Scene: Waikiki, Oahu, Hawai'i
Act I: Waikiki Marriot, Floor 30
So I'll start it out by saying we got lucky. And I mean VERY lucky. We arrive at the hotel after our 5 hour flight across the ocean (a first for both of us!) and the receptionist at the desk where we checked in read our reservation for a two double bed room - both of us, immediately shocked reported to her that there must be some confusion and we reserved a king suite, so she searched for a couple minutes, and in Mr.'s words, "Put us in the best room in the hotel!"
Out of 33 floors, we were placed on the 30th, in a corner room with two ocean view balconies. Every morning, we opened the door to warm sunshine and ocean breeze and every night we sat out on our favorite evening balcony and watched the sun set slowly into the ocean as surfers caught waves back to shore. Hawai'i was seriously magical. One morning we even woke up to a rainbow, literally right outside our door!
The hotel was right on the beach. One we made the quick trip downstairs we walked for less than a minute and were in white sand and warm water -- Hello Paradise!
We loved relaxing on the sand in the sun. After the craziness that begat our wedding we were thrilled to lounge and, to put it simply, just be together! Before now we didn't have too much time, but the transition has been effortless and exciting. As amazing as our time was in paradise, nothing beats being at home and cuddling with my husband :)
Act II: Pearl Harbor
For this, I have to hand over the typing to my husband. My commentary will be interjected her and there, but I need him to be the narrator to this part of our adventure in paradise.
This part of our honeymoon travels was a very humbling one. We scheduled a tour of Pearl Harbor, and specifically, we toured the USS Missouri, the USS Bowfin, and the Arizona Memorial. We arrived early in the morning, not sure how the whole process worked. But quick enough, we purchased our tickets and began the day.
Up first was our tour of the USS Missouri, a famous battleship-turned-museum (though brought to life again in the major motion picture
Battleship). I immediately felt different when I entered the ship. In a small way, I think everyone who walks on such a piece of history feels of the experiences and emotions of those who originally occupied the space. For me, I felt of the courage, bravery, and patriotism of those of manned the boat, yet also of the fear that must have inevitably crept into many of their minds as well. This was a massive boat, capable of delivering massive blows and undoubtedly facing enemies capable of doing the same.
Though much of the boat was blocked off to tourists, it still felt like a huge maze. Tiny doorways and ladders, and many dark rooms. I appreciated them keeping some rooms preserved to reflect what they looked like when the ship was in active duty. It helped enhance the experience for me. Perhaps the most interesting part of this boat was learning about the surrender ceremony that took place aboard its deck. It was interesting to look at the black and white photos of the Japanese officials who stood behind the document stating their surrender, then being able to walk to the exact spot where it occurred.
Up next was the tour of the USS Bowfin submarine. The first thing that stood out to me was how small everything was. From sinks to staircases and beds to kitchens, everything was miniature--and it had to be! It all came down to how fast you could get the boat to drop or rise in the water and any unneeded weight made it more difficult to control. Given that fact, I don't think I could have done it. I'm terribly claustrophobic. I was fine traversing the small pathways below deck, but during active duty, there is added to it a crew of around 100 soldiers. Talk about a tight fit. If I didn't have a problem with the space, I'd probably have chosen a spot on the sub. It was awesome.
Last up was the tour of the USS Arizona. We took a short ferry ride out to the spot of its sinking and immediately when people started getting in line for it, there was a pronounced silence that fell over the whole place. This is why people go to visit Pearl Harbor. Not because the Arizona was more important than any other part of the harbor, but because, I think, it symbolizes the heartache of the attacks that day. It was the biggest ship in Pearl (luckily) and is responsible for the most casualties. So our ferry docked and we got out on a big dock that is parked perpendicular to where the Arizona sank. As we were standing on it looking out, we were able to see much of the length of the ship extending for our left and right.
The most powerful part of experience was noting that oil still drips from the sunken ship, made visible by the reflective puddle it leaves at the surface of the water. They've ensured that it won't be cleaned up because it acts more powerfully as a reminder to Pearl's visitors than it does as a detriment to the sea life surrounding it. For me, it acted to slow down time. Looking down at that
rainbow colored surface made it feel to me as though the attack just happened yesterday. Furthermore, it made me think that any similar tragedy isn't any less horrific only because it happened before our time or outside the confines of our state or country. Seeing the oil still dripping made me realize that.
All in all, it was my favorite day. It was worth the trip to Hawaii in and of itself. Its a trip that puts things in perspective and makes you grateful for those who serve our country in the armed forces.
Act III: Polynesian Cultural Center
The PCC was seriously, amazing. Besides being beautiful and having delicious food, it was so fun to see some of the many different cultures of the polynesian islands. This place is really too amazing for words. So rather than explain it myself, I will refer you to their
website and this
video . . . plus some of the thousands of pictures we took there. We went to the Alii Luau, which was to die for and I know I've only included a very few pictures, but for the sake of getting this online after 6 months . . . here they are!
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| Laie Hawaii Temple . . . so bright you can't even see it!! |
Act IV: Hanauma Bay, Snorkeling
This place was seriously beautiful. A little crowded and chilly (for Hawaii) the day we went, but seriously so amazing. I wish we bought an underwater disposable camera. The fish were so bright and colorful.
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| Failed Picture Attempt |
Act IV: Aloha.
All in all, we had a marvelous time. There were so many things we did and so many pictures we took (as I'm sure you can tell by the massive amount included) it would be impossible to include all the details . . . especially since this is being posted so late. Well in ending the post, I'll add a few obscure pics that I just think are great.
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| America Pants. |
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| My favorite of us from the trip. |
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| Seriously. Dangerous. |
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| Our last sunset. |
