Laie, Oahu

 We got to spend a day and a half in Honolulu. Since we had all day on Saturday, we got off the ship as soon as they let us and caught the bus to the north shore. We got dropped off at temple beach and walked to the temple. We spent a couple of hours inside enjoying the spirit. This temple is definitely the most unique on the inside. Lots of stairs. Everything is a climb to heaven. Still enjoyed it.

I had to get a picture at my favorite banyan tree near the baptistry entrance.


Around the top of the temple and inside the lobby as well as by the family history center are 4 reliefs depicting stories from the Old and New Testiment, Book of Mormon stories and church history.





We then went to the PCC and spent the rest of the day exploring the villages. We started with the canoe ride through the PCC.

 Once again, one of my favorite places was Aotearoa (New Zealand). We did the poi balls and several stick games. 

In Tahiti we were part of a marriage ceremony then learned to throw spears. Never know when that can help a marriage.

We didn't get pictures, but we learned how to make coconut oil, learning that 1 coconute makes about a drop of oil. Not an easy job. 
The PCC was lots of fun. They have added back lots of activities to try from paddling a canoe, to fishing, to making coconut fish and windmills, playing traditional games, learning to dance their hula, and so much more. I wish we had more time there. All too soon it was dinner time. The buffet was amazing. We then went to the show: Ha, the Breath of Life. They had one imaginary family travel from island to island as their son grew up. They had a little kid, about 5, who danced with them. He stole the show. They also had the fire dancers, including women this time.Afterwards they would pose for pictures.


We got a few pictures in front of the PCC while waiting for us bus back.


Jack was a little worried after the buffet about getting back on the ship. They had instituted a weight limit.

We got back to the ship after 11 pm. The next morning we went to church at a local ward. 
Our ship was docked next to the Aloha Tower. It was closed for repairs but I got a picture with the hula girl in front. 

This tower used to be the tallest building in Honolulu. Now it is dwarfed by the many high rises. At the top of it is a clock. At one point, the clock had a siren that went off at 7 am, noon and 4 pm. No one was disappointed when it "broke".


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