Traveling from Atlanta to Honolulu non-stop is usually a 10 hour flight. However, we had to make a stop in LA for an emergency medical issue. We were there about 2.5 hours before once again being on our way.....
After being in the air for hours already, it was a welcomed sight to see the coast of California as we continued west......
Despite being a really long day, this sight made me smile big! The Hawaiian islands are on the map......
After a total flight time of 13+ hours with the delay, we finally see the beautiful island landscape out the window.....
The approach to Honolulu International Airport (HNL)......
One the ground at HNL, Waikiki and Diamond Head in the distance. What a day this was.....
Happy to be on the ground in Honolulu! Not bad for an almost 23 hour day!
We immediately head to our condo rental at the Ilikai....
The view from the lanai to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village and Waikiki Beach beyond.....
The first order of business was visiting with my daughter, whom I haven't seen for 6 years, since she moved to Hawaii. Such a happy reunion.....
On our first full day in Hawaii I began to recall the beauty of the island as we were greeted with the sunrise......
And starting the day with a little meditation at the water's edge....
Watching the surfers head out at first light....
Today is the day we hike Diamond Head (Le'ahi)
This hike is no joke.....
We start up......
Soon you are greeted with views that make the climb worth it and encourage you to press forth...
Panorama showing Koko Head and Kahala Beach in the distance...
But wait....there's more! As you continue the climb, there's a dark, long, scary tunnel (don't do this hike if you're claustrophobic!)....
Near the top you come to this....99 stairs.....here's a pointer, don't climb them! Follow the trail to your left for a far easier grade and more scenic trek to the top.....
Once at the top, you are tired, hot, sweaty and wonder if you've lost your mind. And then this happens....and all of a sudden none of that matters.....panorama from Koko Head (left) around to Waikiki Beach (right). Phenomenal!!
Happy, hot, sweaty and exuberant climbers!!
And more......
Detail of the above light house....
Of course this climb MUST be rewarded with Hawaii's best local dish from the best place to get it.....Loco Moco from Rainbow Drive-In....
And we would be remiss if we left out malasadas from Leonard's Bakery
Day One is done and what an incredible day it was! Join us now, for day two, a spiritual, meaningful and humble day as we journey to Pearl Harbor.
The day begins with a sunrise drive to the site....
Our first stop is the Arizona Memorial. There are no words that can encapsulate this site with the honor and dignity it deserves so I'll let the pictures tell the story.....
Our next stop at Pearl Harbor is the submarine Bowfin
While I'm not claustrophobic, I cannot imagine living in that small space for weeks on end and I thank the men who did......
In fact that IS a bunk over the forward torpedo! You can see the torpedo tube in the distance...
Sleeping quarters on the sub.....
The narrow corridors.....
One of four General Motors Model 16-278A diesel; 16 cylinder V-type, 2-cycle, 8 3/4 bore x 10 1/2 stroke; 1600BHP developed @ 750RPM engines that ran the sub. It often reached 120 degrees F in the engine room.
Our last stop at Pearl Harbor was the USS Missouri
Entrance to the ship exhibit.....
I had to :) .......
Really profound panorama of the Arizona Memorial (where WWII began) and the Missouri (where WWII ended)....
The Missouri has some amazing firepower, the most impressive of which is her 16" Mark 7 guns, capable of firing a 2700 pound armor piercing shell some 20 miles....
My son is 5'11" for size reference...
Said 2700 pound shell....
She forever has her guns pointed at the Arizona Memorial in symbolic protection...
The deck of the USS Missouri was where the contingency from Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender, ending WWII.....
The men of the USS Oklahoma are also memorialized at Pearl Harbor...
And our final view from Pearl Harbor as we reflect on this very humble day...
Thank you for traveling with us through Part One! Join us for Part Two for a luau and island site seeing......
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