Day 4 - Oahu, HI

Hi,

We had a very busy, yet fun filled day yesterday. It started off with a trip to Pali Lookout where we had a panoramic view of the Windward side of the island. This is where history says Kamehameha I led the bloodiest battle in Hawaiian history in 1795. When he and his men came on shore they pushed the defenders up the mountain where they pushed them (hundreds of warriors) over a 1000 foot cliff. He conquered Oahu and became a very wise and compassionate king.

Then on to Byodo-in Temple which is a Buddhist Temple and a smaller replica of a 900 year old temple that stands in Japan. There were episodes of Hawaii-Five-O, Magnum PI, and LOST filmed here. As well as 'Pearl Harbor'. We walked around the grounds, seeing a huge bell and koi ponds. We also saw the huge pagoda in pyramid hall.

Then it was on toward The Polynesian Cultural Center after first making a stop at BYU-Hawaii and then walking on the grounds of the LDS Temple. The temple was snowy white nestled amongst the lush green landscape.

Finally, our destination at PCC; this is where we would spend the next 9-1/2 hours. We visited the Polynesian countries learning about their food, clothing, culture and dance. James Ella and Katherine learned to Hula. Ella also tried her hand at fishing. We sat under a group of palm trees and watched the canoe pageant while the sun blazed overhead. We ate breadfruit mixed with coconut milk, Mackerel and taro leaves from the island of Somoa. We had ice cream sherbet with fresh fruit.

Later the 12 of us went into the Ali'i Luau where we watched as they pulled banana leaves off a mound and then lifted a whole roasted pig out of the ground. We feasted on pig, chicken and fish as we drank piña colada and mango smoothies from whole carved out pineapples. The show was full of music and dance with colorful costumes from each of the islands of Polynesia. It was a memorable evening, surrounded by our family.

After dinner was the night show; which always has fire and it really delivered this time. The fire dancers were spectacular! The show didn't disappoint either; it was 'Ha, Breath of Life'. It was the story of a baby's birth and followed the cycle of his life as he grew into a man, married, lost his father in war, and had a baby of his own. It was really good, clean and understandable. The costumes were amazing, as was the music and dance. Those kids danced so hard their skin glistened. They were spectacular! Then it was back in the car for the hour ride back to the condo.