The Volendam sailed into the port of Honolulu just as the sun was rising. We were docked at Pier 2 Cruise Ship Terminal, and shortly after we arrived, the Ponant's Le Boreal took the pier near the Aloha Tower. It's been a while since we have seen another cruise ship in port with us. But with her small size, we doubt it will make any difference in a city as large as Honolulu.
It appeared the weather was going to be nice today with some clouds, but some sun too. We watched as some of the tour groups went off after 9am, and thought it felt comfortable outside. However, we know better, as the day wore on, the temperatures climbed. We noticed there were no flower leis being handed out as the guests left. But then maybe that is only done on grand cruises.
We had balcony cleaning as was announced last night with a special letter. Since it was planned for 8:15 am to noontime, they advised us to keep our drapes closed. We bet these fellows have seen more than they wanted when the guests forget to shut the drapes and are perhaps getting dressed for the day.
We stuck around until 10:15am, then headed off for our long hike. Surprise…surprise. There were boxes of purple and white orchid leis being put around each and everyone's necks as we passed by the line of officers waiting at the gangway. The hotel director, Glenn, graced us with the flowers then asked if we wanted a photo with the Captain. Seeing that he was already involved with another couple, we said no, that was OK. We thanked him and continued on our way. Then we heard the Captain behind us saying he did not have the chance to introduce himself, and added that perhaps sometime during the course of this trip, we would have dinner with him in the Pinnacle Grill. We thanked him and went on our merry way.
Leaving the ship and walking the street, we noticed the clouds blew away and the breeze stopped. One of us made the mistake of not bringing some water, which we know better. It is a long walk before we reach a place to buy some. From here on out, we will take it with us at every port. Along the Ala Moana Blvd, we pass some open lots and car dealers. There are always wild chickens in the bushes and the grassy fields. Today we passed one hen with about seven little newly-hatched chicks. Then about 20 feet up ahead of us, was a man and his wife coming back to the ship. He had picked up a wayward chick that had wandered into the crosswalk halfway across the intersection. The man was still looking for the mama hen when we passed him. Not sure what he did with the little creature, but we are sure the mama would come back for it.
By the time we came across the marina with all of the touring fishing boats and whale-watching vessels, we noticed that some big projects were in progress across the road. This used to be the last section of the Ward Centre, which has been demolished and is turning into something else. In a year's time, not much has been accomplished except creating a gigantic mountain of dirt. At the marina, there is only one display of the marlin left in the grass section. Where the rest have gone, who knows?
Reaching the park area where a long stretch of public beach is located, we noticed there were fewer homeless folks there. Now they have nice tents and giant umbrellas for shade. Many have cooking utensils and BBQ's. Most are living directly across from the Ala Moana Shopping Center where they have easy access to many types of fast food.
Crossing the Ala Wai Canal, we passed by the marina made famous by Gilligan's Island TV series. One you get that tune in your head, it is hard to erase it. Waikiki is the next stop with all of the highrise hotels. The one we always stroll through is the Hawaiian Hilton. It was really busy with guests coming and going today, so things are looking up here in Honolulu for the tourist industry. Reaching the famous Waikiki Beach, you could barely see the sand for all of the umbrellas and sunbathers. And boy, was it hot or what? We could hear a lot of folks complaining about the heat today. One thing for sure, there will be many sunburnt people tonight.
Our destination was the Hard Rock Café. We arrived by 1pm, and took a perfect table by the edge of the balcony upstairs. A beautiful breeze was blowing. The first thing we ordered were two draft beers – Heinekens. Then we decided to try the new Messi chicken sandwich with fries. The chef's name that created the new sandwich is named Messi, but the actual sandwich is messy. The breaded chicken has a mayo sauce that keeps it moist, but messy. Very good, we added two more beers before we finally cooled down. Wearing a HRC t-shirt from Copenhagen began a good conversation with our waitress, who has been to many HRC overseas restaurants. These days if you wear one of the t-shirts, you can get an automatic 10% off of a store purchase. We did take advantage of that before we left.
Taking our time hiking back, we got back to the ship by 4pm. We never left the room until dinnertime, keeping busy with photos and reports. We never appreciated our tower fan as much as today. Ice cold Cokes also helped. Before we left the room, the sun set was worth filming.
At dinner, we ordered some different appetizers of lumpia, garden salads, and a chicken dumpling soup. Mains were the same for both of us….fajitas with marinated steak, salsa, seasoned rice, sour cream, a tortilla shell, and extra servings of guacamole. Excellent choice, we will have them again if they show up on the menu. Desserts were sliced bananas and strawberries, and one hot fudge sundae. The frozen yogurt was somewhere in the delivery, but could not be located until tomorrow.
We are overnight here, and will have a full day tomorrow. Will try to view the tours available for tomorrow. Missed doing that today before they were wiped from the TV.
Sweet dreams……
Bill & Mary Ann
