Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center,

After we left the Dole pineapple plantation we drove up the coast past beautiful surfing beaches Kanoelani pointed out places where movies and television series had been filmed.

When we arrived at the center she explained that with the center it was important to be in the right place at the right time. She had us get into line for the buffet; we were first to eat and first to get away. The food was good and plentiful. Next we went to the display by Samoa, then Tonga and then to the dance display on the barges. In between we roamed and looked at displays and crafts. It was really very special and there were many beautiful flowers etc. All in all we spent 3 hours there and it was definitely worth it.

Sights at DOLE

Dole Pineapple

Our next stop was a visit to the Dole Pineapple center. Pineapple is not KING any more but there is some grown on the island.

The center had lots of displays and beautiful landscaping. Kanoelani recommended that we try the PIineapple whip. We did and it was wonderful. Basically it is soft ice cream with pineapple pureed into it.

She also said it was a tourist trap and we should stay away from the shops. She was correct . Ken priced a set of coasters at 25.00 and they were nothing special.

We were here for a little over a half hour.

Back on the bus and off to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Our Surprise visit to Pearl Harbor

We leave the ship.

Our View as we docked

Honolulu

Friday, March 4^th

Where do I begin?? This was such an amazing day.

We set the clock for 5:30 and we got up early to see the ship arrive in Honolulu. I am amazed that it is such a big city. The views are spectacular. We are docked at pier 10 right under the Aloha Tower.

When we left the ship the photographers were not there so we got a security guard to take our picture.

We had arranged for our own tour through a company called Discover Hawaii Tours. We received am e-ticket with instruction on where to meet our tour and so we disembarked and away we went. Of course we wondered if we would end up in the right place at the right time, but there was no need to worry. We were met by our guide Kanoelani. She was a slim, attractive Hawaiian lady and she was driving a large van. When we boarded she called us by name and assured us that we were in the right place. She also said that she had taken another group of people to Pearl Harbor and she was going to pick them up and they would be with us the rest of the day. Even thought Pearl Harbor was not included in our planned tour we would have a half hour there to explore and look around a little while we waited for the others to join us. So away we went!! As we drove along Kanoelani told us about the city. She was amazing.

We parked and she told us where and when to meet her. I got a stamp for my National Parks Passport. I did not bring my book so I will have to cut and paste. I took some pictures and Ken was enjoying the new museum.

I was surprised by how busy it was even though it was early in the morning. Of course there was lots of patriotism in evidence.

Surprisingly enough there were lots of Japanese nationals there as well.

 Soon it was time to meet our guide. We boarded the bus and amazingly the guide called each and every one of us by our first name. This was the first time that had happened.