THE ISLAND OF OAHU

                           Fueling up today from a tanker barge which took nearly 6 hours

                                                       Views from ship

Cruise terminal

        Here we are today on the island of Oahu and it is a glorious day weather-wise.  It is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands but the most populous at nearly one million.  Oahu was formed long ago by two volcanoes and is 44 miles long by 30 miles across.  The eastern side of the island is mountainous with the highest one being 4000 feet high.  There is also a smaller mountain range on the west side and a fertile valley between the two ranges.
        We are docked in Honolulu which is located on the southern coast nearly in the middle of the island.  Honolulu is the capital city of the state of Hawaii and also the main deep water port.  Honolulu is noted for the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, several beautiful bays, and the North Shore.  Of course tourism is huge here because of the great weather, beautiful beaches, and shopping.  Our dock today is about half way between the Honolulu International Airport (which I flew into many times as a Captain for American Airlines) and Waikiki Beach.  Thirty years ago Rebecca and I came here for our honeymoon.
        Rebecca decided to stay on the ship today to do her laundry (she won't let the ship do it) and to do her workout in fitness center.  I went on a four hour tour, "Natural Highlights of Oahu", that departed at 9:00 am.  Starting off from the pier we drove through the very busy city of Honolulu and along Waikiki Beach heading for our first stop in the crater at Diamond Head.

                                                Driving through downtown Honolulu

                                                Driving along Waikiki Beach

                                                                      Aquarium

                                        Diamond Head, our first stop, in background

                                                     

                         Now inside the volcano crater created over 1,000,000 years ago.

                        You can hike up to the rim but our tour did not allow time for that.

                                                           Still inside the crater

                                          Scenic drive to our next stop at Hanauma Bay

                  Hanauma Bay is great place to snorkel or swim.  I snorkeled here 30 years ago.

                                   Getting ready to leave viewing area for Hanauma Bay

                                                  Some very colorful roosters

                                                  Driving along eastern coast

  Next 4 photos taken at Halona Point and it's famous "blow hole".  Unfortunately, it wasn't spewing water today.

                  Guide stopped here so we could get close look at a beach and use restrooms

                                                            Fake pineapple

                                                   Going up east coast

 Next stop was at a "Heial".  They piled rocks up to have ceremonies on to honor the Gods.

                                                                 some wetlands

            Many years ago there was a battle here and warriors were shoved off the cliff.

                                                  It was extremely windy up here

                                                   The old palace

        Ok, I got the photos I took today on this posting.  Time for me to go workout before getting cleaned up for cocktail hour.  We had a fantastic dinner last night with our F&B friend, Goran.  I was he and Erica's 14 anniversary so it was a good distraction for him as Erica is back in Serbia with their two daughters.  The veal Parmesan last night was excellent, by the way.  Tonight I have requested the chef to prepare french fried soft shell crabs as our appetizer and salmon, rice, and spinach baked in a pastry shell for the entree.  The guest entertainer in showroom tonight is a concert pianist.  Sorry I do not go to those kind of shows.  We will be sailing at 8:00 pm for the island of Maui.  Not far away as you can see it on a clear day.  

        Rebecca and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our family and friends a very happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.  We will be enjoying our turkey here on the ship.