Travels To Hawaii, Day 3
Today was rainy. But, hey, a rainy day in Hawaii still is not too bad! We drove up to the north shore to do a bit of sightseeing and to visit
Waimea Falls .
Along the roadside I noticed the following sign. I was determined to stop for a picture, even though cars buzzed by at a high speed and dangerously close.
I am not sure you will be able to read the details.
Obviously some native Hawaiians are not happy with the Westernization and affluence of the culture. In some ways I sympathize, for I am sure history is rife with mistreatment of the original people of this place. And such is true concerning indigenous people of most any place, anywhere in the world. It is an unfortunate characteristic of human history that the simple and vulnerable are exploited by the stronger. However, just looking around, it does not appear to me that these people are suffering too much. About 3 million tourists visit this place annually. It is an amazing place of beauty. And everything costs too much. The sales taxes are high, parking is at a premium, food twice the cost as in the states, etc. Who benefits from these costs? Those who call Hawaii their home. I suspect many of these native Hawaiians may have a dislike for the invasion of their culture, even as they fill their bank accounts and reside in their lush homes.
Pretty flowers. This place is lush with flowers, trees, greenery, etc., surely much as would be a jungle. Yet there seems always to be a gentle breeze.
The falls. I thought they would be more spectacular. Still, it is a worthwhile sight.
Mother hen protects her chicks under her wings.
Tomorrow we visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial.
04.25.09 (1:06 am) [
edit]
posted by:
Lavarock (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (12:59 am)
I'm glad t osee tha tyou are enjoying your stay over on Oahu. Each island is different and here on the Big Island we are less pushy :-)
If you get a chance, visit Iolani Palace for a tour. Also, a plate lunch at Ala Moana shopping center's food court and then cross the street and sit at a bench in the park and just relax.
Also, you could try L&L or Zippy's for food and then visit the park overlooking Diamond Head near Kalakua and Kapiolani.
I usually suggest people try Dave and Busters, but you have two back home :-) You remember Atlanta, the place with all the tornados... :-)
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (1:18 pm)
Oh, I doubt it is the natives lining their pockets with the bulk of tourist dollars or in possession of the prime real estate. How much does Spam cost there? I remember a trivia question referring to Hawaiians as the largest consumers of it.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (6:36 pm)
Reply to: Lavarock
Intend to climb Diamond Head tomorrow. Today we went snorkeling, and tonight will take a dinner cruise. I'd like to try out the food court, as we are looking for local flavor.
More laid back, eh? I sense the locals like our money!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (6:37 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
I, too, have heard about the local liking for spam. However, haven't seen it on the menu yet. It has been on my menu at home many times- nothing like a fried spam sandwich with a thick slice of tomato. But I'm a redneck, and like anything that is fried.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
04.26.09 (1:48 pm)
I used to work near the Ala Moana shopping center. Actually I walked to and from work as the bus ride took me to downtown and I had to transfer to come back to my area - it was easier to walk the 2-1/2 miles than spend 45 minutes on the bus.
Remember that things are so expensive because
'everything' has to be shipped in and that just adds to the cost. But enjoy the time you are there, my friend.
Is your son stationed at Kanoehe for a while?
Do you see people traveling around on scooters ~ ala the mopeds and Vespa scooters? My hubby used to do that going from our place to Hickam Air Base. A lot of people used that form of transportation. Not me of course ~ I had to drive a car, or I walked.
posted by:
jesusisangry (
reply)
post date:
04.26.09 (2:27 pm)
I suspect many of these native Hawaiians may have a dislike for the invasion of their culture, even as they fill their bank accounts and reside in their lush homes.
FYI Those lush homes you see are not occuppied by native Hawaiians. They are occupied by white and asian people.
Scared falls is a better of the falls on Oahu, However it's closed permanently because there was a rock slide there and a couple tourists died.
If you really want to see a good beach go to Kailua Beach Park. "Best Beach on Oahu IMO" If you want to eat Morroccan food go to Casablanca its loacated in Kailua also. They have this soup that is the best soup I have ever ate. The restaurant is very expenisve though two people is minimum 100 dollars.
posted by:
(
reply)
post date:
04.29.09 (1:56 am)
Yes food and everything here is very expensive. Although I thought the sales tax was low. Half of what it is in CA.
