The New Arizona Memorial Visitors Center

Being like most locals, I visited the Arizona Memorial at one time or another - usually when I have a friend in town. Yesterday, I decided to check out the new visitors center that opened in time for the 69th aniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.


Front entrance


Submarine launched Ballistic Missile



Nuclear Torpedo


USS Bowfin


I will never forget.

USS Missouri "Mighty Mo"

Boat Ride to the Arizona Memorial.

Scale model of the Arizona.

442nd Infantry / 100th Battalion - "Go for Broke"

Crossroads to the Pacifc and the "Tree of Life".

Anchor retrieved from the USS Arizona.

"Rosie the Riveter" - WWII Propaganda.

Honolulu International Airport - HNL

Airports. I love going there when I'm the one leaving. Whenever I drop off someone at the airport I feel a jealous urge... I want to be the one to leave!



HNL has a Japanese garden in the middle of the airport. I thought it was quite fitting that I was going to Japan at the time.



I took JAL during my first trip to Japan in 2005. I experienced the best service of any airline bar-none! (even though I was in coach).

Travel is one of my passions and I have been to: Japan , Philippines and Australia (all twice) not to mention all over the mainland including Mexico and Canada. That said, I'm still an ameteur compared to world-class travelers.

How about you? If you could jump on a plane and go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Pics by Jenn

College... some say its the best years of a person's life. I would have to agree. I wasn't a party a party animal or anything, I just enjoyed my college years. I suppose it was the people you meet on campus. At most, I see a couple dozen people regularly at work. I miss being around thousands of people from around the world during my college years. All of us were working for the same thing... the sheepskin (diploma).

Kawaihao Church

I'll occasionally be featuring pics from a friend that studies architecture and design. Great pics Jenn!

Kawaihao Church is known as the oldest Christian Church on Oahu. A picturesque place for weddings, a friend of mine had his wedding there. Being in the wedding party, I remember feeling quite humbled being in such a historical and Holy place.

Honolulu Design Center

Update: 7/8/08
A friend who studies architecture told me that the orange facade of the design center is meant to represent the vibrant colors of lava.



Original post:
At the corner of Kapiolani and Piikoi you will find the newly opened Honolulu Design Center . The crescent shaped, orange building stands out like a sore thumb compared to the surrounding cityscape. Inside, you will find a fine-dining restaurant, a wine bar and a furniture store. The two towers in the background are the Moana Pacific condo complex.

Dillingham Airfield

I was at Camp Mokuleia for a church camp. I couldn't help but notice the brighly-colored parachutes landing across the street at Dillingham Airfield. Since I had my camera handy, I decided to take some pics.

I heard that during certain parts of the year one of the skydiving companies offers a $99 tandem jump. I haven't tried skydiving yet, but at that price I'll be willing to give it a try!

Hawaii State Capital

Queen Liliuokalani statue



Father Damien Statue



A friend of mine recently decided to run for office. I think that he can do well for his community if he has the right team behind him. As for me, I've always admired public servants. Hawaii is well known for its bureaucratic "red-tape". Good luck Steve!

Honolulu Fire Department Headquarters

The headquarters of the Honolulu Fire Department is found in Kakaako on South St. The property encompasses the old Kakaako firehouse (museum) and the current fire station. A beautiful piece of architecture, the building(s) are a testament to the rich history of HFD.

Hawaii State Library

The Hawaii State Library is the flagship of the Hawaii State Library system. In the audio/visual section one can rent DVDs for only a $1 a week with your library card. Just don't expect the latest titles.

Iolani Palace

As America's only royal palace, this was the home of Hawaii's last two monarchs; King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani.

Koko Head Shooting Complex

Jus small-kine off!



Reset targets

A friend of mine took me to the shooting range the other week. Not only was this the first time I shot a handgun, it was the first time I shot a loaded gun... period.

Needless to say, I was a little nervous at first. However, after learning the basics of gun safely I was putting holes through the target like swiss cheese. Too bad it wasn't the orange target (see above picture).

Next time: Rifle practice!

The Contemporary Museum

Deborah Butterfield / Nahele, 1986

I've lived in Hawaii for my entire life, yet this was the first time I had the chance to visit The Contemporary Museum. Located on Makiki Heights Drive, the museum was once the home of Mrs Charles Montague Cooke in 1925.

The Spaulding House (named after Mrs Cooke's daughter) was offered as the site of the contemporary museum in 1986. The museum opened to the public in 1988.

If you decide to visit the museum, I would suggest you tour the museum with a guide. My guide was very knowledgable about the museum and its many exhibits. Pictures are not allowed for the indoor exhibits, but can be taken of the outdoor gardens and sculptures.