Barely do my legs remember how to work after the flight from Honolulu, not to mention dizzy from lack of any good sleep, and here I am right back on another plane hopping to Kansas City. Almost home...
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Last Day in Hawaii
After a morning spent browsing the bazaar and spending my last remaining hours in Waikiki at the beach, I wandered over to my airport pickup location and got to sit shotgun in the shuttle as I was once again singular in company. The shuttle driver was very nice and regaled me with local trivia and tales of living in Hawaii, as well as gave me a last opportunity to get a photo of the capitol building and eternal flame in Honolulu while he was taking care of a short bit of personal business for his girlfriend.
Inexorably though, I wound up at the airport. It was fortunately fast and easy to check in and get through security, after which my remaining time in Hawaii has been spent browsing the duty-free shops. Now I sit and await boarding for my flight, 8 hours to Chicago first, and counting the reasons to stay ;-)
Ah-well. Mahalo and aloha, Hawai'i. May we meet again soon.
Inexorably though, I wound up at the airport. It was fortunately fast and easy to check in and get through security, after which my remaining time in Hawaii has been spent browsing the duty-free shops. Now I sit and await boarding for my flight, 8 hours to Chicago first, and counting the reasons to stay ;-)
Ah-well. Mahalo and aloha, Hawai'i. May we meet again soon.
Samoan Fire Knife Dance
Oh yah, I almost forgot, even after fighting to get it to upload to YouTube through my anemic bandwidth on this cellular modem... here is footage of the Samoan fire knife dance that topped off last night's luau. A small taste of something you really must experience first-hand!
Polynesian Sunset Dinner Cruise
If I were doing this all over again, I think I would take the cruise before participating in the luau. While the entertainment on the cruise was still enjoyable, the single musician and pair of dancers on the Starlet could not compare to the spectacle of last night. This, touched with the inevitable melancholy of an adventure coming to a close, left me feeling bittersweet most of the evening. The three-course dinner with an entree of steak and chicken was passable, nothing stood out to me there either. However, the view from out in the ocean was definitely the highlight of the evening. Heavy clouds loomed purple and shadowy over the mountains and coastline, and once the sun began to set the colors in the sky and water became ever-fascinating. I believe this is the first time I have watched and witnessed the full progression as the sun slips down below an ocean horizon, dwindling from a brilliant golden orb to the merest pinprick of light before all that remains is a faint yellow aura of its existence beyond the curve. Truly breath-taking.
With half of the cruise ship's tables empty, it was hard for the emcee to drum up a party as seemed typical for the agenda, but after our hula dancers went through the various island styles, the evening came to a close with part of the crowd out on the dance floor doing the Love Train, YMCA, Macarena, and the Electric Slide. Yes, folks, it was certainly a sight to behold ;-)
In the end, I go to bed tonight content. I came to Hawaii to experience something new, and I have certainly achieved that goal many times over. Life is a journey of discovery, about oneself, the world around us, and the world beyond what we can imagine. I have learned much in each of these regards during my brief Polynesian sojourn, and look forward to the day I can return for more.
With half of the cruise ship's tables empty, it was hard for the emcee to drum up a party as seemed typical for the agenda, but after our hula dancers went through the various island styles, the evening came to a close with part of the crowd out on the dance floor doing the Love Train, YMCA, Macarena, and the Electric Slide. Yes, folks, it was certainly a sight to behold ;-)
In the end, I go to bed tonight content. I came to Hawaii to experience something new, and I have certainly achieved that goal many times over. Life is a journey of discovery, about oneself, the world around us, and the world beyond what we can imagine. I have learned much in each of these regards during my brief Polynesian sojourn, and look forward to the day I can return for more.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Aerial Glider Ride in Haleiwa
OK, so THIS is now officially the best and most exhilerating experience I have had in Hawaii so far :-)
It took an hour of driving to get to Haleiwa where the glider air field is located, but that gave me the opportunity to take in some of the inland scenery. We took the highway straight through both of the mountain ranges on Oahu, giving me excellent views of the ridges.
Upon arriving and checking in with the very personable (and attractive) receptionist, I got a pleasant surprise: since I had booked a 30 minute excursion but there are really only enough sights for 20 minutes, as part of the same cost they threw in some hands-on flight training! Ten minutes later I met my pilot/instructor Scott and we got towed into the air in an orange and yellow glider dubbed the Bird of Paradise. After pointing out the major landmarks, including the highest peak on Oahu, Scott turned the controls over to me (sans rudder) and with only minor instruction I spent the next twenty minutes banking and leveling my way along the coast and mountain ridge. Scott complimented me on my smooth maneuvering and even suggested I look into getting my glider license :-)
Yes, Nate, this time I avoided trying to pull an Immelman Turn, after our last experience stuck upside down in the flight simulator in Seattle ;-)
I am definitely glad I chose the glider instead of the helicopter, besides getting to pilot the craft it was incredibly peaceful up there, and you really felt the tangible reality of soaring on a cushion on air. Certainly a recommended experience for anyone looking to have a little additional adventure on their island getaway.
On the long road back to Waikiki now, just lunch and more relaxation on the beach before my Polynesian sunset dinner cruise tonight.
It took an hour of driving to get to Haleiwa where the glider air field is located, but that gave me the opportunity to take in some of the inland scenery. We took the highway straight through both of the mountain ranges on Oahu, giving me excellent views of the ridges.
Upon arriving and checking in with the very personable (and attractive) receptionist, I got a pleasant surprise: since I had booked a 30 minute excursion but there are really only enough sights for 20 minutes, as part of the same cost they threw in some hands-on flight training! Ten minutes later I met my pilot/instructor Scott and we got towed into the air in an orange and yellow glider dubbed the Bird of Paradise. After pointing out the major landmarks, including the highest peak on Oahu, Scott turned the controls over to me (sans rudder) and with only minor instruction I spent the next twenty minutes banking and leveling my way along the coast and mountain ridge. Scott complimented me on my smooth maneuvering and even suggested I look into getting my glider license :-)
Yes, Nate, this time I avoided trying to pull an Immelman Turn, after our last experience stuck upside down in the flight simulator in Seattle ;-)
I am definitely glad I chose the glider instead of the helicopter, besides getting to pilot the craft it was incredibly peaceful up there, and you really felt the tangible reality of soaring on a cushion on air. Certainly a recommended experience for anyone looking to have a little additional adventure on their island getaway.
On the long road back to Waikiki now, just lunch and more relaxation on the beach before my Polynesian sunset dinner cruise tonight.
Facebook <-> Blogger
This morning while waiting for YouTube to upload I decided to see if I could improve the confluence of my online presence and hook my blog into Facebook. So now, whenever I write in my blog, Facebook monitors it each hour and posts a corresponding Note in my profile. Isn't technology grand?
Waikiki Starlight Luau
My sister's fiancee's parents said, when I met them the weekend before last, not to miss a luau on my trip to Hawaii... and boy were they right! For a whim choice when I found the flyer in my hotel room, I am truly glad I took the opportunity to experience the Hilton Hawaiian's Waikiki Starlight Luau, in fact it may be my favorite experience in Hawaii yet!
All the participants met at a designated spot in the resort, where they were greeted by a Polynesian dancer and escorted up to the convention center rooftop plaza. While awaiting the traditional Polynesian buffet to be ready for our grazing, we were encouraged to wander around and explore the various booths where native woodcarving, hula implement demonstrations, and sundry other craft-work were being displayed. Then, our enigmatic host took the stage and gave us all a quick lesson in hula dancing and divided us into "villages" from which a chief was picked to compete in a humorous conch shell blowing competition. Soon after, the buffet lines were opened for our dining pleasure. Three styles of Polynesian cooking were at hand, and although I can't remember all their names I do remember the most important: kalua, which uses an underground oven to cook very tender meat, usually a pig. I can attest to its excellent flavor and texture.
After we feasted to our palate's content, the real fun began, embodied in a tour of Polynesian island dances, featuring the very lovely hula girls and their four male counterparts. I must take a moment to speak my heart about the one they called Ilikeani, who is unequivocally the most beautiful wahine I've ever had the fortune to witness, perhaps even the most beautiful woman anywhere. I am certain I am not the first man to believe he needs to move to Hawaii, in hopes of meeting such a woman some day :-)
At one point in the evening I even found myself whisked onto the stage by one of these entrancing women to participate in a brief tonga dance lesson and competition. Yes, somewhere out there I am sure there is a photo or home video footage of me shaking my hips in Polynesian style ;-)
The most impressive dance came at the end of the luau, when four Samoan fire knife dancers came onto stage. I managed to capture most of the exciting exhibition of whirling flames and tribal music with my camera's video recorder, just before the battery gave the day's last gasp. I hope it turns out OK, it is definitely amazing; however, nothing will ever beat experiencing the fire knife dance live and in person.
Today has been a long day, nearly 16 hours, so my eyelids are drooping and I feel certain I will sleep well tonight. Tomorrow I wrap up the planned events of my trip with a morning aerial glider tour of the island, and an evening Polynesian dinner cruise. Perhaps there will be another fire dancing exhibition!
All the participants met at a designated spot in the resort, where they were greeted by a Polynesian dancer and escorted up to the convention center rooftop plaza. While awaiting the traditional Polynesian buffet to be ready for our grazing, we were encouraged to wander around and explore the various booths where native woodcarving, hula implement demonstrations, and sundry other craft-work were being displayed. Then, our enigmatic host took the stage and gave us all a quick lesson in hula dancing and divided us into "villages" from which a chief was picked to compete in a humorous conch shell blowing competition. Soon after, the buffet lines were opened for our dining pleasure. Three styles of Polynesian cooking were at hand, and although I can't remember all their names I do remember the most important: kalua, which uses an underground oven to cook very tender meat, usually a pig. I can attest to its excellent flavor and texture.
After we feasted to our palate's content, the real fun began, embodied in a tour of Polynesian island dances, featuring the very lovely hula girls and their four male counterparts. I must take a moment to speak my heart about the one they called Ilikeani, who is unequivocally the most beautiful wahine I've ever had the fortune to witness, perhaps even the most beautiful woman anywhere. I am certain I am not the first man to believe he needs to move to Hawaii, in hopes of meeting such a woman some day :-)
At one point in the evening I even found myself whisked onto the stage by one of these entrancing women to participate in a brief tonga dance lesson and competition. Yes, somewhere out there I am sure there is a photo or home video footage of me shaking my hips in Polynesian style ;-)
The most impressive dance came at the end of the luau, when four Samoan fire knife dancers came onto stage. I managed to capture most of the exciting exhibition of whirling flames and tribal music with my camera's video recorder, just before the battery gave the day's last gasp. I hope it turns out OK, it is definitely amazing; however, nothing will ever beat experiencing the fire knife dance live and in person.
Today has been a long day, nearly 16 hours, so my eyelids are drooping and I feel certain I will sleep well tonight. Tomorrow I wrap up the planned events of my trip with a morning aerial glider tour of the island, and an evening Polynesian dinner cruise. Perhaps there will be another fire dancing exhibition!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bus Tour of Punchbowl Crater and Honolulu
The remainder of the tour took us through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater, where we saw Ernie Pyle's grave marker among others of special significance (though all buried there are significant). Then we made our way through the city of Honolulu, where we were presented with buildings of historic and civic significance: the Governor's house, the Capitol building, and Iolani Palace built by the last king of Hawaii. Along the way we also passed a statue of King Kamehameha I who united the Hawaiian islands under one ruler (himself). Although only a driving tour without any opportunities to stop and get out for pictures, the history and tales regaled by our driver made up for it. I do want to go and explore that palace sometime though!
Leaving Ford Island, Pearl Harbor
Although still being an active military base makes Pearl Harbor less conducive to free roaming, I definitely want to return on my next trip to Hawaii and take in some of the additional history my brief sojourn today didn't allow for. In particular I wish I had had the opportunity to explore the USS Misouri, the last "battleship" as far as we know manufactured by any nation's Navy. So farewell for now, Pearl Harbor, but I hope to return.
Pacific Aviation Museum
Taking a ride over the Pearl Harbor bridge, upon which our bus driver cautioned that camera use is strictly verboten, the singular me stepped off the bus at the Pacific Aviation Museum. I was invited to sit and wait for the introductory film inside a large theater, and would have been the only audience member except for a French couple who entered at the last moment. After the film, mostly a rehash of what I saw at the USS Arizona memorial only without as much authenticism. Afterward I met my tour guide Fred, who led me on a personable history lesson through the exhibits, including a huge floor map of the Pacific region upon which he narrated key battle points. We parted ways amicably at the end of the tour and I went back through to read a few of the descriptions in greater depth and take some more photos.
Now I am eating a quick lunch at the museum diner before I meet the tour bus again.
Now I am eating a quick lunch at the museum diner before I meet the tour bus again.
USS Arizona Memorial
Upon arriving at the Visitor Center, I had an opportunity before my scheduled film and water shuttle to explore the small memorial museum and gift shop. At 8:30 my group was ushered into the theater, where we watched a short film on the Battle of Pearl Harbor that featured 20 minutes of authentic historical footage taken before, during, and after the attack. It certainly served to instill a somber respect for the impending launch over to the USS Arizona, sunken watery tomb for thousands of brave and unsuspecting sailors... the Arizona was struck with an armor-piercing bomb which ignited the ammunition magazine, ripping the ship apart in a thunderous explosion and swiftly sinking the vessel with nearly all hands. According to our tour guide, the Arizona continued to burn underwater for nearly two and a half days, cremating many of those fallen, and so burning the remainder that not even dental records could identify them. Truly tragic.
At the memorial itself, a pristine white structure arches over the sunken remains of the battleship, and oil leaking from the wreckage still slicks the surface of the water above. Very little of the structure breaches the surface, though you can just make out the vessel submerged through the murky water.
Next on my tour is the Pacific Aviation Museum across the harbor bridge; as our driver is very conscientious to continually remember, I am the only member on the bus headed on this branch. Everyone else is headed to the USS Missouri.
At the memorial itself, a pristine white structure arches over the sunken remains of the battleship, and oil leaking from the wreckage still slicks the surface of the water above. Very little of the structure breaches the surface, though you can just make out the vessel submerged through the murky water.
Next on my tour is the Pacific Aviation Museum across the harbor bridge; as our driver is very conscientious to continually remember, I am the only member on the bus headed on this branch. Everyone else is headed to the USS Missouri.
Pearl Harbor Tour Bus
Garfield, our driver (and despite the name is actually a native Hawaiian) regaled us with local and personal history both, on our drive to Pearl Harbor. As he tells it, his father at 8 years old followed the low-flying Zeros that passed over his house, and for four hours witnessed the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the other two military bases that were targeted. He also explained the reason for his name, that for 100 years up to 1967, due to missionary influence it was against the law for Hawaiians to give their children native names due to their difficulty.
A very entertaining and interesting man.
A very entertaining and interesting man.
Tuesday in Oahu
Early morning today, on my way to Pearl Harbor. The tour bus driver informs me I'm special! ;-) In that, I'm the only one taking the Pacific Aviation Museum / USS Arizona tour... everyone else is on a different sort of tour. Perhaps that means I will get to roam at my own pace :-)
Bali By The Sea
A tad on the expensive side, but you only live once. The courteous and engaging service, presentation of items, and impressive panoramic view of the dying sun as it cast a deep purple hue over the ocean were definitely worth the splurge.
I opted for the Sunset Dinner Special, a three-course meal featuring an excellent creamy Maui Onion soup as the starter, choice of Thai-reminiscent chicken or fish entree, and culminating in a molded chocolate truffle dessert presented over a bed of dry ice... certainly an attention-getter as it steamed its way over to my table!
Pauhanani, the hostess, also complimented my fern-patterned Aloha shirt... that makes twice today, I'm glad I spied it in the shop :-)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Evening At The Beach
Finally back at my hotel after opting into the free Maui Divers Jewelry factory sales pitc... err, tour, after my submarine ride (part of what I skipped this morning in fact). Unlike an unfortunate couple on the shuttle bus fretting to get back to their hotel before 4:30 to take their next tour, I have nothing more on the agenda today... except beach time and swimming in the Pacific :-) Dinner at sunset then sleep, as I have quite an early morning tomorrow for the Pearl Harbor tour.
Atlantis Submarine Tour
Now I can say I have been 100 feet underwater in the world's largest passenger submarine ;-) The tour guide was very good, and although it seemed I was perpetually on the wrong side of the sub for maximum viewing potential, it was a very cool dive.
Waikiki Beach Walk
Taking the local Expedia expert's advice from yesterday I skipped the free welcome breakfast and orientation, having already an activity agenda defined. After exploring the half of the resort I missed yesterday, instead I took a barefoot sojourn down Waikiki Beach all morning. Parts of it were a bit pebbly, but there really is nothing like soft sand beneath your feet and foamy surf rushing through your toes to wash the cares away. I did a little beachcombing along the way, and although this beach seems fair devoid of shells I did spy an interesting bit of flotsam in the waves: a little arrowhead-shaped rock with a tuft of green moss atop it, like a carefree crop of hair. After salvaging the naturally-occurring troll-doll artifact (perhaps a menehune of local legend?) and snapping a few macro photos of the cheeky surfer dude, I let him continue on his way in the great ocean. One day maybe we'll meet again, on this beach or another.
My wandering took me all the way to a neighbouring pier down the beach, where I climbed to the very end along the volcanic rock outcropping to get a more immersive oceanic perspective. In the infinity of the watery horizon, sailboats and parasails made their way, and white waves rolled lazily beside. I washed my feet free of sand in the surf caressing the rocky pier before slipping my sandals back on and strolling back to the hotel.
Now for some lunch before I take a submarine tour of a reef!
Sunday in Oahu
After getting all my activity reservations in order, except the Waikiki Starlight Luau which I have to get tickets for while the desk is open tomorrow, I have thoroughly wandered the resort taking my usual complement of touristy photos. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is indeed that, self-enclosed with shops and restaurants and its own private access to Waikiki Beach (which I quickly found, seeking sight and sound of the ocean like a drowning man seeks the surface of the same). It is very peaceful here, the bustle just enough to reflect good cheer and the sands stretching along infinity are not crowded at all. Surfers dotted the distance, either paddling in the waves or running along a rocky pier extending out into the bay. Although, it was the beginning of the evening and that could be a factor in the population, we shall see how it looks tomorrow. I have picked up a pair of board shorts and a traditional Hawaiian shirt; anxious to try the beach bum outfit out :-)
The live band's island music beckoned me toward the Tropics Bar and Grill as I explored dinner options, but I needed more substantial fare... all I have had to eat today was a sandwich and chips bought on the plane! I am surprised I'm still standing, with the lack of food and the extra five hours in today (it is almost midnight in my usual timezone). I expect I shall crash soon, but first I have settled on fueling myself at Hatsuhana, a Japanese restaurant in the Rainbow Bazaar, where the Hawaiian glazed pork (with fresh pineapple juice and slices) is truly a treat.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Aloha!
Landing safe and sound, if a bit stiff from the lo-o-ong flight, I am now on the island of Oahu and in transit to the resort, after meeting the Diamond Head Vacations greeter and getting my lei of fresh strung orchids right off the plane :-)
Aside from the hotter weather (90 degrees today, just right) and tropical plants, so far the strongest first impression I have of this little Pacific paradise is its scent: floral mixed with the faint tang of volcanic ash. The clouds loom low over the mountainous island terrain as well, giving it a blanket of white and gray atop the verdant green of the land.
I look forward to exploring :-)
Aside from the hotter weather (90 degrees today, just right) and tropical plants, so far the strongest first impression I have of this little Pacific paradise is its scent: floral mixed with the faint tang of volcanic ash. The clouds loom low over the mountainous island terrain as well, giving it a blanket of white and gray atop the verdant green of the land.
I look forward to exploring :-)
Hawaii Bound!
I find it supremely funny that my gateway to a tropical island should be the starkly opposite environ of Denver, Colorado, but it should serve to reinforce the contrasting escapism of this trip even more. Soon I shall be 5 hours off Central Time and enjoying it immensely :-) A few days ago the weather forecast for Honolulu showed a good chance of rain each day, which would have put a slight damper on beach time, but this morning the Weather Channel shows mostly clear and sunny skies all week, hooray!
Just gotta get that 9.5 hour flight out of the way... it will be the longest flight for me probably even including my return from England when I was very young... which I scarcely remember anyways.
More later, from the island of Oahu!
Just gotta get that 9.5 hour flight out of the way... it will be the longest flight for me probably even including my return from England when I was very young... which I scarcely remember anyways.
More later, from the island of Oahu!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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