An Exhaustive Review of Our Exhausting Hawaiian Adventure

[kwbound]

Going out to Molokini they served breakfast muffins, fruit and pastries and juices. There may have been coffee too, but I’m not a coffee drinker so I’m not sure about that. The muffins were delicious. They were several different kinds. They were large and cut in quarters so you could try several types without getting whole muffins. As we were approaching Molokini one of the crew, Fred, gave a talk about snorkeling, how to fit your mask, etc. There were float belts available for those who wanted them. Once the ship was anchored people had the option of entering the water by using the stairs, sitting on the bottom and putting on your fins, which is what I did. Or they could jump of the side through an opened gate. DH took that option. There were several crew members sitting on boards in the water to answer any questions or help anyone who needed it. Fred dived down really deep and tried to get an octopus to come out of his hidey hole but I don’t think he ever did. I did see an arm snake out. Visibility was good and there were a lot of fish to see. As far as I know we could swim where ever in the crater that we wanted. If they told us to stay in a particular area, I missed that part of the talk. They did give us warnings about going too close to the outer areas of the crater, where waves wash around and you can run into a current. The crater is "C" shaped and we were anchored pretty much in the inside center of the "C", which I thought was best because that pretty much gave us the entire crater to explore. If we had been on one of the boats that was anchored on either side, I wouldn’t have wanted to go too far astray and that would have limited my snorkel area. One of the crew brought up a starfish that DFW got to hold. We had been told that we might see some small sharks, and I have friends who snorkeled the crater in August and saw sharks, but we didn’t, and that was ok with me.

 

Here are some photos from the crater:

 

Approaching the crater...lots of boats but when you're there it doesn't seem too crowded.

 

Water entry from the boat. I'm hidden by the boat infrastructure but I'm at the top of the left stairs with the blue snorkel and mask.

 

This is a bad picture but I'm including it because I know some people are interested in the water entry. That's some fluffy woman :rolleyes: sitting on the left stairs putting her flippers on. Then you just slide in the water. Or you can jump like it looks like the guy on the right is about to do.

 

 

Buddies!

 

 

Coming up: Hello Mr. Honu!

[kwbound]

Here is another picture of the boat taken from the water. You can see the gate on the side railing that some people jumped from.

 

I don’t remember exactly how long we were in the water at the crater but it was a pretty long time. A lot of the other boats had left the crater already and I think everyone was ready for a little break. There was a fresh water hose on the back of the boat that you could rinse off with if you wanted, or use to rinse of your equipment. They had put out an array of snacks that included pineapple, chips, dips and juices. It was those delicious Maui Style chips. Yum. We sat on the bench along the back of the boat behind the Capt to enjoy our snacks and the ride to see turtles. They put out fishing lines behind the boat while we were moving, but if they caught anything, I missed it. The Capt did say that they had caught a tuna on the morning trip.

 

Soon we pulled up to an area where they said they can usually find turtles, and sure enough there was a turtle. Some of the crew jumped in and looked around and gave the ok, so once again we were all getting in the water. And there he was, finally, the Honu I’ve been looking for. The naturalist from the boat said that this was not a Hawaiian green sea turtle, but a rare hawksbill turtle. She was very excited to see him. But he wasn’t a very social turtle, staying at the bottom most of the time, and it was pretty deep here, so he was pretty far away. The crew and some passengers including DH would dive down to get photos, but no way could I dive down that far (fluff floats!). So even though I was thrilled to see him and be in the same water with him, it wasn’t the turtle bonding experience I had hoped for. But I had more snorkeling opportunities coming up, so I was still hopeful! I was sure that the real Honu were somewhere waiting to see me and would be more social. And yeah! Here is a real Honu!!! Unfortunately he was pretty deep too. Tomorrow I’m going to get close to a turtle if I have to weight myself down with lava rocks!

 

Here are some pictures of Mr. Hawksbill and Mr. Honu:

 

 

This is Penguino. Our son won him for me at an arcade came at Universal Studios several years ago and now he travels with us. Silly I know but we like him.

 

When we got back on board they had lunch set out for us: sandwich fixings which included white or wheat bread or croissants, turkey or ham lunch meat, different sliced cheeses, tuna salad, potato salad, Cesar salad, more Maui Style chips (seriously, I’m going to have to order some of those chips!), pineapple, more muffins and cookies. I know there were juices, water and unlimited beer on tap or mai tais. I’m not sure if there were sodas, but I’m thinking there were. You could have as many drinks as you wanted, but you had to finish them before they beached the boat. Apparently Hawaii has very serious laws regarding alcohol on their beaches – it’s not allowed at all. The mai tai the Capt made me was very good. But one of the girls made my second one (don’t judge – they ware small!) and it was not good. So if you want a mai tai, see if you can get the Capt to make it.

 

All too soon we were back at the beach. The waves were a little higher than when we boarded, so if you didn’t feel comfortable carrying your stuff, if you were short or afraid of dropping it in the water, the crew would take it off for you. We didn’t have any problems handling our own things. Crew members stood on either side of the steps and would time the waves, telling you when to step off so that it was easiest. I didn’t see anyone have any problems. Our shoes were waiting for us on the lawn above the beach. We used the outdoor shower at the Makena resort’s pool to rinse the salt water off, and their pool restrooms, which are nice, to change into dry clothes. We made our way through the resort and waited in the lobby while DH went and got the car. Soon we were on the road to Lahaina.

 

If you are interested in snorkeling at Molokini crater I would definitely recommend the Kai Kanani. It was easy to get to from the ship. The catamaran was large and comfortable and rode smooth through the water. The were plenty of crew (7 I think) to help anyone that needed it. They anchored in a good location in the crater and the food was good. And the beach they are based at is just absolutely beautiful if you wanted to spend some time there relaxing after the trip. If you have any questions about the snorkel excursion, just let me know.

 

Coming up: Why didn’t I plan more time in Lahaina?!

[kwbound]

It was about a 45 minute drive to Lahaina. I have heard parking can be a problem in Lahaina but we didn't have any problems. When we got to Lahaina we stayed on Hwy 30 until we got to Papalaua St, where we turned left. Hilo Hatties is on the corner at the next intersection (Papalaua and Wainee St.) Just past Hatties you can turn right into the parking lot. Hatties will validate your parking ticket. Actually I think any shop in the center will validate. This was the first Hilo Hatties that we had been in and I was not that impressed. They do give everyone coming in the door a shell lei and there are samples. There prices weren't any better than I'd seen in other places. In fact we went in some of the other shops and saw some of the exact same clothing for less. I did buy another ornament, some Christmas cards and calendars for stocking stuffers. I had a coupon for a free sarong or mug with a $15 purchase. I took the sarong to give to my niece. Our travel agent had given us coupons for a free towel with a $30 purchase and DFW got that. It was an inexpensive, thin towel. After Hatties we wondered in a couple of the other shops and over to the Hard Rock Cafe. DH and I are Hard Rock fans. We try to collect pins and beach towels from Hard Rocks in all the places we visit. The Lahaina HR had a nice pin with a Honu on it, but unfortunately their beach towel was the same exact design as the one we got in Cozumel last year. We did get shirts for DH and our son. We enjoyed a drink while looking out at the water and had a nice visit with some of the other patrons. By the time we finished our drinks it was almost time to start back to the ship and we hadn't even gotten to walk down Front St. So we sent DH back to get the car, while DFW and I started off for a power walk down Front St. DFH would go with us and stay on the sidewalk so that when DH pulled up, DFH could pull us out of whatever shop we were in. We really didn't have any time to give any of the shops more than a quick look through the window. Before we knew it DH was pulling up and we were headed back to Kahului. If we ever make it back to Maui, we definitely want to spend more time in Lahaina.

 

There is another thread on the boards about shopping in Hawaii. It seems a lot of people are like me and collect Christmas ornaments on their travels. There was a shop there that had a display of scrimshaw ornaments. They were Hawaiian scenes carved on small gourds and they were lovely. I wish I had had time to pick one out.

 

Here are a couple of photos from Lahaina:

 

The view from our open air table at the Hard Rock Cafe.

 

Hi Hattie!

 

Coming up: Day 5 wrap up....

[vbmom87]

Thanks for the technical assistance!

 

You are very welcome. I consider each day a total success if I learn something new!!! I am glad I learned how to do the word link. That is very helpful.

 

The other thing I have using to create shorter links is the tiny url. http://tiny.cc/ . This website creates a smaller link for you.

[CruisingGoddess]

Awesome underwater photos!! :eek: We bought an underwater digital camera for this trip (Fujifilm FinePix XP10). Can't wait to see how snorkeling photos turn out!!

 

It was about a 45 minute drive to Lahaina. I have heard parking can be a problem in Lahaina but we didn't have any problems. When we got to Lahaina we stayed on Hwy 30 until we got to Papalaua St, where we turned left. Hilo Hatties is on the corner at the next intersection (Papalaua and Wainee St.) Just past Hatties you can turn right into the parking lot. Hatties will validate your parking ticket. Actually I think any shop in the center will validate.

 

Do you recall how far the Banyan Tree was from Hilo Hattie's? We really want to visit the Banyan Tree but not sure if it's a reasonable walk from this parking lot you mentioned.

 

Thanks again!

[kwbound]

Do you recall how far the Banyan Tree was from Hilo Hattie's? We really want to visit the Banyan Tree but not sure if it's a reasonable walk from this parking lot you mentioned.

 

Thanks again!

 

I think it is a reasonable walk. It is a short block from Hilo Hatties to Front St. From there you would go left and it is about 2.5 blocks down Front St. I don't think it would be more than 1/2 mile at most.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

9am-1pm Deluxe snorkel trip to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town on Kai Kanani catamaran. $103/pp. Includes continental breakfast, deli lunch, beers and mai tais. http://www.kaikanani.com/molokinisnorkel.asp

 

We picked them because they are so close to Molokini they don't have to leave as early to get there, so there is less transit time on the boat, and we didn't have to get up as early to make the trip as we would have for any of the others. If I had to do it again, I would just spend the rest of the afternoon at their beach once we got back.

Once again I am enjoying the review! I am interested in your snorkel tour. Is there shade on the deck? I am one of those interested in water entry (more water exit). The stairs look doable, but I think the ones on some of the other catamarans look even better. I will compare them all once again now that I have your picture.

 

I am glad you liked Lahaina. I am hoping to spend some time there. I hope I can find your Christmas Ornament store!

 

Select the word or words by highlighting it/them, then click the link symbol in the tools just above the message box, then enter your URL in the box that appears. I usually have another window open with the page I'm linking to, so I can just copy the URL from there and paste it in to the box.

 

For example, here are photos from the first half of our Hawaii cruise.

OK - I tried the way to described to do the word link, but do not see a link symbol above the message box. I use Google Chrome. Does that make a difference?:confused:

Edited October 29, 2010 by Sunny AZ Girl

[kwbound]

Once again I am enjoying the review! I am interested in your snorkel tour. Is there shade on the deck? I am one of those interested in water entry (more water exit). The stairs look doable, but I think the ones on some of the other catamarans look even better. I will compare them all once again now that I have your picture.

 

I am glad you liked Lahaina. I am hoping to spend some time there. I hope I can find your Christmas Ornament store!

 

OK - I tried the way to described to do the word link, but do not see a link symbol above the message box. I use Google Chrome. Does that make a difference?:confused:

 

There is some shade, but it is going to depend on whether or not they have the sail up, where the sun is and which direction you are going. We were in the shade when we were sitting on the bench that runs the width of the boat behind the Capt. There is plenty of room inside the cabin to sit out of the sun.

 

I don't know the name of the store with the ornament, but from the Hard Rock Cafe, you would go across the street, turn left and it would just be a very little ways down the block, if you get to the sea wall, you've passed it. It is on the ocean side of Front St.

[Iwannabeatraveler]

Gorgeous underwater photos- What camera did you use? I have not seen underwater photos without the blue haze...

[kwbound]

We left Lahaina about 3:50pm and I think it was about 5:15 when we boarded the ship. We took our bags to the rooms and made it back up to the Waikiki Bar, which is on the back of the ship for some outdoor sunset cocktails. We enjoyed the evening watching the sunset behind the mountains and the kayakers and windsurfers on the water. We could also see a line of traffic that looked like it was snaking back into Kahului from the Upcountry. We met a nice couple from Michigan who were staying in a suite. They had left their balcony door open the night before and a bird had flown in the room and settled under their desk. Guest services sent someone up to check it out and apparently it was some bird on the endangered species list and they had to call some specialist to come rescue the bird. Cynthia - if you are reading this, we enjoyed meeting you and hope you had a safe trip back to Michigan. We stayed on deck watching the ship leave Maui and head back towards The Big Island again. Here are some pictures:

 

 

 

 

We had dinner in the buffet again tonight. I have to apologize - on yesterday's wrap up I wrote that it was prime rib night in the buffet. But after thinking about it and reviewing the dailies, it was actually this night that we had prime rib in the buffet. It was the Tuesday night of the cruise.

 

Here are all of the Day 5 photos.

 

Coming up: Kona - Our Favorite Day....

[kwbound]

Gorgeous underwater photos- What camera did you use? I have not seen underwater photos without the blue haze...

 

The underwater photos and a lot of the land photos were taken with a Canon D10, which we love. For good underwater photos, it helps if you are close to the subject, the water is not very deep and the sun is bright overhead. I try to stay near the shallower parts of the reefs, without getting TOO close to the coral. I made the mistake of taking pictures of sea life and coral directly below me, and after looking at the photos I realized that I was actually blocking the sunlight and dulling the photos. So now I need to go back and apply my newfound knowledge!

Edited October 29, 2010 by kwbound

[sue402001]

I love your underwater pictures kwbound. If my Canon D10 takes those kind of pictures I'll be a very happy camper! :)

[kwbound]

I love your underwater pictures kwbound. If my Canon D10 takes those kind of pictures I'll be a very happy camper! :)

 

Thank you Sue. I need to add a small disclaimer. If you go to look at the album photos, some of those were taking with a Fuji disposable underwater camera. I think those are mostly some of the turtle pics and they do have a blue haze.

[CruisingGoddess]

I think it is a reasonable walk. It is a short block from Hilo Hatties to Front St. From there you would go left and it is about 2.5 blocks down Front St. I don't think it would be more than 1/2 mile at most.

 

Thanks for the quick response! Sounds great!

 

The underwater photos and a lot of the land photos were taken with a Canon D10, which we love. For good underwater photos, it helps if you are close to the subject, the water is not very deep and the sun is bright overhead. I try to stay near the shallower parts of the reefs, without getting TOO close to the coral. I made the mistake of taking pictures of sea life and coral directly below me, and after looking at the photos I realized that I was actually blocking the sunlight and dulling the photos. So now I need to go back and apply my newfound knowledge!

 

Thanks for this tip also! I've taken snorkeling photos a couple of times but I never thought of this! Good to know!

[riofriotex]

I tried the way to described to do the word link, but do not see a link symbol above the message box. I use Google Chrome. Does that make a difference?:confused:

 

Don't know if that makes any difference or not, Ginny, but FWIW I use Mozilla Firefox. There are all kinds of tools that pop up for editing text, inserting images, etc. above the message box; smilies to the right, and post icons below the message box.

[kwbound]

OK - I tried the way to described to do the word link, but do not see a link symbol above the message box. I use Google Chrome. Does that make a difference?:confused:

 

I also use Chrome. It is the icon above the text entry box that looks like a globe with a chain link in front of it. You have to highlight the text you want associated with the link first. That's what I was not doing when I couldn't figure it out.

[riofriotex]

It was about a 45 minute drive to Lahaina. I have heard parking can be a problem in Lahaina but we didn't have any problems. When we got to Lahaina we stayed on Hwy 30 until we got to Papalaua St, where we turned left. Hilo Hatties is on the corner at the next intersection (Papalaua and Wainee St.) Just past Hatties you can turn right into the parking lot. Hatties will validate your parking ticket. Actually I think any shop in the center will validate. This was the first Hilo Hatties that we had been in and I was not that impressed. They do give everyone coming in the door a shell lei and there are samples. There prices weren't any better than I'd seen in other places. In fact we went in some of the other shops and saw some of the exact same clothing for less. I did buy another ornament, some Christmas cards and calendars for stocking stuffers. I had a coupon for a free sarong or mug with a $15 purchase. I took the sarong to give to my niece. Our travel agent had given us coupons for a free towel with a $30 purchase and DFW got that. It was an inexpensive, thin towel. After Hatties we wondered in a couple of the other shops and over to the Hard Rock Cafe. DH and I are Hard Rock fans. We try to collect pins and beach towels from Hard Rocks in all the places we visit. The Lahaina HR had a nice pin with a Honu on it, but unfortunately their beach towel was the same exact design as the one we got in Cozumel last year. We did get shirts for DH and our son. We enjoyed a drink while looking out at the water and had a nice visit with some of the other patrons. By the time we finished our drinks it was almost time to start back to the ship and we hadn't even gotten to walk down Front St. So we sent DH back to get the car, while DFW and I started off for a power walk down Front St. DFH would go with us and stay on the sidewalk so that when DH pulled up, DFH could pull us out of whatever shop we were in. We really didn't have any time to give any of the shops more than a quick look through the window. Before we knew it DH was pulling up and we were headed back to Kahului. If we ever make it back to Maui, we definitely want to spend more time in Lahaina.

 

I'm thinking that if one skipped Hilo Hattie's and the Hard Rock Cafe, there would probably be more time to explore the stores along Front Street. ;)

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I also use Chrome. It is the icon above the text entry box that looks like a globe with a chain link in front of it. You have to highlight the text you want associated with the link first. That's what I was not doing when I couldn't figure it out.

I found the chain link, but all I get is the link itself. Grrrrr...... I guess I'll keep playing. I'll try highlighting the text.

 

 

Here is a link to my Webshots albums!

 

 

Yaaayyyyyyy!!!!! :D :D :D

Edited October 30, 2010 by Sunny AZ Girl

[kwbound]

I found the chain link, but all I get is the link itself. Grrrrr...... I guess I'll keep playing. I'll try highlighting the text.

 

 

Here is a link to my Webshots albums!

 

 

Yaaayyyyyyy!!!!! :D :D :D

 

 

Yay!!! Now tell us which album to go to and which picture to see you!

 

My review is past the halfway point now. My schedule is about to get KRAZY, so I'm hoping to finish up tonight, or at least by early tomorrow morning. I'll have about 5 hours today to type everything up, but no internet access, so posting will have to wait until I get home.

 

One exciting thing to look forward to: a picture of an actual Humuhumu-Nukunuku-Apua'a, also known as a Reef Trigger Fish, also known as the State Fish of Hawaii! I compared my Hawaiian Reef Creatures chart to all of our underwater photos and although some species were much more plentiful than others (Humuhumu-'Ele'ele or Black Durgon Triggerfish and Lau'i Pala or Yellow Tang were the most pentiful), we actually saw a pretty large number of different species.

 

More to come...

[kwbound]

Day 6 – Kona – Our Best Day

Our originally scheduled itinerary:

Wednesday, October 13 – Kona, The Big Island

7am Get off ship on earliest tender. Take taxi to SeaQuest Rafting – Mel’s Taxi reserved with Grace. $23-$25 to Keauhou Bay. Will be at pier at 7:15am. We should call if we will be later. 808-987-7254

8:15a-1:15p SeaQuest Rafting Snorkel – Expedition South Kona - $109/pp, includes snacks and lunch. Will snorkel at Kealakekua (Capt Cook’s Monument), Honaunau Bay (Place of Refuge) and a 3rd location. 45 min of snorkeling at each location. http://www.seaquesthawaii.com/Expedition_South_Kona.html

1:15-5pm Return to Kona and do walking tour. http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2010/05/22/content/visitors_guide/visitor02.txt Rick may want to do an open water swim where the triathlon is held, if it is allowed. We have to find him an Iron Man t-shirt. Also, the Kona Inn has a webcam. We can have a drink there and call the boys and tell them to look at the webcam. http://www.konaweb.com/index.shtml#WEBCAM

5pm Catch tender back to ship.

6pm Ship sails

 

What we actually did:

This was one of those rare, special days in life where everything goes just right, and in fact exceeds all planning and expectations. The more I remember this day and we talk about it, the more special it seems to me. Everyone we met that day just seemed nicer than need be, the weather could not have been more perfect, the food more delicious or the marine life more welcoming. We didn’t see any rainbows or unicorns, but neither would have surprised me! I expected the reef fish to start swimming around me and singing a show tune at any second. (I may have watched too many Disney movies as a child!) If we ever go back to Hawaii, we will definitely go to Kona.

 

We went down at 6:45 to get tender tickets and there were only 4 people there in front of us, so we had no trouble at all getting on the first tender. The ride to the pier was quick and smooth. There are taxis there waiting for people who need them. I had pre-arranged taxi service with Mel’s Taxi. The ride to SeaQuest’s office at Keauhou Bay was about 15-20 minutes. We were there early, so we walked around and explored a little bit. Keauhou is both the birthplace and burial site of King Kamehameha III and I think the King was smiling on us today.

 

Memorials to the King:

 

 

 

Our boat was crewed by Capt Kyle and Abby. It was rated for 20 people but there were just 13 on our trip, 8 from the POA. Capt Kyle is originally from Texas. I was a little nervous about taking a tour on this type of boat, instead of a catamaran but it was fine. There was a bench seat up front that would seat 2. In the middle was a large dry well to store all of our bags. It was covered by a cushioned seat and at least 4 people could set here. This was my seat for most of the trip. Behind this was the Capt’s area. Between my seat and the Capt’s console was a raised area about 3’ sq that all of the food would be laid out on. . Behind the Capt’s area was Abby’s area. Abby kept everyone’s gear in order, and was also responsible for the food I think. I never saw where they kept all of the food and drinks, they were just magically out for us when we would get out of the water.

 

Here is a picture of the boat:

 

 

Coming up: WHALES!! (Ok, they were pilot whales, not humpbacks, but still....)

[kwbound]

Capt Kyle is very engaging, entertaining and informative. He is a very good host, and not bad to look at either. Once we were out of the bay he pointed out our ship in the distance. He would ask everyone their names, where there were from, what they did, etc. Like any good host, he made everyone feel comfortable and facilitated people talking to each other.

 

We hadn’t been on the water very long when he slowed the boat to a stop. I was wondering what was wrong and he calmly says, “There are some pilot whales right over there.” It was so exciting. I can’t imagine how exciting it must be to see the humpbacks. There were quite a few whales. They didn’t seem to have any fear of us at all. (Duh – They’re WHALES!) It seemed like they were just kind of casually hanging out, in no hurry to get anywhere or anything. Sometimes they would blow and we would all cheer and point like that was some kind of special whale behavior. (OK – it might just have been me that was cheering, but I’m pretty sure some of the others were too.) The whales were probably rolling their eyes at each other and saying “Stupid tourists!” Some of them swam under the boat. DH leaned all the way over and into the water and BFH held onto his legs to get some underwater pictures of them:

 

 

 

Here they are on top of the water:

 

 

The whale is blowing! Yay!!!

 

Coming up: Honauanau Bay (Place of Refuge)...

[grenouille123]

Wow, your photos are amazing! I am loving your day in Kona so far!

 

Thanks so much for your review. We're going on the POA in December - can't wait!

[kwbound]

Wow, your photos are amazing! I am loving your day in Kona so far!

 

Thanks so much for your review. We're going on the POA in December - can't wait!

 

Glad you are enjoying the review. I'm jealous you are going in Dec. I'm sure you'll get to see the humpbacks.

[kwbound]

We had to leave the whales after a while to continue our journey but we saw more on the way to our first stop which was Honauanau Bay (Place of Refuge). The snorkeling was FABULOUS. Much better than Molokini Crater where we had snorkeled the day before. The photos do not do it justice. The fish were amazing, the coral was beautiful. The coral rose and fell in peaks and valleys so there were lots of interesting places to explore. Everyone who had snorkeled Molokini agreed that this was better. Also, some people had snorkeled Hanauma Bay in Oahu and they thought this was better than that also. Here are some photos:

 

 

 

 

Humuhumu-Nukunuku-Apua'a (Reef Triggerfish) - Hawai'i State Fish

 

When we got back on board there were snacks, water and juices waiting for us. They had prepared each of us a little fish-shaped wooden bowl filled with pineapple, papaya and fresh lime slices to squeeze on the papaya. They looked beautiful and tasted delicious and refreshing. They also gave each of the ladies a little fish on a stick made out of woven palm fronds. Neither of ours would make it home (more on that later), but I found instructions for making them on the internet and I have some palm trees so I’m going to try to make a replacement for my scrapbook.

 

Coming up: Turtle Bonding!

[scrappydoo]

kwbound, i am loooooving your review!! those pictures of the pilot whales and snorkeling are breathtaking. i cannot wait for the next installment (on the edge of my seat)!

 

thank you for posting amidst your busy schedule! mahalo! :)