Day 24 – Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Viking Sky docked in Honolulu this morning on a beautiful, mostly sunny day. My plan was to visit the Japanese Cultural Center in the morning and then return to the ship for my included tour to Pearl Harbor. Tim had decided that he was better off staying behind on the ship today.

We Docked by the Aloha Tower

My primary reason for stopping at the Japanese Cultural Center was to learn about the Honouliuli National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service that is not yet open to the public. The Honouliuli Internment Camp was Hawaii's largest and longest-operating internment camp, and the park, when open, will tell the history of incarceration, martial law, and the experience of prisoners of war in Hawaii during World War II. In the meantime, the education center at the Japanese Cultural Center provides interpretive exhibits of the Honouliuli Internment Camp, with photos, artifacts from the incarcerees, and oral history videos.

David, a very gracious taxi driver, drove me to the center and offered to wait for me while I viewed the exhibits. Unfortunately, when I arrived, I learned that the education center would be opening an hour later than usual. I was so disappointed since I could not wait that long, but there was a silver lining. I found myself instead in the middle of the Japanese New Year's Ohana Festival, a celebration of Hawaii's local and Japanese New Year traditions. Although everything was just being set up, I talked with the most interesting and helpful people and had a very worthwhile visit.

I Took a Few Photos Through the Windows of the Exhibits About the Honouliuli Internment Camp

The Japanese New Year's Ohana Festival and a Few of the Lovely People I Met

When he picked me up, David asked if I’d like to see some of the sights of Honolulu, and I thought, “Why not! I have time.” We drove along the beach at Waikiki and then part of the way up the Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii’s most recognized landmark.

Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Daniel, and the Diamond Head Lighthouse

David brought me back to the ship in time for me to board a motorcoach for my “Honolulu Highlights & Pearl Harbor” excursion. Here’s the description:

See Honolulu’s sights and explore Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center for a glimpse into Hawaii’s World War II history. Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a scenic drive through Honolulu’s Downtown area and Chinatown district. Witness the magnificent City Hall and the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil, and pass by Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaii State Capitol, the governor’s mansion and the homes of early missionaries. After your drive, you will stop at Pearl Harbor, where you will learn about the fateful attack that took almost 2,500 lives. At the Visitor Center, stroll the exhibits that document the events before the surprise attack and its aftermath, including displays of personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs and artifacts.

Our short drive through the downtown area did include glimpses of several of Honolulu’s historic sites. Although I couldn’t tour the interior of the State Capitol, I was able to see it from the outside. I also would have enjoyed visiting the Iolani Palace. These are just two reasons why I need to return.

Hawaii State Capitol

Iolani Palace

We were then dropped off at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, my first visit to the site. This memorial is a solemn tribute to the events of December 7, 1941, and here, the National Park Service honors the lives affected by the attack. The National Park Service shares the site with several partners that offer tours of other historic sites. I first strolled along the Walk of Remembrance and then toured the two exhibit galleries, “The Road to War” and “Attack,” that interpret the events surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Along the Walk of Remembrance at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

The Exhibits Were Very Comprehensive

I was also able to watch the excellent documentary film that depicts the events that led to the Japanese decision to bomb Pearl Harbor, as well as the attack itself and its aftermath. I found the film to be more powerful than others since it utilizes historical footage to portray the history of the attack.

I had made reservations to visit the USS Arizona Memorial and lined up to take the boat there to pay my respects. It was a sobering experience to stand atop the remains of the sunken battleship and reflect on the lives lost that day “which will live in infamy.”

USS Arizona Memorial

"To the Memory of the Gallant Men Here Entombed"

A Somber Visit

The USS Arizona Memorial was designed by Alfred Preis, an Austrian-born architect who was sent to a U.S. internment camp after the Pearl Harbor attack. His design features a concave-silhouette, with the middle representing the country’s low point following the attack and the raised ends symbolizing American pride and ultimate victory.

After a beautiful sunset over the Honolulu Harbor, Viking Sky treated us to a destination performance to celebrate our arrival in Hawaii. “Drums of Polynesia” was a lovely and sweet cultural performance by a local family of singers, dancers, and musicians from the island of Oahu. Everyone in the audience fell in love with the adorable little girl as she tried to emulate her mother and aunt’s dances.

Sunset Over the Honolulu Harbor

Drums of Polynesia