Day 3- Hawaii Recap

(PART 1 of Day 3 )

Day 3 (Saturday) of Hawaii was extremely busy!

I planned for us to go to Pearl Harbor & we were boarding our ship this day.

I just could NOT fathom going all the way to Hawaii & 

not seeing Pearl Harbor! 

Again, we booked this ourselves & not through the cruise ship.

We used the official Pearl Harbor Tour Site.

There are several options to choose from, but due to time constraints, 

we went with "Pearl Harbor & Historic Honolulu City Tour" which was 

only $39.99 per person. Plus it included a shuttle pick up & drop off from our hotel.

Keep in mind when going to Pearl Harbor, you can't take any backpacks, purses, or camera bags.

The shuttle people will let you leave your stuff on the shuttle though so I would

recommend putting a lock on your stuff if you do decide to take a bag.

No one can get on the bus before you so you don't have to worry about that.

Upon entry into Pearl Harbor we discovered they provide the tour in different languages.

I thought this was SO amazing especially since my mom is Korean.

We were able to rent her a little headset that described everything to her in Korean.

They had several languages available.

Visiting Pearl Harbor just  really renews your pride in being American.

If you look real close, that round white "ball" looking item in the back is our new radar that

can detect a baseball being hit in the air over 300 miles away! 

No more attacks on Pearl Harbor!

This shot was taken from the shuttle boat that transported us to the actual Memorial.

 

Did you know that soldiers who fought during Pearl Harbor & lived, can actually have their bodies entombed in the USS Arizona when they die?

 Oil is still leaking from the USS Arizona!

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Looking down at the USS Arizona.

After we left the Memorial we headed back to the gift shop to get some souvenirs.

They had everything from shirts to art work.

 After Pearl Harbor, our group hopped back on the shuttle to visit a few more locations.

First stop was the Aliiolani Hale.

Statue of King Kamehameha!

One of the most photographed buildings in Hawaii!

 Below is Kawaiahao Church.

It was Hawaii's first permanent church!

This is Washington Place which is the former home of 

Capt. John Dominis and later Queen Lili‛uokalani.

The history on this place is interesting!

 On the way to Punchbowl Cemetery we passed Dog the Bounty Hunter's Bond Company.

 Finally we took a drive through Punchbowl Cemetery.

I took these pics from the shuttle so they're not that great.

 After this tour we were then dropped off at our hotel.

We had to take the rental car back and catch a cab to the port to

board our ship!

Day 2 Hawaii Recap

*3 months later I know, but better late than never*

I journaled each day we were in Hawaii, and thank God I did because

although I would like to think I have a great memory, I actually don't.

 So on on day 2 in Hawaii (Friday), I woke up at 7am (which is 1 pm est).

We still had the rental car so the plan was to go to the Alhoa Stadium Swap Meet.

Unfortunately, I didn't check the schedule so when we go there, it was closed.

I heard this is a great place to buy souvenirs, so if you plan to go, 

make sure to check their schedule!

So since we had about 2 hours to kill we decided to so some shopping.

We headed down to the shopping area near our next excursion- 

the catamaran cruise I booked for us. 

I booked our catamaran sail via Groupon with Makani Catamaran.

I highly recommend using sites like Groupon & Living Social 

when traveling because you can find some amazing deals.

 

 A few snapshots before we set sail:

The birthday girl!

Me, Mom, & Brother

Me & Hubby (omg my legs are whiter than the clouds! EW!)

Silly lol

 If you watch Whale Wars then you'll appreciate this photo!

The real Sea Shepherd!

Our catamaran

I recommend packing some snacks, a lunch, or even bringing some to-go 

food if you take this sail. They did have snacks & drinks for sale but as always,

it will be much cheaper if you bring your own.

Is this gorgeous or what!?

Our view as we set sail!

People surfing nearby:

Good times!

We came across a group of Spinner Dolphins!

There were probably about 30+ dolphins just spinning & jumping out of the water.

We then went out close to Diamond Head.

I wish we have actually drove here but this was good enough for now!

Beautiful!

On the way back, hubby & brother took a nap.

Hubs got a little sea sick.

I definitely recommend buying Ginger Gum!

Before we left for Hawaii, I stocked up on Ginger Gum, Dramamine, Tums,

Excedrin,  & Pepto. Ya just never know when you're gonna feel sick

& I the cost was much cheaper buying this stuff before we left vs when we go there.

Taking a nap (Yes, while holding a cup in his hand! Ha!)

Once we got back to land, we headed to a nearby park.

My mom is obsessed with Hawaii's trees.

I have to admit I kinda feel in love with the foliage myself.

Beautiful Tree!

 The most amazing trees I've ever seen!

They're called Banyan Trees.

Later on in the evening my brother had arranged a dinner with someone we 

work with that happens to live in Honolulu.

He took us out to eat at a cool burger joint overlooking downtown Honolulu.

After dinner we walked to a resort on the beach that was filled 

with shops and music. 

The nightlife in Honolulu is fabulous!

There is truly something to do for everyone.

I think we did the "hang ten" sign in every picture possible! lol

 Oh how I love (& miss) Hawaii!