Debbie.......Hawaiian Fashionista

                                                                         

My handy work

A drive around Oahu.

On Sunday we rented a car and drove the rain slicked roads around the island.  We headed for the north shore in hopes of seeing some surfing.  The storm raised the waves to 30 feet high or more.  The red flags were up, warning surfers not to try their luck, but a few brave souls tried to surf, without much luck.
                                                             

The surf washes away the shoreline

In the rain, this guy stacks rocks on a cliff

Surfs Up!

This guy tried but failed

Ioloni Palace

The statue of King Kamehameha who unified the islands.
Have you ever seen this statue on the opening credits of Hawaii -50?

The many food trucks of this guy who has a bit part on Hawaii-50.

                                                                   

Dog the Bounty Hunter was not open when we stopped by.

             

Pearl Harbor

We celebrated the honor, valor and courage of the World War II US servicemen on this very special tour of Pearl Harbor. This nostalgic journey takes you to the two places that marked the beginning and the end of the war for the United States, the USS Arizona and the USS Missouri. At the site of Pearl Harbor, we visited the Arizona Memorial where the remains of the USS Arizona lie silent beneath the waves.  We started the visit by going through the museum and watching a 28 minute film about December 7th. Then on a boat to the Arizona Memorial. Debbie and I both through flowers from Debbie's two Leis into the water above the Arizona to honor those 1127 who died there.
I met a survivor of December 7, 1941, Paul Rodriguez, 94 years old, and I purchased his book.  We saw the USS Missouri from a distance, as well as the submarine, USS Bowfin, but did not board either one.  Over 2400 died that day, almost half on the Arizona. This was a very emotional day.

Heading out to the Arizona Memorial

Almost there

There

Debbie honoring the brave who paid for our freedom

I honor those who died here

The coral crusted Arizona

Diesel fuel still leaks from the ship, 73 years later

The list of those who died on the USS Arizona. Look to the bottom left of the photo above, this is part of a list of those Arizona sailors who survived the tragedy, but chose to be buried here, at sea, to be with their brothers.  That is true brotherhood.

The anchor in the photo weighs 10 tons.  When the armor piercing bomb penetrated the deck of the Arizona, and blew up the forward ammunition room, this anchor was blown over a quarter of a mile away.

The USS Missouri, where the surrender of Japan was signed.

Debbie and I with Paul Rodriguez, a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

                                                                         

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki

The cruise is over.  Seven days of fun, food, entertainment and excursions on the Pride of America. Now, five days on Oahu in Honolulu on Waikiki Beach.  We spent time at the beach, in one of the many pools and hot tubs, shopping and eating at some of the resorts great restaurants like Benihana of Tokyo, Fresco Italian, Tropics at the Beach, C.J.s Deli, Round Table Pizza and more.  As Hilton Honors Reward members, we had a nice breakfast everyday at the Rainbow Lanai.  We also had a Starbucks in our lobby. Shopping, me got t-shirts and Debbie got Pearl and Diamond earrings and necklace.  You'll have to see those in person. We also went over to the University of Hawaii to pick up a few gifts.

Debbie deciding not to try the surf lessons.  Also, she's advertising for her brother again!

Deb at the beach

Waikiki

A whale sighting!

The Rainbow Tower

Feeding the Penguins

Debbie at breakfast, overlooking the lagoon

We fed this Red Crested Cardinal

The view of Honolulu from our 24th floor balcony

A closeup ,looking down at the pool and hot tub

The nighttime view

Waiting for the waiter to bring me another beer!

Diamond Head in the distance