Aloha from Waikiki Beach

Aloha from Waikiki Beach. 




The boardwalk along
Waikiki Beach



WOW!  It has already been over two weeks since we arrived in Hawaii.  For the first week we had rented a car so we were busy the first few days running around and picking up things we needed for our stay here. 

We also spent some time during those first days exploring and getting acquainted with our neighbourhood.  On the East side of our condo, the boardwalk along Waikiki Beach.



Huge banyan tree



Five minutes away from on the Western side of the Ilikai where we are staying is the Ala Moana Park .  Both these areas are wonderful venues for our daily walk in the morning.

Arthur and Ethel arrived on February 1st after making a very tight 25 minute connection in Denver.  When we went to pick them up at the airport, their luggage hadn't made the connection in Denver so they had to wait till the nest day to get their bags.  We spent their first day her doing grocery shopping and getting things set up for them.

The next few days, we got in the car and explored the island of Oahu which is about 35 miles wide and 45 miles high.  While the island is quite small, the middle of the island is mostly volcanic mountains and the road does not circle the whole island because of high cliffs on the North Western side. 





Scenic view from
The Diamondhead



The first day we traveled the East side which took us to Diamondhead which is on the eastern side of Waikiki.



Surf's up on the North Shore



Then we traveled a picturesque, winding ocean side road which circles the island up to the Northern side where the beaches are renowned for their 30 feet high waves.



Francis and Rosella at
the Dole pineapple plantation



Later during the day, we took a highway which cut through the middle if Oahu which took up past the Dole pineapple plantation where we stopped and explored the plantation site.



Picnic on the beach



The next day, we were on the road again doing the Western side of Oahu which is not quite as pretty as the eastern side but nevertheless a nice scenic drive.  We had packed a lunch so around noon time, we stopped and had a picnic in a nice park alongside the Pacific Ocean.

By Saturday of the first week, we had to return the car.  Since then, we usually start off our days by going for a walk, either on the Boardwalk or at the Ala Moana Park and then head for either the very nice pool here at the Ilikai or at the beach. 



Live Hawaiian entertainment
at the Royal Hawaiian
Culture Centre



We have also had a chance to explore  some of the night time activity.  There are many free Hawaiian shows in the Waikiki area.  One of the best ones is at the Royal Hawaiian Culture Centre where they have free lessons on Hawaiian culture such as hula dancing, playing the ukulele, lei making as well as live entertainment every night.  We have also spent a few nights listening to live Hawaiian music at local venues with Art and Ethel

Next Saturday, February 19th, we are leaving for a 9 day, three island excursion with Art and Ethel.  We will spend one day on Molokai then four days each on Maui and the Isle of Hawaii which is better known as The Bid Island.