We had to catch our tour buses at the Aloha Landing which was a 5 minute walk from our condo. This tour we had to be ready at 6:00 am then wait for the Roberts Hawaii bus. The Aloha Landing is a very busy place, there are four hotels in the area and this is a regular stop for all buses. Good thing the drivers had our names, as there were many Roberts Hawaii buses coming and going. We were the first ones on the bus.
On this tour a couple that sat across from us during our breakfast was on this tour. They were very nice and from Australia. He was very much interested in history and he was glad that I asked about this tour. This one was not on the original list that was given to us.
The reason this one is so early is that at the USS Arizona Memorial it is first come first served and after 3000 visitors it is shut off. Also because this is an active military installation security was tight. We were told that no bags were allowed inside the facilities. Jennifer and I were allowed to wear our passport wallets, as those are considered wallets. I was surprised at how many women were very upset because they couldn't take their purses. They could leave them on the locked bus or else store them in the lockers provided at a cost at the memorial. I don't know about them but we were specifically told about this restriction and if you do any searches online this is also mentioned.
This place has changed quite alot in the six years. First a new museum was built and it explains things before, during and after the attack. The driver gave us our tickets for the shuttle to the Arizona and that gave up plenty of time to visit the museum and grounds. We got to see a 20 minute video about the attack then we were taken out to the boat to take us to see the Arizona. We were able to stay for about 15 minutes then it was time for our group to go back.
We had about 15 minutes before meeting our bus driver to see the Missouri. The last time we were here our tour bus took us to the Missouri, now there are shuttle buses that will take you back and forth, our driver was good about getting all of us on the shuttle.
Had good weather this time while visiting the Missouri, we were able to tour the outside. Our guide was very informative, then we had plenty of time to wander on our own. We made our way to the inside of the ship. Good thing they had arrows pointing the way otherwise you could get lost very easily on this big ship. Then we had time to tour the bridge before we had to meet our group for the shuttle.
We just had time to make a quick potty break or grab a quick snack before getting on the shuttle to tour the Punchbowl National Cemetary. The last time we took this tour, the driver just drove through the cemetary, this time we had a tour guide.
First he took us to the overlook where we got to see a beautiful view of Honolulu, then we got to see the mosaic tile maps and he explained all of them. There is a small chapel here which is very beautiful. Gary wore is Viet Nam Veteran Hat so the guide was excited to show him the new Viet Nam Map that was just installed in November. The maps here only explain about the Pacific Theater.
We got back to Waikiki around 4:30 pm, it was a very long day and alot of walking. For supper we ate at a rotating restaurant called Top of Waikiki. We were there for sunset which was very nice. The only bad thing is that so many new hotels were built and block the ocean view so you only get a partial ocean view from the restaurant.
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