Remembering Pearl Harbor
On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise, preemptive strike on the US. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. All around the island of Oahu, other US military bases and strategic locations of defense were simutaneously attacked by Japanese aircraft. The attack began at 0748 hrs., when the first of 353 Imperial Japanese aircraft , (consisting of two waves of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo planes), broke through the clouds and began wreaking havoc on their unsuspecting targets below.
A Japanese bomber soars up and over battleship row after releasing its payload.
In the aftermath of the Sunday morning attack, all 8 US Navy battleship were damaged with 4 sunk. The Japanese also sank 3 destroyers, 3 cruisers, 1 minelayer, and an anti-aircraft training ship. 188 US aircraft had also been destroyed in the attack; 2,403 Americans were killed, and another 1,178 others were wounded. By attacking the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, the Japanese had hoped to prevent the United States from interfering with its planned military campaigns in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. One day after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on the Empire of Japan. (more…)
Posted in North America, Hawaii, Historical Journeys and tagged Hawaii, Oahu, pearl harbor, WW2.
Hawaiian Monk Seals and Wai’anae Sunsets – A West Side Story
Hawaii has exceptionally nice weather all year around, so mid-November is as good a time as any to take an evening stroll along the beach. Avoiding the bustling crowds of Waikiki and determined to find a bit of tranquility, Rebecca, Selah and I decided to head to the western side of Oahu. On the westward or Leeward side of the island lies the quaint community of Wai’anae. The area is home to beautiful beaches, various sea-life, and real small-town living. Wai’anae is also a very tight-knit community and it once was home to the legendary singer, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
Rebecca poses for a picture as Selah counts coconuts at the top of a tree in Wai’anae.
The evening turned out even more beautiful than we had imagined. Along the way, I managed to capture some pretty fascinating scenes. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America and tagged Hawaii, monk seals, Oahu, Wai'anae.
Fantastic Food Trucks and More Scenes from the North Shore
Anybody who has spent more than a few days on Oahu will tell you that some of the best food on the island is found inside food trucks on the North Shore. These colorful restaurants on wheels first began springing up around Honolulu in the 1970s. Back then it was mainly burgers, hotdogs, and the traditional Asian cuisine. Now-a-days, a person can satisfy any cravings whether it be from zesty street tacos to wasabi-flavored poke bowls.
Some of the best food trucks on Oahu are found on the North Shore, directly across the street from Shark’s Cove. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Great Dining, Hawaii, North America and tagged food trucks, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu.
The Spirit of Aloha at Germaine’s Luau
Just recently, Rebecca and I had the pleasure of attending Germaine’s, our first luau on the island of Oahu. Finding my knowledge of Hawaiian culture a bit lacking, I first read up a little on the history of these fascinating, food-centered events. It may be of interest to some to know that in ancient Hawaii, men and woman ate their meals completely apart. Furthermore, commoners and women of every social class were forbidden by the ancient Hawaiian religion to eat certain delicacies. When I first read this, I thought it made a whole lot of sense. The last time I had breakfast with Rebecca, she ate all of the blueberry waffles. I went to work that day with a cold hard-boiled egg and one of those crummy end-pieces of toast. If I had eaten first, or if she had been forbidden to eat such delicacies, I would have enjoyed a really tasty breakfast. I shared the idea with Rebecca just this morning, and for some reason I didn’t eat any breakfast, nor did I get any lunch.
Big John at Germaine’s Luau
Separate meals between the sexes continued all the way up until 1819, when King Kamehameha II finally abolished the practice by throwing a feast where both men and women could attend. The king’s symbolic act forever ended the religious food taboos on the islands and the Hawaiian luau was born. Had Rebecca been around back then, and the king had been forced to share waffles with her, it’s highly doubtful that he would have been in such a festive mood. For that reason alone, I hope the Hawaiian people are truly thankful that Rebecca did not come to share a meal with them until some 200 years after the food ban was lifted…. and also thankful they weren’t serving any blueberry waffles. (more…)
Posted in Great Dining, Hawaii, North America and tagged Germaine's Luau, Hawaii, Oahu.
Deep Inside Waimea Valley and a Deadly Game of Checkers
I was deep inside the valley of Waimea and beads of sweat had begun streaming down my brow. I meticulously plotted my next action. If I moved diagonally to my right, I could capture my opponent’s stone and land in a spot not threatened by any of his forward-moving advances. I was running short on options at this point in the game, so this move just had to work. By making this play, I would brilliantly force him into a corner. From that point on, he would be playing purely from a defensive posture. I would have him tight against the ropes and victory, along with that sweet taste of freedom, would finally be in my grasp!
Big John keeps his poker face as he plays a very deadly game of checkers.
With a trembling hand, I gingerly lifted my white coral rock from the slab. I hesitated before moving, just long enough to steady myself and peer directly into his sinister eyes. I needed to witness the humiliation on his face as his lowliest captive beat him at his very own game. I wanted to observe his complete and utter shame as the village’s waterboy spanked him in front of every single member of the tribe. I would make him sorry… (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America, Tall Tales and Big Fish Stories and tagged Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu, Waimea Falls, Waimea Valley.