HONOLULU OAHU HAWAII

My arrival in Honolulu was on Thursday November 7, 2024 aboard the Grand Princess, docking at Pier 2 near Aloha Tower. 

Regal Princess docked next to Aloha Tower   Photo: Public Domain

 

The Port of Honolulu features two dedicated cruise ship terminals. The primary cruise ship terminal where most ships will dock is located at Pier 2 at 521 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, located along the west side of Channel Street, just off Ala Moana Boulevard.

 

The alternate cruise ship terminal, which tends to be used by some of the smaller cruise lines, is located at Pier 11 at 23 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, located on the north extension of Aloha Tower Drive. 

 

Note: Always double-check your ship’s departure and arrival location. The Honolulu Port Traffic Schedule is a helpful resource, but staying tuned to cruise line announcements via email or their app is essential for a smooth experience.

 

Aloha Tower: A Historic Welcome

Aloha Tower, an iconic symbol of Hawaii, is a must-see landmark. Standing 184 feet tall, it was once the tallest building in Honolulu and a beacon for ships arriving at the harbor. Built in 1926, the tower’s observatory provided panoramic views of Honolulu Harbor and its lighthouse guided ships from 15 miles out at sea. The massive clock on the tower remains one of the largest in the United States.

Aloha Tower

 

During World War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Aloha Tower was camouflaged, its beacon turned off, and access restricted under the U.S. Navy’s control. This high-security period lasted until 1947, when it was restored to its former glory, once again welcoming visitors with its signature ALOHA greeting.

 

 Honolulu Weather by Season

Arriving in Honolulu in November offers perfect fall weather: warm but comfortable with lower humidity. Here’s a quick seasonal breakdown:

• Summer (June-August): Warm and humid with brief showers. Pack breathable clothes and a light rain jacket.

•  Fall (September-November): Pleasant temperatures with lower humidity—ideal for outdoor adventures.

• Winter (December-February): Cooler but mild compared to the mainland. Light layers are sufficient.

• Spring (March-May): Blooming flora and minimal rainfall make this the perfect time for hiking and photography.

 

After countless visits to Oahu—and checking off must-sees like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Iolani Palace, Polynesian Culture Center, Hanauma Bay Beach, and much more, I decided to take a local approach on this trip: the Oahu city bus to North Shore.

 

 A Bus Adventure to North Shore

Getting Started:

At 9:30 AM, I stepped off the Grand Princess and walked to the nearest bus stop, Ala Moana Boulevard + South St.

• Bus Information Tools:
• Website: The Bus
• App: DaBus2 – The Oahu Bus (this app allows you to search by route, stop number or street name)
  

             

Using the app, I located Stop #895, where Bus #60 was scheduled for arrival at 10:15 am.

 

 

Walking out of the port toward the bus stop

 

Bus stop

Bus #60 Route Map

The Scenic Route

The journey north took about 2.5 hours, arriving at North Shore around 12:45 pm. Though the sheer number of stops on the schedule seemed overwhelming at first, don’t worry—the bus only stops when someone requests it.

 

The scenic drive was stunning: turquoise waters, lush landscapes, and glimpses of the island's charm. North Shore is famous for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches, making it worth the ride.

 

Returning to the Port

To return to Honolulu, I opened the app, located the nearest stop, and saw Bus #52 would arrive in 10 minutes. This route back cut through the center of the island, passing by pineapple plantations, the airport and Pearl City before returning me back to the port area.

Cost Breakdown

• Senior Fare: $1.50 per ride or $3 for my round trip
• Regular Day Pass: $7.50 (great for unlimited rides in a day)

Note: Fares are cash only when boarding

 

Dinner at Aloha Tower Marketplace

With plenty of time before the 10:30 pm boarding call, I joined friends for a relaxing dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory, located right at Aloha Tower. Delicious pasta with harbor views? A perfect end to the day.

L-R: Sharon Sparlin, Bernie Amado

 

Exploring Honolulu doesn’t always mean pricey tours or excursions. By utilizing Oahu’s public transit, you can experience the island’s beauty, culture, and history at an unbeatable price—all while traveling like a local. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, Oahu always finds a way to surprise and delight you.

Until the next adventure, ALOHA!

 

 

 

#TAHITI 2024 #Grand Princess #North Shore #Honolulu #Aloha Tower