Hilton Hawaiian Village
Lobby
"Did everyone have a relaxing night?" Mac asked.
"It was amazing." Harriet said with a smile. "You had a good idea Mac." Sturgis said.
"I think we all needed some time to ourselves." Harm smiled.
"So Miss Tour Director, what's the plan for today?" Bobbie asked.
"Well, how about the Dole Plantation, Iolani Palace, and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park." Harriet said.
"Sound like a plan," said Sturgis, "and tonight a luau."
"We should have the concierge make us reservations before we head out." Harm said.
"What about visiting the Arizona Memorial?" Bud asked.
"Let's do that tomorrow before we leave," Bobbie said. "Our flight doesn't leave until noon so we have time."
"Sounds good to me." Harm said and everyone agreed.
"But first, breakfast!" Mac said.
Dole Plantation
They arrived at the Dole Plantation and were amazed that there were 21 varieties of pineapples. They spent a few hours walking around and getting lost in the world's largest maze. They had fun with Hawaii's historic pineapple experience.
They left the Plantation and stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. They decided to go to the Bowfin first and then to the Palace.
Being a former bubblehead Sturgis was right at home walking around the U.S.S. Bowfin. She had a strong history.
On 15 December 1941, eight days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Portsmouth Navy Yard was given the order to start construction of the new Balao class fleet submarines. The third boat of the class was to bear the name USS Bowfin (SS-287). Her keel was laid on 23 July 1942. From August 1943 through July 1945, Bowfin completed 9 war patrols in the Pacific sinking many enemy vessels, conducting secret missions, and earning both the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.
They walked around the museum and took in the history that surrounded them. It was an awe-inspiring experience. They didn't speak much, but they were all thinking the same thing. The men who served aboard her were truly heroes.
Iolani Palace
The official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi`olani from 1882 until the Kings death in 1891. It was also the residence for Queen Lili`uokalani until the Hawaiian monarchy was over thrown in 1893. It is the only state residence of royalty in the United States. The Iolani Palace is one of the most significant historical sites in the Hawaiian Islands. The grounds surrounding the palace were originally the site of an ancient Hawaiian temple and former burial site for Hawaiian royalty. Evidence of the sites is still visible and considered sacred by locals.
Walking through the palace and the grounds the group was surrounded by opulence. The King had built this palace using references to architecture he has seen during his many travels throughout the world.
"Ahh this is where I belong." Mac joked. "In a palace." "Mac, if I could I would build you a palace of your own." Harm said. His statement got a collective sigh from Harriet and Bobbie.
"Ok, Lover boy," Sturgis said, "Let's go get the cars, we have a luau to get ready for."
Hale Koa Luau
Dressed in fun Hawaiian attire, the group went to the luau. It was a typical Hawaiian treat. They heard the beating of the wooden drums and a line of beautiful women in traditional garb danced onto the stage. They did the hula and told a story with their movements. Harm, Sturgis and Bud were thoroughly enjoying the show. The ladies enjoyed it just as much but it was more fun to watch their men acting like little boys.
The dinner was brought, Kalua pig, poi, pupu and ahi. There were so many other items brought some they could not identify other than to know if was beef, chicken, fish or pork but it was all delicious.
One thing they did identify was Loco Moco: a fried egg on top of a hamburger on top of a pile of rice - all smothered in brown gravy! It was as close to a burger as Mac had seen and she enjoyed it.
It was a wonderful evening and a spectacular way to end their trip. Ending the trip. Just as they had decided not to discuss the case, none of them wanted to discuss the fact that tomorrow they were leaving this paradise. Each one of them changed. They were close friends when they left Washington now they were truly a family.
They returned to the hotel, went to their rooms and agreed after breakfast tomorrow they would visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and pay their respects.
"Did everyone have a relaxing night?" Mac asked.
"It was amazing." Harriet said with a smile. "You had a good idea Mac." Sturgis said.
"I think we all needed some time to ourselves." Harm smiled.
"So Miss Tour Director, what's the plan for today?" Bobbie asked.
"Well, how about the Dole Plantation, Iolani Palace, and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park." Harriet said.
"Sound like a plan," said Sturgis, "and tonight a luau."
"We should have the concierge make us reservations before we head out." Harm said.
"What about visiting the Arizona Memorial?" Bud asked.
"Let's do that tomorrow before we leave," Bobbie said. "Our flight doesn't leave until noon so we have time."
"Sounds good to me." Harm said and everyone agreed.
"But first, breakfast!" Mac said.
Dole Plantation
They arrived at the Dole Plantation and were amazed that there were 21 varieties of pineapples. They spent a few hours walking around and getting lost in the world's largest maze. They had fun with Hawaii's historic pineapple experience.
They left the Plantation and stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. They decided to go to the Bowfin first and then to the Palace.
Being a former bubblehead Sturgis was right at home walking around the U.S.S. Bowfin. She had a strong history.
On 15 December 1941, eight days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Portsmouth Navy Yard was given the order to start construction of the new Balao class fleet submarines. The third boat of the class was to bear the name USS Bowfin (SS-287). Her keel was laid on 23 July 1942. From August 1943 through July 1945, Bowfin completed 9 war patrols in the Pacific sinking many enemy vessels, conducting secret missions, and earning both the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.
They walked around the museum and took in the history that surrounded them. It was an awe-inspiring experience. They didn't speak much, but they were all thinking the same thing. The men who served aboard her were truly heroes.
Iolani Palace
The official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi`olani from 1882 until the Kings death in 1891. It was also the residence for Queen Lili`uokalani until the Hawaiian monarchy was over thrown in 1893. It is the only state residence of royalty in the United States. The Iolani Palace is one of the most significant historical sites in the Hawaiian Islands. The grounds surrounding the palace were originally the site of an ancient Hawaiian temple and former burial site for Hawaiian royalty. Evidence of the sites is still visible and considered sacred by locals.
Walking through the palace and the grounds the group was surrounded by opulence. The King had built this palace using references to architecture he has seen during his many travels throughout the world.
"Ahh this is where I belong." Mac joked. "In a palace." "Mac, if I could I would build you a palace of your own." Harm said. His statement got a collective sigh from Harriet and Bobbie.
"Ok, Lover boy," Sturgis said, "Let's go get the cars, we have a luau to get ready for."
Hale Koa Luau
Dressed in fun Hawaiian attire, the group went to the luau. It was a typical Hawaiian treat. They heard the beating of the wooden drums and a line of beautiful women in traditional garb danced onto the stage. They did the hula and told a story with their movements. Harm, Sturgis and Bud were thoroughly enjoying the show. The ladies enjoyed it just as much but it was more fun to watch their men acting like little boys.
The dinner was brought, Kalua pig, poi, pupu and ahi. There were so many other items brought some they could not identify other than to know if was beef, chicken, fish or pork but it was all delicious.
One thing they did identify was Loco Moco: a fried egg on top of a hamburger on top of a pile of rice - all smothered in brown gravy! It was as close to a burger as Mac had seen and she enjoyed it.
It was a wonderful evening and a spectacular way to end their trip. Ending the trip. Just as they had decided not to discuss the case, none of them wanted to discuss the fact that tomorrow they were leaving this paradise. Each one of them changed. They were close friends when they left Washington now they were truly a family.
They returned to the hotel, went to their rooms and agreed after breakfast tomorrow they would visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and pay their respects.