"Land of the Humahumanukanukuapa'a ..." a Oahu Travel Page by keida84

Oahu is known as the "Gathering Place." It is the busiest and well populated island in the chain (although Maui is right behind as a close second.) I really must tell you to strip away the bright lights, hip hotels, crowded beaches and shopping centers and you will find the "Aloha Spirit" is alive and well here on this small island in the middle of the Pacific.

The one thing that really stuck out on this trip was the happiness of the Hawaiian people who reside there. Most work 1 or 2 and even 3 jobs to make ends meet but the pride they show for their home is unmeasurable. I don't think i have ever experienced this in any other place I have traveled. The Aloha Spirit is prevalent throughout the entire island and it is contagious, I wish it would catch on here on the mainland.
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The island of Oahu was the first place I ever traveled to by myself I was 21 years old and fascinated with the Hawaiian Islands. Moreover, I was captivated by Pearl Harbor. For my 21st birthday my parents sent me to Oahu. I was thrilled and excited but also a little bit fearful as I was going to travel by myself. Older and hopefully wiser, I have traveled many, many places alone and with others but Oahu always holds a special place in my heart. I long to return to the golden beaches, soft tropical air and the smiling faces of those who carry the "Aloha Spirit" in the hearts year round.

Oahu is one of my favorite islands to visit, a lot has to do with the history and stories that have been handed down through the years. Oh yes, and the BIG BIG waves in winter on the North Shore known as "Pipeline" and "Sunset Beach" to name a few.

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You also may enjoy doing a bit of ghost hunting on the island, guaranteed to give you "Chicken skin" before the night is over. Don't miss the upcoming page on ghost hunting on Oahu!

Like September 11, the date December 7 evokes strong emotion in the heart of most Americans. On a peaceful Hawaiian Sunday morning Japan's "Operation Z" left an indelible mark on history.

The Navy's Pacific Fleet consisted of nine battleships and three aircraft carriers. Eight of the battleships were in Pearl Harbour that morning, none of the aircraft carriers were there.

The Arizona was a total loss, the Oklahoma which capsized, was a total loss, the California sank at her moorings but was later raised and repaired. The West Virginia also sank was raised and repaired. The Pennsylvania, The Tennessee and the Maryland were repaired and went back to action. The battleship Nevada was the only ship to get underway during the attack badly damaged she deliberately ran aground to avoid the possibility of sinking and blocking the channel.

In a message dated 12/17/03 3:55:37 PM, Nelson serving our country aboard The USS Nimitz writes:

John I'll bet you never knew this one!

Funeral Held for Baby Entombed Within USS Utah Story Number: NNS031216-04
By Journalist 1st Class Mike Miller, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Dec. 7, a funeral service was finally held at the USS Utah Memorial at Pearl Harbor for a baby girl, Nancy Lynne Wagner, who died at birth. Few know the secret USS Utah (AG 16) has held for 62 years.

See my "off the beaten path" tip for more of the story of Baby Nancy Wagner.

Note: Due to 9-11 and the continuing threat of terrorist activities, If you plan to visit Pearl Harbor you cannot take ANY personal belongings with you such as purse, backpack, fanny pack, camera case or diaper bag!!!

There are so many other things that one can see and do on the island of Oahu. The great restaurant in the "Hawaiian" hotel where you could dine in a tiki hut is gone, along with so much of the "old" Hawaii.

The Hawaiian state fish is the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. If Shirley Temple could say it in her song, "Little Grass Shack" then so can you!

Also check out the Menehuenes, or Hawaii's "Little People" on the customs page!

Try the Trollies (Red, Blue, Yellow and Pink lines) for transportation around Waikiki and Honolulu.

A Drive-by Felicitation
Kris & I were on the red trolley doing some sight-seeing when a car pulled up next to us. The lady riding "shotgun" rolled her window down and with a big smile said, "Aloha" her hands were waving the "hang loose" sign, "we love having you here, Thank you, Mahalo, Aloha" then the car pulled away and drove off.

I looked at Kris and Kris looked at me. What was that all about? Well, I suppose you could call it a "drive-by felicitation!"