Last day in paradise, so I continued my exploring, this time trudging south along the beaches towards Diamond Head. First stop was the Aquarium, small but with nice tank displays of various local habitats, estuarine and reef. The most interesting attraction was the 2 Monk Seals. These are quite rare with only a thousand or so left in the local area. Next stop was the Zoo, a much more extensive attraction, covering 16 acres. There were quite a few monkeys and ap...

Went for a long walk today heading off in a northerly direction. The US Army Museum in Waikiki was developed over the former Battery Randolph, a coastal defense battery with two huge 14inch guns, which were originally test fired in 1914, rattling windows and generally terrifying the local inhabitants for miles around. Pearl Harbour is featured of course, as is the workings of the original defense facility. Also featured is the role of Japanese Americans who vol...

Up early this morning to get picked up for my tour across to Pearl Harbour. We were told the early start was to beat the crowds. First stop was the battleship Missouri. The Mighty Mo really is an impressive old craft at 270 meters. It's main battery has nine 16 inch guns which have a range of 23 miles. It saw limited service in WW2 but famously hosted the official surrender by Japan. It was decommissioned in 1955 and recommissioned in 1986 by President Reagan, a...

I lobbed into Honolulu yesterday. The location of my room here at the Outrigger is outstanding, with panoramic views of the beach. There's lots of folks on the beach, in the water or in the bars and eateries on the beachfront. Had a nice lunch of grilled fish downstairs at Duke's which is one of three restaurants here on the premises. Also I had a swim this afternoon. It's pretty hot, and the water temperature is wonderful. I'm off to Pearl tomorrow.

This morning after a late breakfast I wandered down past the other resorts and through the grounds of the Hyatt. Wow, what a palace, and the grounds look a bit like a Japanese garden but have lots of different birds wandering about such as black and white swans, several species of duck, doves, flamingoes and even south african penguins in a special area, and the most gorgeous macaws, not in cages. The Westin where I am has some good birdlife too but not quite lik...