08/09/2019 to 09/09/2019 - Honolulu / O'ahu / Hawaii / USA

08/09/2019

It was a very short night because there was a lot to discover in Honolulu. Fortunately, we flew over the date line and had September 8th again. We took the bus to the famous crescent-shaped Waikiki Beach. While enjoying a delicious meal, we watched the hustle and bustle on the beach. So much going on here. Lots of sunbathers, swimmers, and even more surfers. Aloha and surfing are known for the "father of modern surfing" Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. He was one of the world's best water sportsmen and welcomed us with open arms at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. We strolled through the streets of Waikiki, discovered all sorts of colorful and crazy things in the shops, countless restaurants, limousines on every street corner, and expensive hotels. It was a good insight into the city, but we still needed the view from above. So we made our way to Diamond Head Crater. In hot temperatures, we climbed the tuff stone formation and were rewarded with a fantastic view over the capital of Hawaii. We then took the bus to the world's largest open-air shopping center, the Ala Moana Center. In 290 stores, 42 million people spend their money each year and strengthen themselves in one of the largest food courts in the world. We also found a very delicious dinner nearby and fell into bed overwhelmed and tired.

09/09/2019

Early in the morning, we started our journey into the past. December 7, 1941 was a devastating day for the island's residents. The Japanese naval air forces attacked the US Pacific fleet. This treacherous and completely unexpected attack brought the Americans closer together than ever before and led them to fight together for their country. The USA joined World War II.

We started our visit at the USS Arizona Memorial. This resting place was built in honor of all 1,102 crew members who lost their lives during the sinking of the battleship USS Arizona. The memorial was built directly above the wreckage. Parts of the ship protrude from the water and you can see the size of the warship through the water's surface.

Next, we visited the USS Bowfin. The submarine's mission began exactly one year after the infamous December 7, 1941. It sank 44 ships during World War II and is nicknamed "The Pearl Harbor Avenger". Up to 80 submariners lived on the 95-meter-long submarine in tight quarters and sometimes slept on the torpedoes.

On to the gigantic battleship Missouri, which is the length of 3 football fields. This ship also played a major role in World War II. On September 2, 1945, the instrument of surrender was signed on the deck of the Battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay by the Japanese and the Allies. World War II was over. We spent a lot of time on the ship and thoroughly explored the world below and above deck.

Our last destination was the aviation museum on Ford Island. Here, we delved into the world of the air force and its various aircraft. In two aircraft hangars and on an open space, we visited combat aircraft and helicopters of the US Navy, as well as those of the Japanese combat fleet.

We spent half a day at Pearl Harbor and saw very moving images of world history.

Now, we went back a few years in history. In 1882, the 'Iolani Palace was completed as a new residence for the then king. We walked through the green park with the palace, the coronation pavilion, and the 'Iolani Barracks.

Slowly, we said goodbye to the very impressive city, because the next morning we are heading to another Aloha island.