Hawaii, third stop!

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Las Vegas to Hawaii, our third stop on this RtheW trip of a lifetime and the first location not previously visited. From now on for us it is all ‘new ground’…
Yet another early call for a flight takeoff at 9:30 am on a bright spring day with a distinct chill in the air. Again no hotel breakfast but muffins and black ‘cawfee’ in the departure lounge. Good ‘sideways’ view of the Strip from the tarmac but no opportunity to attempt a ‘panoramic’ shot. On board settle down for the eight hour flight to Honolulu. As a toddler, I have listened to ‘Hawaiian style’ music played on the steel guitar by my dad so we have many mental images of Waikiki and the Hawaiian scene…
On arrival, a traditional greeting for everyone, a lei, beautiful scent and colour, nothing artificial here! However an untraditional downpour, lightning, the works, lasting all of five minutes on the transfer, followed by bright sun. The hotel, named after an Hawaiian Princess, just off Waikiki beach. “Welcome to Paradise”. We are still moving west so have gained more hours adding confusion to our body clocks. By the time we are installed, washed and ready to explore it is late afternoon and at this latitude the sun drops more quickly rather than ‘skidding’ along the horizon. Must see Waikiki beach, only a few yards walk but not as imagined! Relatively short, tide well in? some coconut palms but very ‘commercial’, complete with a native(?) young lady performing the hula and ready to oblige visiting photographers! Well who could resist?
Obviously, dusk-sunset is a must, the beach is crowded as the sun descends, definitely spectacular but there is no ‘sizzling’ as the sun hits the sea? Back lit, its very difficult to photograph, must learn more tricks with the camera!

One interesting discovery, the founder of the sport ,surfboarding, is allegedly a native of Hawaii whose impressive statue can be found on the beach! Incidentally an Olympic gold medallist we are told.
Needless to say, a bout of retail therapy follows, then to dine and plan for tomorrows trip to Pearl Harbour.
So far so very, very good.

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Photos

Waikiki beach,
Late afternoon, a distinct red cast!

sunset
watched by everyone!

waikiki beach
a glimpse of the famous beach

in memory of...
the first surfer!

hello hula-hula
very traditional?