On August 7, 2008, we drove to Kihei's boat ramp to wait for our raft trip to begin. After divvying up the passengers between the three rafts, we climbed aboard our boat, the Pineapple Express, with Devin. Devin was Capt. Brian's crew for the trip. Devin also has a Ph.D in English but decided he'd rather crew than "see another essay." We're glad he did!
The boats are firm bottomed but have inflated pontoons around the edge. Most people sat on these, holding on to ropes like reins. My 11 year old thought it was greatest thing when we started hitting the waves. And when there weren't waves, Capt. Brian would announce that we needed to check the steering and take us in circles so we could fly over our own wake. Or he'd cross the wake of another Blue Water Rafting vessel. It was some serious fun!
We all got very splashed (bring a waterproof camera!) and very wet (bring some WARM dry clothing!) and very hungry. Blue Water Rafting provided the lunch. It was delicious. We each made a sandwich (or two) from the sliced turkey or ham and added our favorite fixings. There was plenty of fresh pineapple and juices or water.
We stopped in several places to snorkel. For those of us who needed a little extra help, flotation devices were provided. How remarkable it was to put on snorkel and fins and see the fish and turtles come right up close.
Capt. Brian showed us different lava flow areas, told us about their ages and the creation of the island. At one spot, we watched waves crashing in a lava cave and turning to spray. Imagine our surprise when he actually backed the boat into the cave and we waited to be caught by a wave! Lots of squealing and laughing and shivering until we were under way again and the sun dried us out.
Capt. Brian and Devin were entertaining, interspersing their island lore with the corniest jokes. The captain brought his Ipod along and would play great rock and roll songs as he'd take us surging through the waves to each new spot. It was great having our own theme music playing!
When we came back to the boat ramp, they gave us the bread left over from lunch to feed the birds. Sparrows flew right to our hands, landing briefly before taking off with their own lunch. What a perfect ending!
Blue Water Rafting was very safe, exciting fun. We can't wait to do it again!