Is Puna Stuck In a Rut? Positive Solutions?

[Loretta]

We have taken the inter island cruise many times. There is nothing wrong with the Hilo port. It is as nice as any other port in the islands. The ports here in Hawaii are industrial ports and most cruisers realize that these are ports and terminals are built for shipping and business. But, what most folks who live here don't know is that inside the Hilo terminal building, there are vendors and information booths set up. At times there is music and perhaps a hula dancer or two. Hilo does a great job of welcoming the cruisers with Aloha. It is really quite festive and nice inside the terminal. Cruisers are very aware that the Hilo terminal is "the" place to purchase an arrangement of tropical flowers to enjoy in their cabins.

The Nawiliwili, Kauai port terminal offers far less for the cruisers. There are no vendors selling local crafts and flowers. It is just a big old empty terminal with some folding chairs set up. The Kahului terminal in Maui also has vendors and craft booths set up. And, Lahaina, Maui is like Kona. These ports have no cruise ship pier, so everyone must ride the small tender boats (life boats)ashore. Last month, we waited in line for an hour and a half (in the hot sun) to board a tender and return to the ship in Lahaina. At these "tender ports", the security and bag checks must be done by hand on the pier. At the terminals in Hilo, Maui and Kauai, the security checks are similar to passing through security in an airport. Fast and efficient.

Cruisers enjoy the Hilo port very much.