Tuesday, November 27, 2007

DAY 13: OAHU ~ Waikiki

Gazebo Breakfast
For our last meal on Maui, we opt for the breakfast at the hotel gazebo. The view is spectacular, with the ocean waves pounding just offshore and Moloka'i in the far distance. After finishing breakfast, we walk around the grounds and I am enraptured by a beautiful hibiscus flower. Naturally, a rainbow pops up, so I must capture the moment. We then bid adieu to Maui and fly back over to Oahu for the final chapter.
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Waikiki Beach
On the first leg, we did just a touch-n-go with Waikiki, so this time around we hang around to enjoy the sand, surf and scenery.

Duke Kahanamoku
Anyone immersed within the surfing culture is aware that Duke Kahanamoku was the father of surfing. So, our first stop is in central Waikiki Beach, where a bronze statue commemorates his accomplishments. An interesting observation: a few leis are on the statue, but in Duke's hands, not around his neck. Not sure what the meaning of that is, if there is any...

International Market Place
We continue on to the International Market Place. The market place is basically set up with a ton of small cart booths in a park-like setting. Vendors sell pretty much anything, but most of the items are geared towards nicer quality items such as jewelry and homemade nick-nacks. If you're looking for a souvenir that's not the typical tacky stuff, stop by this place!

Royal Hawaiian
After a quick lunch, Locke & I stop by the Royal Hawaiian resort. Locke explained to me that when he was a young kid, he and his family stayed here, so there are many fond memories. We find a table on the outside patio and enjoy tropical fruit drinks along with some live music.

Hilo Hatties
Another place for good quality souvenirs is Hilo Hattie. This is a chain of large stores throughout the islands that also sells higher end Hawaiian nick-nacks along with good quality aloha shirts. Locke & I agree to make one last stop at the Nimitz flagship store to stock up on our Hawaiian gear before heading home.

Dinner with Sherise
Later that night, we have dinner with one of Locke's coworker, Sherise, in downtown Honolulu. Sherise grew up here and just happened to be in town for the Thanksgiving holidays!

Rainbow Sighting #6 - in Napili, Maui!

>> Al