Oahu Day 1

We hadn't realized we'd need to pass through the Honolulu traffic gauntlet to get almost anywhere on the island since most roads lead into the hub, like spokes on a wheel, and traffic is a major problem.  Thursday morning we waited until 9:30 before heading into town to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial.  We arrived along with hordes of like minded tourists, and it seemed like we'd spent almost as long looking for a parking place as we had to get there. While there was no entry fee into the park, tickets were required to access the major displays, were sold from different booths, with a limited number of free tickets per day to visit the Arizona Memorial (incuded in the big package).

Deck of the Bowfin

Having been on battleships in various ports over the years, Leonard was interested in the SS 287 Bowfin, a submarine that had a long, successful career after launching 12/7/42.  She did 9 patrols between 8/43 to 9/45, sinking 16 vessels. She also  served in the Korean War after being recommissioned in '51, and spent 10 years as a training vessel before being decommissioned 12/1/71, days short of her 30th year in service. The Bowfin is 1 of 15 WWII submarines that did not end up as scrap.  Senator  Inouye was influential in acquiring and bringing the Bowfin back to Honolulu where she now serves as part of the WWII Memorial Museum.

Aft toredo room

We picked up an audio guide and arrived on board in time to catch part of a guided tour for a class of 7th graders.  We missed the start, but the docent was obviously a retired submariner who enjoyed sharing his knowledge, so listening to him engage the students was an interesting supplement to the audio guide.

Trim  gauges

Looking up into conning tower

Once through the sub, we looked for a theater for a video, and learned the main theater required a ticket that was part of the total package tour ticket, not included in the Bowfin, so we went to the submarine museum (included in our tickets).  It was interesting to learn more about the evolution of submarines which was far older and more extensive than we realized.

Cut away of the Bowfin model in the museum

While it was an inspiring historical site, I was disappointed by the commercial aspect - perhaps if we bought the 'whole package' and spent the day on site it would have been different.  We've had some inspiring and educational Ranger led tour/talks at National Parks on our travels and would have found that more engaging than an audio guide, which, although well done, felt less personal.