Sabins on the Sea - Day 15 - Honolulu, Oahu Day #1
by Nina Sabin - Travel Blog
Another beautiful morning in Hawaii. We woke up docking at Honolulu Bay. It took a little while for the ship to clear customs. Once they cleared, we were off and ready to explore Honolulu.
The last time we were in Honolulu was in 2002. We were only there for a couple of days and covered the main attractions. Going to the Pineapple Planation, seeing the Sea Turtles at the North Shore Beaches, Pearl Harbor and of course visiting a Macadamia Nut Factory.
Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance.
Today we started walking to the bus stop where we picked up bus three to Diamond Head. It was $3 per person but we only had a $10 bill and no change was provided. Therefore, we paid an extra $2 per person, which we figured it was a tip for the driver. Buses were running a little late. Once on the bus it took 20 minutes to the entrance of Diamond Head.
John preregistered us by paying $5 for each of us online. We had a reservation time of 11 am. However, we were just after 10 am and they let us go right in.
The hike to the top of Diamond Head was a little strenuous but well worth the climb to see the amazing views. It took about 45 minutes up and 20 minutes down.
Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu and known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi. The Hawaiian name is most likely derived from lae plus ʻahi because the shape of the ridgeline resembles the shape of a tuna's dorsal fin.
The hike to the summit was pretty busy. Lots of people coming and going.
On the way back to the bus stop I fell on the uneven side walk because I was looking at the homeless that are living below Diamond Head.
We were blessed to have a hiker come by who was prepared with a first aid kit. She gave me a bandaid, gauze, and antibiotic ointment.
Our friend, who lives in Honolulu picked us up and we ate at Cafe Morey’s. The food was very tasty and a lot of variety of meals.
It was great catching up with our friends from Saudi. They even brought us to their penthouse home and we saw amazing views of Waikiki area. We also tried Dragon Fruit for the first time at their home.
Later in the afternoon, our friends drove us back to the ship. I was feeling a bit sore from the fall and needed to rest.
After some drinks and peanuts, we went out again to see China Town and go to the Walmart just a short waking distance from the ship. Not much to see in China town.
We finished the evening by watching a Polynesian show. The locals came onto the ship to perform for us. Then we had a late dinner on the lido deck.
We were pretty wiped from the day. Looking forward to to our second day in Honolulu tomorrow.