Hilo, Hawaii - Nov 29, 2014

Under heavy skies we floated into Hilo this morning. This is our third visit here and our first time staying in town and exploring the local life on a Saturday morning. Hilo, is the largest settlement on the big island of Hawaii where it has been over 1,000 years since the Hilo settlers arrived. There is still evidence of the Polynesian influence in the natives' traditions and customs. This area once thrived due to its sugar production, but in the late 20th century the plantations were closed and Hilo's economy suffered. But with the average temperature of 78 degrees fahrenheit year-round, its no wonder how Hilo became a hot spot for tourists from around the world.

From the outriggers, to the canoes, to the kayaks and paddle boards, despite the day there were many Saturday morning locals soaking in the life in and on the water here in Hilo. The picture of me with the half dozens girls were all from one of the previous pictures of them all in long boat. They wanted my picture with their iphone, so it cost them a picture with our camera - don't ask why as I still don't know why. Every Wednesday and Saturday is local market day, so as we were here on a Saturday of course we took in the market which had everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes, towels, knick knacks and massages - all under a huge tent city which was great as the rain came down hard for the entire hour and a half that we were there. Good timing as when the rain lighted up we headed along the main drag to get some lunch at a local funky cafe before heading back to the ship at 4 o'clock for the 5 o'clock departure.

Great day playing local here in Hilo, Jan was also able to grab some free wifi to Skype home for a few calls - isn't technology great... Two parts today, hope you enjoy.