British Indian Ocean Territory (B.I.O.T.) - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

The British Indian Ocean Territory (B.I.O.T) is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean due south of India, midway between Indonesia and Africa, around 1300 miles east of Seychelles. The territory was established in 1965. A number of the islands in the archipelago were later transferred to the Seychelles following its independence in 1976. Currently, the territory consists of the six atolls of the Chagos Archipelago with over 1000 individual islands and covers a total area of 23 square. The island is the site of a joint military facility of the United Kingdom and the United States – the native population which amounted to around 2000 was evicted in the 1960s. As a military facility, the strategic location has helped the United States Air Force launch operations in the 1991 Gulf War and the wars in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).

Travel Resources:


ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
United States and Britain in Diego Garcia: The Future of a Controversial Base978-0230617094$70The coral atoll of Diego Garcia is a US naval and air base for all Middle East operations. The book describes the largely secret mission that started in 1966 and the deportation of the native island population in the 1970s. The island is at risk due to climate change as the average elevation is just 4 feet.

Philatelic Profile:
Given the lack of native inhabitants, evidently it is not an absolute requirement to have their own postage stamps. But, they have issued stamps regularly since 1968 with only a very small portion of these issues actually used for postage – the rest are sold to philatelists worldwide. BIOT Post Office, operated by Cable and Wireless, Diego Garcia on behalf of the Commonwealth Office of the British Government is the sole body authorized to issue stamps. It handles all outbound postal services while incoming mail is routed to the US Postal Service and the British Forces Post Office for distribution.

Below are some relevant stamp issues of British Indian Ocean Territory (B.I.O.T) over the years:
  • The first stamps of British Indian Ocean Territory is a long set (Scott #1 to #15) of fifteen Seychelles Issues (Scott #198 to #212) overprinted ‘B.I.O.T.’ released on January 17, 1968. The stamps have a varied theme that covers the following: vanilla, fisherman, Denis Island Lighthouse, Clock Tower, Anse Royal Bay, Government House, fishing boat, Cascade Church, flying fox, sailfish, Coco-de-mer Palm, cinnamon, copra, map of Indian Ocean, Settlers Homes, Regina Mundi Convent, and badge of Seychelles. The set catalogs for around $50 MNH or used. The original Seychelles set is valued a little lower at around $45 MNH or used. The first original issues of British Indian Ocean Territory is a long set (Scott #16 to #33) of eighteen stamps in the ‘Marine Fauna’ theme released between 1968 and 1973. Despite being a long running issue, the set still commands a good premium at around $70 MNH or used. The designs are Lascar, hammerhead shark, tiger shark, sooty eagle ray, butterflyfish, robber crab, green carangue, needlefish, barracuda, spotted pebble crab, parrotfish, rainbow runner, giant hermit crab, humphead, rock cod, black marlin, whale shark, and lionfish.
  • A long set (Scott #63 to #77) of fifteen stamps released on February 28, 1975 in the Birds theme. The set catalogs for around $40 MNH and $70 used. The designs show Aldabra drongo, Malagasy coucal, redheaded forest fody, fairy tern, crested tern, brown booby, noddy tern, gray heron, blue-faced booby, Malagasy white-eye, green-backed heron, lesser frigate bird, white-tailed tropic bird, souimanga sunbird, and Malagasy turtledove. A beautiful long sister set (Scott #94 to #105) of twelve stamps followed on May 3rd 1990. That set catalogs for around $25 MNH and $30 used. The designs are white-tailed tropic birds, turtle doves, greater frigate birds, little green herons, greater sand plovers, crab plovers, crested terns, lesser crested terns, fairy terns, red-footed boobies, Indian mynahs, and Madagascar fodies.
  • A set (Scott #115 to #118) of four stamps released on November 8, 1991 in the ‘Visiting Ships’ theme. The set catalogs for around $15 MNH or used. The designs are Survery Ship Experiment of 1786, US Brig Pickering of 1819, SMS Emden of 1914, and the HMS Edinburgh of 199. A sister set of four stamps (Scott #124 to 127) in the ‘Aircraft’ theme soon followed on October 23, 1992. The set catalogs for around $12 MNH or used.
  • A long set (Scott #151 to #162) of twelve stamps in the Sharks theme released on November 1, 1994. The set catalogs for around $70 MNH or used. The designs show nurse, silver tip, black tip reef, oceanic white tip, black tip, smooth hammerhead, lemon, white tip reef, tiger, Indian sand tiger, great hammerhead, and the great white shark.
  • A set (Scott #207 to #216) of ten stamps in the ‘Sailing Ships’ theme released on February 1, 1999. The set catalogs for around $30 MNH or used. The ships shown are Bark Westminster of 1837, Sao Cristovao (Spain, 1589), Clipper Ship “Sea Witch” (US, 1849), HMS Royal George of 1778, Clipper Ship “Cutty Sark” of 1883, British East India Company Ship “Mentor” or 1789, HM Brig “Trinculo” of 1809, Paddle Steamer “Enterprise” of 1825, Privateer “Confiance” (France, 1800), and British East India Company Ship “Kent” of 1820.
  • A set (Scott #286 to #289) of four stamps in the “Crabs” theme released on December 20, 2004. The set catalogs for around $10 MNH or used. The crabs shown are coconut crab, land crab, rock crab, and ghost crab. A sister set (Scott #290 to #295 and #296) in the “Turtles” theme soon followed on February 14, 2005. The set of six and the souvenir sheet catalogs for $12 and $6 respectively for MNH or used. The designs show green turtle hatchling, hawksbill turtle hatchlings, hawksbill turtles head, green turtles head, and hawksbill turtle swimming. The Souvenir Sheet show green turtle swimming in a design similar to the the highest denomination in the set.
Numismatic Profile:

British Indian Ocean Territory started issuing commemorative coins in Silver and Cupro Crystal in 2009 with the Life of the Penguin and Turtle Sets with low mintage (5000). This was followed the same year by a QE design. In 2011, they also issued a set for the Royal Engagement. The beautiful silver and crystal proofs are valued into the 100s.


Last Updated: 12/2015. 



    British Antarctic Territory - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

    The British Antarctic Territory consists of the sector of Antarctic Continent lying south of latitude 60S and between longitudes 20 and 80W. The territory was established on March 3, 1962 by United Kingdom as one of its overseas territories. Argentine and Chilean territorial claims in Antarctic overlaps this. It covers a total area of over 660,000 square miles but over 99% of the territory is covered by a permanent ice sheet up to 3 miles thick. The only people in the territory are the staff of organizations such as the British Antarctic Survey and from other countries. Amazingly, they receive close to 10,000 visitors a year – “tourists” can visit a museum, buy stamps, post mail, and view the large Gentoo penguin colony.

    Travel Resources:

    Extensive wildlife and a wide range of landscape are the draw of British Antarctic Territory. Penguins, seals and marine life make up the former while spectacular mountains, smooth plains of the ice shelves and ice caps account for the latter.


    ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
    Tourism and Change in Polar Regions: Climate, Environments and Experiences978-0415489997$153Sheds light on issues arising from tourism’s role in these regions.


    Philatelic Profile:

    Given the lack of permanent inhabitants, it is obviously not an absolute requirement to have their own postage stamps. But, they have issued stamps regularly since 1963. As might be expected, only a fraction of these issues are actually used for postage – visiting tourists and resident staff uses them for their mailings – the rest are sold to philatelists worldwide. The philatelic nature of these issues accounts for the meticulous way by which First Day Covers from the territories are issued – The Antarctic postman from Port Stanley visits the bases by ship, releases new stamps, records the date of the visit for the First Day Covers, and proceeds to release them at the Falklands Islands Philatelic Bureau at Port Lockroy. The bureau is the official sales agent for the stamps of British Antarctic Territory. All stamps are denominated in the British Sterling currency.


    Below are some relevant stamp issues of British Antarctic Territory (BAT) over the years:
    • The first stamps of British Antarctic Territory is a long set (Scott #1 to #15) of fifteen in the “various scenes of human activity in the Antarctic” theme with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth in the corner released on February 1, 1963. The designs show skiers hauling load, tractor, skiers, Beaver Seaplane, R.R.S. John Biscoe, camp scene, H.M.S. Protector, dog sled, Otter Skiplane, Huskies and Southern Polar Lights (Aurora Australis), helicopter, Snocat truck, R.R.S. Shackleton, and map of Antarctica. As the first set, the valuation is pretty high at over $170 MNH and $125 used. A decimalization issue of the same set (less the one-pound Scott #15) with surcharge overprints followed on February 15, 1971. The set (Scott #25 to #38) is similarly valued at around $135 MNH and $110 used.
    • A set (Scott #39 to #42) of four stamps released on June 23, 1971 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty pledging peaceful uses and scientific cooperation in Antarctica originally signed by twelve nations active in Antarctica at the time - the body currently has 46 treaty member nations. For so recent a issue, this set is expensive at around $50 MNH and about half that for used. The designs show map of Antarctica and Southern Polar Lights (Aurora Australis), sea gulls, seals, and penguins.
    • A set (Scott #64 to #67) of four stamps released on January 4, 1977 in the ‘Conservation of whales’ theme. The set catalogs for around $30 MNH and $20 used. The designs show sperm whale, fin whale, humpback whale, and blue whale.
    • A set (Scott #102 to #116) of sixteen stamps released on March 15 1984 in the ‘Antarctic Marine Food Chain’ theme. The set catalogs for around $25 MNH and $30 used. The designs show corethron criophilum (plankton – diatomic), tomopteris carpenteri (segmented worm), paraeuchaeta Antarctica (Copepod), Antarctomysis maxima, Antarcturus signiensis, serolis comuta, parathemisto gaudichaudii, bovallia gigantea, eupausia superba, colossendeis australis, todarodes sagittatus, notothenia neglecta (Antarctic cod), chaenocephalus aceratus (blackfin icefish) and lobodon carcinophagus (crabeater seal).
    • A set (Scott #202 to #213) of twelve stamps released on December 3rd 1993 in the ‘Research Ships’ theme. The set catalogs for around $60 MNH and around $65 used. The ships depicted are SS Fitzroy, HMS William Scoresby, SS Eagle, MV Trepassey, RRS John Biscoe I, MV Norsel, HMS Protector, MV Oluf Sven, RRS John Bisco II, RRS Shackleton, MV Tottan, MV Perla Dan, and HMS Endurance.
    • A set (Scott #263 to #274) of twelve stamps released in 1998 in the Birds theme. The set catalogs for around $50 MNH or used. The birds depicted are sheathbill, Antarctic piron, adelie penguin, emperor penguin, Antarctic tern, black bellied storm petrel, Antarctic fulmar, blue eyed shag, McCormick’s skua, kelp gull, Wilson’s storm petrel, and brown skua.
    • A set (Scott #330 to #341) of twelve stamps released on December 8th 2003 in the ‘Bases and Postmarks’ theme. The set catalogs for around $45 MNH or used. The designs are Admirality Bay, Deception Island, Hope Bay, Argentine Islands, Stonington Island, Port Lockroy, Signy, Anvers Island, Rothera, Adelaide Island, Horseshoe Island, and Hailey Bay.
    Numismatic Profile:

    British Antarctic Territory started issuing commemorative coins in Silver and Cupro Nickel in 2008. The first coins of the Antarctic with QE head in obverse and coat of arms and the two pound denomination in reverse go upwards of $20. Gold proofs of 2008 and Silver Proofs of 2008 and 2009 start around $80.

    Collectible Memorabilia:

    The best in this category is of course the postage stamps.


    Last Updated: 12/2015. 
     

      Botswana - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile


      Botswana is a land-locked country in South Africa bounded by Namibia to the West and North, South Africa to the South and East, and Zimbabwe to the North-East. Botswana has a total land area of just over 224,500 square miles and a population of around two million making it a very sparsely populated country at around 9 per square mile. After independence in 1966, the economy grew at an annual rate of around 9% transforming the country from one of the poorest to one among the wealthiest in Africa. Botswana’s per-capita GDP is around $7500 making it a solid middle-income country. Fiscal discipline and sound management is credited for this transformation. Diamond mining accounts for around one-third of the GDP. Service sector is the fastest growing industry and the other sectors include tourism, and agriculture.

      Travel Resources:

      The low population count of the country has made Botswana an adventure tourist's utopia. Botswana is flat with around 70% covered by the Kalahari Desert. The other distinct landforms are: The Okavango Delta, Limpopo River Basin to the South-East, and the Makgadikgadi Pan, a large salt pan to the North. These distinct and diverse landforms are also the biggest attractions of the country. They support numerous wildlife including the endangered African wild dog and African elephants. The best time to travel to Botswana for wildlife viewing is the dry winter season (May to October) when the bush is at its thinnest and the animals at their thirstiest. For bird-watching and the Kalahari areas  the summer rainy season (November to April) works best.


      ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
      Botswana – The Bradt Safari Guide – Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari978-1841623085$18Great for both organized safari goers and those opting for independent self-drive. Excellent coverage of the region’s wildlife, environment, and history along with details on when, where and how to go. Accommodation options for all budgets. The author Chris McIntyre is a UK based tour operator.
      Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide978-0762745654$12It is a hilarious read as the author Peter Allison recounts true tales from his thirteen years of experiences as a safari guide. The book should be required reading for all first-time safari goers.
      Cry of the Kalahari978-0395647806$11A classic for animal lovers and travelers alike! It presents the experiences of the authors Mark and Delia Owens, who spent seven years in the Kalahari Desert studying wildlife. It is a layman’s introduction as opposed to a scientific account and that makes it ideal for the traveling masses.
      Botswana Travel Map978-1845376093$10Highlights scenic routes and features detailed area maps and two town plans.
      Botswana Grounded Adapter Plug KitB001FD85DU$15


      Philatelic Profile:

      The first stamps of Botswana were a set of four released on September 30, 1966 to mark the establishment of the republic. The set (Scott #1 to #4) designs were National Assembly Building, Lobatse Abattoir, Dakota Plane, and State House at Gaborone. It catalogs for around $2 MNH and $1 used. This was followed on the same day by the release of a set (Scott #5 to #18) of fourteen stamps that were overprints on the Bechuanaland Protectorate (Scott #180 to #193). The beautiful varied set catalogs for around $20 MNH or used. The lower denominations depicted birds whie the higher denominations depicted trees, animals and people. The birds depicted are African golden oriole, African hoopee, scarlet-chested sunbird, cape widow bird, swallow-tailed bee-eater, gray hornbill, red-headed weaver, and brown-hooded kingfisher. Other significant issues of Botswana include:
      1. A beautiful long bird set (Scott #19 to #32) released on January 3rd 1967. The set catalogs for around $60 MNH and about half that for Used. The birds depicted are European golden oriole, African hoopee, ground-scraper thrush, blue waxbill, secretary bird, yellow-billed hornbill, crimson-breasted shrike, malachite kingfisher, fish eagle, gray lourie, scimitar bill, knob-billed duck, crested barbet, and didrio cuckoo.
      2. A set (Scott #37 to #39) of three stamps released on October 2, 1967 to mark the International Human Rights Year. The set is inexpensive at under a dollar for MNH or used. It depicts the Human Rights Flame and Arms of Botswana in different designs and denominations.
      3. A Food Staples set (Scott #71 to #74) of four stamps released on April 6, 1971. The design shows the crops and farmers. The set catalogs for around a dollar MNH or used. The crops featured are sorghum, a very important crop for the population engaged in sustenance farming, millet, corn, and peanuts.
      4. A set (Scott #106 to #109) of four stamps released on May 8 1974 to mark the tenth anniversary of the University of Botswana (Bechuanaland), Lesotho (Basotoland), and Swaziland. The set catalogs for around a dollar MNH or used. The designs were Kwaluseni Campus of Swaziland, Roma Campus of Lesotho, and the maps and flags of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland. The present-day University of Botswana (UB) established in 1982 was rooted from this larger University system, with the aim of reducing their reliance on tertiary education in South Africa.
      5. A set (Scott #341 to #344) of four stamps depicting the important minerals of Botswana released on March 19, 1984. The set catalogs for around $15 MNH or Used. The minerals depicted are diamonds, lime, copper, nickel, and coal.
      6. A set (Scott #389 to #392) of four stamps in the Flowers of the Okavango Swamps theme released on November 3rd, 1986. The set catalogs for around $15 MNH and around $10 used. The depicted flowers are ludwigia stogonifera, sopubia mannii, commelina diffusa, and hibiscus diversifolius.
      7. A set (Scott #655 to #658) of four stamps in the tourism theme released on March 23rd 1998. The set catalogs for around $4 MNH or used. The designs are baobab trees, crocodile, stalactites, and tourists.
      8. A set (Scott #757 to #760) of four stamps released on December 1, 2002 in the 2002-2003 AIDS Awareness Campaign theme. The set catalogs for around $5 MNH or used. The simple design inscribes one of the awareness themes: voluntary counseling and testing centers, prevention of mother to child transmission, stigma and discrimination, and orphan care. Also inscribed is Tebelopele, which means looking into the future, is an organization that acts as Botswana’s Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Network. This important set marks Botswana’s efforts at containing the pandemic – Botswana has the 2nd highest known rates of HIV infection, just below Swaziland and the impact best summarized by the fact that life expectancy at birth dropped from around 65 to 35 in 2006.
      Numismatic Profile:

      The first coins of Botswana were undated republican standard coinage silver coins issued in 1966. They are not especially valuable with the proofs of the first issue go for around $10. It was an independence commemorative showing National Arms with Supporters in Obverse and Sir Seretse Khama in reverse. Reform coinage with a new monetary system (100 Thebe = 1 Pula) was introduced in 1976 and the first coins from the period were Aluminum Thebes showing National Arms and Date in Obverse and the Head of Turako and denomination in reverse. The coin has very high mintage (15M) and so valuations in UNC are under a dollar. Other numismatic items of Botswana include:


      ItemPrice RangeDescription
      Coins$1 and upCommon Thebes in UNC start around $1. Silver proofs from the 70s and 80s start around $40. The 1981 Silver Pieforts start around $100 while the Gold Pieforts of the same year go into the 1000s. Commemorative Gold Proofs such as the 1983 Wildlife, 1989 Save the Children Fund, 1976 Independence Anniversary, 1981 International Year of Disabled etc go well into the 100s and 1000s based on bullion value.
      Paper Money$5 and upRecent UNC banknotes start around $5. Specimen UNCs are the 70s start around $30. Low number banknotes from the 70s and 80s start around $100.


      Collectible Memorabilia:

      Undoubtedly, baskets are the most famous craft product from Botswana - perfected over thousand years some are indeed work of art. Textile and weaving products though amazing may not be wallet-friendly. Original San (bushman) jewelry and leather-work, including miniature items like bows and arrows are popular takeaways.


      ResourcePrice RangeDescription
      Jewelry$5 and upBotswana Agate earrings, pendants, rings, and other jewelry start around $5 and can go all the way up to the 100s depending on color, size, polish, and rarity.


      Related Posts:
      1. Bechuanaland Protectorate

      Last Updated: 12/2015. 
       

        Oahu, Hawaii – Flora and Fauna - A Trip Report

        Distinctive vibrant flora and fauna enhances Oahu from the depths to the skies and taking the time to appreciate nature at its finest is indeed a great way to unwind.

        Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a world-class snorkeling area located just 11 miles from Waikiki hotels. And like all popular spots its parking lot gets packed promptly making this definitely an early morning activity. Getting there is easy enough – 10 miles east of Waikiki off the main road (Route 72 - Kalaniana'ole Highway) – the Number 22 bus which has stops on Kuhio Avenue works equally well. The park is open from 6AM till 6PM and 7PM during the winter and summer seasons respectively on all days except Tuesdays. On the second and fourth Saturdays in the summer and the second Saturdays in the winter, night snorkeling is allowed till 10 PM although it is not advised for novices or young children.

        The site is spread-out in two levels: the upper level along has the parking lot and a well maintained public ground with kiawe trees (ideal for picnicking). Admission tickets can be purchased from the entry plaza designed like a rock formation – this award winning structure blends well with the landscape. At the Education Center and Exhibits area, there is a little waiting involved and then it is on to watching the mandatory safety and education video. The best view of this beautiful reef is from this waiting spot - so click away to the heart’s content! The pathway down to the beach is fairly steep but a trolley is also around for a nominal charge. The snorkeling gear rental facility is to the right.

        In the first half an hour of our snorkeling, we spotted nary a fish. Despite the documentary video warning against feeding the fish, for all our snorkeling experience at Hawaii over the years, we can almost attest to the fact that the best means to observe fish is either by following someone carrying fish food or by providing the vittles yourself. Perhaps it is lax enforcement, but at any given time, there is a sizable minority of visitors in the water with fare for the fish and naturally the schools congregate in those areas. This is a rather public secret and the few not in the know are considered old school. Interestingly, people consider themselves to be off the hook if what they offer is organic whole grain based food.

        As a precautionary, floating is preferred over wading as wading will inevitably result in bruises from the corals and could potentially damage the fragile environment. It took a while for our kids to realize that unlike an aquarium, we are the trespassers in another’s environment and the onus was on us humans to respect their space. Even if you reach Hanauma at the crack of dawn, upwards of 3-4 hours is a must to enjoy Hanauma Bay to the fullest for the variety of fish is beyond imagination.

        Parking was $1 for all. For Hawaiian residents with a valid ID, admission was free while visitors were charged $7.50 each (waived for children below 13). Rental fees were substantial – for the four of us, snorkeling sets, locker, and two life vests totaled $53.

        Other scenic options abound and the ones we set forth to were
        1. Pali Lookout: Panoramic views of the windward coast of Oahu are on offer here. The battle of Nu’uanu that resulted in Kamehameha I conquering the island of Oahu occurred here in 1795. Nu’uanu Pali is a pass that connects the Honolulu (leeward side) to Kailua, the windward side. The first road that connects the windward side to Honolulu was built in 1845 over Nu’uanu Pali. The Pali Highway and the impressive Nu’uanu Pali Tunnels were built in 1959.
        2. Lyon Arboretum: Lyon Arboretum located at Manoa Valley (3860 Manoa Road) covering 200 acres with elevation varying from 450 to 1850 feet, is adjacent to the hiking trail leading to Manoa Falls. This arboretum falls under the umbrella of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person and is open M-F 9AM to 4PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 3 PM – closed Sundays and public holidays. There are multiple trails with different sections including European, African, Mediterranean, Asian, Chinese, New World, gingers, and edible flowers. While the entrance area is unstructured there is ample variety – ornamentals, garden plants, several fruit bearing trees, ginger, lily, pine, palms, etc. are all abundant around this area. The hiking choices frequented are either the leisurely walk up to Bromeliad Garden and Inspiration Point round trip which can be done under an hour or the longer one to the Aihulama Falls (1.5 miles round trip).
        3. Waimea Valley: Waimea Valley located at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway on Oahu’s North Shore is about 40 miles from Waikiki. Admission $13 for Adults and $6 for kids 4-12. A trip to the North Shore is highly recommended for not only are the beaches less crowded, they also offer bigger waves compared to the serene setting around Waikiki. The sights en-route is scenic comprising mostly of vegetation and farming (sugar cane and pineapple) including the site of Dole Plantations. It is open all days from 9AM to 5PM – closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day. Waimea Valley consists of 1875 acres and is a sacred place in the Native Hawaiian history – descendents of the high priests lived and cared for the valley for 700 years until 1886. Currently, the valley is under the management of Hi’ipaka LLC, a nonprofit company whose mission is to nurture and care for Waimea Valley. The primary hike is 1.5 mile round-trip walk to the Waihi, the Valley’s 45-foot waterfall. It is a very pleasant trail which showcases plenty of Hawaiin flora and fauna. Repeated sightings of waxbills, mynas, zebra and spotted doves, red bulbuls, sparrows, Japanese white-eyes, and red-crested cardinals make for a fascinating jaunt. There are several detours (both paved and unpaved) that allows one to explore other sections. Right past the entrance are a few peacocks and the habitat for the endangered Hawaiian Moorhen. It is best to earmark atleast 3 hours for this site. Several walking tours are offered at set times (10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2PM) that focuses on sections such as Native Plants, History, Wildlife, and ‘Alae ‘Ula Interpretation. For those endowed with time, it is an excellent way to commune with nature.
        What better way to say ‘aloha’ than arriving at the airport a mite early to appreciate the Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian gardens at The Honolulu Airport Cultural Gardens! With luck, you might even catch a free event which is regularly on offer.

        Related Posts:

        1. Oahu, Hawaii - Flora and Fauna - A Trip Report.
        2. Oahu, Hawaii - Hiking - A Trip Report.
        3. Oahu, Hawaii - Attractions - A Trip Report.

        Last Updated: 02/2011.

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