The Eurodam sailed into the sheltered harbor in Honolulu and tied up at Pier 2, where she will be docked for two full days. Sometimes, we are docked near the Aloha Tower, but not today. Actually this pier is a bit closer to the downtown area, where we like to walk.
But first, here’s a little info on the island of Oahu, which translates to the gathering place in the Hawaiian language. It has a total of 597 square miles, with a population of about 905,000 people of many descents such as Polynesian, Chinese, Japanese, European, and actual Hawaiian natives. And it is one of the major holiday destinations in the South Pacific. Although tourism is tops for jobs here, the government employs many. In the old days, sugar and pineapples were produced here, but not so much today.
Honolulu is the capital of all of Hawaii, and houses the government facilities. The city, largest in the island, has a population of 390,738 people. Honolulu’s harbor handles millions of tons of freight a year, while nearby Pearl Harbor is the hub of military installations, which utilizes 25% of Oahu’s acreage.
Downtown Honolulu has a booming metropolis with towering hotels and wonderful beaches, such as Waikiki. Restaurants and bars abound with modern malls selling everything under the sun. Island residents own 600,000 vehicles, with only 1500 miles of roads. Expect traffic all day, but more so during commute hours. Mmmm, sounds like home to us.
Tours offered here involve visits to Pearl Harbor, which is deep with WWII history. Four different tour types run from $110 to $250. Site-seeing by bus or helicopter can cost from $35 to $330. There are adventure tours and even a dinner cruise ($150) or a luau ($130). A popular way to see some sights is by taking the Hop on Hop off bus.
After getting some internet work done this morning after breakfast, we headed out for our annual walk towards downtown and eventually, lunch. We made our way to the Hawaiian Hilton, and then on to Waikiki Beach. It sure was going to be a warm and sticky day, and although rain had been in the forecast, there was none that we could foresee. What we did not foresee were some events that would drastically change our evening plans. More on that later.
We ended up at the Hard Rock Café, sipping Coke Zeros, and sharing a bacon cheeseburger. We also added a one dessert of an apple cobbler with caramel ice cream. Finally, we made a sweep through the shop downstairs, and found new city t-shirts. All was well with the world.
Heading back towards the ship, we could hear the extra loud sirens of a fire truck turning at the Hawaiian Hilton. That was followed by a police car, and shortly thereafter, an ambulance. We suspected there may have been an accident that occurred where we had just come from. What we did not know was that they were heading to the Hale Koa Hotel, where our friends were staying for the month of October. The friends we were planning on meeting for dinner this evening. Maybe they would know what was happening in town this afternoon.
So we got back to the ship around 3pm, cooling off in our room until 5pm. We showered and set off once again for the Aloha Tower and Gordon Biersch Restaurant. Our meeting time with our buddies was 6pm, and they usually are there before us, holding a table. Well, we were first tonight, and we held the table. Ten minutes went by, then it was 20 minutes, and we knew something was wrong. Did they get the date wrong? Since none of us have cell phones, only computers, we had no way of checking with them, or them with us.
That’s when we spotted our friend, but alone. Something had happened, and would you believe, the fire truck, police car, and ambulance was for our friend, Bill. He had suffered some unexpected complications from a previous injury before their trip to Hawaii, causing a sudden fever and symptoms that resembled a stroke. Calling the hotel concierge, they called 911, and thus the sudden ride to the nearby hospital. Evaluating his condition, they decided to keep him over night to run tests, then start him on treatment. He was in good hands, although knowing him, he would have much rather been with all of us drinking his favorite beverage of beer. It was fortunate that we were able to spend some time with our friend, and help give her the support she needed, even if it was only a few hours.
The restaurant would be closing soon, so we walked with her to the bus stop and waited until she boarded the right one, taking her back to the hotel. Hopefully, all will turn out OK, and they can continue their relaxing stay in Honolulu until the end of the month. Never in a million years did they see that coming. The next time we meet will be on the 2019 world cruise, where we have 4 months to visit with them.
Several of the crew members, including our room steward, were on their way to town. They primarily go in search of free or cheap internet, with perhaps a little partying in the mix. They deserve the break.
Tomorrow will be another full day in Honolulu, when we probably will resume hiking and exploring like we did today.
Bill & Mary Ann
PS The internet prices seem to be created to fit the length of a cruise, and some daily prices have also been different. Nothing is in printing.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Report #18 Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii October 8, 2018 Monday Chance of rain & 82 degrees
