There were only 16 of us on this tour which made it that much more
enjoyable, and our guide "Cousin Dwight" was delightful. He is Hawaiian, but
was named after Dwight Eisenhower. He referred to us as his "family" for the
day. We left the pier and headed through the downtown area and Waikiki Beach
on our way to Diamond Head. Then we were off on our scenic tour of the
Eastern shore and its' beautiful scenery.
We stopped at The Byodo-In Temple at the Valley of the Temples Memorial
Park. It is a replica of a temple built in Japan over 900 years ago and the
setting was very serene. There we saw some of best fed Koi fish I have seen
and black swans, which were given to them by the Australians. As we
approached the temple we went through the cemetery and it was quite
interesting to see all the things left by friends and relatives for the
deceased's journey and use in the afterlife. One of the more popular things
to leave was a beverage; which was usually a can of beer, but sometimes a
cup of coffee or soda. You would not want anyone to be thirsty in the
afterlife.
We stopped for lunch at the Polynesian Cultural Center where there were
numerous exhibits, demonstrations and shows.
Then it was on to Sunset Beach and the Bonzai Pipeline to watch some of the
surfers. This is not a place for beginners! We then went looking for green
turtles coming ashore to eat the seaweed, but the waters were rough today
and we did not find any.
And, of course, our day would not have been complete if we had not stopped
at the obligatory tourist trap - the Dole Pineapple Plantation - for a taste
of some pineapple and to shop.
I will admit that I was one of the travelers who skipped the "harmonica"
show this evening on board the ship. Maybe another time.
We sail out tonight at 11:15PM and should arrive in Maui by 8AM. Maui is one
of my favorites; I am looking forward to my day.
