Port notes Honolulu P & O Honolulu HONOLULU, capital city of America's 50th state, is located on the island of Oahu. Third largest of the island chain, Oahu is one of eight major islands in the Hawaiian group which is more than 2,000 miles in any direction from a "mainland" or large land mass. The eight islands, of which seven are inhabited, cover a area of 6,400 square miles-by English comparison, slightly larger than Yorkshire; by Australian, less than a quarter of the size of Tasmania; and by North American, considerably smaller than Lake Ontario. The population of the islands is over 700,000 of whom about 600,000 live on Oahu. The Polynesians, people of Aryan origin with infusions of other races, are believed to have come from Asia by way of the Malay Peninsula and Java and settled in the islands about A.D. 500, although the "KOn-tiki" expedition in 1947 lends weight to the theory that migration might have been in the reverse direction. The authentic history does not begin until the landing in Kauai on 18th January, 1778, by Captain James Cook, who gave the name Sandwich Islands to his discovery in honour of his friend and patron, the Earl of Sandwich, head of the Admiralty. He returned in the following year, landing in Hawaii, where he was killed by the natives on 14th February, 1779. At this time the islands were independently governed, but in 1797 King Kamehameha I became sole ruler in Hawaii. Captain Vancouver made two visits to the islands in 1792 and 1794 and took possession in the name of King George III. His action, however, was never ratified by the home government. Kamehameha pursued an aggressive policy, subduing the other islands in turn, and by 1810 had united them all under his leadership. He thwarted Russian designs on the islands in 1815 and eliminated Spanish pirates in 1818. The first American missionaries arrived in 1820, followed by Catholic missionaries seven years later. The production of sugar, which had been grown in small quantities since 1802 made important progress in 1835 with the leasing of land to three U.S. traders. Today it is the second ranked industry with an annual crop of over a million tons. The islands were provisionally ceded to Great Britain in 1843. but restored to independence in the same year. The Kamehameha dynasty ended in 1872 with the death of Kamehameha V. King Lunelilo died after a brief reign of one year and was succeeded by Kalakaua, who had been elected King by the legislature in 1874. In 1882 the first pineapple plantation was begun, and today the industry ranks third in importance. In fact, about 70% of the world's supply is packed and exported from the islands. Kalakaua died in 1891 and was succeeded by his sister, Liliuokalani, who was herself deposed in 1893 after a bloodless revolution. The Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed in 1894, and an American businessman, Sanford B. Dole, was elected President. The majority of the people favoured closer ties with the United States and after representations were made to Washington, a treaty of annexation was signed there in 1897. Annexation was completed in August, 1898, and a territorial government was established in April, 1900, with Dole as President. In 1903 the Hawaiian legislature submitted the first of fifteen resolutions applying for full statehood, which for various reasons was not granted until 1959. In 1934 President Roosevelt visited the islands, the first U.S. President to do so, and in 1935 and 1937 Congressional Committees visited the islands to study the statehood problem, both committees recommending the proposal. In 1940 a plebiscite of the islands showed a two-to-one majority in favour of joining the American Union, but further consideration was suspended after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbour on 7th December, 1941, an event which undoubtedly altered the course of history. on March 12, 1959, when the House of Representatives followed Senate action of the day before in voting overwhelming approval of the Statehood Bill. Hawaii's residents voted unanimously in favour of statehood in the primary election on June 27, 1959. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Hawaii a State on August 21, 1959, under the leadership of its first elected Governor, William F. Quinn. Ten days later, on August 31, the first State Legislature convened at lolani Palace. Tourism has grown to first place in Hawaii's economy, due as much to settled weather as to the beauty of the islands. Although situated so near the Equator (Honolulu 21 ° 19'N. latitude) the cool trade winds are almost constant, making even the sunniest days comfortable. There are no extremes of heat and cold, no monsoons, the temperature variations being only a few degrees above or below the average of 75°F. day and night, winter and summer. In fact, the Hawaiians have no words in their language for weather or seasons, because they noticed so little difference the year round. The temperature of the water at Waikik beach, Honolulu's world-famous pleasure resort, is about 78°F. and the average tidal rise and fall three feet. The annual rainfall average at Honolulu is thirty inches, increasing in the more mountainous areas. The seeming similarity of many Hawaiian words and the predominant use of a few consonants, particularly "K" is of course due to the Hawaiian alphabet having only seven consonants, h, k, I, m, n, p and w in addition to the normal vowels, a, e, i, o and u. Two Hawaiian words-"Hula" and "Lei"- may perhaps be worth a few words of explanation:- The Hula, a dance accentuating sinuous movements of arms and body, is one of the world's most expressive dances. To those who understand, every movement speaks to them, just as if the dancer were speaking- of joy, of sadness, of love and of death. The origin of the old and colourful custom of wearing and presenting one's friends with fragrant flower garlands (Leis) is not known, but in the olden days feather Leis were worn, but only by royalty. The Hawaiians are lovers of flowers and in due course the flower Lei became a symbol of friendship. Lei Day is kept annually on 1st May, but all through the year Lei sellers can be seen daily stringing carnations, crown flowers and plumeria in Maunakea and Kekaulike Streets off King Street. The Ilima was once the most popular Lei flower but is today practically extinct and has been largely superseded by a paper imitation. Places of Interest in Honolulu The Ala Moana Shopping Center, 1450 Ala Moana is one of the largest in the world. There is a wide variety of stores including Japanese shops, and restaurants. It is an excellent place to buy Hawaiian outfits at reasonable prices. The Aloha Tower.-The Liberty Statue of Honolulu, at the south end of Fort Street on Pier 9 is open to the public from Monday to Friday 10 a.m.-noon and 1.30-3.30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Visitors may take the lift to the top for a panoramic view from Pearl Harbour to Diamond Head. Admission free. International Market Place.-Across Kalakaua Avenue from Waikiki Beach. 50 small, colourful shops and restaurants. University of Hawaii and East-West Center. The Aquarium (2727 Kalakaua Avenue).- Contains an excellent collection of rare fish and other marine life from Hawaiian waters. Open daily except Monday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission charged. The Capitol or Iolani Palace in King Street was the Royal Palace of King Kalakaua and his sister Queen Liluokalani. It was here in 1898 that the Hawaiian flag was lowered and the Stars and Stripes raised when the islands became part of the United States. The Palace is now the seat of the Territorial Government. It contains the Throne Room as it was in the day of Royalty, and is open to the public from Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Admission free. Fish Markets.-The Fish Markets are in King and Kakeulike Streets, where colourful and fascinating displays of octopus,squid, brilliant fish and other sea foods can be seen. In this area also is Honolulu's Chinese quarter. Not as distinctive as San Francisco's Chinatown, it is, nevertheless, well worth a visit and has many interesting shops for the souvenir seeker. Kawaiahao Church (King Street).-The "Westminster of HawaiY' was built of native coral a hundred years ago. Services in Hawaiian are held every Sunday at 10.30 a.m. Also open Monday to Saturday, 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Punchbowl.-An extinct crater 500 feet high from which an excellent view of the downtown area of the city and coast can be obtained, and in which is placed the National Memorial Cemetery for Pacific War Dead. Ulu Mau Hawaiian Village, Ala Moana Park.-In this ancient village the skills of old Hawaii can be seen-lauhala weaving, lei making, poi pounding and quilt making. 9.30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed Sunday and Monday). Admission: $1.50, children (5- 12) 50c., (under 5) free. Waikiki Beach.-Three-and-a-half miles south-east of the Main Post Office is Waikiki, one of the most famous beaches in the world. It is ideal for the Hawaiian sport of surfboard riding due to an underwater ledge which extends a mile out from the shore and produces long rolling waves. Expert riders often travel at about 40 miles an hour. Surfboards may be hired and instruction received on Waikiki Beach from beach services at the Royal Hawaiian, Moana, Halekulani and Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotels. Hawaiian Wax Museum (2340 Kalakaua Avenue) next to International Market Palce.- 18 scenes of Hawaiian historical events. Open daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission: $1.50, students $1, children (7-12) 75c., (under 7) free. Archives.-Next to the Iolani Palace stands the Archives Building, housing an interesting collection of valuable Hawaiian relics, photographs and documents that outline the history of the islands from the arrival of the first missionaries in 1820. Open Monday to Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-noon. Bishop Museum (1355 Kalihi Street).- The Museum, built in 1889 as a memorial to the Hawaiian Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, is less than two miles from the centre of the city. Exhibits feature Hawaiian life and history. The Museum's Hawaiian feather cloaks, helmets, kahilis and other examples of Hawaiian art are the world's finest. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: $1.50, children (12-16) 50c., (under 12) free with adults. Academy of Arts (300 Beretania Street).- One of Honolulu's most attractive buildings with spacious art galleries connected by open courtyards and loggias, contains an important collection of Oriental, Hawaiian and other works of art. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m.-4.30 p.m. (extended to 9.30 p.m. on Thursday); Sunday 3-6 p.m. Admission free except for special events. Queen Emma Museum 2813 Nuuanu Avenue).-One of the attractive sights of Honolulu, with its sweeping green lawns and old trees surrounding the colonnaded white mansion that was once the summer palace of Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. The large room was built specially to honour the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria's second son. It has been preserved by the Daughters of Hawaii in its original state and contains souvenirs of the Royal era. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Admission: $1, children (under 15) 25c. Kapiolani Zoo and Bird Park.-In Kapiolani Park at Waikiki is the Zoo and Bird Park A speciality has been made in the collection of birds. Admission free. Foster Gardens (Nuuanu Avenue).-Bequeathed to the city by Mrs. Mary Foster in 1930, the Foster Gardens, famed for their collection of orchids, contain also many tropical trees and plants such as the bird of paradise, hibiscus and banyan. Open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Opening time half-an-hour later on Sunday. Admission free. The Royal Hawaiian Band The Royal Hawaiian Band was first organised in 1870 during the reign of King Kamehameha V as a result of a call in the previous year by an Austrian frigate for repairs. On board was a naval band which gave a number of concerts and command performances in the lolani Palace grounds. On the ship's departure, the Hawaiians missed the music and the Government decided to form its own band. It had only average success during the first years until the King requested the German Government to lend one of its army bandmasters to put the band 'on its feet'. Henry Berger was chosen and stayed more than 20 years until the overthrow of the monarchy. It was he who introduced into the United States Queen Liliuokalani's 'Aloha Oe' which the world-famous band plays today (except during August) as passenger ships arrive at and sail from Honolulu Harbour. It also plays on Sunday afternoons at Kapiolani Park Waikiki and has many other engagements throughout the year. Originally a department of the monarchy, the band gave public concerts, welcomes and farewells under three royal regimes of the Provisional Government, Republic of Hawaii and the Territory until 1909 when it became a department of the City and County of Honolulu. Key 1 P & O Agents-(Theo. H. Davies & Co. Ltd.) 2 Foster Gardens. 3 Blaisdell Hotel. 4 Direction of University of Hawaii and East-West Center. 5 St. Andrew's Cathedral. 6 Ciro's Restaurant. 7 First Baptist Church. 8 Alexander Young Hotel and Hob Nob Restaurant. 9 First Methodist Church. 10 Academy of Arts. 11 Bank of Hawaii. 12 Direction of Central Union Church. 13 First National Bank and British Consulate. 14 Iolani Palace (Governor's Office). 15 Library of Hawaii. 16 Honolulu Hale (City Hall). 17 Main Post Office. 18 King Kamehameha Statue. 19 Kawaiahao Church. 20 Aloha Tower. 21 Honolulu International Center (Concert Theatre and Arena). 22 Ala Moana Shopping Center. With the exception of No. 1 (the P & O Agents Office) all key numbers are placed in numerical order from the top to bottom of the map. Hotels WAIKIKI- There are more than 200 hotels and apartment hotels in the Waikiki area, and more building. It is impossible to list them all, but the main ones are as follows:- Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki Beach. Halekulani, Waikiki Beach. Princess Kaiulani, 120 Kaiulani Avenue. The Breakers, Waikiki. Moana-Surfrider, Waikiki Beach. Edgewater-Reef, 2168 Kalia Road. Ilikai, 1777 Ala Moana. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road. Holiday Isle, 270 Lewers. Outrigger, 2335 Kalakaua Avenue. DOWNTOWN HONOLULU- Alexander Young, Bishop and Hotel Streets. Blaisdell, 1154 Fort Street. Restaurants WAIKIKI- Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki Beach. Canlis' Charcoal Broiler, 2100 Kalakaua Avenue. Surfrider Hotel, Waikiki Beach. Halekulani Hotel, Waikiki Beach. Edgewater-Reef Hotel, 2168 Kalia Road. The Tropics, 1607 Kona Street, Ala Moana. Queen's Surf, 2709 Kalakaua Avenue. The Willows, 901 Hauston Street. (Closed Sundays). Top of the Ilikai, 1777 Ala Moana. La Ronde, 23rd Floor, Ala Moana Building. 1441 Kapiolani Blvd. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road. All the above restaurants are open for luncheon and dinner with the exception of Canlis' Charcoal Broiler which does not open until 3 p.m. DOWNTOWN HONOLULU- Ciro's Restaurant, 117 S. Hotel Street. Hours 10.30 a.m.-10 p.m. Hob Nob Coffee Shop, Alexander Young Hotel Lobby. Hours 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Bathing Beaches In addition to Waikiki Beach, the island has more than 30 excellent bathing beaches, the nearest to the city being Ala Moana Park Beach (two miles), World War I Memorial Natorium, Kapiolani Park and Sans Souci Beach (four miles), Diamond Head Beach Park (five miles) and Waialae Beach Park (six miles). ------------------------------------------------------------- Key 1 Direction of Ala Moana Shopping Center. 2 Ulu Mau Hawaiian Village. 3 Glass Bottom Boat. 4 Ilikai Apartment Hotel. 5 Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel. 6 Kuhio Theatre. 7 Canlis' Charcoal Broiler Restaurant. 8 The Breakers Hotel. 9 Edgewater-Reef Hotel. 10 Halekulani Hotel. 11 Reference discontinued. 12 Hawaii Visitor's Bureau. 13 Waikiki Theatre. 14 Royal Hawaiian Hotel. 15 Hawaiian Wax Museum. 16 Duke Kahanamoku's Restaurant. 17 Post Office. 18 Princess Kaiulani Hotel. 19 Moana Hotel. 20 Surfrider Hotel. 21 Reference discontinued. 22 St. Augustine's Church (Roman Catholic). 23 Zoo and Bird Park. 24 Queen's Surf Restaurant. 25 Aquarium. 26 Polo Field. 27 Outrigger Canoe Club. 28 Direction of Kahala Hilton Hotel. All key numbers are placed in numerical order from left to the right in the above map. General Information Main Post Office.-The main Post Office is in the Federal Building at the corner of King and Richard Streets. There is also a Branch Office at Waikiki in Kuhio Avenue behind International Market Place. Hawaii Visitors' Bureau.-Main Office: Waikiki Business Plaza, Kalakaua Avenue. Information Office: 2351 Kalakaua Avenue. United Kingdom Consulate-1202 First National Bank Building, 165 South King Street. Tel. 561-048. There are no Australian or New Zealand Consular Representatives in Honolulu. Japanese Consulate.-1742 Nuuanu Avenue. Philippine Consulate.-2433 Nuuanu Avenue. Republic of China Consulate.-Nuuanu Avenue. Currency Paper money-1, 5, 10, 20 dollars and upwards. Silver coins.-1 dollar, 50 cents, 25 cents ("quarter), 10 cents ("dime"). Other coins.-5 cents ("nickel"), 1 cent ("penny). The rate of exchange at the time of the ship's visit will be advised to passengers a day or two before arrival. Cabarets WAIKIKI Duke Kahanamoku's, International Market place, opposite the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Queen's Surf, 2709 Kalakaua Avenue. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road. Monarch Room, Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Hong Kong Junk, Ilikai Hotel. Sport In addition to surfing and canoeing the island offers to the visitor almost every kind of sport all the year round. Anglers have a wide choice-from shore fishing to deep-sea game fishing. Golfers, too, are well served with four 18-hole and two 9-hole courses at which visitors may play. The Waialae Golf Club, the Country Club and the Ala Wai in Waikiki are all excellent 18-hole courses within a short distance of the city. P 8 O Agents MESSRS. THEO. H. DAVIES 6 CO. LTD., 841 Bishop Street, Honolulu, 96813 Hawaii Telephone: 501-787. Cables: "ORACOSTEAM". NOTE: This folder has been produced to assist passengers and although every endeavour has been made at the time of printing to ensure accuracy it should be realized that fares, rates, prices, regulations, etc., mey change. P & 0 cannot accept responsibility for any alteration Places of Interest outside Honolulu Moanalua Gardens (3 1/2 miles from the centre of Honolulu).-A splendid example of Hawaiian landscape in a cultivated state. Nuuanu Pali (6 miles).-The 1,200 foot cliff at the end of the Nuuanu Road, from which magnificent views of the windward side of the island may be enjoyed, and which overlooks the valley where in 1795 Kamahameha I routed the Oahuans and thereby added the island to his kingdom. High on the Pali can be seen the "Upside-Down Falls"; a phenomenon caused by the up-draught of the almost constant wind tunnelled between the mountains. Mt. Tantalus (6 3/4 miles).-Provides a beautiful drive up a rapid ascent zig-zagging up the mountain, with many excellent views of the valley on the way and also from the look-out post at the top. The mountain rises 2,013 feet above sea level. Pearl Harbour (7 miles).-The site of the greatest naval station under the United States flag and where the surprise attack by Japanese air and submarine forces took place on 7th December, 1941. Hanauma Bay (12 miles).-A public park and picnic ground of unsurpassed beauty. It appears to be an extinct crater sunk into the sea with its seaward edge now broken down by the ocean. Koko Head Crater (13 miles).-Towers above the rocky shore beyond Hanauma Bay. It is a burnt-out cone about 5,000 years old, one of the youngest of the volcanic family in the world. Coral Gardens at Kaneohe (13 miles) and Waialua (28 miles) are well worth a visit, where colourful ocean-bed growths can be seen from glass-bottomed boats. Sea Life Park, Makapuu Pt. (17 miles).- Open daily except Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transport from Moana Hotel: $6.30 includes entrance fee. If travelling independently admission $2.30, children (7-12) $1.15, (under 7) free with parent. Blow Hole (14 miles).-An irregularly spouting hole in a reef near the edge of the sea where geysers form when the incoming surf charges the hole with water, sometimes shooting spray to heights of over 100 feet. Sacred Falls (28 miles).-Between Kahana and Hauula on the windward side of the mountain range are the Sacred Falls, tumbling from high green cliffs into a deep pool. The Falls were supposed to be the home of the legendary pig-god Kamapuaa whose wife, Palo, was the goddess of volcanoes. Mormon Temple (34 1/2 miles).-Near the village of Laie. One of the most impressive in the Pacific. The shimmering white building in its beautiful surroundings, is said to be the largest Mormon Temple west of Utah, (The Polynesian Cultural Centre is nearby. Closed Sundays). The Polynesian Cultural Center.-Located at Laie on the windward side of Oahu is a collection of six villages representing the various Polynesian cultures. Open 10 a.m.- 5.30 p.m. daily except Sunday. Admission: $2.10, children (7-12) $1.05, (under 7) free. Printed in London, England by Daniel Greenaway and Sons Ltd. PC 48052 5/68 SRY 728 Hawaii's long struggle for statehood ended