It really is a fascinating destination. Very well done and a moving tribute to all those involved and affected by the attacks.
Hopefully the movie made him re-think his situation. Maybe that is why they make it mandatory - to keep people from standing on the memorial and saying potentially offensive things.So did they teenager die of bordomeness???? I sure hope so.I do think that people who are absolutely clueless about a historical site or memorial should just stay quiet. You are absolutely right - why wouldn't you read about what you are going to see? I also find that most people's attention span for such sites are nil. Yet - the quality of the movies and the exhibits continue to improve and improve to really capture one's attention.
Keep it on the bucket list! Pearl Harbor is a worthy destination, but the island itself is beautiful and worth seeing.
It worked out really well for us. I was so glad to have that opportunity to actually read through things and study the exhibits, rather than running through them in pursuit of a toddler.
I just can't believe they were about to see a movie about a horrible event in history, then visit the site of the event, but had no idea of what they were doing.
Hopefully the movie got them to behave better once they got to the site.Absolutely - I mean, it was like 150 calories less in beverage that could be consumed in malasada!"Yes, that it indeed a leftover malasada and a Diet Dr. Pepper. " ... well, at least it was DIET Dr. Pepper, to keep it healthyLike you said though, vacation calories are definitely not the same
Yeah, vacation diets are very different than at-home diets. 
Strangely, I remember a similar experience in that same museum - chasing Izzy around the hall full of animal displays. The Pearl Harbor experience was much better and that past experience was one of the reasons we made that decision.
That is a good comparison! I certainly hope that family had a better understanding of the events that had happened there after visiting.I guess at least it is good that those other people were making time to visit the memorial and hopefully they have a greater appreciation for those that lost their lives after experiencing it.
You are welcome!Thanks for sharing your experience and the photos
Glad you're here! I see you have a baby boy now, congrats!
Also, awesome that you are taking an Alaskan cruise next year! I would love to do that!
I'm really glad we did the split up on this. I would have hardly been able to appreciate anything if I was worried about keeping her quiet and content the whole time. Especially while at the memorial itself, but the museums too. This worked out really well for us.
I just couldn't believe that 1.)The kid had no clue and 2.)The parents either didn't have much of a clue or didn't care to educate him. I mean, I think he was an older teen - he probably should have studied Pearl Harbor in school by now and, even if not, his parents should have informed him of the nature of this site and not just let it slide that he was loudly talking in a crowd about how the memorial was going to kill him.
I mean, even if you don't know the history or details, at least understand that this is a gravesite and there are people here than want to mourn those losses. Oh, I didn't know that you taught history! I don't doubt that it's on your bucket list. Glad you are enjoying the report - if you haven't seen it already, Captain_Oblivious has a very nice write-up about his visit in his Aulani TR.
It was a really moving place to visit. Even for me, as someone who never really got into history in school, it was fascinating. I could have spent a lot longer there, as there was just so much to see and learn.
Aw, thanks!
Her or the malasada?
Haha - thank you!
About two minutes long, talking about raising the money to build the memorial we were visiting:
):
) and Izzy had some milk. 
Well, I guess I should have checked what they got for me, because this was it:
I’m fairly certain that I did get a nice picture for them. No big deal, though – it’s just the sign.
I think SO! Too funny!
at the "family photo" the other folks took of you. And here I am making fun of the shots we get--at least we were in the picture!
Your plan of spilting up is great.
I love your spontaneity in travel planning – to decide the same day as you buy the flights is exciting. Love your plans for a split stay with the end at Aulani. And I think if it is just your family there in a studio, that’s just fine. You’ll have a blast and have some special time just for you three there. Strange situation… I have some family members who “don’t get it” regarding Disney, too. Please make sure to get a few days there for you guys, especially with it being cheaper than the Turtle Bay place. It would be crazy not to! It's such a bargain after all. You do seem to get very good deals staying there. Good job!
) earliest possible intentions). Oh, well.
I was so glad I was "in the know" on that one!You got some great pictures looking back on the boat ride back - great tip that you got for that one
You could tell most people had no clue, but there were a couple others that sat in back and you could tell that they probably had gotten the same tip (cameras ready).Yes, lots of points! It was unexpected and delicious!
I was surprised how much outdoor display area there was. Really glad I made the spontaneous plan change to stay there. I'm not much of a shopper anyway, so it worked out well that Dug was the one who got to go shopping (since he actually wanted some things and all).wow - does seem like a lot to see and the weather looks perfect! Plus, Dug already picked up the Hawaiian shirts so no need to go back to the market
Nice! I like the fancy smilie! So much better than this one:
Thanks! I have like 30 pictures from that angle.
More to come. It was really a pleasant way to spend that time.
I guess they are unfamiliar with iPhones?Wonderful shot of you and Izzy, by the way!
I was so confused when I went through my pictures after the fact and couldn't find a shot of me and Izzy - then I realized that was it! I'm trying to remember where I got that tip. I want to say it was Mark's TR, maybe? If so, thanks!
I don't know, but that reminds me that I was going to put in a disclaimer that the video isn't too pleasant to look at, but it's the audio that counts.Thanks for posting that video. Cool story about Elvis, but did that lady in front of you have her shirt on backwards?
It was a really nice outdoor space to explore. But, yeah, that picture.Great idea to take Izzy around the outside sights. It looks like a lovely area. Too bad for the epic fail on your picture together.
Really glad we went there. And I'm not a big museum person, but I really enjoyed it - they did a great job of capturing all the different aspects of the event.
I thought of you when posting that one.I was
I can't believe they didn't realize that they botched that.I'm really glad we split up on this. Too distracting to manage a toddler and try to be respectful at the exhibits. Worked out perfect for us! It's not like you're chatting with each other in the Memorial anyway.How interesting! DH and I are both into History (he is a social studies teacher). And love sights like that. It would be Torture to take charlotte with us as one of us would totally miss out!
(yes, an excuse to use an uncommon smilie!!)I agree. I was just stunned that the parents didn't say anything about being respectful. I'm guessing they didn't know what they were doing there either.
It was!
It all worked out really well. So glad we did it this way. As you know, it's a great feeling to not have to worry about what your kid is doing for a bit. Made it much easier to actually learn things at the museums. And, yes, it was a very nice day. Most of the trip was gorgeous weather!
Exactly! 3 is totally understandable. But at their age?! I just couldn't believe that they were being so loud about not knowing what they were seeing. I mean, it's kinda like being in a cemetery with funeral-goers around and yelling, "This place is so boring I'm going to die! What? There's dead people? Where? Here?
I thought I was just seeing a famous place!"I can't believe they did that.
Steal away!
Worked great for us, plus we got to knock off two tourist-recommended items at once! Worked out really well to do it that way. I'm fairly certain I would have had a very different experience managing Izzy at the Memorial.
I was just blown away that they were right there, about to visit the memorial and so clueless about the gravity of the situation.
Glad we stayed. There was a lot more to see than I had anticipated. Plus, it was much more toddler friendly.I would be right there with you on staying where you were and exploring the rest of Pearl Harbor. Great choice!
No worries, I'm glad you said hi! I've been way behind lately too. Got all distracted with work being busy, real life stuff to do, and planning our May trip!
For us, the right time to return is whenever the airfare is under $400/each!SO excited about your new trip to Hawaii! I saw that amazing deal on flights from MSP to HNL also, but knew it was not the right time for us to return. Glad you took advantage of the deal!
I am not a very spontaneous shopper in general, but amazing deals are my weakness - especially for experiences, like this. We thought going back would be pretty far into the future, despite how much we wanted to return, so this was something we couldn't pass up. And the split stay is ON! So crazy when that happens. I still think my most amazing one was on our Dec. 2010 trip - we walked into the MK at night and heard a familiar voice - friends from home! We spent a lot of time with them that trip, despite having no idea they'd be there!
Ugh, I hate being sick on vacation! I'd 1000% rather be sick at home. Missing work is much better than missing once in a lifetime experiences.
It was such a strange situation. I cannot believe the weird turn things took and the things Dug's mom said, in particular. However, things turned around 180 degrees once Dug's sister got on board - we now have 15 people (!!!) staying at Aulani the last 4 nights.Not liking to hear you have extended family hurling insults at Aulani and wanting to avoid staying there.
I think willingly. It was a nice destination and really beautiful. We may go back next time.
I'm jealous too, as I didn't get to try it. I didn't eat anything for dinner.
Next time, maybe!You totally should have! His schedule might not have been 5 years off if he knew about those fares!Okay, we also missed the ‘Olelo Room and I LOVE that version of Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World, so you are really starting to make me wish I had just booked those bargain flights the day I saw them and then “surprised” my [more sensible & self-controlled about vacations] husband with a return trip to Hawaii (about 5 years ahead of our (really his
Hoping I get to relax down at the 'Olelo Room this time too. Dug really enjoyed it.I really loved how the stories were very personal - and therefore, very powerful. You realized that people were just going about their everyday lives and then things changed forever.
That was a pretty bad one. Thankfully, it wasn't a "must-have" picture for me.
Thanks! Hoping to get to more soon!
Thanks! It was fun to look back and see that view.
Someone needs to give them photography lessons, I guess.
I wonder what happens when they take a selfie? 
Our alarm went off bright and early this morning at 5:15am.
due to a mandatory movie with a somber tone and very tight restrictions on bags (i.e. – no diaper bag, just carry one diaper and a few wipes in a ziplock, etc.)
The other reason we decided to split was just so we would both be able to really take in what we were seeing at Pearl Harbor. Based on past experience, I tend to barely see anything in museums if I’m also supervising Izzy. Plus, the Swap Meet was a recommended activity, so bonus!
Yes, that it indeed a leftover malasada and a Diet Dr. Pepper.
