The Polite Traveler

Review of the 'Iolani Palace Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, The more we visit the islands of Hawaii, the more I feel compelled to learn more about the culture and the past, including the politics of various time periods.  Consequently, we have visited the  Polynesian   Cultural Center  a few years ago and this year, the ‘Iolani Palace. I thought I knew much of the history behind Hawaii becoming a state and its previous relationship with the U.S.  What I knew was just a split second of Hawaii’s true history.  What I learned on our guided tour would be too much to share here, but I can share my opinion and impression of Queen Liliuokalani and the tour’s accuracy. Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public King David Kalākaua Upon King David Kalākaua death, her brother,  Queen Liliuokalani  became the true leader of the Hawaiian Island...

Hiking the Diamond Head Trail Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, Many of the YouTube videos about hiking the Diamond Head Trail are not entirely honest.  After hiking this trail for myself, I found it to be challenging for many.  As for me, I exercise daily and walk miles just for fun.  Nevertheless, I was out of breath often as I climbed.  The real issue, I believe, many may find with this trail is the unevenness.  Most of the trail is rock.  Some are smooth, most are not.  Consequently, this is a real issue and could be dangerous for those not in good health .   Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.        Please follow the advice on the map offered at the gate and read it well.    We took the bus—very convenient—from Waikiki to Diamond Head.  The fares for adults are:  $2.75 for o...

Old, Odd but Friendly Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, After a half-day of air travel that began early in the morning, we arrived at the DoubleTree in Waikiki.   From the outside, the hotel didn’t impress.    It looked dingy, small, and old.    To be honest, it is small (ish) compared to so many in Waikiki, but somewhat cozy. Old?     Yes, even though its website mentioned being recently updated.    Still, it was adequate, especially when receiving a deal not easy to pass up.   Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   Upgraded Again!  Upon reaching the welcome desk, we were greeted by more than a friendly face.  Rebecca automatically upgraded our “deal room” to a suite.  Gotta love that!  And, besides sharing the same name as me, she shares my love of tea.  Subsequently, she made sure I had plenty ...

Look!  There's...A Parking Lot? Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, Sure, we were upgraded to a suite, even though we received a “deal” for a regular room due to our member status with Hilton, but a room overlooking a parking lot isn’t ideal.    Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem for me.   After all, I’m in Hawaii.  Life is good.    Nevertheless, because of our room’s position in this DoubleTree , headlights lit up our room all night long.      Furthermore, due to the hotel’s size and location, there were few room alternatives.      Note : Follow CDC and Princess guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.    Still, if not at night, just look at this room!  It has room to spread out and, if ignoring the parking lot, has wonderful views of a large park—near Fort DeRussy—on one side and mountain view on the other.  The hotel itself is located near...