Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii

 Sea Date February 9, 2024

A great day in Honolulu. I left the ship around 8 am and headed to St Andrew's Cathedral. So disappointed it was not open today. It is famous for its stained glass window of Jesus with a surfboard. Parke Chapel was also closed.  Headed to my tour of Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace on US soil.  The King was very proud that he installed electric lights and a telephone before the White House and any other royal palace. It was a beautiful home with a tragic story. When the Americans overthrew the government, Queen Liliuokalani was imprisoned in her bedroom for several years.  The palace had been turned into government offices in the 1940s(?).  When I was in Hawaii in the 60's I asked my parents to take me there because history nerd that I was, I wanted to see the palace.  I walked in and walked around. It was an impressive building from the outside but a boring office complex inside.  I was thrilled to see the restoration work that has been done.

Jim was shopping for new shoes.  Too much walking is wearing them out!  We met back up at the cruise terminal and took the shuttle to Hilo Hattie's. From there we took a cab to Marriott Waikiki.  I had bought a resort pass for Doug, Elizabeth, Jim and me. Such a relaxing day!  Pool. cabana, food, drinks and unbelievable views.  I walked across the street and swam in the Waikiki Beach waves.  We were going to Duke's Waikiki for sunset but as we were walking out we saw a great table at the Marriott. Stayed for sunset as lovely music was played.  Then we walked down to Halekulani Hotel and Duke's.  Stunning properties.

We had forgotten how heavenly Hawaii really is!  Almost all of us on the ship raved about the wonders of this state.

                                                                Golden sunrise.

    

                                   St. Andrew's Cathedral.  Famous Jesus with a surfboard is in the upper left section.

    

                                                        Parke Chapel.  Magnum PI filming.

    

                                                Once home of Queen L, now the Governor's House.

    

                                                                    Another gazebo.

    

                                                                      Iolani Palace

    

                                                     First King Kamehameha  and his Queen.

    

                                                                Throne Room

                                      (This is the office I visited in the 1960s - looked nothing like this.)

                                              

    

                                                            The family was very musical.

    

                                                The quilt was made by the Queen during imprisonment.

                                                            It was biographical.

    

                                                                Famous peacock dress.

    

                                                Patti, check this out. $1200. We need to get busy.

    

                                                                Marriott Waikiki

    

                                                            View from the Pool.

    

                                                                 Sunset drinks.

    

                                                    Polynesian show on the ship.