Grand Princess Roundtrip San Pedro 16-Night to Hawaii
March 4, 2025, Honolulu, Oahu
Second stop in Hawaii, Honolulu!
Our ship arrived early at Pier #2, the same place where we docked a year and a half ago when we were on the South Pacific cruise. I got up early and went on the top deck to take a few pictures of the city that was still waking up. We will need to get out early enough to catch the bus to Pearl Harbor for the 10:45 tour of the Arizona Memorial. I picked that time just so we didn't have to rush to get there but still gives us enough time to explore before the ticketed time.
When we were here last, we were able purchased the one-day adult bus ticket from the 7-11 closest to the pier so we were going to do the same thing even the one-day adult ticket cost around $7.50, a little more than the senior rate single bus ride of $1.25. Regular adult tickets for each ride is $3. It's much easier to just tap the HOLO card to board the bus instead of fumbling through our wallets to get the exact change, plus they may also ask to see our Medicare card (government issued medical card for seniors and disabled). Unfortunately, after taking the 20-minute walk to the 7-11, we were told that they do not sell the one-day tickets there any longer. Good thing that son already top up his HOLO card for the one-day ticket online. We will just pay cash for our rides today. Public transportation is really easy in this city with plenty of buses going every other directions. The main buses for us near the port gate (there are bus stops nearby instead of walking to 7-11) to Pearl Harbor and Waikiki are #42 and 20. These two buses run similar routes that can reach both Pearl Harbor and Waikiki.
Honolulu early in the morning.
With Diamond Head in the distance.
Pier #2 where Grand Princess was docked.
We walked out from the port gate and made a right where the bus stop is, but instead we walked for 20-minute to the closest 7-11 which turned out to be a waste of time and energy.
We managed to pick up a #42 bus across the street from 7-11 and had a nice and easy 50-minute ride to Pearl Harbor. It was a comfortable ride with not that many passengers and we felt like taking a ride on a tour bus to see the sights along the way.
The bus dropped us off near the entrance of Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
We were well prepared and carried our necessities in clear plastic bags (stadium bags) instead of regular hand bags or backpacks which are not allowed into the park.
For all other bags, they have to be stored at the baggage check-in right outside the park. Sometimes, the line to check bags can be quite long and it cost $7 per bag to be stored there.
Then we spent some time explore the grounds for free. To visit the other carriers/submarines, additional tickets can be purchased on location.
We also visited the museum on site and had a better understanding of the history of that December morning when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Then, we got in line for our tour about 10 minutes before our appointment time. Last time here, we were shown a movie first inside the theater but not this time around. No more movies, and the theater was just a gathering place for our group before getting on the boat to the memorial.
On the boat to Arizona Memorial.
We were told that we need to stay together as a group and also remain quiet and respectful throughout the tour since this is a war cemetery.
We could see parts of the sunken ship under water.
USS Missouri in the distance which is open to the public for additional fees.
After about 45 minutes, we were taken to the boat for the ride back.
By the time we finished, it was just the right time for us to leave and take the bus to Waikiki. We had our lunch appointment at Duke's Waikiki for 1:00. The first bus that came by was #20, which we got on with no problem. But, I suggest taking the #42 bus instead because bus #20 goes into the airport, which took extra time with 3 stops inside the airport, and had many more people with luggage getting on the bus. Making it much crowder and more hectic.
The bus went past Chinatown...
downtown...
and even Pier #2 before going its way to Waikiki.
By now, we were getting very close and ready to get off.
We barely made it to Duke's for our reservation.
Waiting for our table. This is a very busy restaurant and seems like reservation is a 'must' do.
We came here particularly for the famous lunch buffet. For $33, it's really not a bad deal with all the good food provided. Not a lot of variety but good enough for a Hawaiian lunch of good quality. Last time when we were here, we had Hawaiian plate lunch at Rainbow for close to $15 each and I was not impressed. We were very much looking forward to the Poke Bowls which turned out to be wonderful!
Steamed rice and fried rice
Kalua Pork, Kalbi Short Ribs, and coconut taro
Teriyaki chicken and garlic shrimp
potato salad
several different salads
macaroni
Lunch with the Waikiki view.
Can't be beat!
Highly recommending this restaurant for a memorable lunch.
Walk down to the beach area.
With Diamond Head not to far away.
Dukes' statue on the beach.
After lunch, we walked around Waikiki beach as most tourists do. Getting in and out of shops and malls, doing a lot of window shopping. For the real shopping for Hawaiian souvenirs, we took another bus to the WalMart near the Ala Moana shopping center. There is a whole section of Hawaiian goods and souvenirs right near the entrance with much better pricing.
We were tired by now, and even though it was still early, all of us wanted to get back to the ship. We did not even explore the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center which is huge and interesting. They were also having some kind of shows every so often but we were anxious to get back to port. The bus we took from here back to Pier 2 was the first that the driver asked to see our Medicare card. We had to dig them out even with the long line of people behind us. Oh well...
By the time we got back to the terminal, it was not even 5:00 yet and our ship didn't leave until 11:00.
We had a fun day in Honolulu and very cost effective using public buses. For this port, I don't recommend having a rental car because parking is not that easy and having to pay for parking can add up. Also, most car rental places are in the airport area which is quite a distance away for pick up and drop off. Just not worth it!
For video of this day in Honolulu, please click here.
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5
