John & Katie's Big Adventure

Hawaiian Vacation Cruise

Day 13 & 14....Waikiki & Laie

Day 13  Arrival in Honolulu and disembark

Approaching Honolulu

Most of the materials and goods brought into the Hawaiian Islands comes here first!

We expected a long line of cabs to be waiting but they came one at a time!!!  With 2,000 passengers waiting in line we made the fortunate choice to get a porter.  With his help we had a cab within 10 minutes and also was able to share the cost with 2 other ladies going to the same hotel!  Going from the port to the hotels in Waikiki, or from the hotels to the airport is at least $45 to $50.

After checking our bags, we boarded the double-decker trolly for a ride to the famous three story Ala Moana Mall.

Beautiful scenery from the trolly......VERY glad we didn't have to drive!

Honolulu has the third worst traffic in the country, behind only Chicago and New York!  The cost of living here is so high that most people work two jobs!  A gallon of milk is $12 and a one room efficiency apartment costs between $1,000 and $2,0000 a month.

  After shopping and checking into the hotel we went to Waikiki beach to wiggle our toes in the sand.  It was about 5:30pm by this time.

Katie at Waikiki

John's turn!

Ron Jons would probably do better here than in Las Vegas!

More of Waikiki Beach

The view from the 16th floor!

 Day 14...Polynesian Cultural Center

Wednesday was another beautiful day

Our tour didn't pick us up until after 10am so another trip to Waikiki beach was in order!

 Our tour today was the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie.

 

We stopped for a photo op of the "Chinese Hat" islet

Our daughter-in-law's parents live in Laie and we arranged to meet up with Lois upon our arrival.  She drove us around Laie and we visited her husband Don at BYUH where he is Dean of the computer department.  We also had lunch at the BYUH cafeteria.  Then we returned to the PCC to tour the villages representing the different island groups before finding a seat for the Canoe Pageant.

Lois and Katie inside the PCC

 The Canoe Pageant represents each Pacific Island Group.  Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii Tahiti, etc.

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Then it was time for Luau!

The entrance of Royalty

The removal of the roasted pig from the pit where it had been cooking for 12 hours

A hula presentation

and participation by audience members

The stage for the "Ha, Breath of Life" show!

 Of all the shore excursions, tours and sights....I have to say that the Polynesian Cultural Center was the best.  The "Ha, Breath of Life" show was FANTASTIC!!!   75% of the participants are students at BYUH and are from the different island groups and make money toward their tuition by performing.