So departure day today from the ship which is always sad. We've made some good friends this week and hopefully we stay in touch. It has really made the week. 7.30am breakfast and today they served the Hawaiian's favourite meal of Spam. Had to try it. It was cooked with eggs. Was OK. Nothing special but not that bad. I had images of it being congealed in some sort of jelly. The staff were then all called off the ship so we could say goodbye to them all as we departed. Carly, one of the housekeeping staff had one last gift for me when we said goodbye...two bananas. Most mornings I asked for one but they were always too green to serve. They finally ripened..on the day I didn't ask for one. This is the sort of crew you get on Uncruise...they remember what you like and don't like and nothing is too much hard work.

In vans to the local Hotel Molakai (the only hotel on the island) where they set up a hospitality tent for those leaving and those arriving. Our shuttle to the airport wasn't till 1.30pm so they arranged a shuttle to take us into town which we took advantage of. They had a Farmer's market on today which we checked out but an hour was plenty as there really isn't much in the town of Kaunakakai. Said our goodbyes to Bert, Kim, Selina and Ron as they were heading to the airport at 10am. It has been a fabulous week with them. Lots of laughs.

I then asked to see if it was possible to be taken up to see the sea cliffs which Molokai is famous for. One of the other passengers, Amy joined mum and I on the mini excursion with one of the drivers. I thought we would see more of the cliffs then what we did but what we did see was the town of Kalaupapa out on it's peninsular. Kalaupapa was a Leper's colony. Residents diagnosed with Leprosy were sent there back in the 1800's to early 1900's. Once more was known about the disease they were able to leave but for many this had been their life and there are less then 10 that still choose to live out their days here.

Very clear day but very windy and very cold up there on the lookout. It will be interesting to see what the state decides to do with the land once the last resident dies or moves out. It would make a great open air museum but a little difficult to get to. The only way to access the peninsular currently is either by plane, boat or a trail that has 26 switchbacks to get down or up.

Also at the lookout was a "Phallic" Rock which supposedly if women came and gave an offering and stayed the night, would find themselves pregnant when they leave. Our guide believes in it. She said her mum made her sit on it and then she found herself pregnant and she also said she had a friend who was having difficulty falling pregnant for years and after coming to the rock she then fell pregnant almost immediately. Unfortunately I don't think it is that simple. And yes, mum made me lean on it so she could take a photo.

Back to the hotel for a quick bite to eat, although we have eaten so much this week we could have skipped a meal quite easily. At least we didn't have dessert. We have had some great desserts this week made by the pastry chef on board.

Then it was time to say final goodbyes to those still on land and some of the staff. They had something wrong with the ship apparently so it had to pop across to Ohahu to get fixed so the people that were meant to be boarding tonight were going to stay at the hotel for the night but still do all the activities on Molokai. Not really missing a lot since the ship would have been at port for the night anyway.

We thought the airport at Molokai would be smaller then Kona and we weren't far off the mark although no thatched roofs this time. Not much there, wouldn't like to spend a few hours here killing time. Plane was only a small 50 seater and thankfully it was only a 25min crossing as we didn't go very high so it was quite bumpy. Glad to get back on land. Collected our bags, said goodbye to those who had been on the same flight and jumped in a taxi (limo) back to Waikiki. Collected the bags we left at the hotel last week and did a mini repack before heading down to the hot tub and cocktail hour. One last night in Hawaii and needed to make the most of it. Could easily do with a few more days to relax but real life calls.

After a quick shower, we headed out for some last minute shopping and dinner before finishing up the packing. Flight home tomorrow although relatively quick flight compared to some of our others over the past few years. Never fun to end a holiday but it has been fabulous. Another one for the memory banks.