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.
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| 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!
palms swaying against overcast skies what's for dinner? when in Hawaii...
Barbara: Yes, it has been an awful Kona storm (what they call it based on direction). One of my friends has no power for 30 hours! I worked in an office building where I could take the escalator down from the 7th floor to the Ala Moana Mall parking lot and walk across to Macy's. They had an extensive petite selection there, so you know how I spent sale days! I'm sorry your stop was not pleasant. I'll make pictures for you when we go later this year. I used to park by the Aloha Tower when I had to visit my customers in the various judiciary buildings across the street. I am eager to see your other islands. Fair Winds for the rest of the trip!!
ReplyDeleteOh my! I hope she has power back by now. If I can say anything good about the weather yesterday, at least it wasn't hot! So hopefully she is at least not uncomfortably hot. How fun to know we were close to where you worked (and spent $). There is definitely no shortage to where one can spend it there! I'll look forward to seeing the photos you take on your upcoming trip. Even with the horrible weather, it's easy to see how you would have loved your time there. And now some good news - the sun has peaked out this afternoon - hopefully a sign of good things to come!
ReplyDeleteBarbara: we had to cancel our 2025 cruise to the South Pacific because of my back surgery. I'm praying you and Ronnie will have perfect weather to see all the islands and enjoyable weather and no earthquakes or wars. You're going to be on the "Far Side".
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara! That was a HUGE surgery that obviously needed to take priority!! I trust that you're seeing marked improvement by the month. It's encouraging to know that another trip has already been planned! ;-)
DeleteOff to Polynesia. Awaiting pix. Linda
ReplyDeleteme too!
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