We started our journey to Hawaii early, like leaving our house at 4:15am early, and we are not morning people at all. Our awesome next door neighbor Kathie is a morning person however and gladly drove us and our luggage to the airport. We joined old friends (Ron and Vanessa) and new friends (Ricky and Candy) as we headed off to Phoenix and then on to Honolulu.

Since Hawaii is HST and 5 hours behind us in CST we arrived here early afternoon, tired but excited to be in the warmth of the islands. Since Pearl Harbor Hickam shares the same airfield with HNL we could see military aircraft as we landed, including the latest generation F-22 Raptor fighter jet, four of which could be seen as we neared landing. Wish I could have gotten a picture but I wasn’t quick enough.

After getting to the stay location in downtown Waikiki we headed for food, and then to get our bearings on what was around us, and some much needed rest.

The following day we slept in a bit, didn’t rush out, but went exploring. Our stay had a kitchen, and we needed supplies so we charted a path to Walmart and off we went, checking out cool things as we went, even a shaved ice treat, yum!! Once at Walmart it was really bustling with people, lots shopping on a Sunday. Was neat to see so many different items there island related and/or “made in Hawaii” like snacks or foods, of course we grabbed some of them to try.

This Walmart was unique, way different than those we have in the mainland US. For starters it was located inside a city block, and had a parking garage attached. Secondly, there was a Sam’s Club built above it. Yes, you read that correct, a Walmart and Sam’s Club stacked on top of each other. Neat!! There were also escalators for buggies, you just slid your buggy in and hopped onto your own escalator alongside your buggy up to the floor you parked on. We didn’t get a car for Honolulu so we hitched a ride with an Uber to get us and our groceries back to our room.

After returning and supplies put away we headed to the sand to get our toes wet. Was a beautiful warm day, and nice to feel the Pacific waters and watch a Hawaiian sunset.

Monday was excursion day, heading to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. There was lots to see and soak in there, especially at the Arizona Memorial. We were reminded by park staff this was a gravesite so should be treated as such, with voices low and no cell phone use. Was nice to see those in the crowd of people abiding by that and being genuinely considerate of what this memorial means in US history.

I really enjoy history, and this park is a wealth of knowledge for the US effort of WWII. So much to absorb. Honestly it’s humbling to see how much will and determination that generation showed in order to defeat those trying to conquer during that war. And all they did without modern conveniences, simply amazing.

On the ride back the tour driver took us around to see and tell us about many sites of Honolulu, modern and old.

The next day we took an Uber to the other side of the island, the north side, to find a quieter beach. The beaches in Waikiki are crowded, really not our style, so we looked for another. The ride there took us across a mountain range and through tunnels, and was well worth the drive. Looked to be what seemed like miles of beach, and barely anyone there. So serine and peaceful. The waves were strong and fun to play in, and the shady spot we found was near perfect, as two Adirondack chairs where there waiting for us to sit in them. No clue who they belonged to, but both were chained to a tree and really inviting to cool off in the shade.

As we came back into Waikiki we found a tiki bar for dinner and laughter, even had a yummy drink inside a pineapple. Topped the dinner off with Hawaiian donuts called malasadas. Was fun to read some of the sayings in and around the place too, especially the “how to pee” sign in the mens room. See picture for a good laugh.

After a good nights rest we had an early morning heading to the Dole Plantation. That was really fun, we learned about the history of James Dole and how he turned the pineapple into a booming business, but also so many other fruits and flowers that are grown there.

We finished off the visit there with a Dole Whip treat and even said hello to a little tree gecko we found on our way out.

Tomorrow we head to the north shore of Oahu for a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, stay tuned.

Full album of pictures: https://photos.destinationsawait.com/Hawaii-Part-One