The Hawaiian Islands were our first stop after we left Long Beach, and when not preparing for Administration Inspection, we had an opportunity to poke around Oahu.
The first impressive sight when making our approach from seaward was Diamond Head, a familiar landmark that used to be a volcano. We could see the beach at Waikiki with its rolling surf, exclusive hotels, thatched huts and fringe of palms. Hickam Field and Pearl Harbor were next. We topped off, shifted berths and when Liberty Call was passed, the crew had a chance to visit Honolulu.
Honolulu is the big town, roughly 275,000 population, and as American as Stateside. It starts at the waterfront and ambles through the foothills to the mountains beyond. Shoppers had a field day. Merchandise from all over the world overflows from the Honolulu stores, and also there were shops that dealt exclusively in Hawaiian souvenirs. There were the latest movies, concerts and museums specializing in Polynesian arts and culture, and, of course, service clubs.
Honolulu is a melting pot of the races of the Pacific. Its people, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Hawaiians, and Mainlanders, live together, mostly out of doors, argue and play together and send their children to the same schools.
There was pineapple, poi and pork roasted in bananas, and abundant recreational facilities, including swimming at Waikiki, former playground of Hawaiian kings, for three days following our rough voyage from the U. S. before we said Aloha to the Territory of Hawaii and continued on westward towards Yokosuka, Japan, our next port of call.
|