‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 16, 2024 by richardcedwards

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 – a palace gate displaying the Royal Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Hawaii with the Motto Ua Mau ke Ea ka ‘Ãina i ka Pono in Hawaiian, which translates to English as “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”; in the background is the Iolani Palace, built during the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1879 by King David Kalākaua as the royal residence to replace the original wooden King’s palace on that location built by King Kamehameha III, who moved the capital from Lahaina, Maui to Honolulu in 1845

Note that the ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu, O’ahu Island in the state of Hawaii, United States of America, is the only royal palace on U.S. soil.

“The Hawaiian Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian: Ke Aupuni Hawaiʻi), was a sovereign state located in the Hawaiian Islands which existed from 1795 to 1893. It was established during the late 18^th century when Kamehameha I, then Ali’i nui of Hawaii, conquered the islands of O’ahu, Maui, Moloka’I, and Lāna’i, and unified them under one government. In 1810, the Hawaiian Islands were fully unified when the islands of Kauai’ii and Ni’ihau voluntarily joined the Hawaiian Kingdom. Two major dynastic families ruled the kingdom, the house of Kamehameha and the House of Kalākaua.” – Wikipedia

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2 – this (very modern and advanced, in its time) palace was built during the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1879 by King David Kalākaua as the royal residence to replace the original wooden King’s palace on that location built by King Kamehameha III who moved the capital from Lahaina, Maui to Honolulu in 1845

“A national historic landmark and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, from 1882 to 1893 Downtown Honolulu’s ʻIolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs: King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani.

“The palace was a symbol of promise for the Hawaiian Kingdom built by King Kalākaua, “The Merrie Monarch.” Influenced by European architectural styles, this royal residence included Hawaiʻi’s first electric light system, flush toilets and intra-house telephones. The rich interior features a beautiful koa staircase, dramatic portraits of Hawaiian royalty, ornate furniture and royal gifts and ornaments from around the world.

“In 1893, a provisional U.S. government was established after opposition forces overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy. The Hawaiian Islands were eventually annexed as a United States Territory in 1898. Hawaiʻi became the 50^th state in 1959 and during this time ʻIolani Palace was used as the capitol building until 1968. After falling into disrepair over the years, the ʻIolani Palace was renovated and opened to the public in 1978.” — www.gohawaii.com

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3 – these carved figures on glass panels in the front doors of the palace date back to 1879

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4 – the grand (entry) hall

“A Place for Royalty: The significance of the land around ʻIolani Palace stretches back to antiquity. It is thought to have been the site of an ancient heiau (place of worship). In 1845, King Kamehameha III established his official residence in a large commodious home on this site. The structure served five Hawaiian kings until its demolition in 1874. The cornerstone for ʻIolani Palace was laid on December 31, 1879, with full Masonic rites and construction was completed in 1882. The Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs, where they held official functions, received dignitaries and luminaries from around the world, and entertained often and lavishly.” — www.iolanipalace.org

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5 — the grand staircase to the upper storey where the ruling Hawaiian royalty had their personal family suites

“Iolani Palace features architecture seen nowhere else in the world. This unique style is known as American Florentine. On the first floor a grand hall faces a staircase of koa wood. Ornamental plaster decorates the interior. The Throne room (southeast corner), the blue meeting room, and the dining room adjoin the grand hall. The blue room included a large 1848 portrait of King Louis Phillippe of France and a koa wood piano where Liliʻuokalani played her compositions for guests. Upstairs are the private library and bedrooms of the Hawaiian monarchs.” — Wikipedia

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6 – one of the mythical figures at the foot of the grand staircase in the grand hall

Our palace guide informed us that when built, the ‘Iolani Palace had electricity FOUR YEARS before the White House in Washington, D.C., the residence of the president of the United States of America

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7 – a portrait of King Kamehameha I, who united the four main inhabited Hawaiian islands in 1795 and created the Kingdom of Hawaii; this portrait was installed in the palace in 1980

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8 – the Throne room is located at the front of the palace (southeast corner) on the main level; it is the only throne room in the United States

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 9 — the two thrones for the King and Queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom; they were last used by the Kingdom’s final two monarchs, David Kalākaua and Queen Lili’uokalani

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 10 – the coronation dress of Queen Lili’uokalani, from 1981; she was the only queen regnant and was the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom

“Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Waiania Kamakaʻeha (1838–1917), better known as Queen Liliʻuokalani, was the Hawaiian Kingdom’s only reigning queen and last monarch before the overthrow of the sovereign state. Queen Liliʻuokalani presided over the Hawaiian Kingdom during a time of great economic growth. By 1890, 21 international treaties and more than 80 embassies around the world recognized the Hawaiian archipelago. Additionally, Hawaiʻi and its multiethnic society enjoyed universal suffrage in 1840 (a full 120 years before the United States), universal health care, state neutrality (1855), and a 95 percent literacy rate, the second highest in the world.

“Deceit and treachery also marked the queen’s tenure: on January 17, 1893, the queen was forcefully removed in a coup de main supported by American troops and warships under the direction of John L. Stevens, U.S. minister to the Hawaiian Kingdom. The United States argued that it needed Hawaiian ports to fight the Spanish-American War deeper in the Pacific, which the Hawaiian Kingdom’s neutral status prevented. Despite years of unsuccessful appeals to international states and the United States government, Liliʻuokalani was confined at home in Honolulu until her death in 1917. While not an American woman, Queen Liliʻuokalani marks a significant voice in the framework of American imperialism. A force to be reckoned with, she protected her country, citizens, and role as sovereign until her passing.” — https://womenshistory.si.edu/herstory/activism/object/queen-liliuokalani

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 11 – the ceremonial crowns of King David Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, along with the sovereign’s sword and scepter

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 12 – a side table with serving pieces for a royal dinner for guests in the palace’s main dining room

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 13 – the palace’s main dining room is shown here as set for King David Kalākaua’s Jubilee Dinner on November 29, 1886, to celebrate the King’s 50th birthday

“King Kalākaua’s Jubilee Dinner: On November 29, 1886, King Kalākaua hosted his jubilee birthday dinner. A quiet affair with a handful of special guests, the dinner was in honor of the King’s 50^th birthday. The menu, written in French, included dishes such as: oysters, soups, shrimp salad, beef with mushrooms, duck with olives, and asparagus with Hollandaise sauce. Dessert included, seasonal, fruit, cake, glazed cookies, and bonbons. Wine accompanied the entrées. Coffee was offered at the end of the meal.

“The Central Commercial Advertiser [newspaper] reported that ‘after the dinner, His Majesty, and his guests, proceeded to the Throne room, where they were joined by select company of ladies and gentlemen, who spent the evening in dancing.’

“The King‘s birthday celebrations were spread out over two weeks from November 15-29, 1886. The celebrations included events such as hula performances, athletic competitions, a parade, fireworks, and a regatta, as well as a dinner and a luau.” – signage at the ‘Iolani Palace

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 14 – details of carved koa wood paneling on the grand stairway; note that koa wood was sacred in the Hawaiian Kingdom

‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 15 – we stayed after closing time and our guide gave us a tour of the second level of the palace where we visited the royals’ private living suites; this is King David Kalākaua’s bedroom

As we came to the end of our nearly two weeks in the Hawaiian Islands, we were reminded of one aspect of the Hawaiian culture that deserves universal following. It is the Hawaiian word ’OHANA. The literal translation of ’ohana is family. In the islands, it is more generally used to refer to an “extended family”. In popular culture (for example, the movie “Lilo and Stitch”, an animated children’s film), the characters in the film repeatedly state that “’ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”

“The concept of ʻohana involves creating loving relationships with more than just blood relatives. Embracing ʻohana means developing a sense of familial care and devotion to all members of the human family. The general non-Hawaiian public primarily knows about ʻohana from movies or television shows. ʻOhana is closely associated with the concept of families providing support to each other. Traditionally, Native Hawaiians have had large extended families, with multiple generations staying close together. One aspect of ʻohana means ensuring that no one in the family gets left behind. Growing ʻohana involves ensuring that everyone in the family has what they need to survive and live with joy. This sense of family includes not only the children but also the elders, who receive much respect.” — https://collectionsofwaikiki.com/ohana-meaning/

Note that like many other societies around the world, Hawaiians for centuries have called close friends of a family “Auntie” and “Uncle” and included them in their extended family, making them part of the family’s ʻohana.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 16, 2024 by richardcedwards

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 – a rare, surviving Japanese “Zero” fighter from World War II; formally it is a Mitsubishi A6M2 “ZERO” of the Imperial Japanese Navy – these were some of the planes launched in the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor — launched from Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carriers approximately 200 miles north of O’ahu

On this visit to Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, we enjoyed two separate historical tours at Pearl Harbor, the site of the surprise military attack by the Japanese Imperial Empire (by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service) on the American Naval base and shipyard at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii.

This blog post highlights our visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a relatively new addition on Ford Island to the remembrances of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. For historical notes about the attack [“December 7, 1941: “The Date Which Will Live in Infamy’” – United States of America President Franklin Delano Roosevelt”.], please see our notes at the end of our previous blog post, https://richedwardsimagery.wordpress.com/2024/12/15/battleship-missouri-memorial-pearl-harbor-honolulu-oahu-hawaii-united-states-of-america/

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a non-profit founded in 1999 to develop an aviation museum in Hawaii. Part of Senator Daniel Inouye’s vision for a rebirth of Ford Island (Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.), the museum hosts a variety of aviation exhibits with a majority relating directly to the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II.

“The Dawn of War: 7:15 a.m. Sunday, December 7, 1941, approximately 200 miles north of O’ahu. Air crews aboard the Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hiryu prepare to launch a second wave of planes to attack the U. S. Pacific Fleet and airbases on O’ahu. One hour earlier the first wave had departed the Japanese aircraft carriers, destined to reach Pearl Harbor just before 8:00 a.m. Their bombs and torpedoes would declare Japan’s new war against the United States.” – signage at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Pictured in photograph #1 are the remains of the Japanese “Zero” fighter launched on December 7, 1941, from the Japanese aircraft carrier Hiryu piloted by Airman First Class Shigenori Nishikaichi, who crash landed on the island of Ni’ihau after the second wave of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The plane is displayed as it was after the crash. The model of the aircraft carrier is the Hiryu, with its flight deck loaded with “Zeroes”.

The Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” fighter was designated a Model 21, type Zero carrier-based fighter. The Japanese built almost 11,000 zero fighters over the course of the war. The planes had a crew of one and were first flown in a combat mission by the Japanese in August 1940 in China. The maximum speed was 335 mph at 16,000 feet elevation. The range was 1,675 nautical miles.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2 – the “Ruptured Duck” is one of 16 United States Army Air Force (land-based) B-25B bombers that were launched from U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Hornet for the “Doolittle Raid” on Tokyo, Japan, on April 18, 1942; piloted by Lt. Ted W. Lawson, the “Ruptured Duck” was ditched in the China Sea after the successful bombing raid on Tokyo — all of its crew were rescued by Chines fishermen

“The Doolittle Raid – A Daring Blow to Japan’s Heart: After the Pearl Harbor attack, America and her Allies continued to suffer frustrating defeats against Japan in the Pacific. A secret plan to bomb the Japanese capital (of Tokyo) using land-based U.S. Army B-25 bombers launched from a Navy aircraft carrier was developed to boost American morale and shake Japanese confidence.

“Lieutenant Colonel ‘Jimmy’ Doolittle trained volunteer army aircrews to fly off the ship, find their targets, and then continue on to friendly bases in China. With the “Raiders“ on board and their 16 B-25s tied to her flight deck, aircraft carrier USS Hornet and her task force left San Francisco for Japan on April 4, 1942…

“On April 18, 1942, while still 200 miles from the planned launching point, the American fleet’s approach was radioed by a Japanese trawler before it could be sunk. Despite fuel concerns over the added distance, Doolittle lead the Raiders in an immediate takeoff. All 16 bombers individually flew on to strike at their targets in Tokyo and surrounding cities.

“Undamaged by the Japanese defenses, but low on fuel, one B-25 successfully diverted to Vladivostok, Russia, while four ditched near the Japanese-held Chinese coast. Eleven were abandoned from the air further inland. Three flyers were killed outright, eight were captured by the Japanese, of which three were executed and one died in captivity. The remaining 64 Raiders were helped to safety by the Chinese.

“For his role, Jimmy Doolittle was promoted to Brigadier General and received the Medal of Honor. The Raiders each received the Distinguished Flying Cross.” — signage at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3 – the fuselage, wings and engines of the “Ruptured Duck” B-25B bomber that was launched from U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Hornet for the “Doolittle Raid” on Tokyo, Japan, on April 18, 1942

“Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum makes its home in two historic seaplane hangars and the control tower on Ford Island that survived the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The museum showcases the vital role aviation played in America’s role and eventual victory during WWII along with its continuing importance. Hangar 37 features a 12-minute film dedicated to the Pearl Harbor attack along with authentic aircraft from that day plus fascinating exhibits. At each of end of Hangar 37 (the first section of the museum, having opened on December 7, 2006), the doors’ blue glass windows are still riddled with bullet holes from the attack. The hangar houses many modern jets and historic aircraft. Visitors can experience the Museum’s Combat Flight Simulators.” — www.pearlharboroahu.com

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4 – the Robinson family’s Cletrac tractor (Cleveland Tractor Company) deployed on the small private island of Ni’ihau, west of the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, to rip up the fields, making them inaccessible to Japanese aircraft that were predicted to use an island base as a launching point for an initial air raid attack on the United States

“Celtrac Tractor, Robinson Family, Ni’ihau: A 1924 report by Brigadier General Billy Mitchell predicted that the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by air on a Sunday morning. This amazing prophecy also suggested that the privately owned island of Ni’ihau might be used as an advanced airbase for the attack.

“Also sharing Mitchell’s view was Major General Gerald C. Brant, who was stationed in Hawaii in the early 1930s. He secretly convinced Ni’ihau s owner, Aylmer Robinson, to furrow the island and destroy its potential as an airfield.

“In 1933, using mules, plowing began on Ni’ihau. In 1937 this small tractor (pictured), built by the Cleveland Tractor Company, was purchased to expedite the furrowing. The entire covert project was financed and carried out by the Robinsons and finished just months before the actual Pearl Harbor attack. They had criss-crossed the island with over 5,000 miles of furrows. The tractor continued to be used as a farm implement on the island until around 1957.

“As a private citizen, Elmer Robinson‘s foresight and actions in eliminating Ni’ihau’s use by the Japanese as a foreign operating base were remarkable. Though the island was not used in the Pearl Harbor attack as Mitchell had predicted, the furrows frustrated the one Japanese plane that force-landed there.“ — signage at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5 – this Dauntless, a World War II U.S. Navy dive bomber, was dedicated at PHAM on the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor; it was last flown by Lt. John Henry Lendo

The Dauntless’ history as a WWII combat aircraft lent itself to the historic Battle of the Coral Sea. Later, it served as a trainer for pilot carrier landings at the Lake Michigan Carrier Qualification Training Unit in Michigan, where Lt. John Henry flew this plane.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6 – a restored U.S. Navy C-47, the World War II cargo version of the workhorse Douglas Aircraft DC-3 in front of the iconic Ford Island (Pearl Harbor) Operations Building (Building S-84) and Control Tower, silent witnesses to the December 7, 1941 attack; the control tower is now open to the public for the first time in decades, memorializing America’s Greatest Generation and the “date which will live in infamy.”

“Air Raid, on Pearl Harbor – this is no drill” were the first words broadcast from Ford Island as the Japanese surprise air raid on Pearl Harbor began on December 7, 1941. The center of the island remains the location of the Naval Base’s and the airfield’s control tower.

“Like many structures on Ford Island, Building S84 was still new at the time of the attack, with only 80% of the aircraft control tower complete. Because the upper control tower was not complete, the aerological tower on top of Building S84 was temporarily used as a control tower to direct aircraft. The Operations Building S-84 was strafed during the attack while controllers continued to guide U.S. aircraft in and out of the Ford Island airstrip. Construction scaffolding surrounded the tall water tank and low-flying attackers (reported as low as 40 feet) were forced to veer away from the looming structure. Operators on the lower control deck guided the USS Enterprise BD Dauntless scout planes as they arrived in the middle of the attack. When the smoke cleared Ford Island, the partially built Ford Island Operations Building (S-84) and its control tower were still standing tall, an iconic symbol of America’s strength, sacrifice, and resilience. On May 1, 1942, five months after the attack, the upper control tower was finished.” — www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org/news/blog-archives/history-of-ford-island-control-tower/

The Douglas C-47 is a military transport aircraft developed by Douglas Aircraft Company (founded in 1921 by Donald Douglas Sr., and merged with McDonnell Aircraft in 1967) from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. “Approximately 100 countries’ armed forces have operated the C-47 with over 60 variants of the aircraft produced. As with the civilian DC-3, the C-47 remains in service in the present day, over 80 years after the type’s introduction.

“The C-47 differed from the civilian DC-3 by way of numerous modifications, including being fitted with a cargo door, hoist attachment and strengthened floor – along with a shortened tail cone for glider-towing shackles, and an astrodome in the cabin roof.

“During World War II, the armed forces of many countries used the C-47 and modified DC-3s for the transport of troops, cargo, and wounded. The U.S. naval designation was R4D. More than 10,000 aircraft were produced in Long Beach and Santa Monica, California, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Between March 1943 and August 1945, the Oklahoma City plant produced 5,354 C-47s.” — Wikipedia

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7 – our tour guide took us up the restored elevator to the 4th floor of the control tower, from which we climbed up two spiral staircases to the top level (the former “control tower” room) which is now an observation platform; this view to the north shows the grassy former runway (upper left) and then Pearl City on the main part of O’ahu, with mountains in the background – also pictured in the center are the USS Arizona (above water) Memorial and the Battleship USS Missouri

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8 – in the foreground, on the shoreline, are U.S. Navy buildings from World War II; note downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head (a volcanic tuff cone) in the background

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 9 – a close-up of downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head (a volcanic tuff cone) in the background, as viewed from the Ford Island Control Tower

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 10 – the view from the Ford Island Control Tower, looking northwest, with Pearl City on the main part of O’ahu

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 11 – view from the Ford Island Control Tower of the USS Arizona (above water) Memorial and the Battleship USS Missouri

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 12 – a close-up of the Battleship USS Missouri Memorial viewed from the Ford Island Control Tower

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 13. — a close-up of the USS Arizona (above water) Memorial viewed from the Ford Island Control Tower

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 15, 2024 by richardcedwards

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 – American flags line the walkway to board the Battleship USS Missouri BB-63, seen in the background

Our final port of call in the Hawaiian Islands on this journey was in Honolulu, the largest city in the state (population over 1 million people), on the central island of O’ahu, for a couple of days (before sailing for 8 days to cross the Pacific Ocean to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico). [For background on the city of Honolulu, please see our blog from December 3, 2024: https://richedwardsimagery.wordpress.com/2024/12/03/honolulu-oahu-hawaii-united-states-of-america/

On this visit we enjoyed two separate historical tours at Pearl Harbor, the site of the surprise military attack by the Japanese Imperial Empire (by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service) on the American Naval base and shipyard at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. [See the historical notes at the end of this blog post on the history of the attack, titled, “December 7, 1941: “The Date Which Will Live in Infamy’” – United States of America President Franklin Delano Roosevelt”.]

This blog post highlights our visit to the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor. Note that the Battleship Missouri(the third U.S. Navy ship to carry the name of the “show me” state) was neither built by, nor at the Pearl Harbor Naval base during attack in 1941. Most visitors to Pearl Harbor do visit the memorial to the USS Battleship Arizona, which was sunk in the attack, with over 1,100 of her crew killed, and most of them interred in the wreckage at the bottom of the harbor, under the USS Arizona Memorial erected over her sunken hull.

This Battleship USS Missouri did not get commissioned at the United States Brooklyn Navy Yard (in New York City, NY) until June 11, 1944, although she was christened by U.S. President Harry S. Truman’s wife, Margaret Truman, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on January 29, 1944. Following a summer shakedown cruise, by November 1941 she was in route to the Pacific Ocean, where she initially moored at the Pearl Harbor Navy Base on December 24, 1944.

The ship was very active in the naval war against Japan throughout 1945 (in the Pacific), until her most famous moment in history, the signing of the formal “Instrument of Surrender” [see the photographs of a facsimile of the document, below], acknowledging the Allied defeat of the Japanese Imperial Empire – signed on September 2, 1945, on the main deck of the Battleship USS Missouri.

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2 – the control tower of the Battleship USS Missouri, visible at the end of the walkway to the boarding gangway

The solemnity of the memorials at Pearl Harbor was captured during the war by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, United States Navy [on a plaque under the Nimitz statue in the photograph, above, on the way to boarding the Battleship Missouri]: “They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation – the obligation to insure that their sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live.”

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3 – the bow of the Battleship Missouri faces the memorial to the USS Battleship Arizona, which was sunk on December 7, 1941, in the Japanese surprise attack — out of respect and to be an “honor guard” for her in the harbor

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4 — the main battery of the Iowa-class ships consisted of nine 16-inch (406 millimeter)/50 caliber Mark 7 guns in three triple-gun turrets on the centerline, two of which were placed in a superfiring pair forward of the superstructure (pictured above), with the third located aft of the control tower

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5 –our private tour took us up a vertical “ladder” and into this control room for one of the two turrets of three of the 16-inch guns (see photograph 4)

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6 – a view of the very small room where sailors loaded the gun’s projectiles and, behind it, the SIX bags of gunpowder needed to fire the guns; a good crew could fire and reload twice a minute!

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7 – a photograph of the signing ceremony of the formal “Instrument of Surrender” acknowledging the Allied defeat of the Japanese Imperial Empire – signed on September 2, 1945, on the main deck of the Battleship USS Missouri

The Surrender Ceremony

“On the teak decks of USS Missouri, WWII finally came to an end on 2 September 1945. The Surrender Ceremony, which formally brought an end to the bloodiest conflict in human history, lasted a mere 23 minutes. It began at 0902 with a brief opening speech by General Douglas MacArthur. In his speech, the General called for justice, tolerance, and rebuilding. After MacArthur’s speech, Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, representing the Emperor of Japan, signed the Instrument of Surrender. He was followed by the Chief of the Army General Staff, General Yoshijirō Umezu, who signed for the Japanese Army. After this, General MacArthur signed the Instrument of Surrender as the Supreme Allied Commander with 6 pens. Of these pens, he gave two to former POWs Lt. General Jonathan Wainwright and Lt. General Arthur E. Percival. Following MacArthur, other allied representatives followed in this order:

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed for the United States
General Xu Yongchang for the Republic of China
Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser for the United Kingdom
Lt. General Kuzma Derevyanko for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
General Sir Thomas A. Blamey for the Commonwealth of Australia
Colonel Lawrence Moore Cosgrave for the Dominion of Canada
General Philippe Le Clerc for the Provisional Government of the French Republic
Lt. Admiral Conrad E. L. Helfrich for the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Air Vice Marshal Leonard M. Isitt for the Dominion of New Zealand

“After the signing concluded, General MacArthur made a few concluding remarks and closed the proceedings. At 0923 on 2 September 1945, the war was officially over.” — https://ussmissouri.org/learn-the-history/surrender

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8 – a facsimile of the first page of the “Instrument of Surrender” that ended the Allies war with the Japanese Imperial Empire

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 9 — a facsimile of the signature page of the “Instrument of Surrender” that ended the Allies war with the Japanese Imperial Empire

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 10 – flags of various nations on the control tower

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 11 – the two forward gun turrets on the main deck, photographed from below the control tower

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 12 – the Battleship Missouri’s Captain’s IN PORT private quarters — they contain a table for entertaining guests; pictured on the wall are the “Great Seal of the State of Missouri” and a portrait of U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who was president when the “Instrument of Surrender” was signed onboard that ended the Allies’ war with the Japanese Imperial Empire

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 13 – in the Captain’s IN PORT quarters, a model of the Battleship Missouri BB-63 and a photograph of the Japanese surrender signing ceremony signed by Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur

December 7, 1941: “The Date Which Will Live in Infamy” – United States of America President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“On November 26, 1941… the Japanese Imperial Navy ordered an armada that included 414 planes aboard six aircraft carriers to set to sea. Following a plan devised by Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, who had earlier studied at Harvard and served as Japan’s naval attaché in Washington, DC, the flotilla aimed to destroy the US Pacific Fleet base at Pearl Harbor.

“To catch the Americans by surprise, the ships maintained strict radio silence throughout their 3,500- mile trek from Hitokappu Bay to a predetermined launch sector 230 miles north of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. At 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 7, a first wave of Japanese planes lifted off from the carriers, followed by a second wave an hour later. Led by Captain Mitsuo Fuchida, the pilots spotted land and assumed their attack positions around 7:30 a.m. Twenty-three minutes later, with his bomber perched above the unsuspecting American ships moored in pairs along Pearl Harbor’s “Battleship Row,” Fuchida broke radio silence to shout, “Tora! Tora! Tora!” (Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!) — the coded message informing the Japanese fleet that they had caught the Americans by surprise.

“For nearly two hours, Japanese firepower rained down upon American ships and servicemen. While the attack inflicted significant destruction, the fact that Japan failed to destroy American repair shops and fuel-oil tanks mitigated the damage. Even more significantly, no American aircraft carriers were at Pearl Harbor that day. The Japanese, however, immediately followed their Pearl Harbor assault with attacks against US and British bases in the Philippines, Guam, Midway Island, Wake Island, Malaya, and Hong Kong. Within days, the Japanese were masters of the Pacific.

“In Washington, a decrypted message had alerted officials that an attack was imminent moments before Fuchida’s planes took to the skies. But a communications delay prevented a warning from reaching Pearl Harbor in time. The Americans missed another opportunity when an officer discounted a report from an Oahu-based radar operator that a large number of planes were headed their way.

“At the White House, Roosevelt learned of the attack as he was finishing lunch and preparing to tend to his stamp collection. He spent the remainder of the afternoon receiving updates and writing the address he intended to deliver to Congress the following day asking for a declaration of war against Japan. As he drafted and redrafted the speech, Roosevelt focused on rallying the nation behind a war many had hoped to avoid.” — www.nationalww2museum.org

The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress and the nation, declaring the “American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” The U.S. entered World War II within hours.

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 13, 2024 by richardcedwards

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 — located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaiʻi, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town; is the largest settlement in, and the county seat of, Hawaiʻi County

With a population of around 40,000, Hilo is the largest settlement in, and the county seat of, Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, United States of America. “Located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaiʻi, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town. On the geographic flipside of the volcanic Kohala Coast, the region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens. It’s also home to Hilo International Airport and is a convenient stop on your way to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located 45 minutes south. A busy farming and fishing area in early times, Hilo evolved into a commercial center for the sugar industry in the 1800s. Downtown Hilo was built around its crescent-shaped bay and became the seat of county government. Today, Downtown Hilo is a charming town offering museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants. The Lil’uokalani Gardens is a peaceful respite and features Japanese-style fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens on its 30 acres.” — www.gohawaii.com Lil’uokalani Gardens

Our second day in Hilo was spent at the Lil’uokalani Gardens , with a nice luncheon in downtown Hilo at Café Pesto, followed by a meandering shopping and sightseeing walk around town, with late afternoon stops for shaved ice at the famous Wilson’s by the Bay, the local farmers’ market and the local grocery store for some provisions for the eight day crossing after our final port of call in Hawaii, Honolulu.

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2 – the Mauna Loa volcano looms over Hilo in this view of the city from the ocean, looking southwest from Hilo Harbor

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3 – Torii gates mark the entrances to Lil’uokalani Gardens in several places; a torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine

“Replicating a Japanese garden and overlooking Mokuolah and Hilo Bay, Lil’uokalani Gardens is a beautiful tribute to the island’s first Japanese immigrants and the largest Edo style ornamental garden outside Japan. We spent the morning strolling through its lush landscape complete with red arching bridges, pagodas, stone lanterns, and a beautiful tea house. We observed that it is a favored spot for morning running, yoga, tai chi, and outings with infants and young children (not is school).

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4 — Lil’uokalani Gardens is a peaceful respite and features Japanese-style fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens on its 30 acres

“Queen Liliuokalani donated the original five acres of land to create a public park in 1907. This was increased to seventeen acres by the Legislative Committee concerned with management of public lands in November 1917. Named for Hawaii’s last ruling monarch, Queen Lili’uokalani, the garden opened in 1919 and was styled as a tribute to the first Japanese immigrants to the Big Island who helped build its agricultural history starting in 1868… Liliuokalani Gardens features Japanese imported stone lanterns, sculptures, arched bridges and gazebos from as early as 1916… Liliuokalani Gardens highlights plant species and building styles drawn from traditional Japanese temples and gardens. As you stroll along Waihonu Pond, crossing arched red bridges over koi ponds to pagodas, and a Japanese traditional teahouse named Shoroan, you might feel like you’re transported to the incredible temples of Kyoto.” – www.bigislandguide.com/liliuokalani-gardens

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5 – a traditional Japanese stone bridge in the gardens

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6 – the size of this gigantic banyan tree in Lil’uokalani Gardens can be gauged by the people in the front, posing for a friend’s photograph

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7 — downtown Hilo is a charming town offering museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants

Hilo, Hawai’i Island, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8 – our afternoon treat (replacing desert at lunch in town) was a three-flavored shaved ice from the hole-in-the-wall, but iconic, Wilson’s by the Bay

Maui, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 7, 2024 by richardcedwards

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 – the Intrepid Explorer by the Maverick Helicopter that Chief Pilot Jake flew four of us in for our several hours, three-island tour; here, we stopped in the Hana Rainforest (just beyond Jurassic Rock – see photograph 5) for Champagne and snacks before resuming our tour

Our previous ship’s call on Maui, Hawaii, United States of America, was in January 2022 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) when we anchored off Lahaina on the southern shore of Maui and used tender boats to reach a pier in town. It was a wonderful visit, made more vivid a little more than a year later when hurricane strength winds blew down a number of live electric power lines into 6 foot [2 meters] high dry grass and started a fire that blew down the hill to the old historic whaling town of Lahaina, completely destroying the homes in the fire’s path and burning down all the historic wooden buildings in town that housed retail shops, cafés, and restaurants. As you will see in a photograph in our next blog post, the area is now sadly just dirt. Locals estimate that it could take up to 15 years to rebuild the area, as the first order of business is to remove the topsoil in the whole area that is now contaminated with all kinds of dangerous substances as a result of everything burning to the ground.

The good news (not very well communicated by the Maui Chamber of Commerce over the past 18 months) is that the rest of the island is fine and more than ready to greet tourists with warm hospitality. Having visited Maui as a couple and with our two sons probably more that 20 times over the past 52 years, we decided that the best way to see something “new” was to take a multi-hour helicopter ride over the island. On the helicopter ride we also visited neighboring Molokai and Lanai Islands, both with very small resident populations (several thousand people, each), compared with around 180,000 on Maui.

Maui is the second most populated Hawaiian Island (after Oahu, with over 1 million residents), located east of Oahu and west of the “Big Island” (Hawai’i). Maui is affectionately known as the “Valley Isle” due to the great valley that lies between its two major volcanoes, Haleakala and Mauna Kahalawai. It is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Maui is well known for its stunning beaches, the sacred Ĩao Valley, the crater of the extinct volcano Haleakala, the Road to Hana, as well as great golfing, swimming, SCUBA diving and snorkeling, dining (at cafes, restaurants and luaus) and local entertainment. In the winter, there is whale-watching for humpback whales from Alaska swimming by the islands as they head north back to Alaska for the summer. There are also opportunities to support the local community (in the Lahaina region) through volunteer work and financial support.

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2 – the Maverick Helicopter heliport is adjacent to the Kahului International Airport, shown here just after “takeoff” in our helicopter

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3 – a suburb of Kahului on the northern shore of Maui, to the east of the city

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4 – the Road to Hana (“Hana Highway”) is a two-lane and one-lane paved road, along the north and east coasts of Maui, to the scenic small town of Hana on the east coast of Maui; the drive is tortuous, with 629 hair-pin curves and 54 one-lane bridges (out of the total of 59 bridges) on the 51 mile drive from Kahului (allow several hours!)

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5 — Jurassic Rock – actually, Keōpuka Rock – was featured in the opening sequence of the original Jurassic Park movie, as the helicopter flew in from the Pacific Ocean on the north shore of Maui to the Garden of Eden (Arboretum), a real, lush botanical garden set on 26 acres, off the Road to Hana, just south (inland) of Jurassic Rock

“The Road to Hana: There’s a sense of suspense you just can’t shake while driving the Road to Hana, a serpentine road lined with tumbling waterfalls, lush slopes, and rugged coasts – and serious hairpin turns. Spanning the northeast shore of Maui, the legendary Hana Hwy ribbons tightly between jungle valleys and towering cliffs. Along the way, 54 one-lane bridges mark nearly as many waterfalls, some tranquil and inviting, others so sheer they kiss you with spray as you drive past. The drive is ravishingly gorgeous, but certainly not easy.” – www.lonelyplanet.com

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6 – a waterfall in the Hana Rainforest

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7 – three waterfalls in the Hana Rainforest

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8 — our midday Champagne and snack lunch break was in the Hana Rainforest; these taro fields (our landing “pad”) were planted and harvested for centuries by the native Hawaiians before Europeans came to Hawaii (discovered by Captain James Cook in 1778)

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 9 – a large, stunning monkeypod tree on the edge of the ancient taro fields in the Hana Rainforest where we landed for lunch

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 10 – foliage at another edge of the ancient taro fields in the Hana Rainforest where we landed for lunch

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 11 – the flower of a red ginger plant (note that this is not the edible ginger plant that we use in cooking and candies) at the landing spot in the Hana Rainforest

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 12 – after lunch we flew through the Hana Rainforest where we saw innumerable waterfalls flowing with water that had come down the sides of the Haleakalā extinct volcanic mountain

Haleakalā, or the East Maui Volcano, is a massive, active shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The western 25% of the island is formed by another volcano, Mauna Kahalawai, also referred to as the West Maui Mountains. The tallest peak of Haleakalā, at 10,023 feet [3,055 meters], is Puʻu ʻUlaʻula.

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 13 – a view of “Jurassic Rock” and the shoreline of north Maui as we flew back toward Kahului on the way to west Maui and then on to the islands of Molokai and Lanai

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 14 – the red soil in the open fields is from the volcanic iron residue in the soil, shown here as we flew west towards Maui’s western extinct volcano’s mountain, Mauna Kahalawai, with the summit, Pu’u Kukui, at 5,788-feet [1,764 meters], towering over a lush nature preserve

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 15 – the northwest corner of the island of Maui, with Molokai Island in the distance

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 16 – lush, forested slopes in the west Maui ridges under Mauna Kahalawai

PHOTO Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 17 – a stream flows through one of many lush green valleys under Mauna Kahalawai

PHOTO Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 18 – this was the largest collection of waterfalls that we saw in one valley on Maui – under Mauna Kahalawai; note that the lava rock is so porous here, that many of the waterfalls are natural “springs” opening on the mountainside, rather than water runoff from uphill

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 18 – this was the largest collection of waterfalls that we saw in one valley on Maui – under Mauna Kahalawai; note that the lava rock is so porous here, that many of the waterfalls are natural “springs” opening on the mountainside, rather than water runoff from uphill

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 19 – approaching the southern shore of Maui on the western side of the island (where Kaanapali and Kapalua developments are located), with the island of Molokai in the background

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 20 – flying over Kaanapali, Maui

Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 21 – developments on the southern shore of Maui, west of Kaanapali

Our next blog post will continue our helicopter tour of three Hawaiian islands with photographs and descriptions of Molokai and Lanai Islands

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 5, 2024 by richardcedwards

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 — Waimea Canyon Lookout, at an elevation of 3,400 feet, off the main road at mile marker 10, is the primary canyon overlook and offers an expansive full-on view of the geologically kaleidoscopic vibrant red and green colors of Waimea Canyon; this panorama photograph was stitched together from 11 separate photographs – click on the photograph for a larger version to be downloaded to your tablet or computer screen

From our ship docked at the Nawiliwili Cruise Terminal near Līhu’e, Kaua’i, in the U.S. state of Hawaii, we drove our rental car west for about an hour to reach the small coastal town of Waimea and then drove uphill through the Waimea Canyon State Park. The scenic state park overlooks the colorful cliffs and the gargantuan abyss of lava rock of Waimea Canyon – also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, stretching over 14 miles [22 kilometers] long and about 1mile [1.6 kilometers] wide. The canyon is about 3,600 feet [1,097 meters] in depth. The canyon was carved by the flowing waters of the Waimea River. The stunning gorges and buttes of Waimea Canyon highlight Kauai’s geological evolution over millions of years, with colorful cliffs in geologically kaleidoscopic shades of red and green that invite visitors to take photographs, especially as the cloud cover changes and the angle of the sun changes over the course of a visit. At the bottom of the colorful gorge runs the Waimea River. The Hawaiian name Waimea translates to “red (or reddish) waters,” and the color of the water is in fact red.

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3

Hawaiian language words behind some of the Hawaiian names:

Waimea – wai means “fresh water”. It holds such value that the word for value, worth, or importance is Wai Wai. Water twice. The native people of Hawai’i have a deep connection with water. Mea means “thing”,”object” or “reddish-brown”, as water with red earth in it. So, waimea means “reddish water”. Hence the name of the river and the canyon reflect the iron ore in the soils and rocks that are reddish in color [see all the photographs of the canyon rocks].

Hawai’i – ha means a person’s “breath (of life)” or “life”, wai (pronounced VEYE) means “fresh water”, and i (pronounce as a long “E”, as in “Even”) means “god”, or “creator”.

aloha – alo means “presence”, ha means a person’s “breath (of life)” or “life”. Thus, aloha, literally means “presence of breath”. The term is used to define a force that holds together existence. Aloha is the common Hawaiian greeting (for both “hello” and “goodbye”) with over 100 different meanings, including “love”, “peace”, “compassion” to pity and grief, and mercy, among others.

“If you were to ask someone in Hawaii, “What does aloha mean to you?” you may receive a variety of answers. Aloha is an essence of being: love, peace, compassion, and a mutual understanding of respect. Aloha means living in harmony with the people and land around you with mercy, sympathy, grace, and kindness. When greeting another person with aloha, there is mutual regard and affection. This extends with warmth in caring for the other with no obligation to receive anything in return. The direct translation from Hawaiian to English is the presence of divine breath. The Hawaiian word alo is presence, front and face, and ha is breath.” — www.skylinehawaii.com/blog/the-meaning-of-aloha

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5

The horizontal layers and colors seen on the walls of the canyon reflect a series of lava flows that occurred over the past 4-5 million years. The reddish hues show the varying levels of iron oxide and the chemical make-up of the lava. Trees are able to grow along the lower slopes where there is water and soil, while the rocky slopes and ridge tops tend to be dry and barren. Some of the vegetation can be identified by color. The native koa trees with their silvery, sickle-shaped leaves and kukui trees with their pale green leaves are the easiest to recognize.

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8

“The canyon has a unique geologic history as it was formed not only by the steady process of erosion but also by the catastrophic collapse of the volcano that created Kauaʻi. Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi is the top of an enormous volcano rising from the ocean floor. With lava flows dated to about 5 million years ago, Kauaʻi is the oldest of the large Hawaiian Islands. Roughly 4 million years ago, while Kauaʻi was still erupting almost continuously, a portion of the island collapsed. This collapse formed a depression which then filled with lava flows. In the time since, rainwater from the slopes of Mount Waiʻaleʻale have eroded Waimea Canyon along one edge of the collapse. On the east side of the canyon, the cliff walls are built from thick lava flows that pooled in the depression. Over time, the exposed basalt has weathered from its original black to bright red.” — Wikipedia

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 9 — at Waimea Canyon State Park we met a “host” storyteller at one of the “lookouts”, a native Hawaiian who grew up in the Waimea Canyon region and regaled us with stories of native history and culture, including the meaning of several Hawaiian words such as Waimea, Hawai’i, and aloha [see notes above for details] – his cape and hollowed-out gourd were what the Hawaiians used for sun protection for centuries

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 10

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 11

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 12

“Waimea Canyon is not only a geological marvel but also holds cultural significance in Hawaiian history. The canyon and its surroundings were once home to ancient Hawaiian settlements, and the land is rich with stories passed down through generations. Interpretive displays at the park offer insights into the cultural heritage of the area, providing a deeper understanding of the connection between the land and its people.

“Waimea Canyon State Park stands as a testament to the raw beauty of nature, a vibrant tapestry of colors, history, and geological marvels. Whether you’re captivated by the canyon’s grandeur, embark on a hiking adventure, or simply savor the panoramic views, this park offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the unparalleled wonders of Kauai’s landscapes.“ — www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/waimea-canyon-state-park

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 13 – we hiked on the Waimea Canyon Trail through the rainforest (with koa trees); the trail ends at the spectacular Waipo’o Falls, which drop about 800 feet [244 meters] vertically

Koa is the largest native tree species in the Hawaiian Islands, reaching heights of approximately 115 feet [35 meters]. Historically, Koa wood was used by early Hawaiians to build ocean-going canoes, surfboards, spear handles, and ukuleles. Koa was considered the wood of Hawaiian royalty. Note that due to overcutting, the state of Hawaii passed a law making it illegal to cut down live Koa trees.

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 4, 2024 by richardcedwards

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 – in our rental car, we drove from the Līhu’e airport to the Waimea Canyon State Park and its spectacular cliffs; on the ocean-front road, this was a preview of what was to come in Waimea Canyon

From Honolulu on the island of Oahu in the U.S. state of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean, we sailed 73 miles [117 kilometers] northwest to reach the northwesternmost of the larger main Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i, nicknamed the “Garden island”. The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long [16 kilometers] Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails traversing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge are hiking destinations.

“Kauaʻi is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Island,” which is an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls! Some parts of Kauaʻi are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination. More than just dramatic beauty, the island is home to a variety of outdoor activities. You can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Po’ipũ Beach, hike the trails of Kōke’e State Park, or go ziplining above Kauaʻi’s lush valleys. But it is the island’s laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found in its small towns that make it truly timeless.” — www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2 – the red in the soil is iron from the island’s volcanic origins

Nawiliwili Bay and its port town of Līhu’e serve as the gateway to Kaua’i, Hawaii’s oldest inhabited island. Līhuʻe is the second-largest town on Kauaʻi, following Kapaʻa, with a population of around 7,000. Līhuʻe means “cold chill” in the Hawaiian language. “Līhuʻe is the government and commercial center of the island, as well as a cultural and historical area. This may be the most traveled town on Kauaʻi since it is home to Kauaʻi’s main airport (the Līhuʻe Airport) and Nāwiliwili Harbor, the island’s major commercial shipping center and cruise ship port. Līhuʻe has a variety of natural wonders to explore. Kalapakī Beach is the home of the Kauaʻi Marriott Resort and Beach Club and the Hōkūala Golf Resort. Bodysurfing, SUP, surfing and swimming make Kalapakī a popular destination. Ninini Beach is home to an automated lighthouse, in operation since 1897. And just north of Līhuʻe, don’t forget to stop at the Wailua Falls lookout for an amazing waterfall view.” — www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/lihue

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3 – at Waimea Canyon State Park we met a “host” storyteller at one of the “lookouts”, a native Hawaiian who grew up in the Waimea Canyon region and regaled us with stories of native history and culture; note that the palm frond half” skirt” around his shoulders and the hallowed out gourd “helmet” are centuries old sun protection”(before chemical sun screen lotion was invented)

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4 – one of many colorful cliff formations in Waimea Canyon State Park; see our upcoming blog post on Waimea Canyon with more details and photographs

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5 – the wave action geysers at the Spouting Horn Park can reach 50 feet [15 meters]

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6 – a close-up of one of the wave action geysers at the Spouting Horn Park

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7 – sunset at Spouting Horn Park

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8 – some of the hotels and resorts along the coast at Po’ipũ Beach, just east of Spouting Horn Park

Nawiliwili Bay, Līhu’e, Kaua’i, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 9 – when we arrived at Shipwreck Beach, in the Po’ipũ region after sunset, the waning moon was just visible, along with Venus

History of Kuai’i:

“Polynesian inhabitants settled on the island about 600 to 800 C.E., as indicated by radiocarbon dating of archeological sites. They are believed to have come from the Marquesas Islands. A second wave arrived by sea-canoe from Tahiti around 800–1000 C.E. Many Hawaiian traditions and belief structures derive from the culture that arrived with these Tahitians.

In 1778, Captain James Cook arrived at Waimea Bay, the first European known to have reached the Hawaiian islands. He named the archipelago the “Sandwich Isles” after his patron, the 6th Earl of Sandwich, George Montagu.

During the reign of King Kamehameha, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau joined his Kingdom of Kawai’I, the last to do so. Their ruler, Kaumuali’I, resisted Kamehameha for years. Kamehameha twice prepared a huge armada of ships and canoes to take the islands by force, and twice failed, once because of a storm, and once because of an epidemic. But in the face of the threat of a further invasion, Kaumualiʻi decided to join the kingdom without bloodshed, and became Kamehameha’s vassal in 1810. He ceded the island to the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi upon his death in 1824.” — Wikipedia

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States of America

Posted on December 3, 2024 by richardcedwards

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 1 – sailing into Honolulu, the capital of the state, we just caught the sunrise behind Diamond Head Peak

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is the capital of Hawaii and the gateway to the United States of America island chain in the Pacific Ocean. The Waikiki neighborhood is the city’s center for dining, nightlife and shopping –famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with the volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, include the USS Arizona Memorial. The city’s population is close to 350,000, with an urban area population of just over 1,000,000, making it one of the largest cities in Oceania (Sydney, Australia is the largest). The population of Honolulu, the state’s largest city, is a fusion of Asian, Western and Pacific cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people.

“Honolulu has been the capital of the Hawaiian Islands since 1845, firstly of the independent Hawaiian Kingdom, and since 1898, of the U.S. territory and state of Hawaii The city gained worldwide recognition following the Empire of Japan’s attack on nearby Pearl Harbor which prompted the entry of the United States into World War II; the harbor remains a major U.S. Navy base, hosting the United States Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest naval command.” – Wikipedia

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 2 – central “downtown” in Honolulu at sunrise

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 3 – we docked at Pier 2 Cruise Terminal (on the right), facing the modern skyscrapers of the Central Business District of the city; the mountains in the background (even without any palm trees in the photograph) help pinpoint the location as the Hawaiian Islands

“Honolulu is the remotest major U.S. city and one of the remotest cities in the world. The closest major city is San Francisco, California, on the U.S. mainland, at 2,397 miles [3,858 kilometers].” — Wikipedia

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 4 – our last glimpse of Diamond Head before it was obscured by the numerous high-rises in the city

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 5 – a close-up of the modern skyscrapers of the Central Business District of the city

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 6 – the Aloha Tower downtown, near the harbor; note the world “ALOHA” is etched in the stone at the top, above the clock face

The Aloha Tower is a retired lighthouse that is considered one of the landmarks of the state of Hawaii in the United States. Opened on September 11, 1926, at a cost (then) of $160,000, the Aloha Tower is located at Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor. This was the tallest building in the islands for four decades and its clock was one of the largest in the United States. The tower stood as a welcoming beacon for visitors since travel to Oahu was done entirely by sea.

Mid-day we joined a few other Residents of the ship for a fitness outing for a snorkel trip to explore the shallow- and deep-water reefs of Maunalua Bay. Unfortunately, although we snorkeled in two different areas of Maunalua Bay, the visibility was very poor, making it hard to see the tropical fish that were only a foot or two [less than 1 meter] above the ocean floor and the few flattish coral reefs that we saw. All in all, a disappointing outing. So, after a swim on board and a shower, we took the Intrepid Explorer to the Ala Moana [Shopping] Center for some retail therapy late in the afternoon, followed by a very good sushi dinner outdoors at Ginza Sushi, about a 10-minute walk down Ala Moana Boulevard from the Ala Moana Center. It was an easy Uber ride back to the pier before we set sail for our next port of call, Nawiliwili (the port for Līhu’e) on the northwesternmost of the 4 major Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i.

Honolulu’s two best known neighborhoods for tourists are Ala Moana and Waikiki. “Ala Moana is a district between Kaka’ako and Waikiki and the home of the Ala Moana, the “world’s largest open-air shopping center” and Hawaii’s largest shopping mall. Ala Moana Center has over 300 tenants and is very popular with tourists. Also in Ala Moana is the Honolulu Design Center and Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu’s second-largest park. Waikiki is Honolulu’s tourist district, between the Ala Wai Canal and the Pacific Ocean next to Diamond Head. Numerous hotels, shops, and nightlife opportunities are along Kalākaua and Kūhiō Avenues. It is a popular location for visitors and locals alike and attracts millions of visitors every year. Most of Oahu’s hotel rooms are in Waikiki.” — Wikipedia

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 7 — Ala Moana Center is the “world’s largest open-air shopping center” and Hawaii’s largest shopping mall

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 8 – we were certainly surprised to find this Tesla dealership on the second story level of shops at the Ala Moana Center; it is just one of the over 300 tenants in the shopping mall

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 9 – the Intrepid Traveler bought several outfits at Johnny Was, getting her fix on retail therapy for the day

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 10 – it’s always peculiar to find Christmas decorations in the tropical islands, but being December, it’s that time of year!

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A, photograph # 11 – many of the condominium buildings and shopping malls and stores in the general Ala Moana neighborhood were displaying red and green lights wherever they could – on palm trees (weird!), the building’s exterior (shown here), etc.

The correct spelling of the State (Hawaii) and the island (Hawai’i):

The name of the state, Hawaii, is not written with an ‘okina between the two “i”s, because the United States of America’s Statehood Act in 1959 used the spelling “Hawaii.” An Act of the United States Congress is required to “correct” the name of the state to Hawai’i. Thus, the name of the state is Hawaii, while the name of the island of the same name is Hawai’i. Yes, your blogger wondered about this, too, to get the correct spelling here. We will be visiting the island of Hawai’i and you will then see an ‘okina between the two “i”s.

Where in the world is Riccardo?

Exploring and photographing by sea

Tag Archives: Hawaii