My Grandmother fought this before she died. They were seriously thinking about raising it. She helped lead the fight to keep it where it is.

My dad's dad is entombed on the Arizona. My aunt had my grandma's ashes inclosed in a lei that she floated in one of the smokestacks. It was very moving and emotional to be out there. It is something I don't think I will ever do again.

Ah, from your OP I assumed you were staying on Oahu. If you're going to neighbor islands too then that opens up more possibilities.

The plan has evolved since the first post. The final version is:

Fly from here to LAX, sit at LAX for five hours, Fly into Kona on the Big Island. Stay on the big island (don't know where yet) for three days, do the Volcano park, the black sand beach, and now the observatory for starters.

We then fly over to Oahu for about 10 days. Do pearl, Diamonhead, the snorkle beach, etc...

We can have a meet at Encounters at LAX!

I did seriously look at the possibility of sneaking out for a quick PoTC ride... but with the travel time to/from (it's middle of the day 12-5), time to clear the main gate, attraction wait time, having to re-clear security at lax, not to mention the cost of four passes, even I (and I think some of you know how obsessive I can be) was not able to tag that idea with a green light. I am half hoping the flight out to Hawaii will be delayed by a day :blush:

What's an "Encounters?"

Encounter is a nice place to meet folks. :)

Well ain't that just swankier than a pig in fresh mud.

Assuming they let kids in, it sounds like fun and unlike some people I could bring the entire clan. However we are coming through on a Sunday (July 30th) about 12:00 noon, so it might not be the best time for a quickie meet.

Kids are okay, and we've had meets there before for swankers in transit, so it shouldn't be an issue. You'll still have to do the airport security thing, but you'll be much closer to your flight than if you skip out to the park.

Heh, They grow up so fast. More or less.


Dad! While we are in Hawaii I want to learn to surf!

That sounds fine son, I'll see what I can find for you.

..... search, search....

OK, I found what looks like a good school right near our hotel. It's called 'Girls who surf' . They offer three hour lessons for beginners.

Dad! "Girls who surf?!?" I don't want to go there!!!

Son, Stop. Think. Hawaii. Girls. Bikinis.

Oh. I guess that will be ok.