HONOLULU, OAHU 

History of O'ahu and Honolulu

O'ahu, the third-largest Hawaiian island, is rich and diverse, shaped by both indigenous Hawaiian culture and the influences of outside cultures, particularly European and American influences. 

1. Ancient Hawaiian Settlements (Before 18th Century): O'ahu was likely settled by Polynesian voyagers around 1,500 years ago. The island's fertile valleys and abundant natural resources supported a thriving indigenous Hawaiian population. The island was divided into several chiefdoms, each ruled by a local chief or ali'i.
2. Unification of the Hawaiian Islands (Late 18th Century - Early 19th Century): In the late 18th century, the island of Hawai'i's chief, Kamehameha I, embarked on a series of campaigns to unify the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. O'ahu was conquered in 1795 after the Battle of Nu'uanu, and Kamehameha established O'ahu as his political center.
3. Contact with Europeans (Late 18th Century): European explorers, including Captain James Cook, arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th century. Their contact with the native population led to the introduction of new diseases and changes in the Hawaiian way of life.
4. Missionary Influence and Cultural Transformation (Early 19th Century): In the early 19th century, American Christian missionaries arrived in Hawai'i, bringing with them new cultural, religious, and economic influences. The introduction of Christianity and Western practices significantly altered traditional Hawaiian society.
5. Era of Hawaiian Monarchy (19th Century): O'ahu remained an important political and economic centre during the reign of the Hawaiian monarchy. The capital city of Honolulu, located on O'ahu, became the hub of commerce and government. King Kamehameha III moved the capital from Maui to O'ahu in 1845.
6. Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom (Late 19th Century): In 1893, American and European business interests, along with some members of the Hawaiian elite, orchestrated the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani's monarchy. This eventually led to the annexation of Hawai'i by the United States in 1898.
7. American Influence and World War II (20th Century): O'ahu gained military importance during World War II due to its strategic location in the Pacific. The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, brought the United States into World War II and had a profound impact on the island and its people.
8. Statehood and Modern O'ahu (20th Century - Present): Hawai'i became the 50th state of the United States in 1959. O'ahu continued to experience rapid urbanization and economic development, with Honolulu evolving into a major Pacific hub for tourism, business, and military activities.

Today, O'ahu is a vibrant blend of cultures and traditions, with a strong indigenous Hawaiian presence alongside a diverse population representing various ethnicities and backgrounds. Its historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural attractions make it a popular destination for both tourists and residents.

Honolulu Harbour

Arrived in Honolulu this morning on a bright sunny day that threatened to be very hot and humid. And it was! To prepare for entry to the US, we applied for an ESTA on line which was granted for a princely sum and of course passports and other photo ID were required. We had already undergone extensive identification to get on the ship but the mighty US required another round of ID, not only for people who were disembarking on tours of Honolulu and Oahu but for everyone. The entire ship (2000 +) was to be disembarked and be assessed by Immigration officials. Now, those who had paid for onshore tours through Princess would proceed to Immigration first and those who were doing their own thing or did not wish to go onshore were assessed last. So, after breakfast we trooped down to get our group number for the disembarkation process. Passengers then arranged themselves around various seating areas and awaited their call. We were #18 so most of the morning was quickly disappearing. Now it was back into a long snaking queue to take our turn for assessment. This included another photo being taken, documents examined, and for M, her fingerprints taken. My fingerprints weren’t required because …. wait for it ….I was over 80 years and no longer a threat! We were then free to enter the US while those who were going nowhere returned to the ship. One has to wonder what makes the US so special that these extra precautions are taken. The only other country where we experienced something similar was in China.

Coral Princess and Grand Princess (San Francisco to Sydney) arrive in Honolulu together

We then exited the terminal to walk about a half hour in the midday sun to the Australian Embassy to complete our voting responsibilities. There was a reasonably long line once again to negotiate but the process was well managed. One has to learn to be flexible when travelling. We had hoped to take the Waikiki hop on - hop off shuttle bus to do a loop of Honolulu. Instead we caught a local bus to the Ala Moana Shopping Centre, had a wander around, some lunch, and returned to the ship by mid afternoon. So, apart from casting our positive votes for the Voice, it was a day that did not meet our expectations. Let’s hope that our next stop in Nawiliwli is done with US Immigration.