Blogs from Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii, United States, North America - page 11

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 ... read more

Hawaii is the place for me. It did take 36 hours of travelling and 3 plane journeys to get here, but it has been totally worth it. It has the sparkling sea and soft, sandy beaches which you see in all the travel guides, but you could get that in Mauritius, Barbados or tens of other places around the world. Hawaii has to be the only place which has this idyllic setting as well as adding that extra 'Disneyland' element which I love. I haven't been to North America for almost 10 years, and coming back now has made me remember how much I loved it. After a day spent lying under a palm tree watching the surfers I can't think of anything better than oodles of all-American restaurants to choose from, all offering massive portions ... read more

Geo: 21.2828, -157.829Wednesday, 6th April.The weather has turned and we are in for "spotty thunderstorms" which sound rather colourful. So it seemed like a good day to do some museums. First of all the Royal Mausoleum up in Nu'uanu Valley, the only part of the island which is not US territory. From there it was just a short drive up to Queen Emma's Summer Palace. This was a very modest "palace" where King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma came with their infant son Prince Albert Edward to escape the heat down in Honolulu. Very poignant exhibits such as the little Prince of Hawai'is crib, bath, toys etc. But he died at the age of just 4. The “docent” who showed us round was fairly knowledgeable but did have a bit of a problem with geography, talking ... read more

Geo: 21.2828, -157.829On the road again to explore the rest of the East Coast. This time we took the Pali Highway which runs from Honolulu up the Nu'uanu Valley, up into the Ko'olau Mountains, through a tunnel and down to the plains below. At the top is a lookout point with stunning views over the eastern side of O'ahu to the ocean. Before the road was built there was a sheer precipice with a terrifying, slippery trail winding down. Hamish's Interesting Historical Fact: this was the site of a key battle in Kamehameha's wars to unite the islands in the late 18th C. Having pursued enemy forces up the valley to the edge of the cliff some 400 of them either jumped or were pushed to their deaths.Our first destination was the Valley of the Temples, ... read more

Geo: 21.2828, -157.829Back to WaikikiJust a short one today as it is time to leave this beautiful island. One final walk round the patio and off I drove back to the airport. I really enjoyed my short stay and liked all the places I visited. I have been very lucky so far and I hope I get the chance to come back again.Compared to Puna Waikiki looks so busy, built up and manicured. But I still like the place. Every Friday evening at 7:45, there is a firework display on the beach not far from our hotel. So I went along and had a look. The display was good and I could use my fireworks setting on the camera. ... read more