MichPil

Get a hold of your agent if you can. Normally the cruise line will allow you to meet them at the next port unless it's one of the private islands own by the cruise line. Other wise you would just need to meet the ship at the following port.

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Shortly after 5am the rise and shine call comes in. This was one of our busy days. We brought along muffins, and other light foods for breakfast and hit the road at 5:45 for Pearl Harbor. We had scheduled our Arizona Memorial tour in advance online for 8am. By sheer dumb luck we get there and were asked if we would like to go on the tour at 7:30am instead and we agreed. The tour begins with a 25 minute movie about the history of Pearl Harbor. Following the movie, we exited the theater to find the boat waiting for us. The boat ride is probably 7-10 minutes. When we arrived at the memorial there was a tour director there ready to explain the site. You have the option to go along with his talk or explore on your own. Remember that tours are constantly running and it will only be 15-20 minutes before the next group arrives and you have to get back on the boat... so I would say listen to what he says in the background and take it all in on your own. On a side note but an important one... there are no restrooms available during this tour and it runs an hour and change so keep that in mind.

 

 

 

We had a quick food break at the car and then returned to the park.

 

 

 

Next we walked along the harbor and saw the USS Bowfin in the distance before getting our tickets to the USS Missouri. To get to the USS Missouri you either need a driver with military permissions or you wait for their shuttle. It will likely take you 30 minutes from ticket purchase to standing before the USS Missouri. Let me just say that this sight is amazing! Coming from someone that isn't even a history buff, I was fully engaged in the battleship scene from climbing the ladders up to the top accessible lookout deck facing the USS Arizona to the military ceremony that was going on at the main deck, to the living quarters down below. Probably the best part is seeing their mess hall, sleeping area, kitchen, and various other quarters on this level. I think the slideshow will tell the story better than I ever could here with my words. For the followers here, allow a minimum of 90 minutes to take everything in on this battleship. We were moving fast though because we had lots of things to see today so my guess is you will likely be here longer than that.

 

 

 

It just so happened that there was a Pearl Harbor survivor there on this day to sign autographs for purchased books. There are only eight survivors still alive and he said that he is 95 years old. God bless for him for what he's been through and being out and about and sharing his experiences with others! I'm sure I can speak for the crowd when I say that it adds so much to hear firsthand experiences.

 

 

 

It was about the noon hour when we left Pearl Harbor for, our next stop, Diamond Head. Now, this is the heat of the day and it was HOT HOT HOT! (I think I only lasted one picture with my shirt on.) The drive from Pearl Harbor goes from somewhat tropical to big city to desert-like all in a time frame of about 20 minutes...very interesting. The hike starts on pavement but quickly turns to an uneven path (watch your footing!). The slope is gradual for about 3/4 of the trail followed by hundreds of stairs. I wouldn't say it's a hard trail as it is only .8 miles to the top lookout but I wouldn't say it is the easiest either. The views of the crater and Waikiki at the top are quite something to see. It takes about 40 minutes to climb and 30 to descend. Also, the tunnel towards the end of the trail smells like body odor so hold your breath while you are walking through there.... just thought I'd throw that out there. At the completion of the hike, I got a t-shirt to prove that I hiked Diamond Head that has the entire trail map on the front.

 

 

 

The next part of our road trip takes us to Waikiki. We parked close to an ABC store. Jeanine and Nancy wanted to see the Harley Davidson store and then we went in the ABC store before going to the beach. The original plan was to hang out in Waikiki for the day but everyone quickly realized that Waikiki just lacks in comparison to the appeal of Ko'olina so we called to move our dinner reservation up so we could just head back there. Waikiki seems extremely overhyped to me.

 

We did get to see the Moana Surfrider which we planned to stay there before we looked into the Ko'olina area. I'm sure it would have been great if we didn't know any better but it was one more confirmation that Ko'olina is superior. A thanks to them for the tasty mango drink. That was great during such a hot day like today.

 

 

 

Our fourth stop was Duke's, and this is well worth the time. Dinner is in an open-air dinning room with the band playing on the patio. We ordered everything from fish, steak, and chicken here among the group and it was all very tasty. OF course, the Hula Pie is why everyone comes here though and it did not disappoint. Mac nut ice cream, chocolate fudge, and Oreo crust are among some of the many elements that make this dessert to die for. This is a must eat!

 

 

 

There were several rainbows and even a double rainbow on the final leg of the road trip back to Aulani which were beautiful to see. Actually everything from the rainbows through the onset of night was just unreal in beauty. It was a fantastic serenade for our last night at beautiful Aulani and Ko'olina.

 

 

 

This is the only time we really took advantage of the pools and hot tubs at night. The two-story infinity hot tub has a fantastic view until well after the sun goes below the horizon.

 

 

 

Disney had a movie playing on the lawn where we watched the Starlit Hui earlier in the week. I watched a little of the movie on the balcony while we were all getting ready for the cruise tomorrow. I was up kind of late tonight so I sat on the balcony and took in the stillness of Ko'olina at night. A few planes approached the island which was fun to watch. I even thought I saw the lights of the Pride of America as a few dots way off by the horizon line. Very peaceful! The resort and Ko'olina get an 11 out of 10 in my book and I would return in a heartbeat. These four days were simply incredible and all I can think to say is a big mahalo to Aulani for these memories. With that, that is a wrap of my pre-cruise portion of the narrative.

 

 

 

Coming up:

 

The Road Trip Slideshow

 

Pride of America Embarkation Narrative

I mean no offense. But I read that you said there was only 8 survivors however every year in Washington DC they honor those that are survivors from Pearl Harbor on December 7th and according to the records there still 2000 that surviving Pearl Harbor war vets. One of them is my grandfather he is 94 years old.he was about a 150 feet from mess hall when it was bomb. Is it possible he meant his state? I know there 3 in the state my grandfather from still.

This is draft.

Day one: Daughter flys into meet us at airport. Then we all fly together a non-stop 12 hour flight. Arrive at airport, pick up rental then head to the condo we rented for 4 days. Once check in head to get dinner and early to bed with the time difference and the busy up coming week and a half figure a good night sleep after long day of flying.

Day two: Up early and head to ihop. Found a 24 hour ihop open figure a good breakfast would be a good idea since we have a long tour at Pearl Harbor (WWII Hero's) and then have dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Once we are back at the condo maybe a walk on the beach or a swim in the pool.

Day three: We are undecided yet about what we want to do on this day. It's a toss up between beach day or hike Diamond Head. Later I. The day we have a luau planned since its New Year's Eve. And then walk down the beach and watch the fireworks.

Day four: Drive to north shore. We are hoping to find some surfing competition that day since it is New Year's. Not sure we're to eat for lunch or dinner yet. And then back to the condo to pack up.

Day five: Breakfast at Duke's. Walk the beach and then head back to condo pack up the rental. Check out. Head to Mike's Hulu Hulu Chicken for lunch. We saw this place on drive-in diners and dives. Then head to drop off most of everyone at the port and head to drop off rental, get transfer to port and embark the Pride of America. We booked the Italian restaurant for that night.

Day six: Road to Hana (private tour) with another couple for me. For our daughter, husband and mother in law they booked the Segway tour. Booked the Brazilian steakhouse for that night.

Day seven: Rent a car and drive to Iao Valley. That night we put the Japanese steakhouse.

Day eight: Doing the Land of Frozen Fire. Booked the French bistro that night.

Day nine: Mother in law and I booked Kona by land and sea daughter and husband booked Captain zodiac rafting, snorkeling, and dolphin tour. That night we are booked for the steakhouse.

Day ten: Mother in law and I booked best of Kauai and daughter and husband booked tubing tour. We haven't decided which of the speciality restaurants to rebook again.

Day eleven: beach day and last day before we debarked yet. Haven't decided yet which speciality restaurant to book yet.

Day twelve: debarkation day and flight home

Hello, we are going on the October 31st cruise and we sent our email and are confirmed for the Chef's Table. After booking we see it's just a bunch of small bites. I am DEFINITELY not cheap, I am just wondering if it's like the dining room. Meaning, if you really like something can you get a "second" or if you want to pass on a certain "raw" course can you do that and get something else?

We are platinum members so absolutely not novices to cruising, just new to this experience!

 

From the online pics and reviews it seems like a stretch to "get full" from that meal!

 

If the purpose is an "experience" with some drinks and "foodies" that will be great! But, it is kind of billed as a meal and my party will be dropping a lot of $ so just wondering what to expect!

 

Thank You!

The meal really is amazing, its a 10 chorse meal 4 apps in the kitchen then the tour. Now we didnt eat in the kitchen but in a small room off the main dinning room. Every bite was amazing i wish i could of ate it every night. And yes you do get full.

We are doing 5 days in Honolulu. We rented a condo, a truck and plan on seeing pearl harber, hiking diamond head seeing the falls doing a luau and driving to north shore and beach time. We hope ti find some surf completitions to watch. Then embark on the pride of america. Its really up to you and how you want to go about it its your vacation.