Cowbright: Honolulu or Bust!

Well, it turned out to be both – Honolulu AND bust! After 5 days in the Pacific ocean we were looking very forward to getting off the ship in the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. However, Honolulu is experiencing its second major storm of the season and the weather here is a disaster!

Upon docking early this morning, we were greeted from our balcony by The Aloha Tower, a 10-story landmark located directly across from our ship on Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor.

Aloha Tower, built in 1926

We were also greeted by heavy rain and fierce winds. I took a 30 second video from our balcony but unfortunately this site and my internet connection won't allow me to upload it. The cruise director announced that two of the excursions had been cancelled due to the storm. Regardless, we decided we would strike out if there was a lull in the rain, even though we were still debating where we would go.

bronze hula dancer welcomes cruise passengers to Honolulu

I wanted to go to China Town as it was only a few blocks from the port, but the rain and wind made it next to impossible to walk outside. So instead, we decided to take an uber to the Ala Moana Center, Honolulu’s massive outdoor mall. It was a good decision and we managed to stay inside and dry (for the most part) as we maneuvered our way through the crowds.

Besides Oceania’s Vista, Carnival also has one of its huge ships in port today. Add to that some businesses being closed and the first day of Spring break and the mall was jam packed! I did manage to find a jewelry repair to get a new watch battery and Ronnie enjoyed some Chick Fila and a Dr. Pepper in their gigantic food center. Beyond that, we really didn’t do much shopping.

floral dresses abound

and not to leave the men out

After lunch we were planning to take an uber to Walmart when we realized there was a Target just across the street, so we made our way there, picked up a few supplies and then took another uber back to the port. However, the second uber driver dropped us off at the wrong terminal building. We didn't realize it until we were inside, so we then had to take a taxi back to the Oceania terminal which was maybe 10 minutes away.

While in the taxi, we received an Emergency Alert on our phones: Severe warning from the National Weather Service. It said “A FLASH FLOOD WARNING is in effect for this area until 6:30 pm. This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”

one of many wall murals inside cruise port

We're scheduled to be in Kona tomorrow. But according to weather reports, it seems the storm is moving in the same direction as we are. Unlike Honolulu where we were able to make port, the Kona port requires that we tender in. It would be extremely unsafe to attempt boarding a tender with the water as choppy as it is now. That said, our captain just announced that we'll be skipping Kona and heading for the Polynesian islands. One of the primary rules of travel – stay flexible!

I was disappointed I didn't get to take more photos today, but it's hard to balance an umbrella, purse, shopping bags and camera in the rain!