We got up really early to attend the tour to Pearl Harbor. I dozed off on our way there and the driver had to get our tickets for the entire bus. We had a 8:20 tour that consisted of a twenty minute movie and 55 minute tour to the memorial on top of USS Arizona. While we waited to enter the theatre, I made reservations for the shuttle bus pickup in the following morning to the airport. I also made reservations for the Catamaran lunch cruise for us. After the tour, we went by the national cemetery, government buildings and Iolani palace. We were dropped off at about noon, 2 hours earlier than the printed time.
We went to eat lunch at the Chinese buffet and the service was again lacking. They did not refill our drinks and did not take away our dirty plates. After lunch, we walked to the beach and rented surf boards. It was hard to get away from the shore with the strong winds pushing me back. I gave it a good effort but got tired of being pulled back.
We walked back to the hotel to get ready for the dinner luau. We had to call for bath and had towels as it seems that they have a towel shortage. We got them freshly laundered and warm. For the luau pick up, we had to walk to another hotel and wait for a bus. The 27 mile ride took about an hour in rush hour traffic.
We were the first of six buses to arrive at the luau so we all took family pictures. The sunset had just occurred, making it the perfect moment for pictures. I dashed to the bar to use our drink coupons. I had a Mai Tai and a Pina Colada that came with the ticket admission. I also took advantage of the unlimited soft drinks (diet Pepsi for me). They welcomed everyone once the rest of the crowd arrived. The 'king &queen' came for the opening ceremony and the conch shell was blown to signal that the Kalua pig was ready. Dinner was pretty good with the pig, but could have been better. The fried chicken and fried mahi mahi were plain. There was pineapple coleslaw that I dared not try since coleslaw is something I always pass on. I was not adventurous enough to try the poi.
The show was awesome with all the types of hula dancers ranging from Tahitian to Samoa to New Zealand. The highlight was the fire swordsman who touched the torches with his bare hands and feet. Some of the ladies really knew how to shake their hips. There was a men's hula contest and a hula lesson open to everyone. There were also singers and a band that entertained us through out the night. Everyone seemed to have had a great time at the luau. Before we left, we had the option of purchasing a commemorative photo package from the sunset. The ride back was not as bad but there was construction on the highway. It was a great fun evening.
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