Aloha Hawaii - First port is Honolulu

After 5 days at sea we finally made it to Hawaii with our first port stop Honolulu. The weather had clear skies with some overcast clouds but it was a comfortable 25C with some humidity but much better than the temperature at home.

Honolulu is home to half a million people and the island has a wealth of cultural, scenic and historic attractions. Waikiki and Diamond Head are two of the city's enduring symbols. Pearl Harbour, the site of the USS Arizona Memorial and the "Punchbowl" are reminders of the tragic events of December 7, 1941 when the Japanese surprise attack on Pear Harbour forced America into World War II. The Punchbowl Crater is an extinct volcanic tuff cone and is the location of the National Memorial Cemetery. A tuff cone is a volcanic activity, formed by explosive eruptions of hot lava through coral reefs. 

Honolulu is also home to the historic Iotani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii's last royals. There are also Tropical Rain Forests, the Pali Lookout and the North Shore known for its surfing beaches. Honolulu's appeal ranges from magnificent beaches, countless well stocked shops, tempting restaurants and a multitude of historic cultural and scenic attractions. The most popular attraction being homeless roosters.

Today we decided, along with another couple from the ship, to take the city bus and go to the Elks Lodge as our new friends were members at that club. The lodge was located on the beach front close to Diamond Head and it offered lots of convenience for members and guests. We enjoyed a "few" beverages as well as a healthy lunch.

After spending time at the Elk Lodge we Uber'd back to the Waikiki area as our friend Pauly wanted to purchase a Ukulele, and we found a store with lots for sale. Finally he decided on the one that fit his hand and preference.

The walk through the bustling city was very different from when we were last here. So many high rise buildings now, and most of the small kiosks in the International Market area are now gone and replaced with Gucci, Chanel and others. Gone are the fun spots. In are the big money makers !

After walking the town we went to Duke's Barefoot Bar and Restaurant for some brews and to relax at a famous bar situated right on Waikiki beach. The place was buzzing and the beach was full of both swimmers, loungers, and surfers.

The restaurant is named after Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku, born in 1890, and was a Hawaiian competition swimmer, lifeguard, and popularizer of the sport of surfing. He was the world record holder of the 100-meters free style in swimming and was a five-time Olympic medalist winning medals in  1912, 1920 and 1924. He was actually named Duke and remembered for surfing.

His original wood surf board is still mounted in the Duke Restaurant in Honolulu.

As the ship left Honolulu I managed to get an evening photos of the city. It was a fun day in the city of Honolulu.

Tomorrow we are in the port of Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai.