Day 10: Last full day

Today is the day the Rich presented his 2 research papers at the International Conference on Arts and Humanities.  He said it went well!  In case you were wondering, the names of his papers are:  "Do Certain Personality Types Have a Particular Communication Style?" and "Analyzing Two Prominent Faith-Based Persuasive Messages Using Monroe's Motivated Sequence".

While Rich was at the conference, Renee and Michael explored Downtown Honolulu, where we saw the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the statue of King Kamehameha.  We drove in circles, up and down lots of streets as we learned which streets are one-way, when the lanes turn into "turn-only" lanes with little notice, etc.....so we saw some of these places several times!  Speaking of driving, even the H-1 was a bit tricky.  Our guide book said that the road system here was designed by "morons"!  We thought it was interesting that Hawaii has an "interstate" since there are no neighboring states....but my trusty guide book explained that calling it a state highway would mean the state pays for it....."interstate" means federal funding....we all helped pay for it! 

Pretty tree on the Iolani Palace Grounds

Michael capturing a photo of the King Kamehameha statue.

Iolani Palace - taken from the side facing the capitol

Michael inside the Capitol courtyard.....a cool square building totally open in the middle.  More detail in Michael's pictures.

We drove up to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (in Punchbowl Crater).  It is a tranquil, moving spot to visit.  I did not get any photos to show here, because we didn't get out, just drove through.  Michael has been dealing with a knee/leg injury and has needed to limit his walking and stair climbing a bit.  He has some good pictures though.


Next, we drove up to the Pali Lookout.  This is a great view of the Windward (east) side of the island and is the place where King Kamehameha defeated the Maui warriors by driving them off a cliff.  Also, in the "old days" if anyone wanted to visit this side of the island, they had to go to the end of the road and lower themselves down with poles and ropes.....I suppose I should be thankful for the crazy road system of today!  Also, noteworthy in the view from here is Kaneohe Bay and Mokapu Marine Corps Base.  On Dec. 7th, 1941, the Japanese first attacked this target before Pearl Harbor was hit.

Michael at the Pali Lookout.  Can you tell my favorite subject to photograph is Michael?

A little hazy today....Michael's shots will be better with his nice lens and fabulous editing ability.

Ahead is the Marine Base.....first target of Dec. 7, 1941.

After Rich's conference proceedings ended, we took a brief drive into Diamond Head Crater.  The traffic was stopped briefly coming in and going out while some scenes from Hawaii Five-0 were filmed.

On location with "Hawaii Five-0" in parking lot outside entrance to Diamond Head Crater

Next, we drove around the base of the mountain and had some more whale sightings (Michael has pictures).

We headed up to points near Koko Head, Halona Blowhole, and Sandy Beach, before taking a look at Hanauma Bay before heading to dinner.  As you can see, we have stayed dry (out of the water for the most part) on this trip.  I know it sounds awful to some that we didn't enjoy the great snorkeling they have here, etc.  Rich did take a dip at Waikiki Beach.  Michael and I are just not "beachy people".  We like to look at it, listen to the waves, and photograph it.....we just don't want to get in it!  I think I would have liked looking at the marine life underwater, but I'll just have to enjoy YOUR photos of that (or watch a DVD!).

While Rich looks at Koko Head through his binoculars, Michael and I take pictures of each other again!

This is "Sandy Beach Park"....catchy name!  I guess they ran out of Hawaiian names?  I thought these girls were cute....they were working very hard at brushing the sand off their feet!

Rich hiked down to this beach.  It's where the famous scene in "From Here to Eternity" was filmed.  We were also told a scene in "Pirates of the Caribbean" was filmed here....not sure about that one.

Rich says this tunnel goes all the way to the other side of Koko Crater....he met a couple coming from the other side.

While Rich explores the beach below, we remain safely behind the guard rails at the top!

Here we are at Hanauma Bay

Back to Waikiki and Rich and I went to the beach....he took a swim and we looked at our last sunset view from the beach before leaving tomorrow.

Sailboats and catamarans out enjoying the sunset too!

We had dinner at Lulu's Surf Club.  The food was good and they had a nice muscial group playing (Mango Season).

Packing up for the trip home tomorrow.  We plan to go visit family members of some dear friends (Joel and Suzanne Almosara) before our plane leaves.