Thursday March 13, 2014
Honolulu, Hawaii
Home to nearly half a million people, Honolulu is Hawaii's state capital
and only major city. The city of Honolulu and the island of Oahu offer a
wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. Waikiki Beach and
Diamond Head are two of the city's enduring symbols. Pearl Harbor, site
of the USS Arizona Memorial and the "Punchbowl," are haunting reminders
of the tragic events of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese surprise
attack on Pearl Harbor forced America into World War II. Honolulu is
also home to the historic Iolani Palace, the official residence of
Hawaii's last royals. Beyond the city lie tropical rain forests, the
Pali Lookout and the North Shore known for its surfing beaches.
A draw card to visitors of all ages, from all corners of the globe,
Honolulu's appeal ranges from it's magnificent beaches, countless
well-stocked shops, tempting restaurants and a multitude of historic,
cultural and scenic attractions.
Mighty Mo (USS Missouri)
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larger image.
USS Arizona Memorial
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larger image.
Excursion: USS Arizona Memorial & Mighty Mo
For an informative and moving tour of two of Hawaii's most famous WWII
memorials, board your air conditioned motorcoach at the pier and journey
along the Nimitz Highway to the historic Pearl Harbor.
Take a fascinating tour of the Visitor's Center which features a poignant
short film with actual footage of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7,
1941 - the devastating event that shocked Americans out of isolationism and
prompted the United States to declare war on Japan and thus enter World War
II.
Then board a Navy launch and travel to the haunting USS Arizona Memorial.
This graceful 184-foot-long memorial seems to float serenely above the
shattered hull of the sunken ship, destroyed by Japanese bombs on that
infamous day. At once beautiful and sobering, this stunning memorial
commemorates the 1,177 crewmen (75 were recovered, 1,102 remain entombed
there) who were killed during the surprise attack.
Then visit the USS Missouri Memorial berthed on the former "battleship row"
at Ford Island. The 887 foot long "Mighty Mo" battleship is a living museum
that offers guests a glimpse into the past and the experience of being
aboard a ship that is alive with history as well as modern technology. You
will be educated and entertained with exhibits, memorabilia and activities
that give you a sense of what life at sea was like aboard the world's last
and most celebrated battleship.
Discover the thrilling details of the kamikaze attack on the Missouri; stand
in the shadows of the 16-inch guns that pummeled Inchon, Korea; see where 28
Tomahawk missiles were launched during the Gulf War and stand on the
"Signature Deck" where General Douglas MacArthur stood when Japanese
officials signed and presented him with the "Articles of Surrender" that
ended World War II.
Have your cameras at the ready as both memorials offer excellent views of
the USS Bowfin, a restored WWII fleet submarine, nicknamed the "Pearl Harbor
Avenger". You will even have the opportunity to tour the Bowfin for a fee
while visiting the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center. Take time to browse the
books shops at the Arizona Memorial and on board the USS Missouri for gifts
and souvenirs of your moving and educational tour of one of the most famous
eras in American history.
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