavy winter weather sends huge swells south from the Gulf of Alaska. This causes the famous waves on the north side of Oahu, and the equally famous "Jaws" on Maui. The ship was fighting these swells the whole day, including our arrival at Kahului Harbor. Sometimes, the breaking waves completely covered the front of the ship, up to and over the bridge.

It wasn't until mid morning that we started seeing the islands that make up the County of Maui. Lana`i to our left, Kaho`olawe on the right, and straight ahead the Haleakala and Pu`u Kukui mountains. As we headed for Lana`i to pick up the Customs officers many on deck spotted several whales and several dolphins.

We finally approached Kahului Harbor around two, and the skipper slowed down to assess the situation. It was blowing pretty good and the waves were crashing over the breakwall. When the stabilizers were retracted the ship started rolling, a reminder of just how effectively they tame the ride. Finally, under with the assistance of a tug, the Star eased into Pier 1. Another very impressive feat of seamanship.

Once cleared by Customs, the exodus began. Everyone wanted to see as much of Maui as they could, and we were already a few hours late. Strict orders from the skipper: Be on board by 9 P.M., or else... Very shortly we were pretty much the only people left on board. Ahhhh, the peace and quiet. It was just delightful. We lazed the afternoon away, and had dinner in the Versailles. Right on schedule, 9:30 P.M., the Star moved away from the pier, left the harbor, and we were on our way to Kaua`i.

NOTE that these photographs are Copyright©1998-2020 Robert and Sandra Swanson. I greatly appreciate people viewing the photos, but not stealing them. If someone is interested from a commercial point of view, please contact me.

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A beautiful sunrise through hazy and cloudy skies. This is about 200 nautical miles southeast of Maui. -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Hawai`i is known for rainbows (there is one on our drivers licenses). Maui greets us with that symbol of Aloha -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

The island of Lana`i -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Pu`u Kukui, Lahaina, and a cruise ship anchord in Lahaina Roads -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Hawai`i Tug & Barge tugboat drops off our pilot, and will escort us into Kahului Harbor -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Waiehu Reef Buoy #2. Our house is visible in this image -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Approaching Kahului Harbor -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Waves crashing over Kahului Harbor breakwall. This was a tricky approach, and a testimony to the skills of the crew -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Approaching Pier 1 (in front of the barge). Note the tugboat at full throttle, holding the barge against the pier due to high winds. -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Hawai`i depends on ocean shipping for almost everything. This is an interisland barge bringing goods to Maui from Oahu (all shipping goes through Oahu.) -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Our anniversary dinner invitation -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise -- Day 6, At Sea and Maui

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