A series of firsts, and a last. SYD-HNL-LAX/LAS/LAX-SYD

[Blackadder]

Well as the title says a series of firsts and a last on this trip. First off the firsts , my first visit to Honolulu and as such my first evening long haul flight, and my first A330 long haul on QF 103
Have chosen seat 30K, as my usual go to of exit row seating was taken.
Seems luck was on my side, as it appears the aisle seat hasn’t been taken (touchwood it remains so). Looking at the seat selection map, the two seat sides are heavily loaded , where as the 4 middle seat section is lightly loaded.
Later on in the trip my last stay at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas , before it’s remodeled by the new owner Hard Rock.
For now an obligatory shot from the J Lounge, thanks to a complimentary pass.
Lounge busy on arrival just after 1730 , but somewhat quieter now.

 

[Blackadder]

Boarding was quick and efficient.
After the usual priority for WP,SG and J , originally announced as boarding by Rows from the back , but all Y called at the same time. 5 lines for us in Y so rather quickly moved through.
Then pulled aside for a secondary screening for anything untoward, unsurprisingly all clear, and on my way to my chariot for QF103.
My shadow held firm, so a bit of extra room to stretch out.

 

[Blackadder]

Well the flight to Hawaii with QF was fine. Actually a relevantly decent meal for dinner (braised beef) , then during the night mini Tim tams, a pine/lime Splice, regular water service. Breakfast was a bit underwhelming, eggs rather tasteless and rubbery, Hungarian sausage overpowering the meal.
Jet stream was in our favour arriving into HNL around 30mins ahead of schedule.
A weird set up in HNL , you arrive at one building, then make your way up stairs to a transfer bus to take you to the immigration building. No noticeable aircon on the bus, but thankfully on a few minute, if rather bumpy ride to the immigration terminal.
Immigration building consists of 5 queues (4 for US citizens,1 for “Visitors” , thankfully looked like no other international flights had recently arrived, as I was through in less than 5 minutes.
Thinking I would be quickly out to meet my ride, big mistake. It seemed the baggage handlers were working on Island time (or very short staffed) one carousel next to ours had a group waiting, but that was it.
Some 35 minutes later, the first bag appeared to some cheers from the crowd at Carousel 4.
About 15mins after the first bag, my bag arrived.
After a quick trip from the Airport, my home for the next 5 nights the Hilton Waikiki.

 

[Blackadder]

First point of call was the Polynesian Cultural Centre , a touch over a hour North of Honolulu. Some amazing country side driven through, including the area where Jurassic Park was filmed. I Have a movie sites tour booked in for later in the stay.
For the Polynesian Cultural Centre, we had a precooked buffet and reserved seats for the evening show. The Buffet opens at 4.30, so we decided to eat early to beat the crowds.
A amazing spread of foods available from Salads to Desserts and everything in between it seemed.
Wasn’t feeling particularly hungry, so not much on my plate, my partner however had hers stacked 3 cookies high
The Cultural Centre is divided into 6 lands Hawaii,Tahiti, Aoteatoa, Fiji,Samoa and Tonga with various shows relating to the history and culture of each group.
Also can take a narrated tour around the island group, by the way of Canoe holding around 15 people.
The evening show is fine by performers from the near by BYU campus (Brigham Young University), with a storyline of the journey of a young boy to a man. as shown by representatives of the various Polynesia Island groups.
Culminating in an amazing display of Fire Twirling. No photos or video allowed as they want you to immerse yourself in the show (or if you are cynical so you pay for their video/photo package)

Well the flight to Hawaii with QF was fine. Actually a relevantly decent meal for dinner (braised beef) , then during the night mini Tim tams, a pine/lime Splice, regular water service. Breakfast was a bit underwhelming, eggs rather tasteless and rubbery, Hungarian sausage overpowering the meal.
Jet stream was in our favour arriving into HNL around 30mins ahead of schedule.
A weird set up in HNL , you arrive at one building, then make your way up stairs to a transfer bus to take you to the immigration building. No noticeable aircon on the bus, but thankfully on a few minute, if rather bumpy ride to the immigration terminal.
Immigration building consists of 5 queues (4 for US citizens,1 for “Visitors” , thankfully looked like no other international flights had recently arrived, as I was through in less than 5 minutes.
Thinking I would be quickly out to meet my ride, big mistake. It seemed the baggage handlers were working on Island time (or very short staffed) one carousel next to ours had a group waiting, but that was it.
Some 35 minutes later, the first bag appeared to some cheers from the crowd at Carousel 4.
About 15mins after the first bag, my bag arrived.
After a quick trip from the Airport, my home for the next 5 nights the Hilton Waikiki.

 

[Blackadder]

Day Two of Hawaii was a visit to Pearl Harbor, and USS Arizona memorial site.
A very somber and moving experience for all, regardless of nationality. To think you are walking above the final resting place of 1,177 Navy personnel.

 

[Pushka]

Day Two of Hawaii was a visit to Pearl Harbor, and USS Arizona memorial site.
A very somber and moving experience for all, regardless of nationality. To think you are walking above the final resting place of 1,177 Navy personnel.

It is very moving. I took our four year old with me and even he understood the atmosphere.

 

[Blackadder]

Day 3 a visit to the Dole Whip plantation.
For those who don’t know what Dole Whip, primarily it’s water and powder mixed together to something akin of soft serve ice cream with a pineapple flavouring, but this Dairy free.
A few options here including a train ride around the Plantation, but with a near two hours wait, and an afternoon reservation elsewhere that option was out the window.
Also home to world’s biggest maze, as verified by the Guiness Book of Records in 2008, or a garden tour.
After lunch it was over to dry side of the island , to a village called Ewa, which is now a historical city, but back in the day a busy sugar growing region.
Found a historical railway preservation society, that was open on a Sunday and discovered a 2 hour round trip at 3pm, that includes a stop at an ice cream shop.
Fascinating to learn a little bit of the history of the Railway on Oahu.

 

[Blackadder]

A early start for the next day (5.45am pickup) for a trip to the West Coast of Oahu for a cruise to view Spinner Dolphins in there natural environment , and a option to swim with sea turtles , kayak or paddle board, followed by Lunch and entertainment with crew performing various hula dances.
This was to be out a active day , as we had a reservation to hike up
The final full day in Hawaii was a visit to Kuloa Ranch , and the movie sites showing where various films/tv series have been.
The weather in Hawaii at this time of year can and most likely will involve rain , anywhere away from the Leeward side of the Island , in fact all days we have seen at least one Rainbow . I guess living up to its name as the Rainbow State.

 

[Blackadder]

Diamond Head crater walk

 

[craven morehead]

Well as the title says a series of firsts and a last on this trip. First off the firsts , my first visit to Honolulu and as such my first evening long haul flight, and my first A330 long haul on QF 103
Have chosen seat 30K, as my usual go to of exit row seating was taken.
Seems luck was on my side, as it appears the aisle seat hasn’t been taken (touchwood it remains so). Looking at the seat selection map, the two seat sides are heavily loaded , where as the 4 middle seat section is lightly loaded.
Later on in the trip my last stay at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas , before it’s remodeled by the new owner Hard Rock.
For now an obligatory shot from the J Lounge, thanks to a complimentary pass.
Lounge busy on arrival just after 1730 , but somewhat quieter now.

Dialling in for another TR

 

[Blackadder]

Day 5 and the final day in Hawaii, a bittersweet moment. Absolutely loved the time in Hawaii, and hope to be back soon ,but more to look forward to on the mainland in So. Cal and Las Vegas.
So I bid farewell to the lovely staff at the Hilton Waikiki, it’s a pity the hotel itself and its furniture and features doesn’t match the staff brilliance.
For starters there is no executive lounge, house keeping is every 4 days or on request.
The main pool is currently under renovation until August , so an above ground lap pool is the defacto Hotel Pool at the moment.
Car parking is pricey at $45pn , and can take upwards of 30-45mins to get your car if you come at the wrong time.
The on-site restaurant MAC 24-7, is only open from 6am-10pm and has more of a diner feel, than a restaurant fitting the Hilton brand.
Arriving at HNL with what I thought to be plenty of time for my AA flight to LAX , turned out to be just the opposite.
I made the mistake of offering to check in my Partners suitcase along with mine, while she returned the Rental. As a LTS the forgetting the luggage rules set me back US$200 for the checked bag, after my one bag free.
allowance. After explaining this to my partner she tracked down a AA supervisor who she explained the problem to.End result going back from the paid to unpaid with the luggage receipt, and explaining the bags to a AA staff member, who kindly offered to see if the bags were still waiting to be loaded, so it could be voided then rebooked in by my partner. Thankfully after about 15mins the AA employee returned with my bag.
By this time boarding had commenced , and of course at the gate furthest from the security screening point. So after snaking around the security line the mad dash to the gate.
Paid the extra for AA main cabin plus , and was relieved to find empty overhead bins above the seat, despite boarding in group 6, instead of my ticketed group 4.
My first flight in the Airbus A321neo , and must say I was impressed with the seat pitch.
Take off was ahead of schedule, and an early arrival into LAX.
It must be said despite a flight time just under 5hours, no meal service on AA and just some “snacks” available to purchase.
Ended up buying the Cheese plate which came with 3 different cheese, red and green grapes, a dark chocolate square and 4 Acacia gourmet crackers (which to me looked like a thinner version of a SAO )
The AA free wifi is great if flying over mainland US , but doesn’t kick in until about 40mins prior to landing for HNL-LAX flights, however a extensive range of movies/tv series to keep your mind off the meagre food offerings.
Flight was uneventful enough, apart from a couple of patches of turbulence and a early arrival into LAX was welcome.

 

[lakeman]

Thanks for letting us join your journey

 

[Blackadder]

My days in Las Vegas have managed to coincide with a Heatwave, and a Heat advisory warning (yes even allowing for Vegas in Summer heat).
Las Vegas in July averages around a touch over 41°c, however today temperatures are expected to be around 47°c
Can’t come to Las Vegas and not see at least one show imo, so last night it was off to home of Elvis when he had his Vegas residency, now known as the Westgate for Barry Manilow (not my choice )
The day was taken up with a trip out to Red Rock Canyon for some amazing landscapes, and a trip to Macy’s to replace my large suitcase after a Wheel issue with my American Tourister in Honolulu.
In the end a large Delsey hard side for 60% off.
Another show planned for tonight, and hopefully Fremont Street.

Dialling in for another TR

 

[Pushka]

My days in Las Vegas have managed to coincide with a Heatwave, and a Heat advisory warning (yes even allowing for Vegas in Summer heat).
Las Vegas in July averages around a touch over 41°c, however today temperatures are expected to be around 47°c
Can’t come to Las Vegas and not see at least one show imo, so last night it was off to home of Elvis when he had his Vegas residency, now known as the Westgate for Barry Manilow (not my choice )
The day was taken up with a trip out to Red Rock Canyon for some amazing landscapes, and a trip to Macy’s to replace my large suitcase after a Wheel issue with my American Tourister in Honolulu.
In the end a large Delsey hard side for 60% off.
Another show planned for tonight, and hopefully Fremont Street.View attachment 336286View attachment 336287

I really like Barry Manilow.

 

[Hvr]

I really like Barry Manilow.

At the Copa, Copacabana?

 

[Pushka]

At the Copa, Copacabana?

Why not!

 

[Blackadder]

Last full day in Las Vegas turned into a profitable one for me , almost covering the cost of my new Suitcase.
It may have been the near record high temperatures, or everyone heading back home after a weekend away but a very noticeable drop off in numbers of people out and about.
A late morning start with a trip to the Vegas HighRoller (observation wheel), with a maximum height of 550 feet above Las Vegas, great for plane spotting at LAS
The afternoon was a visit to the Ethel M Chocolate factory in Henderson, and a catch up with friends of the partner before an early dinner at Lucille’s BBQ.
The second show of the trip was ventriloquist Jeff Dunham at the Bakkt Theatre, Planet Hollywood , a thoroughly entertaining show.
After the show the plan was to drive by the recently installed sphere (giant video screen instillation), however that’s switched off at 11pm and thanks to a rather chaotic exiting procedure from the parking garage we arrived a few minutes after 11pm to a black sphere.
Next stop was the Fremont St Experience, due to being a Sunday night, most of the visitors to Vegas had left, so not as crazy busy as it can be but still buzzing as always.

 

[Blackadder]

Fremont Street Experience.

 

[Blackadder]

Well after the near record heat of Las Vegas (it’s a dry heat ), back to the milder climate of So Cal and temps top out around the mid 80s (high 20s /low 30s)
So Cal days have been a mix of Baseball and Disneyland visits mostly.
Also got to a day of the OC Fair (Think along the likes of Sydney Royal Easter Show ,Ekka etc), also got to see Dwight Yoakam as part of the OC Fair concert series.
If circumstances aligned themselves, could very easily see myself settling in So Cal.
My final full day today and not surprisingly another Baseball game in my schedule, before the late night QF12 tomorrow night.(fingers crossed for my points upgrade from whY to whY+)

 

[Blackadder]

OC Fair Photos(including Australian Battered Potatoes)and Dwight Yoakam concert.