Tag Archives | pearl harbor

Hawaii for Lovers

Hawaii is calling.

For many Americans this is their one big, lifetime, bucket-listed dream destination.  Being a US state, the language, transportation, currency and in some ways the culture is similar to the mainland. Plus, it’s relatively close: Hawaii is a mere 190 million inches away for Los Angeles.  That math translates to a simple 6 hour flight to paradise.  Recently Southwest Airlines announced that they will begin service to Honolulu.  The starting price?  $49 (one way, limited time, limited availably, plus taxes and fees-no way you are going this cheap).  Regardless of the price, Southwest is doing something special for traveling couples.  Alaska Airlines, as well as Delta Airlines, do get honorable mentions for affordable flights.  In no uncertain terms, these airlines are placing the dream couple’s trip within your reach. It’s time to go to Hawaii!

Tickets booked?

Hawaii is waiting.

Let’s work on your plan.  Having been to the Islands a number of times, we have posted a few articles that may help.  Step one is to pick an Island(s).  We took the challenge to describe each island in three words or less:

Oahu:  Crowded, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor

Maui:  Trendy, Fun, Yum

Hawaii:  Volcanos

Kauai: Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful

Molokai:  Rustic, quiet, off the grid

Lanai:  Golf, small, island life

Let’s start where most trips to the Island start: Oahu.  Most of the flights from the mainland arrive at the Oahu airport.  Most people are surprised as they circle on final approach at Honolulu.  It is a large city. It’s Manhattan with a beach.  There are four recommendations we have for you on Oahu:  Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Waikiki

If you are looking to do a sunset heart-hands selfie, be prepared to share the frame with a few dozen fellow sun worshipers.  Waikiki is crowded; there is no getting around it. It’s still very special.  Major international resorts line the long golden beach.  You will never be a stones through from a “watering hole” with umbrella drinks and other liquid libations.  With the sun and sand, the recipe for Hawaiian romance is waiting for you. You can rent a surf board, take a catamaran sunset cruise, or plant yourself in the sand and listen to the surf.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Real all about this important historical attraction on in our most recent post: Remembering Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor https://1000fights.com/remembering-pearl-harbor/

Hanauma Bay

Located a few miles, but light years away from the hustle and bustle of the city is Hanauma State Park (https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/).  Here you can snorkel and see some amazing sea-life.  The waters are shallow making snorkeling an absolute perfect adventure.  The beach is very inviting and if you time your visit in the early morning and late afternoon, the crowds are not bad.   You can rent all of your snorkeling equipment on sight.  Parking is a bit of pain, but there is a tram that will take you down and back from the water.  The waters are crystal clear; this place is not to be missed.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Our last stop in Oahu, is the Polynesian Cultural Center (https://www.polynesia.com/).  This Disneyland-ish park highlights the many cultures and aspects of traditional Polynesian life.  It is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help young Polynesians earn money for higher education. Island cultures throughout the South Pacific are represented.  You are able to stroll from village to village learning about dance, tools, culture and dress of these unique island people.  It is all very tastefully done.  The highlight is the evening show and luau.  Reservations are highly recommended.

While we are on the topic of Island dancing, how could we not mention Luci’s Hula lesson with the Grand Master of Hula:     https://1000fights.com/luci-learns-to-hula/   

Grand Hyatt at Kauai

Kauai

Perhaps our favorite island in the chain is Kauai.  This island is made for lovers. It is called the garden Island for good reason.  It is very lush and green.  The entire island operates at a much slower pace.  You can dive at the many reefs along the north and south shores, take a helicopter ride to waterfall spot, hike into a secret beach, play a round of golf, or do absolutely nothing sitting on the beach.

There are a dozen or so very nice resorts lining the coast.  We highly recommend a stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.  It is a paradise. Kauai https://1000fights.com/grandhyattkaaui/

Once you check in, order up a Hawaiian Massage. https://1000fights.com/fighting-couples-hawaiian-secret/

The Garden Island

Maui

If you are looking for a cross between the hustle and bustle of Oahu and sleepy Kauai, Maui is the place for you.  Maui has an active foodie scene and has a lively nightlife. 

It has been a few moons since we have been to Maui.  To offer some current perspectives check out these blog posts:

https://www.tripsavvy.com/romantic-things-to-do-on-maui-1861904

https://hawaiiforlovers.com/

Staying Connected

We strongly recommend using a virtual private network (VPN) when using the hotel’s free wifi – the last thing you want is for your banking info or credit card numbers to get stolen by hackers while you’re far away from home. This bestvpn.com/guides/what-is-vpn-beginners-guide/ has a pretty good breakdown of what VPNs do, if you’re not familiar.

We hope that this post helped you find the inspiration to book your couple’s trip to Hawaii.  What are you waiting for?  Aloha!

Remembering Pearl Harbor

In the early hours of December 7th, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched a massive attack on the naval base just outside of Honolulu, Hawaii.  This attack would result in a declaration of war, the entry of the United States of America into WWII.   Both Luci and I have ancestors that fought in the Pacific.  During our recent visit to Hawaii, we spent the morning paying our respects to those that lost their lives in this attack.  The Pearl Harbor visitors center is a helpful resources to learn about the history of this fateful event.  Once you have had the chance to visit the museum, you are ushered into a theater to watch a short documentary on the attack.  From the theatre you board a small shuttle boat that takes you out to the USS Arizona memorial.   Below are a few of our pictures from our visit.

Visiting Pearl Harbor:

Official Website:  http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

twitter:  https://twitter.com/PacificNPS

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii

Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii

 

A beautiful white building is situated over the underwater wreckage of the ship.

A beautiful white building is situated over the underwater wreckage of the ship.


The rusting hull of the USS Arizona can be viewed from the memorial.  A small amount of oil continues to leak from the underwater tanks of the ship.

The rusting hull of the USS Arizona can be viewed from the memorial. A small amount of oil continues to leak from the underwater tanks of the ship.


Over 1000 servicemen died as a result of the attack.   Listed on the wall of the memorial are crew members that were killed aboard the USS Arizona.  Survivors can elect to have their remains interred in the ship when they pass away.

Over 1000 servicemen died as a result of the attack. Listed on the wall of the memorial are crew members that were killed aboard the USS Arizona. Survivors can elect to have their remains interred in the ship when they pass away.


battleship

USS Missouri (BB-63) nicknamed the “Mighty Mo”. The Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States and was the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan which ended World War II. The ship (now a museum) stands on guard watching over Pearl Harbor.


In an address to congress President Franklin D. Roosevelt penned the famous "Infamy" speech.  An hour after the speech, congress declared war.

In an address to congress President Franklin D. Roosevelt penned the famous “Infamy” speech. An hour after the speech, congress declared war.


Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial are reminders of the sacrifice of so many for freedom.   The Fighting Couple salutes those service men and women and their families that have given their all that we may live free.  Thank you.

Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial are reminders of the sacrifice of so many for freedom. The Fighting Couple salutes those service men and women and their families that have given their all that we may live free. Thank you.