Selected Topics in Family Medicine, Women's Health, Vascular Medicine, and Phlebology

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii - Combine the languid allure of the tropics with big-city sophistication, then add the spirit of aloha, and you've got Honolulu. This Pacific crossroads offers a profound day of discovery, perfectly balancing historical reflection with natural splendor. A visit to Pearl Harbor is an essential, moving experience, offering a solemn look into a pivotal moment in world history at the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri. For a change of pace and perspective, consider the rewarding hike up Diamond Head (Lēʻahi). The panoramic views of the coastline and the turquoise ocean from the summit are an unforgettable reward for your efforts. Of course, no visit is complete without experiencing fabled Waikiki Beach. Beyond the sunbathers, you can try a beginner's surf lesson on its gentle waves or simply stroll along the shore as pink sunsets begin to cast their magical glow. For a deeper dive into Hawaiian heritage, explore the meticulously restored Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States, which offers a unique glimpse into the island's sovereign past. Between these iconic sites, immerse yourself in the local culture by savoring a fresh poke bowl or a classic plate lunch from a neighborhood eatery. In Honolulu, the air, blanketed in the heady fragrance of gardenias and jasmine, invites you to relax, reflect, and recharge.

Kahului, Maui, Hawaii - Kahului serves as the practical gateway to the legendary landscapes of Maui. While the port itself is industrial, it is the starting point for some of Hawaii's most profound natural experiences. Your day here is a matter of choosing a direction, as the island’s diverse regions offer distinctly different adventures. For a truly immersive, full-day commitment, two iconic journeys beckon. The Road to Hana is a winding, 64-mile drive through a lush rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs—an experience more about the journey than the destination. Alternatively, ascend to the summit of Haleakalā, the "House of the Sun." This dormant volcano offers an otherworldly, cloud-level perspective of a vast crater, a stark and beautiful landscape unlike any other. Due to their length and complexity, pre-arranged tours are the most efficient way to experience these wonders from a cruise ship. For a less demanding but equally rewarding day, explore the Iao Valley State Monument, a sacred and verdant valley featuring the iconic Kīpuka Puaulu (Iao Needle). Nearby, the bohemian surf town of Paia offers unique shops and a relaxed vibe, while further upcountry, Makawao provides a glimpse into Maui's paniolo (cowboy) heritage with its charming boutiques and galleries. The North Shore's Ho'okipa Beach is a fantastic spot to watch world-class windsurfers and spot green sea turtles resting on the sand. Please be mindful that West Maui, including the historic town of Lahaina, is in a long-term recovery phase following the 2023 wildfires. Visitors are encouraged to explore the many other beautiful and welcoming areas of the island.

Hilo, Hawaii Island - Hilo offers a glimpse into the untamed, elemental side of Hawaii, a world away from manicured resorts. As the island's lush, rain-fed capital, it serves as the primary gateway to the geological marvel of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. A visit here is the undisputed main event, but requires commitment: it's a 45- to 60-minute drive each way. Once there, you can walk through the otherworldly Thurston Lava Tube, witness steam billowing from volcanic vents, and gaze into the immense Kīlauea caldera. It is essential to set expectations: visible lava flows are rare and unpredictable, but the raw power of the landscape is always palpable. For those seeking a less time-intensive day, Hilo’s immediate surroundings are rich with natural beauty. Just minutes from the port, Rainbow Falls offers a lovely and accessible viewpoint. For a more dramatic experience, a short drive north leads to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where a towering waterfall plunges into a gorge. The region is also home to world-class botanical gardens, such as the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, which showcases the area's incredible biodiversity. Downtown Hilo itself is not a polished tourist hub but an authentic, historic town with a celebrated farmers market and the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens. A day in Hilo is best spent choosing one key adventure: the epic journey to the volcano or a deeper exploration of the waterfalls and gardens closer to port.

Kona, Hawaii Island - Kona offers a genuine taste of old Hawaii, distinct from the state's more modern resort centers. As a tender port, you arrive directly into the heart of the walkable seaside town of Kailua-Kona. While the town itself has its charms, including the historic Huliheʻe Palace and Mokuʻaikaua Church, Kona’s most profound experiences lie along its sun-drenched coast and in the cool uplands. The region is, of course, synonymous with coffee. A short drive or tour into the hills of Holualoa reveals the Kona Coffee Belt, where numerous small, family-run farms welcome visitors. Here, you can walk through the coffee groves, learn about the bean-to-cup process, and sample some of the world's most prized coffee at its source. This is an authentic agricultural and culinary experience. For a deep dive into Hawaiian culture, nothing compares to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, about a 45-minute drive south. This beautifully restored royal compound and sacred place of refuge offers a powerful, tangible connection to the island’s past. It is a quiet, spiritual place that rewards thoughtful exploration. Water activities are centered around Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine life conservation district with exceptional snorkeling and diving. The bay is also the historic site where Captain James Cook was killed. Accessing the best snorkeling spots typically requires a boat tour, which is well worth the effort for the clarity of the water and abundance of marine life. Kona provides a compelling blend of significant history, world-class agriculture, and natural beauty, best accessed with a pre-arranged tour or rental car.

Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii - Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest and most dramatic island, a landscape defined by staggering natural beauty rather than sprawling resorts. The port at Nawiliwili is the gateway to this 'Garden Isle,' though its greatest treasures require a journey inland or along its famed coastline. Two experiences define Kauai's epic scale. The first is Waimea Canyon, a massive, 14-mile-long chasm often called the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' Its deep, crimson-rock gorges striated with lush green foliage create a spectacle of color and depth that is truly breathtaking from its numerous roadside lookouts. The second is the legendary Na Pali Coast, a sacred and inaccessible stretch of coastline where sheer, emerald-green cliffs, fluted by time and waterfalls, drop thousands of feet to the ocean. As it is unreachable by car, the only ways to witness its majesty are via a dramatic helicopter flight or a rugged boat tour along its base. For those seeking more accessible beauty, the Wailua River Valley offers gentle kayaking excursions to the Fern Grotto and easy access to the impressive Wailua and Opaekaa Falls. On the island's sunnier south side, Poipu Beach provides a classic Hawaiian beach day, with golden sands, calm waters for snorkeling, and frequent sightings of resting green sea turtles. A pre-booked rental car or a well-chosen tour is essential. The island’s wonders are spread out, and planning ahead is the key to experiencing the profound beauty of Kauai.

At Sea - Cruising