O'ahu - Part 4

After spending the morning at Pearl Harbor, both K and I decided we were ready to be on the move.  She had borrowed a library book (a real live book!) before we left, which provided the directions for self-guided walking tours.  Since we'd done a bit of the Waikiki tour we chose to hop the local bus (The Bus) and head downtown.

We got dropped across from the State Capitol and immediately took the wrong turn!  However it turned out to be an opportune mistake.  As you all likely realize by now, I love the absurd.  As we wandered down the street we came across this.  Can you tell what it is?

Here is a larger photo, which makes it a little more clear.  Yes it is a plug-in on a tree.  Why it is there is a mystery.  The tree was nowhere near a building, rather the tree was between the sidewalk and the street.

If it had been in Canada I would have guessed it was to ensure the electric cords we use to plug-in our car block heaters in the winter, wouldn't cross the sidewalk.

But what it was doing in Honolulu escapes me.  Anyone else have an idea?

We continued our walk to get back in the general vicinity of the starting point of the tour, when we walked past this place.

K recognized it right away, it took me a minute or two more.  For those who don't know, it's the storefront for the bond bailsman, Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife, Beth.

There was a sign on the door informing us Dog and Beth were away filming so we didn't stop in.



Our first official stop on our out-of-order walking tour was St. Andrew's church.  The grounds and the church were beautiful!

Built in 1862, the Cathedral Church of St. Andrews was gifted to the community by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma.

 We were able to walk into the church even though there was a wedding underway in the chapel.

In fact, as we exited the church there were two limousines, one with a bride and groom entering it, the second with the bride waiting.  It was a busy day for weddings!  Or at least we thought so at the time.

From the church we wandered down the street past Washington Place.  The gates were closed so this picture was taken through the bars.








Our next stop was the Iolani Palace.  Much to my daughter's chagrin we did not go on the interior but satisfied ourselves with a walk about the grounds.

We stopped at the rest area on the grounds, took a break in the shade, before wandering through the gift shop.

The memorial for the men and women who served in the US Armed Forces was not part of the official tour.  We came across it and stopped briefly to contemplate the eternal flame.

We eventually made our way back to the State Capitol building where we had started.

Did you know the columns are meant to represent trunks of the palm trees?

In front of the building we found the statue of Father Damien.  I believe the sign indicated he was one of the first priests to bring Catholicism to the Islands.





I just thought it was neat that he was a square.








From the Capitol Building we made our way over to the statue of King Kamahemeha.

The place was swarming with tourists, so we waited for most to clear before taking our pictures.  The funny thing was watching the Japanese tourists pose as the King, so I got K to do the same...she is such a good sport!

There was still more to see!

We stopped to listen to the bells at Kawaiahao Church.

Within the grounds of the church we found the tomb of King Lunalilo.  This little area was so peaceful and calm, it was soothing balm after the emotions of the morning.  I could have stayed for much longer.

We went on to visit the Mission Houses but there was no tour, so we simply wandered through the grounds.

Because we were so close by, we did make our way over to Chinatown.  However, it was late in the day, the shops were closing, and my feet were killing me!  We bought some bananas, then hopped The Bus back to Waikiki.

Dinner that evening was at Teddy's Big Burgers in the Waikiki Grand.  More than a fast food joint, the food was cooked fresh, the portions were large (more than I really needed but after that walk I could rationalize), and required the use of a minimum of five napkins.  Definitely a good burger!



Tomorrow: Aloha Stadium swap meet and Big Chief's Luau