Honolulu, Hawaii: October 7–8, 2025

Aloha from Honolulu! Two Days in O‘ahu with History, Culture, and a Little Luxury

After an itinerary shift removed Kaua‘i from our cruise route (not a loss—we’d just spent a few lovely weeks there this past spring), we were gifted an extra day and night in vibrant Honolulu, O‘ahu. A very welcome change indeed.

A Brief History of O‘ahu

Known as “The Gathering Place,” O‘ahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and home to nearly two-thirds of the state’s population. The island has a rich history—once the seat of royal power for King Kamehameha I after unifying the Hawaiian Islands in the early 19th century. Honolulu became the kingdom’s capital in 1850, and its deep harbor—later known as Pearl Harbor—would gain world attention during World War II. Today, O‘ahu is a fusion of ancient traditions, natural beauty, and modern island life.

Day 1: Relaxation, Waikiki Vibes, and That Water!

With the morning free and the ship as our floating resort, we treated ourselves to a 75-minute couple’s hot stone massage—pure bliss. Completely relaxed, we stepped off the ship and strolled just a few blocks to catch the #20 bus, which carried us toward the iconic energy of Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki may be busy, but its charm is undeniable. We wandered through the lively streets before landing at Kuhio Beach Park, where the sand was soft, and the **ocean—at the perfect temperature—**gently welcomed us in. Floating in those warm waters, with Diamond Head in the distance, is one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why Hawai‘i is magic.

Day 2: Bishop Museum, ‘Auana Cirque, and Polynesian Drums

Our second day was a deep dive into Hawaiian culture—literally and figuratively.

We began at the Bishop Museum, one of the most important cultural institutions in the Pacific. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop—the last descendant of the Kamehameha dynasty—the museum houses the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural history specimens. The exhibits were immersive, beautifully curated, and deeply moving, offering insights into the indigenous people of Hawai‘i and the broader Pacific.

Later that evening, we made our way back to Waikiki for a visual feast: the ‘Auana Cirque production at the Outrigger Hotel. Blending traditional Hawaiian storytelling with mesmerizing aerial acrobatics and contemporary performance art, this show was one of the standout surprises of our trip. Think cirque-style grace meets Hawaiian soul.

Before returning to the ship, we fit in a bit of retail therapy and a Waikiki walkabout, watching the sunset paint the sky before heading back for one more treat—the Drums of Polynesia performance on board. This dynamic show features dance and music from across the South Pacific, beautifully capturing the heart and rhythm of Polynesian cultures. Energetic, heartfelt, and utterly entertaining.

Final Thoughts

From the serenity of a hot stone massage to the heart-pounding beats of Polynesian drums, our extended stay in O‘ahu offered a bit of everything: relaxation, history, culture, and connection. Honolulu has a way of welcoming you back like an old friend—and once again, we left with sun-kissed skin and full hearts.