Friday May 25, 2012
USS Arizona Memorial - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
The USS Arizona Memorial is commemorating its 50th anniversary on Memorial Day 2012.
The 184-foot-long USS Arizona Memorial, was completed on May 25, 1962 following years of efforts to raise the half million dollars needed for construction. It sits astride the mid-section of the battleship which sank on December 7, 1941, taking with her 1,177 of her crewmen, most of whom still lie within the sunken ship. Dedication took place on Memorial Day, May 30, 1962.
Since its dedication well over 50-million people from all over the world have visited the Memorial by taking a Navy-operated shuttle boat from the Visitor Center.
This weekend there will be special events honoring the anniversary and those who gave their lives on the day that World War II began for the United States.
On both Sunday and Monday evenings there will be a special Sunset Boat Tour to the USS Arizona Memorial, a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the Memorial after normal hours. These tours will include a fully-narrated tour around Ford Island led by National Park Service Rangers. The cost of these special tours is a contribution of $50 or more to help raise funds for the much needed restoration work on the Memorial, estimated to be upwards of $1 million.
Much of the repairs needed are general maintenance to bring Memorial up to current OSHA requirements in all areas, strip and repaint the entire Memorial, fix deteriorating concrete and replace rusting light fixtures. A main part of the restoration will involve the replacement of the existing, deteriorating shrine wall which lists the names of all those who died on December 7, 1941 as as well as those who have since passed away but who have chosen to be buried with their comrades.
You can read more about the restoration project and history of the Memorial on special website of the Pacific Historic Parks Capital Campaign in support of the National Park Service. There is a clearly defined link on the site so that you can make a donation towards the restoration.
You may also enjoy the following features on this website:
Follow me: Facebook | Twitter
Thursday May 24, 2012
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer cookout season. As family and friends gather, it's common to have a cookout, especially if the weather is nice. In many parts of the country Memorial Day is the first holiday when the weather is nice enough to really enjoy the outdoors.
As we all know, the weather in Hawaii is almost always great. It's really very rare to hear about a luau being canceled. At most a passing shower will make folks duck in somewhere for cover.
This weekend, instead of the normal, boring cookout food, how about something different - and not all that difficult. It's sure to bring back memories of your visits to Hawaii and make you think about planning your next trip.
So, why not try some Hawaiian Food for Your Holiday Cookout. Check out the recipes and feel free to suggest some that you like.
Follow me: Facebook | Twitter
Tuesday May 22, 2012
Now that the dust has settled and Allegiant Air's special, and short lived, introductory rates for their new Hawaii flights have passed, we can get a better idea of what their rate structure to Hawaii will be, at least for the next few months.
In case you missed it, Allegiant will be starting direct non-stop flights to Honolulu in late June from Fresno, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. In November they will begin flights from five additional west coast cities including a direct flight from Bellingham, Washington to Kahului, Maui.
Flights will be offered two or three times a week and the cost of airfare varies widely depending on the city of origin, date of week, and several other factors.
Allegiant also charges baggage fees as well as a fee for carry-on's stowed in the overhead bins. These fees are "per bag, per segment," so, if you're traveling from one of the other 80+ airports that Allegiant serves, these costs could add up quickly.
If, however, you live in or near one of these cities from which direct flights will be offered, the price may be right for you. Be sure to compare prices before you book any airfare using a service such as kayak.com.
For more details, check out our feature, Allegiant Air Announces Flights to Hawaii.
Follow me: Facebook | Twitter
Monday May 21, 2012
Lantern Floating Hawaii
The 14th Annual Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony will take place on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012. More than 3,000 candle-lit lanterns bearing individual and community remembrances and prayers will illuminate the ocean off of Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park.
The event brings together more than 40,000 Hawaii residents and visitors from around the world and from various cultures and traditions who cast afloat lanterns at sunset in remembrance of loved ones who have passed, or as symbolic prayer for a harmonious and peaceful future. The ceremony will also recognize those who have passed due to various causes afflicting humanity throughout the world. The theme of Lantern Floating Hawaii is "Many Rivers, One Ocean."
I attended the 2010 event. Taking away all of the pageantry, pomp and circumstance which was so beautiful, Lantern Floating Hawaii is ultimately about the people who get a lantern, write their special messages to deceased love ones, prayers to their God, hopes for the world and much more, and then place it in the water for the tide to take out to sea.
It is very much like lighting a candle in a Roman Catholic Church or writing a prayer on a piece of paper and then burning it as you watch the smoke rise to the heavens. What you ultimately take from it is up to you. It comes down to faith. For some the event was just fun, for some symbolic, but, for far more, something very spiritual as you could clearly see in their tears.
Find out more about this year's Lantern Floating Hawaii.
View a gallery of 12 photos taken at Lantern Floating Hawaii 2010.
Follow me: Facebook | Twitter
