A Day To Remember - 08.05.26
Today Avery and I went with his parents on a bus tour to Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is a lagoon harbor best known as the site of the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack that led the United States to enter World War II. The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack with 353 aircrafts from six carriers, targeting the U.S. Pacific Fleet and nearby airfields. The attack sank or damaged multiple battleships, destroyed 188 U.S. aircraft, and caused over 2,400 American deaths. Today, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial preserves the history of the attack and honors those who lost their lives, including at the USS Arizona Memorial. The site remains a symbol of sacrifice and a pivotal moment in global history.
We started our visit at the Visitor Center, where we went into a museum and saw a short film. We also went aboard the Balao-class submarine, the USS Bowfin (SS-287). This was one of the Navy’s most iconic World War II-era submarines. It was launched one year to the day after the United States was devastated by a Japanese aerial strike force. The Bowfin was a symbol of the American spirit and refusal to give up, even in the face of heavy loss. It served in two conflicts, World War II and the Korean War. We then went to the USS Arizona Memorial. This memorial straddles the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place of over 1,100 crew members. It is only accessible by boat and is a solemn and powerful tribute to those lost in the attack on December 7, 1941.
I think that it is an important part of traveling to visit historic sites, listen, learn, and pay respect.
After we were returned to our resort via the bus tour, we went back to our villa for lunch. After a quick lunch, I was back on the hunt for more character signatures. Do note that only certain characters are available each day and at specific locations and times. You have to be strategic if you want to meet as many characters as possible, which I of course did. After waiting in the hot sun for more character signatures, I got myself the iconic shaved Mickey ice. It was massive and delicious, exactly what I needed to get my energy levels back up.
I then headed to my salon appointment as I was getting my hair done before Avery and I’s scheduled engagement photo shoot. My hair stylist was personable and we had great conversations! Our photographer was also a lot of fun and had great, suggested poses.
Once Avery and I finished up with our glam moment, we headed over to meet his family across the street at Monkeypod Kitchen for dinner. To drink I had the No Ka ‘Oi (ocean vodka, Thai basil, lime, honey-lilikoi puree) and the After Midnight (fid street Hawaiian gin, Aperol, grapefruit, lime). For the table we shared Roasted Chicken Wings (roasted free range chicken, garlic, local rosemary, red pepper, yogurt-feta, celery) and House Cut Fries (whole grain mustard aioli, monkeypod ketchup). For my entrée had the Fresh Caught Fish Tacos (chipotle mole, salsa fresca, sour cream, cilantro, cabbage, corn tortillas). For dessert we shared the Strawberry Cream Pie (kula strawberries, strawberry guava jam, homemade pie crust) and the Chocolate Cream Pie (Valrhona dark chocolate pastry cream, Laie vanilla whipped cream, homemade pie crust). Everything was delicious and we all enjoyed our time here!
We ended the night off by visiting the resort gift shops where I got exclusive Aulani merch that I am so excited for! The souvenirs are now incorporated into my daily life, and it always brings a smile to my face as I reflect back on the trip of a lifetime.
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