We landed at Honolulu on Monday 23 May. This was always planned to be a warm, relaxing, no touring finale to our journey. It was also the first 'familiar soil' since leaving home. Fortunately the plan worked ... temperatures in high 20's, balmy trade winds, blue skies, tepid ocean water ... still did some walks but the beach beckoned. The opening panorama was taken at Waikiki Beach 'central', in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (Pink Palace) - always a busy spot. The tourist bustle of Waikiki was still there but they've spent a lot of money on smartening up the main streets since we were there in 2000. More plants & gardens, water features, lawns - some upgraded shopping centres etc - lovely result. Note the photo of the new Sheraton Centre. We stayed (for
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