By Hannah Rice Myers
You have finally decided to take a vacation to Honolulu, Hawaii. You can almost feel the warm breeze as it sweeps across your face, or smell the salt in the air from the ocean. But when you're asked what you plan on doing once you get there, you have no answer; you haven't given it any thought. While relaxation may be first and foremost on your mind, after a day or two, you'll want to explore the sights and activities that Honolulu has to offer.
Visit the "U.S.S. Arizona"
On the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, 183 Japanese warplanes flew unexpectedly over Pearl Harbor where the U.S. Pacific Fleet was docked. In a matter of minutes, destruction and horror overtook our country, forcing our nation to take its place in WWII. The "U.S.S. Arizona" suffered the worst damage, having been hit with four 800-kg bombs. It quickly sunk, taking with it to its watery grave over 1,000 American soldiers entombed in its hull. Today, drops of its oil still float to the surface. When visiting Honolulu, it is almost a must to make this memorial one of your first stops. It is built over the top of the sunken battleship, and has a complete list of those who lost their lives, as well as those who survived the events of that tragic day. For anyone who has a place in their heart for American history, this memorial will leave you somber and proud all at the same time.
"U.S.S. Arizona" Memorial
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, HI 96818
Telephone: (808) 422-0561
Go Scuba Diving
This is a great activity for everyone, from the inexperienced to those who are certified scuba divers. Captain Bruce's Scuba Diving is a great company to use when you've decided this is one activity you can't pass up. They will provide transportation from your hotel to the boat, and only allow a maximum of 16 divers per trip. This is to ensure that each diver receives as much individualized attention from the three to five instructors on board. If you are a first-time diver they will provide you with instruction on the boat, and then an instructor will accompany you on your dive as you explore the sea life beneath the ocean. For those who are more experienced or certified, instructors are still available in case you need assistance. They perform multi-level dives throughout the day, from shallow depths of 25 to 45 feet, up to deeper depths of 100 feet. When diving in shallow water, the dives can last up to an hour, depending on the amount of air each diver has available in her tank.
Captain Bruce's Extreme Comfort Diving
86-222 Moeha Street
Waianae, HI 96792
Telephone: (800) 535-2487
E-mail: info@captainbruce.com
Go to the Paradise Cove Luau
You haven't been to Hawaii unless you've been to a luau, and Paradise Cove knows luaus. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Hawaiian music and a tropical mai tai to kick off the island festivities. Once all the guests have arrived, you will gather on the white sand of the beach and be showered by fragrant island flowers, gently thrown from the heights of the palm trees by Paradise Cove's experienced tree climbers. You can then participate in the island ritual of Hukilau--the ceremonial pulling of fish nets from the water to the rhythm of conch shells and Hawaiian chants. It is then time for the feast--a combination of traditional Hawaiian food, local dishes and continental cuisine. Once the sun sets, the performances begin. The Hawaiian and Polynesian performers will amaze you with their unforgettable songs and dances.
Paradise Cove Luau
1860 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 401
Honolulu, HI 96815
Telephone: (800) 775-2683
E-mail: info@paradisecove.com
About the Author:
Based in Jamestown, Pa., Hannah Rice Myers has more than 10 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in the health industry. Many of her articles have appeared in newspapers, as well as "Curing Epilepsy: Hope Through Research." Rice Myers received her master's degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University in 2001.
