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WAIKIKI
I hadn't hung out in Waikiki in four years and since then, the place has undergone some major changes. All the new high-end shops and malls that have sprouted give it a bit of a Las Vegas feeling. Although you can find almost every store imaginable, including the most upscale shops you've ever seen squeezed so close together and a slew of chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, I just don't feel the love. The street is filled with a mixed bag of people: from derelicts and Japanese tourists to pamphlet-pushers mostly advertising an indoor shooting range. Who the heck would want to go shooting in Waikiki?
PEARL HARBOR
If you visit Honolulu, you must pay a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor (Here’s the website). The National Park Service runs it and entry is free. Like most of the world, after 9/11 strict security measures were implemented, so don't even try to bring a bag inside. They are prohibited and you'll be sent back to your car to drop it off before being admitted entry. Once inside, you get a number that has a personal story about one of the brave men that lost their life. Every 25 minutes, a new group is called and taken out to the memorial and it took 45 minutes before our group was up. To pass time, there's a museum, a takeout coffee shop with some nasty sandwiches and a beautiful backyard with views of the harbor.
USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL
Once your group is called, it's time to watch a 23-minute documentary. It's dated but moving. Then, it's time to board a shuttle boat for the five-minute boat ride to the memorial. As requested, no one talks. But I don't think anyone wants to after seeing how the 1,177 crew members lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Going out to the memorial is essentially visiting a beautifully designed cemetery. The memorial sits right above the sunken ship where 900 of our soldiers are entombed down below. Although, the surprise attack happened over 65 years ago, oil is still leaking and sits atop the water, creating a faint rainbow effect. One park ranger said it's believed to be the tears of the men below. If that doesn't make you want to cry, what does? Overall, the attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 cost 2,388 American lives. The highlight of the visit was meeting one of the only five Pearl Harbor veterans left who regularly volunteers at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center. Words cannot describe the encounter. I only hope you get to meet these brave men before it's too late.
DIAMOND HEAD
A great way to begin your day is to climb Diamond Head. Diamond Head is the most famous volcanic crater in the world. In 1919, the U.S. military constructed an observation deck for target sighting at the summit. To get there from Waikiki is either a five-minute drive or a 45-minute walk. Natalie and I did the latter in the rain. The entrance fee is $5 per car or $1 per person that walks in. The park opens at 6am and the tour buses don't usually start showing up until 8am. So my advice is to get there early. I would also bring a bottle of water and use the lavatory (there's only one at the bottom) before the eighth-of-a-mile climb.
THE TRIP TO THE TOP
Depending on what kind of shape you are in, the climb up Diamond Head should
take between 20 and 45 minutes.
There's a
paved path
to the base of the mountain and then it
turns
into unstable rocky ground. There are fences, so you needn't worry about falling off. Unfortunately, the 225-foot narrow tunnel
is no longer dark. I'm sure because of insurance reasons they had to install lights so visitors don't need a flashlight. Gosh, it used to be so fun to scare my friends before! The steepest part consists of two sets of stairs; one is 76 steps and the other is 99 steep steps. Then there's a dark spiraling staircase. The trip to the top is definitely worth the panoramic views.
A DECENT PROPOSAL
It was pouring rain and there was just one other couple getting soaked at the summit. After I quickly took a picture of Natalie, the guy asked if I could take a picture of him and his girlfriend. Just as I was about to snap the picture, he gets down on his knee and asks her to marry him. I was like ... WHAT?! I threw Natalie my other camera so she could capture the special moment on video. We later sent him the video and the pictures and he was so appreciative. Ha! I guess it was appropriate to bust out a big ol' diamond at the top of Diamond Head.
VIDEO
Here's a four-minute Johnny Jet video of my trip to the island of Oahu. We also have all the Johnny Jet videos ever made on YouTube.
NEXT WEEK Next week, we head back to the mainland but instead of hanging out in California, we travel over 2,300 miles to a not-so-touristy beach destination.
*PLEASE tell us what you think of this week's newsletter!
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SOME OF LAST WEEK'S READER AIR-eMAIL
Super helpful! Our firm is looking to book one of our clients into a conference at Marriott Waikoloa and your review and candid comments was helpful. Safe travels and we’ll see you in the air. Jeff D – Chief Operating Officer in Vancouver, Canada
This week’s newsletter gets forwarded to a couple of colleagues here at the office looking at a Hawaiian vacation. Most folks I know enjoy the other islands more. But I’ve always liked the Big Island and its diversity. Aside from the drive to the Southern most tip of the US, one of my favorite destinations on the Big Island was to the Pololu Valley. It’s an out of the way destination with the best 360 degree views once you hike to the bottom of the path. It also includes a black sand beach. Here are some great pics!
Bob S – Pittsburgh, PA
What awesome pics of the big Island! And I knew Natalie would show up sooner or later! Absolutely stunning trip to Hawaii! I am headed there in October for a 14 day cruise and want to have some tips for great places to visit -- especially Honolulu which looks like you will be next. JohnnyJet.com -- my favorite website! Thanks! Sorry I could not make it to your talk in Long Beach (boo hoo). You looked great -- what a hunk! Lucky Natalie. S.S. - CA
Johnny, Ya missed out Cuz. I visit the Big Island every year and the areas you described are very nice AND priced accordingly. Now if you want beauty,awesome beaches and snorkeling, great food and local flavor at a fraction of the cost up north you turn south out of the airport! Kona is the place to operate out of. I am already booked for next october. The place I call headquarters is right on Alii drive less than half a mile from Kona Pier. I wake up in the morning with the big blue Pacific filling my balcony door and have that first cup of coffee while watching a cruise ship pull in. The cost? A shade under five hundred for a whole week. Check out Kona when you go back...you won't be disappointed! Aloha Nui Loa, John Miller - Grapevine TX
I have read your articles and I think it is so kewl that you have put together your passion for travel with being able to make a living. I too have that passion for travel and meeting people around the world and having a taste of there culture and maybe someday also be able to pay my bills at it. Toby – Erie, PA
I loved your Big Island report - I felt like you were talking to me. Donna J - Chef Mavro’s restaurant
Great story in yesterday’s newsletter, I read the whole thing twice, and forwarded to everyone. I love your attention to detail, and cracked up about your crack-up again on the airplane stairs. Sorry! And too funny about you educating Natalie on how to pack – that’s hilarious. My favorite tidbit was how the Four Seasons picked up your book and put a bookmark in the spot for you. That’s awesome. And yeah, had to imagine your discomfort on being massaged by a guy. You’re funny, and informative. Thanks for the excellent feature, and I hope you get some more speaking engagements as a result – the Big Island more bookings! Jessica F -Kurtistown, HI
After meeting Johnny Jet in Los Angeles, we invited him to be the guest speaker at the Big Island Visitors Bureau Annual Luncheon. We already knew he was witty and sharp and could articulate relevant information for our visitor-industry-based membership – but we had no idea what a mesmerizing personality he became on stage. His presentation blended highlights of his background and how JohnnyJet.com was started, with insightful proof about the importance of a solid online presence for the Hawaii Visitor Industry. He surfed the audience through enlightening (and sometimes funny websites, Googlefight.com), and stressed the importance of the paperless press kit. When it was over, the audience gave him a rousing round of applause, and left hungry for more. Want to add some spark to your big gathering? Invite John DiScala, aka Johnny Jet, to be your keynote speaker. Check out BigIsalnd.org to see what we put to use on our website! ~ Kristin McGrath, Senior Director of Marketing Big Island Visitors Bureau
It was great to read about you in Hawai'i again especially the Big Island of Hawai'i. One of my favorites. It is such a unique place. Driving along the asphalt highway with deep black lava on either side of the vehicle while glancing down towards the brilliant blue Pacific ocean rimmed with lush green foliage is something that can only be experienced on the Big Island. Personally, being on 'Hawai'i time' breathing the moist humid air and hearing the peaceful music of the islands immediately makes me relax. Keep up the good work and you and Natalie look like you were having a blast! *winks* ~Carolyn (SacTown, CA)
FEEDBACK FOR JEROME
Really enjoy this sort of writing. Makes one feel that they are part of the trip. The way small details are incorporated into the story give you an idea of what to do on the flight (bring food and beverage), etc. Also enjoyed learning that some of the hotels might not have coffee available in the room! Like Jerome, I am not a golfer, but thanks to him after reading his description of the Mesquite area, think it would be a great site to see and enjoy. J Lee Cline - Sunland, California (Author, The Bramble Days series of books -- Life on Bramble Road, Ties that Bind, On the Road of Life).
This article makes me want to travel and experience almost every item...I like the food description. Let's see more of his trips. What about mentioning some of the photo opportunities--maybe an article regarding photography for those who are with the "party" type partner. Richard Petersen - Denver, Colorado
Well done article. Writing like that, takes you there and I really had no idea that Mesquite was quite that grand? It may be my dream destination for the summer? I am not sure about the Mexico adventure I had planned, maybe next year ? But, Mesquite from what you wrote and how you captured it, seems like a worthy second place for me. Jerome has a way of writing so that you can sit in your apartment in Colorado on a cold, snowy winter day and yet as you read his article you feel the heat on your skin from the sun and can just imagine that you are right there. I definitely will want to check out Mesquite now. Thanks Jerome for a great article. Rosemarie R - Littleton, CO
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