2016 AFATIC Reunion -- Honolulu, HI

This reunion happened 27-30 August 2018.

Our hosts, Ken & Gayna Parks, have selected the The Hale Koa on Waikiki Beach for our hotel. Ken has arranged a discount rate of about $135 per night (plus $8 per night for parking). You can see the hotel website and its features here. Here’s some video footage of what it looks like walking around the grounds and beach at Hale Koa

HOTEL RESERVATIONS
There is no block of rooms held for the reunion. Rather, each attendee must reserve their room a year in advance. One day's rent will be charged on your credit card when you make the reservation. This will take some advanced planning, so be warned! Ken has sent out emails with the details as they evolve. Watch for them!
In addition, only US Military personnel are allowed to make reservations. Each US person, however, can make up to three other reservations for "guests" (e.g., the Brits). In this way, we can all enjoy the low rates at Hale Koa and stay together. If you are non-U.S., please contact a sponsor and coordinate your dates. Sponsors, please let Ken know before you make your reservation, so a list at Hale Koa and the website can be updated.
Here is a list of who intends to attend..
Sponsors should keep the webmaster informed as new guests are added.
NOTE: a sponsor must be checked-in during a guest's entire stay.
Please coordinate with your sponsor to ensure your dates conform to the Hale Koa's rules.
PRELIMINARY ITINERARY
Note: evenings will be on your own for shows, restaurants, etc. Tours are available at the hotel for visiting sights like the Polynesian Cultural Center, other islands, boat tours, etc.

Monday 8/27.
This is a check-in day (unless you get there earlier). There will be an Aloha (meaning "hello") Meet & Greet at the Hale Koa's Warrior Lounge at 1700 hours. Wear your name tags and lei (to be supplied by hosts).

Tuesday 8/28.

The day starts with bus pickup at 0800. The 8-hour trip includes Pearl Harbor tours (USS Arizona, USS Missouri, museum etc.) and visits to Punchbowl National Cemetary and other Honolulu sights. We're back at the hotel around 1430 hours. Cost is about $93.00 apiece. The details of the trip can be found here. The rest of the afternoon and evening are on your own.

Wednesday 8/29.

Today starts with bus pickup at 0800 for culturally-oriented tours of Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum. Lunch provided at the Bishop Museum (peruse the menu here). We'll be back at the hotel around 1445 hours. Cost is about $114.00 apiece. Details are here The rest of the afternoon and evening are on your own.

Thursday 8/30.

The morning is free time on your own. We'll have a meeting (casual atire) after breakfast around 1100hrs at Happy’s poolside snack bar, where we can get a light DIY lunch/brunch and sit outside to have our informal future reunion meeting. It’s a real bonus to have volunteer host(s) set up a reunion and showcase their stomping grounds.
Following our lunch/meeting, there is an optional, free self-guided tour on the Hale Koa Hotel grounds you can consider walking to. Details are here. . We will discuss if there are any takers or suggestions for our next reunion in 2020. Details are here.
The evening entertainment is at the Hale Koa luau (banquet and show) at hotel. The festivites start at 1730 hours, with dinner and show at 1830. Our group will be seated together. We will gather by the entrance a little earlier, so we can take our group picture at that time. Cost is about $60.00 apiece. Details are here, including the menu (showing vegetarian and vegan options).

Friday 8/31.
Today we start to say Aloha again (meaning 'goodbye' this time), so Hale Koa breakfast time would be a good opportunity to do so if anyone wishes. Otherwise, just continue your moi moi ('sleep' in Hawaiian). This is a day for informal farewell breakfast and check-out (unless you are staying longer).

This should be a fun and informative time. Here are some helpful Hawaiian words:

HAWAIIAN AMERICAN

Kane Man

Wahine Woman

Mahalo Thank You

Kokua Help

Aloha Hello/Goodbye/Love

Moi Moi Sleep

Pu Pu Appetizer

Finally, for planning purposes, click on the graphic below for the current weather forcast for Honolulu.

Click for weather forecast

Please remember to send the requested $30.00 (per household) reunion dues, payable to "Kenneth Park" to:
Kenneth Park
The Nook, Main Road
Yoxford, IP17 3HE
ENGLAND
ken1.park@btinternet.com
Home phone +44 1728 668573
Iphone +44 77950 26716
Skype: kennethpark763