Blogs from Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States, North America - page 8

Day 18 – Jan. 28, 2015 – Port of call: Honolulu, HI on the Island of O’Ahu – Weather forecast: mostly sunny – temperature: 75°F/24°C – actual 82°F/28°C – experienced foggy conditions in the higher regions of the island usually described as “vog” As we were docked here overnight departures for shore excursions today were moved on an hour later than yesterday. Still we opted for a wakeup call at 6:30 and breakfast delivered to our room at 7:00. Today we decided to take the shore excursion called: The Grand Circle Island Tour, which is expected to take approximately 8 hours. The official description calls for a 120-mile trip around the island, driving past majestic vistas, scenic shorelines, and world-famous surfing beaches. Drive to Pali lookout for awe-inspiring views of the windward coast. Visit the Byodo-In ... read more

Thursday, 15th January 2015 Hiking up Diamond Head State Monument was a fun thing for me to do in Hawaii other than visiting the beaches and war memorials. As someone of average fitness and who is not into trekking, I found the trail to be very manageable. I probably took about an hour to reach the summit from the starting point, reachable by a short bus ride from Waikiki Beach. I had to pay a small admission fee at the ticket booth before embarking on my climb. The well-managed trail was relatively easy to conquer even though I encountered a stretch of dark tunnels and steep stairways on my way to the top. The views of Waikiki from the summit were awesome. In fact, there were plenty of picture taking opportunities along the way which eventually ... read more

On a recent business trip to Japan, I was fortunate enough to have a long layover in Honolulu. I did not want to just sit in the airport, so off on an adventure I go. My first thought was to go to Pearl Harbor. I had heard and read about Pearl Harbor most of my life, and I wanted to see this place that is such a landmark of World War II. I take a cab to Pearl Harbor, and once I arrive, I am just thrilled to be there. The first thing I remember seeing was a sign welcoming you to Pearl Harbor. I am sure that on that day in 1941 that everything was just rocking right along, and then the catastrophe of war was upon them. As I checked my day bag I ... read more

Well the retreat is over. What an amazing experience. So blessed to have been able to come and meet the amazing women that were there and Karen Drucker. It had highs and struggles, but overall I am coming home a lot stronger and insightful. The retreat finished on Sunday morning at 9.30am, I had to have the car back by 11.30 so straight off to the airport I scuttled, thanks to the combined effort of Gerry GPS and myself , found the way and made it in good time. Checked the car in and wandered over to the shuttle bus stand and stood amongst the chickens to await the bus. There are bantam chooks all over Hawaii that just roam free, they are just about in pest proportions, even around the airport! 35 min flight and ... read more

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States Of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Naval and Air Forces of the Empire of Japan. It is obvious that planning the attack began many weeks ago, during the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American military forces, I regret to tell you that over three thousand American lives have been lost. No matter how long it may take us to over come this pre-meditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. Because of this unprovoked, dastardly attack by Japan, I ask that the congress ... read more