Honolulu, HI

Another day, another early start. Out of the hotel by 7:15 for a tour to Pearl Harbour. It was as interesting and poignant as it was on my last visit 21 years ago. This time I also had a look on board the USS Bowfin – which made it pretty clear much much fun it would not be to serve on a submarine. The tour also took us for a quick spin around some of the historical parts of town, to see Iolani palace, which was the residence of the final King and Queen of Hawaii. Lunch was some particularly delicious pizza at California Pizza Kitchen. Despite not being in California they still did an amazing job, and serves cider in 650ml bottles. The fact it was called (I kid you not) “ACE Perry Hard Cider” was beside the point. In the afternoon we all went for a swim in the ocean at Waikiki – yes I actually went in the water, don’t all faint at once 🙂 It was lovely, my sunscreen worked, and a good time was has by all. We swam in a semi-walled-off bathing pool section, but the surf was up, and it was cool watching the waves break over the wall as they rolled in to shore. Once we all rolled into shore as well, it was time for dinner at the hotel next door – the Aston Waikiki Tiki Bar and Grill, and to ensure we were all back on form, off we went to Hula’s for a beverage. Within minutes of getting back to the hotel, we hear this bang, and look outside… To see a massive fireworks show taking place at Waikiki, basically right in front of our hotel. Couldn’t have asked for a better location, really! I found out later it was to celebrate the 26th anniversary of a Japanese cosmetics company opening it’s doors in Waikiki. It went for a good ten to fifteen minutes, and was most impressive. A very fitting way to end the day, I’m sure!