Kona, Hawaii – October 6, 2025

History, Leisure & Island Vibes

Our first stop in Hawaii brought us to Kailua-Kona, a laid-back gem on the Big Island’s western coast that blends natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and vibrant island life — all within walking distance from the tender pier.

🌺 A Bit of Kona’s Past

Kailua-Kona was once a small fishing village until it rose to prominence in the early 19th century when King Kamehameha I chose it as his seat of government. This historic town played a pivotal role in shaping modern Hawaii, and today, echoes of that legacy can still be felt as you stroll through its streets.

Kona is home to several important landmarks, including the Huliheʻe Palace (a former royal vacation home) and Mokuʻaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, established in 1820. These landmarks stand as proud reminders of the island’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

🚤 Getting Ashore – Easy & Scenic

Our day began leisurely on board as we enjoyed a relaxing morning at sea. Since Kona is a tender port, we waited for the open tender announcement and boarded around 10:30 a.m., enjoying the short, scenic ride to shore.

Once ashore, we were greeted by Kona’s compact and walkable downtown core — a true highlight for cruise passengers. The main street (Aliʻi Drive) is lined with local shops, galleries, cafés, and historic sites, all just a few steps from the tender dock.

🏝️ Exploring, Sipping & People Watching

We took our time strolling through downtown, stopping at various shops and enjoying the breezy, tropical vibe. The Huliheʻe Palace and Mokuʻaikaua Church were definite highlights — not just for their historical value, but also their serene beauty and sense of place.

A bit later, we settled in at a happy hour spot along Aliʻi Drive, perfect for a refreshing drink and some great people-watching. The energy in town was electric, as triathletes were out in full force — jogging, cycling, and swimming — all in preparation for the upcoming Ironman World Championship, just days away. Watching them in action added a fun and inspiring vibe to the day.

🏨 King Kamehameha Hotel & Beach Time

Next, we wandered over to the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, a worthwhile visit not just for its location, but for its museum-style exhibits showcasing artifacts and stories of King Kamehameha I. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of the island’s heritage.

Just steps beyond the hotel lies a public beach — calm, clean, and perfect for cooling off in the afternoon sun. The area offers a variety of non-motorized water rentals, including SUPs, canoes, snorkel gear, and beach chairs/umbrellas. We spent over an hour here relaxing, swimming, and soaking in the aloha spirit — all just a short walk from where the tenders dock. It really couldn’t be easier.

🍣 Back on Board – Morimoto at Sea

After a smooth tender ride back to the ship, we freshened up for another exceptional dining experience: the pop-up Morimoto at Sea at the Pinnacle Grill. The flavors, presentation, and atmosphere brought a refined touch of Japan to our Hawaiian voyage — a perfect end to a perfect day.

🧘‍♀️ Up Next: Honolulu

As we sail overnight, we’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow — Honolulu awaits, and we’ve got a morning massage booked to start things off right. Island life continues…

Original surfboard made from the KOA wood found only in Kauai.

Morimoto assorted Sushi

Gyoza, still sizzling as it arrives

Ahi Tuna Pizza, yum

Yellowfin tuna, cooked table side 

Chicken teriyaki for Jan

The chocolate bomb, yes, irs the bomb

Hawaii - October 6, 2025.

🌺 A Brief History of Hawai‘i: From Ancient Voyagers to the 50th State

Hawai‘i’s story is as rich and dynamic as its volcanic landscape. Long before it became the 50th state of the United States, it was home to a thriving Polynesian culture that sailed thousands of miles across the Pacific to settle these lush islands.

🌊 Ancient Roots

Around 1,500 years ago, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands navigated by stars and ocean swells to reach Hawai‘i. Later, settlers from Tahiti brought new customs and beliefs, forming the basis of Hawaiian culture, including a complex kapu (taboo) system and ali‘i (chief) rule.

🏯 The Rise of a Kingdom

In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to set foot in Hawai‘i, marking the beginning of major changes. Within a few decades, King Kamehameha I used diplomacy and warfare to unite the islands under one rule in 1810, establishing the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

✝️ Missionaries & Monarchy

The 1800s brought waves of Christian missionaries, Western education, and growing economic interests—especially in sugarcane. Over time, foreign influence grew, and American and European business interests began to dominate the islands’ economy and politics.

💥 Overthrow & Annexation

In 1893, Queen Liliʻuokalani—the last reigning monarch—was overthrown in a coup backed by American residents and supported by U.S. Marines. Despite native resistance and petitions, the U.S. annexed Hawai‘i in 1898, and it became a U.S. territory.

🌺 Statehood and Today

Hawai‘i became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959. Today, it stands as a vibrant multicultural society, proud of its Native Hawaiian heritage while also reflecting influences from Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

Hawai‘i’s history is more than a timeline—it’s a story of resilience, identity, and cultural survival. The echoes of ancient chants and royal legacies continue to shape its present and future.

At Sea – October 3–5, 2025

Calm Waters, Grand Events & Unforgettable Moments

After a few more wonderful and relatively calm days at sea, our journey aboard the Zaandam continues to impress and delight. The ocean has been kind, the skies bright, and the ship bustling with activity — enough to keep everyone thoroughly entertained and engaged. Among the many happenings onboard, two standout events truly made these days memorable: the Captain’s Ball and the Koningstafel Specialty Dinner.

✨ The Captain’s Ball – A Night to Remember

Of all the elegant evenings we’ve enjoyed during our Grand and Legendary cruising days, this Captain’s Ball may just take the crown as the best attended and most lively of them all. We were fortunate to have our dear friend Tom Mullen join our table — a wonderful opportunity to catch up over an exquisite gala meal. Time slipped away, and before we knew it, we arrived at the Ball fashionably late… nearly 9:30 p.m.

Ordinarily, that would mean catching the tail end of the event — but not this time. Thanks to the brilliant planning of our cruise director, the festivities were just hitting their stride. In a stroke of genius, the scheduled band break was filled with a surprise appearance by the legendary Elliot Finkle, who jumped in right as we arrived and wowed the crowd with a few rocking tunes. His performance reignited the party, and both levels of the World Stage remained packed and buzzing until well after 10:30 p.m. Hats off to the organizers — this was a Captain’s Ball we won’t soon forget!

👑 The Koningstafel – A Royal Feast at Sea

The following evening brought a more intimate but equally spectacular experience: the Koningstafel, or King’s Table, known onboard as the Chef’s Table Dinner. This exclusive dining event — limited to just 12 guests — is reminiscent of a Michelin-starred restaurant at sea, and having attended a few in the past, we knew we were in for something special.

The evening began with a private reception, followed by a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour where we met the talented chefs who would soon be orchestrating our culinary journey. From there, we were escorted into the private King’s Room, a beautifully appointed space reserved for this occasion aboard the Zaandam.

What followed was more than a dinner — it was an experience. Over the course of three indulgent hours, we were treated to a masterfully crafted multi-course meal that highlighted the creativity, precision, and passion of the ship’s culinary team. The photos from the evening (included below) truly speak for themselves — each dish a work of art, each bite unforgettable.

As we now sail into Hawaiian waters, anticipation builds for our first port stop in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. From elegant evenings to exotic destinations, this cruise continues to surpass all expectations.

Stay tuned for more updates as we explore the Aloha State!

Private reception in the Ocean Bar.

Time for the kitchen tour.

Going through the many stations.

Executive Chef, Neil having some fun with our Cruise Director,Clare.

The Pastry station 

 

The Kings Room

Our maître d Karim (sp) and staff did a fantastic job.

As did Rod our wonderful Sommelier in pairing all our wines, Bravo.

A little treat when we returned to our stateroom. Nice touch.