"Day 0" represents all days leading up to day number 1, which is the day we actually leave port and begin our cruise. 

Since the cruse participants were flying in from all over the world, we met at the University of Hawaii where we stayed overnight before flying to Pago Pago.  The flight to Pago Pago, Samoa, leaves once every three days, so missing it would be unfortunate. Once introductions had been made, the group decided to take the Number 4 bus to Waikiki where we had heard there was good food.  Unfortunately the bus never came. We decided to walk, but we had only traveled a short distance before we decided to have the local Chinese food. The food was excellent and everyone had a chance to grab whatever they wanted when it came around on the lazy-Susan in the middle of the table. 

The next day we piled into the two rented mini-vans and drove east (counter clockwise) around the island in search of snorkeling spots, but all we found was rain. The water was warm, but we were thrashed by the surf breaking on the beach. Some of us tried to bodysurf and only ended up getting slammed into the coral-sand beach.  Back at the airport, we were amazed at the massive amount of luggage which the returning Samoan’s were bringing with them.  The plane did manage to takeoff though, and we arrived in Pago Pago six hours later.  Three taxies proved sufficient to take 13 people and their luggage to Evelanie’s (the hotel where we stayed overnight) though it was a tight fit.

After a breakfast of deep-fried dough balls we explored the local area. It was extremely hot and muggy and we were forced to stop at a market for water. Upon returning to the hotel we loaded our stuff into taxies and walked or rode the busses to the dock where we moved into our quarters in our various cabins on the Kilo Moana. We were able to tour the R/V KOK of the University of Hawaii and get a good look at the submersibles onboard. Following that, we took the local busses to Tisa’s Barefoot Bar where we went snorkeling and tried the excellent drinks made by Candyman, the Australian bartender.

Then next day we explored the ship, set up computers, and made preparations for the cruise. In the evening people dispersed to either the Yacht Club or Tisa’s. The power generators for that side of the island were out, so we ate by lantern-light and watched the massive (2 foot wingspan) fruit bats fly by. Returning to the boat at various times, we prepared for tomorrow, the first day of our cruise.   

Blake English onboard the R/V Kilo Moana.