Day 36
The Ala Moana Centre in Honolulu is the largest shopping center in Hawaii, and the largest open-air shopping Centre in the World. After catching the bus here, we can also attest it is very easy to get lost here. It’s also well worth a visit, especially if you’re hungry, because it has the largest food court in the world. Have you noticed how everything in the United States has to be the world’s biggest?
There are fountains, palm trees, rain forests, and these colourful fish (pictured above) swimming happily in the pond. There is entertainment most days, including Hula dancers.
TRAVEL TIP: Ala Mona Center is located on Ala Mona Boulevard cross of Piiloli Street. Jump on nearly any bus and it will take you there.
On the way back we stop of at Waikiki’s best kept secret – The US Army Museum (pictured below) on Kalia Road, Fort DeRussy. It’s also absolutely free!
We signed the guest book and had a long chat with the old guy at the counter, who was a retired Chicago cop. He couldn’t believe that we were cops travelling around the world on six weeks leave, and I kind of formed the impression cops don’t get paid that much in the States. The pay and the fact that there are 192 million guns in this country, makes us feel lucky we are NSW cops. The museum has exhibits on the history of the army in Hawaii, the war in the Pacific, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War. There is even this cool Cobra Helicopter Gunship on the roof (pictured below).
We spent the remainder of the afternoon on Waikiki Beach, enjoying the sunshine, the warm water, and the relaxed atmosphere. It's easy to see why they call this place paradise - perfect weather, friendly people, and a laid back lifestyle reminiscent of our own.
It's a public holiday tomorrow, and we have been warned to stay off the roads due to traffic conjestion. It's pretty bad from what I've seen so far, so I would imagine it's going to be really really bad tomorrow. As a result we will delay our drive to Turtle Beach on the North Shore of the Island until tuesday.
