From Cultural Roots to Coastal Waves: A Trip from California to Hawaii

One of the best parts about being a Resident aboard The World is you get to bring your non-Resident friends along for an exciting sightseeing adventure. We did just that on our latest trip that took us from Northern California down the coast and ended with sun-filled days on the islands of Hawaii.

A Deep Dive into Indigenous Art and Culture

Our friends and fellow Residents began in Oakland, a city so many of us know and love. Our visit took us to the peoples’ museum, also known as the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). Inside, we explored its diverse collections of art, history and natural science.

Going Behind the Scenes in Berkeley

We then headed north where we were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The managing director showed us a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes magic that brings award-winning work to life.

Enjoying Some Indigenous Eats

After enjoying a wealth of Native American art at OMCA, it was only fitting to follow it up with a delicious lunch at Wahpepah’s Kitchen. This light-filled establishment, just off the Fruitvale BART station, is the nation’s first Indigenous restaurant devoted to Native American cooking. Inside, they were serving up some authentic eats accompanied with meditative Native drumming and chanting.

San Francisco: A Culinary & Technological Adventure

We took a self-guided walking tour of San Francisco’s famed Chinatown. It culminated with a memorable lunch at Z&Y Peking Duck Restaurant followed by a stop at San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge to snap some photos and take in those amazing views.

Iolani Palace & the Hawaiian Monarchy

We then set sail from California to Hawaii, where we made a stop at the Iolani Palace. The Palace is the only official royal residence in the United States – and offered insights into the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the reign of Queen Lili’uokalani and the importance of ‘ohana.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum & the Battleship Missouri

Next up were two historical tours. The first being a visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, which showcases aircraft from the attack and WWII. Then we stopped at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, serving as a reminder to the lives lost and the war’s end.

Gardens & Local Delights

We spent a peaceful morning at the Lil’uokalani Gardens followed by a fresh and filling lunch at Café Pesto. We then spent some time around downtown Hilo, capping it off with a melon-banana-lychee shaved ice at Wilson’s by the Bay.