My wife and I sailed on the inaugural cruise on the Pride of Hawai'i in May of 2006. We flew to Los Angeles and boarded her there. Then we sailed from Los Angeles to San Francisco, passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. That was AWESOME! We sailed from San Francisco to Kaua'i, Kaua'i to Hilo, Hilo to Kahalui, Kahalui to Kona and finally Kona to Honolulu. It was thirteen days of fun and excitement.
So many memories of that great cruise bringing the Pride of Hawai'i home to Hawai'i.
--Francis Aki (4/19/2007)
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed your wonderful music and beautiful Hawaiian dancer as I sailed into the Aloha Tower Marketplace. I have been coming to Hawai'i since 1972 and this welcome brought tears to my eyes... it felt so warm and inviting.
This must have been how people felt years ago..... Thank you for doing this for all of us.
--Grace Morrow (2/26/2006)
The Pride of America is as her name implies. Having just returned on the inaugural voyage from San Francisco, I can say the ship has an excellent Hawaiian lecturer, kumu hula and Polynesian entertainment.
The moment of great pride and honor was the raising of the Hawai'i flag upon entering Hawaiian waters. It seemed as if the entire ship, crew included, were on deck to witness this historic moment.
When "Hawai'i Pono'i" was played, all of us locals took pride in singing. This is the "pride " the ship represents, not rice or fake flowers.
--Peggy Hubacker, Honolulu (Honolulu Advertiser 8/8/2005)
A Hollywood producer couldn't have set a more perfect scene for the arrival of the Pride of Aloha...
--Wanda Adams, Advertiser Travel Editor
Mahalo for Aloha Boat Days. It is wonderful that this has been revived. It sure made our arrival most delightful!
--Joan and Hank Hopkins, SC
...we would like to thank everyone involved in welcoming the MS Statendam on November 9, 2001. We really enjoyed the releasing of the multicolored birds. It was a beautiful sight, like a rainbow rising from the pier... thanks to everyone for the time they spend to make the ship's arrival such an unforgettable event.
--Jim & Donna Curtin
We were on the Independence on 1999 and were very impressed by your celebration. We liked it so much that when we went back to Hawai'i, August 2001, we decided to spend time with you celebrating the departure of the Independence. It was wonderful. And we liked even more your next ceremony, when a few days after, you greeted us, personally, from the pier when we sailed with the Patriot!
--Marco & Laura from Italy
I am in Honolulu often to visit good friends. I can't wait to join you in April for Aloha Boat Days. I'll wear a mu'umu'u.
--Janice, Berkeley, CA
.... I loved the cast off party, it looked like something out of the movies. And it really made me feel welcome to get off the ship at every dock and have a Hawai'i band and dancers there to greet us.
Thanks Again
--Jim Sharp
I first arrived aboard the Lurline in 1959. You folks gave me a royal greeting. Now, I want to help you greet others to this beautiful paradise.
--Pete, Honolulu, HI
Let me say I think the Boat Days celebration is the best send off from any port that I know. Its very well done and sets the mood for a great week in Hawai'i so well done.
Thanks so much.
--Ben
Our first steps on shore were pleasant ones with lei greetings and smiles. That is the memory we left Hawai´i with; and will remember for years to come!
Mahalo!
--D.S.
We love your Aloha Boat Days program. My husband and I enjoy cruising and look forward to our next arrival on Statendam in Honolulu. We have also visited many times and would like to participate in the greetings activity when next we are in Honolulu. Hope you'll let us join you as it sounds like fun!
-- M. Brown, Vancouver, BC
_________________________________________________________
Please join us dockside for a splendid reception!
Email our volunteer coordinator for more info...
