Honolulu Visit

Arriving in Honolulu on our Royal Princess.

We've found using the Hop On Hop Off buses
or trolleys a good way to get to know the cities.

We arrived early Thursday April 30th in Honolulu. It was a beautiful day. Scott went down at 8 AM (as requested) to pick up our numbered departure. It was 25! The morning dragged on and on. It was 11 AM before the first number was called! Before that it was people disembarking for good. Customs/Immigration was on the boat in the Vista Lounge. Finally we went up for some lunch. Then we were fed up - only on number 20 but we went down anyway. Had to walk all around the outside of the boat and when we finally got to the immigration, there was a huge line. But because we were U.S. citizens we got to walk right past everyone and were finished in just a few minutes! We could have done that ages ago but no one told us. We talked to people from the US and other countries later and many people didn't get out until late afternoon! 

Washington Place where Queen Liliuokalani
was arrested during the overthrow of the 
Hawaiian Kingdom.

The "Punchbowl" is the site of the National 
Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and had 
beautiful views of the city.

The beautiful statue of King Kamehameha in front
of the Hawaiian Supreme Court - the former seat of
government of the Kingdom of Hawaii

We made it out around 12:30 PM and got a free Hilo Hattie shuttle to the Ala Moana Mall. We had purchased a two day pass to the Hop On Hop Off Trolley which has four routes: Pink, Red, Blue and Green. We caught a pink one over to the Waikiki Mall where we found long lines for the other routes. We decided to do the red route but it was 40 minutes away so had a cup of coffee in the mall. We finally got on the trolly and enjoyed the guide and trip - Waikiki beach, Iolani Palace, and the Punchbowl War Memorial. He dropped us off near the boat. 

Iolani Palace - the only Royal Palace in the U.S.
It was completed in 1882.

We were very lucky we had canceled our original plans for a Luau at 12:30PM. It was over an hour away so we would have never made it! Instead we booked a dinner Luau. By the time we got back from our trolley tour, I was exhausted so waited down at the shuttle stop while Scott went up to change and bring me a dry top. We were supposed to be picked up at 4:25PM. Scott had several frustrating conversations with them while we were on the bus but it seemed OK. But when the shuttle arrived our names weren't on it. The fellow in charge said he'd come back if necessary and Scott called and they sent an Uber! We got there at 6 PM. But then all was great. Flower leis, lots of drink tickets and seats right up front. We downed a bunch of Mai Tais and all was well. The show was terrific. The buffet fine, not outstanding. Fun night. Scott volunteered for the hula lesson on stage and I got a great photo. We went back on the bus.

Scott gets a hula lesson up on the stage during our Luau. He's right in the center!

Our show highlighted the music and stories of all 
the Polynesian islands

It was called the Warrior Luau so lots of male 
dancers for a change.

Fires were everywhere during the final segment,
including fire walking!

Friday it was easy to leave the boat and we walked up to the public bus which took us down to the Waikiki Mall. The Green Line brought us up to the Diamond Head National Park. We transferred to the Blue Line and this was terrific with gorgeous scenery and lasted almost 2 hours. At the end the Pink bus took us back to the Ala Moana Mall where we had lunch at the Food Court, did some errands and bought lots of gifts. This was a lovely day! But now 5 more sea days before we get to Los Angeles! 

Waikiki Beach and the statue of Duke Kahanamoku , the father of modern surfing and a five time
Olympic metal holder in swimming.

We saw one fabulous beach after another on our Blue Line trolley tour

This spot was the only one on the tour where we
were able to get off and take photos

Otherwise I just snapped them from the trolley. We
really were sorry we weren't able to enjoy these
gorgeous beaches and have a swim!