Day 6 - Nu'Uanu Pali Lookout, Plantation Village and Fireworks at Waikiki Beach

By Ellen Outten

 

Clicking on any picture will enlarge it for a better view


We took a ride across the top (or over the island) and stopped at this overlook for a picture taking session.  The wind was blowing so hard it almost moved me across the overlook.  After a few shots, we departed quickly.  It was cold up on the top of the mountain as well but certainly worth the stop.  Here's an excerpt from the Hawaii Dept. of Interior website:  impressive view of windward Oʻahu from brink of pali (cliffs) at 1200 feet elevation in the Ko’olau Range. Winds are usually so strong that one can lean against the wall of wind.  Well, today was no exception.   It lived up to expectations.  When we arrived down in Honolulu, it was 82 degrees, sunny and very little wind!





We left the cliffs and headed for Honolulu and the Plantation Village.   Wayne and Lois had been here in the past and enjoyed it.  The village is a remembrance to the Sugar Plantations that were on Oahu.  With a shortage of labor from Hawaii, residents of various countries were sought out to come to Oahu and work in the sugar fields.  They worked for $3 a month and signed a 5 year contract.  

The first successful sugar plantation in Hawaii got its start in Koloa, Kauai in 1835.  By 1885, the plantation was providing workers housing, some food, some medical care and a wage of $9 a month for men and $6 a month for women.  The work day would start with the sound of the steam whistle at 0500.  If the worker did not leave his house by 0530, after a quick breakfast, A policeman was sent to the laborer's home and he was chased out of bed.  At 0600, work began.  A half hour break was allowed for lunch at 1130 and work ended at 4:30 pm in the afternoon.  At 8:00 pm, the steam whistle would sound again to signal "light's out".

Buildings are still on site showing how immigrants from China, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Portuguese and Koreans lived while they were here.  





We spent the remainder of the day relaxing at the Hale Koa, drinking and having dinner while waiting for the Friday evening fireworks to start over the ocean at the Hilton Village.  We met two nice couples from Australia who were in Hawaii vacation.  They joined us at our table while we all waited for the fireworks.  It was a pleasant way to spend the evening.







Tomorrow, a drive up the north shore of Oahu possibly to see the strongest waves and surfers and then on to the Dole Plantation.






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