Day two in Honolulu was pretty much a carbon copy of yesterday. However, there was a possibility of an afternoon shower according to the weather report online. So for that reason, the decision was made to pack the umbrellas on our hike today. It seems like possible rain showers is in the daily report anyway. Of course, it never did happen until around sunset when we got the light sprinkle once again.
Catching up on reports and pictures, we left the ship around 11:30am. We did notice that there was a much stronger wind blowing, which did help keep us cool. The walk to the Ala Moana Center did not seem to take as long today. But then, we had taken many more bird and tree photos yesterday, stopping a lot more along the way to Waikiki. Today we would not go as far.
But before we get into that, there were a few ship tours offered today. A Waikiki turtle canyon and snorkel tour was 3 hours for $190, while an easy drive to the Pali Coast was $100 for 3 ½ hours. Doing Pearl Harbor on your own was $70 for 4 hours.
We arrived within an hour's walk to the Ala Moana Center or Mall as we know it at home. It is a multi-level complex with over 350 stores and restaurants. You really need their map to be able to find everything. Popular with the crew, there is an international food court. High end shops are mixed with department stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and even a Target. Last year, one of us was in the need of new watch batteries, which we found at a watch shop in Macy's. We stopped by there to have the watch repair fellow check out one of the link pins that seemed to be getting loose. He took a closer look, adjusted something, and when we asked what we owed, he said nothing…..no charge. How nice was that?
While in Macy's one of us remembered some denim shorts we found there a few years ago. Checking out that corner of the store, there was one pair left and they were the right size. And on sale to boot. A lucky find since we have been searching for these shorts for two years.
Time for lunch, we went to California Pizza Kitchen where we always go when we are here. It is one of our favorite spots where we live, but they recently closed their doors, disappointing us to the max. Their pizza is the best. So are their salads. We did have about a 10 minute wait, but were finally seated at table by the window facing Waikiki. First we ordered two Samuel Adams draft beers, then added two BBQ chopped chicken salads with extra ranch dressing on the side. Thick slices of French bread were brought to us with their olive oil dip. We had decided against dessert since the salads were ample, even half orders are large. But then our waiter said their Key Lime pie was really good and we could share a slice. OK, that's what we did. We happened to have a couple of half-used gift cards and they worked here. We sure cannot use them at home unless we drive 30 miles away to another CPK.
Time to move on as we had some shopping to do at Longs Drugs. We picked up a few toiletries, and ended up getting a cash reward, which we used to buy some Mauna Loa chocolate macadamia nuts and a bag of snack mix. Those coupons are dated, so if we miss another CVS or Longs in Hawaii, we will lose the money. At least at this smaller store, nothing was under lock and key.
We roamed around the mall taking some photos of the koi carp in the ponds and streams built within their garden area. There seemed to be a lot of kids of all ages in the mall today. Perhaps they are on a vacation of some sort.
Walking back found us at the ship by 4:30pm. Once again, we both had a couple of sodas to cool down. Resting on the veranda while watching the passing cargo ships and dinner boats pass by was really nice. Lucky for us, we are on the port side with the better view. Starboard folks have to look at the roof of the terminal. We enjoyed another sunset while watching those dark rain clouds pouring down the nearby mountainsides. It did sprinkle a bit just like it did yesterday.
Dinner was special this evening, due to the fact that our waiter Sarif had pre-ordered veal chops for our entrees tonight. First we began with one arancini and one chicken appetizer. Other starters were a Caesar salad and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. The veal chops have been on the rotation list for the Club Orange menu, but have yet to appear. The chops are not quite like the ones we had a few years ago, but are perhaps half the size and just as tasty. Since we are picky about some of their veggies, Sarif had the chops served with mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, and asparagus. Gravy was on the side. We did appreciate the special thought and thanked him for doing that for us. We were not planning on dessert, but he recommended the lemon cake that came in one of those little jars. He was right, it was good and not overly sweet. He said he took the calories out of it….we wish.
Tomorrow is a port we have only visited once back in 2022. It is Kahului, Maui, the replacement port for the town of Lahaina. The most we remembered about this port was a chance find of a wood-fired pizza place. Of course, we will look for that restaurant tomorrow.
All aboard was 10:30pm with a short sail to the island of Maui, arriving at 8am. We will be docked there. No tendering.
Bill & Mary Ann
