My Style

When visiting Hawaii most people think of lush tropical trees and white sandy beaches.  After all, Hawaii is the perfect spot for relaxing and sipping fruity drinks. However, there is one somber tourist spot that should not be missed.  It is the memorial at Pearl Harbor.   

Pearl Harbor was once known only for its ample supply of pearl oysters.  No one would have ever dreamed that this harbor would become the reason that the United States entered into World War II.  Sadly today it is known only for the infamous attacks that happened December 7, 1941, when wave Japanese planes flew over an attacked an unsuspecting sleeping army.  Over 1.5 million people visit the USS Arizona memorial yearly.  Tourists of all kinds stop here to remember the lives lost on that fateful morning so long ago. 

2335 US soldiers died during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Roughly half of those killed were aboard the USS Arizona.  The giant ship was bombed and sank in less than ten minutes trapping over a thousand men on board.  Today, the ship lies exactly where it sank and is a giant tomb.  The bodies aboard the ship were never recovered.   A memorial was erected and floats directly on top of the ship.  The ship still leaks oil into the harbor in small amounts that have been said to be black tears. 

The mood at the memorial is somber even today over sixty years after the attack.  The park does a nice job of filtering the average number of 4500 guests through the memorial daily.  Upon arrival to the memorial you are given a ticket and told when your entry to the movie theater will be. The time of year of your visit determines your wait time.  During the summer months when crowds are at their highest you may have to wait a couple of hours. But, there is plenty to occupy your time.  There is a museum that contains memorabilia such as letters from soldiers to loved ones and uniforms.  The museum also has photos of Japanese planes as well as map showing the destruction of the harbor.

 There is also a World War II submarine located at the memorial site.  The USS Bowfin Museum and Park are worth taking a stroll through.  They have kept the submarine intact and you can see pretty much how the men lived in the submarine.  You can actually walk through the submarine.  Be forewarned, this is not an activity for Closter phobic people, the ship’s quarters are very tight. 

Once the wait is over the tour through the memorial runs fairly quickly.  They show a movie that lasts about twenty minutes.  It shows exactly what happened that early morning in December all those years ago, complete with video footage.  Once the movie is over you will take a short boat ride out to the actual memorial.  When the ferry arrives, you will walk all the way to the back of the memorial where there is a wall listing the names of all who died that day.   

There couldn’t be a more relaxing vacation spot than Hawaii.  There are lots of activities on both the land and in the water.  The landscape provides the perfect backdrop for all sorts of outdoor activities.  There will be plenty of things for the kids to do, so bring them with you. 

The whole family will love boogie boarding or body surfing on one of the great beaches in Hawaii, like world famous Waikiki Beach.  Waikiki even has a cheeseburger in paradise restaurant.  The kids will love it.  They can get any kind of toppings they want on these world famous burgers.  Don’t forget the Honolulu zoo.  It is a small city zoo, but it’s worth taking a tour.  The flamingo pond in the front is sure to please the kids and will offer a great photo taking opportunity.  The Waikiki Aquarium is another fun family stop.

It has a touch pond for the viewing pleasure of the kids and adults alike.  Lastly, the bishop museum is worth taking a tour.  They have demonstrations on the art of making lei’s as well as hula dancing performances.  Before leaving the island take the kids to visit the world famous beaches of the North Shore.  It’s worth the drive to see the very beaches where world class surfers congregate.   

When visiting Maui a sure bet is the Maui Ocean Center, home to the largest tropical fish aquarium in the United States.  The dolphin statues out front make a great background for a souvenir photo.  Don’t forget to check out the whaling museum located in Lahaina.  If you are visiting during the winter months go ahead and take a whale watching tour from the Lahaina harbor.  It’s sure to please. The beaches at the resort are of Ka’anapali are fun for kids as well.  Most of these resorts have awesome pools for little swimmers.  Some even have water parks within the hotel themselves. Parents should take advantage of the kids programs at these resorts for some quiet time to themselves.  

On the big island of Hawaii take a drive through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  You can see active volcanoes and possibly some lava flow from the comfort and safety of your own rental car.  Next take a ride over to Waimea and take the kids for a horseback ride through the valley.  You could do an all day excursion complete with lunch, or perhaps just pony rides for the little kids. Lastly you could go to North Kohala and try kayaking.  This is a great place for beginners.   

The island of Molokai will offer some good old fashioned rest and relaxation in an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.  You could rent mountain bikes and explore the island together.  Be careful, however, not to go too far off the trails, because it’s easy to get lost on the mostly undeveloped island.  On this island you should consider renting a house so the kids will have plenty of room to spread out.  Also there aren’t too many hotel options here on Molokai. 

HONOLULU, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — go!, Hawaii’s Low Fare Airline, today announced it is offering web-only special fares as low as just $19*. The discounted one-way fares are available on select flights and dates through December 31, 2007.

(more…)