Chilean Sailing Vessel at Aloha Tower

Aloha Tower Marketplace

Haven't been here in years, but the little hula girl statue is still welcoming visitors.

She seems a tad lonely, looking at the empty halls that were once filled with stores.

I like the romance of the seas and have read all the Master and
Commander books by Patrick O'Brien.   When Ry said the Chilean Navy Tall Ship Esmeralda was docked in Aloha Tower harbor we stopped by and it was open to the public. 

Nice young ensign showed me around.
He spoke in pretty good English, but I wish I knew Spanish so I could've asked him more questions.

The cumbersome wheel is more for decoration.

Chilean flag proudly flying in Honolulu skies.

He said every morning before breakfast they have to run up and down the ropes.  His position is on the second mast from the bottom.  Looked awfully high!

Hmm, inspecting the ship?  Probably just looking at the fish.

Netting on the bowsprit on which they can rest on breaks.

He pointed out their motto: Vencer o Morir

And the Chilean Coat of Arms.  A Condor and what I thought was a horse, but is a huemul, a rare animal like a horse.

A good view from the top of the Tower of the ship Esmeralda.

After the ship, we went up the Aloha Tower.   It used to be the tallest building around, but at 10 stories, it of course, no longer is.

Still a pretty view, though.

Raining in the Koolaus.

Now, part of the Marketplace has become the dormitory for Hawaii Pacific University.