Hawaii, Food And Fun Enjoying Oahu

 

 

After a long day of playing Co-ed Softball, a few of us meet for dinner at Duke's. Popular with locals and tourists, Duke's located on the beach is a Waikiki institution.

With pretty much open air seating and reasonable prices, dining or just hanging out at Duke is pretty hard to beat.

 

 

 

 

Dinner and a nice salad bar is about US$35 per person including drinks which you can only order one at a time. No stacking or ordering a drink for someone else (must be present to drink).

Stuffed from dinner or just wanting to test your hearing then head over to Maddog on Kuhio which we do. With a DJ spinning the tunes, a few of us burn off some calories and have a great time doing it. Although we have an early game to play in the morning, the fun last way past our bed time and it is going to be a very short night.

 

 

Hangin In Hawaii

 

 

Back at Kapiolani Park our round one playoff game goes as expected and for most of us we are happy it is over in a good way. Breakfast at Bogart's Cafe on Monsarrat Ave where we are accused by an irate customer of being “McCain and That Man supporters” then it is off to explore a bit of Oahu.

 

Following the coastline, we take in magnificent views of the rugged coast as awesome waves crash into it.

A stop at Sandy Beach and we are body-surfing the waves even as we are encouraged over a loud PA system to swim at another beach.

Sandy Beach is known as the most dangerous beach in America with a record number of back and neck injuries occurring here.

 

 

 

 

 

Kailua Beach

 

 

 

This evening dinner is at Buzz's Steak House in Kailua where Presidents have been known to dine. I hope they were not given an exemption on the I am told “3 Mai Tai Limit”.

Dinner at Buzz's will set you back a little bit more than at Duke's. However, what is a Presidential experience worth to you?

 

 

 

 

My last day in Hawaii is as beautiful as my first although a little sad. It does end on a good note with breakfast at Moana Surfrider, the original Waikiki beach hotel.

 

 

 

Moana Surfrider Hotel

 

 

 

A breakfast buffet, US$30 per person is more than delicious with fresh banana pancakes and other breakfast delights along with a view and ambiance that is amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hawaii, Goodbye Sunshine

 

In my experience some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the United States occur in Hawaii. For my first night in Honolulu I leave the Grand Waikiki and head for Queen Beach to capture another one of them.

 

As sailboats move across the orange horizon, I enjoy the views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki waterfront as I wait for hopefully the “Green Flash” of a Hawaii sunset.

Anytime along the beaches of Waikiki seem to be a fun and relaxing for everyone.

 

 

 

 

From boogie boarders and surfers enjoying the crashing waves to others like myself enjoying the view and the fresh ocean breeze this is an experience not to be missed. For me, it is always relaxing to listen to the sounds of the sea and watch as the sun displays its brilliant evening colors.

This evening there is no “Green Flash” as clouds hangs on the distant horizon. However, the soothing colors of the skies and the wink as the sun says goodbye makes for an impressive experience.

 

 

 

Hawaii, Honolulu Cheap Transportation And Food

 

Arriving in Honolulu, I have a plan that will kill two birds with one stone. Leaving the upper level of the airport building I head over to the “City Bus” stop. A short wait and the No.19 bus arrives that will take me for US$2.50 to an important address in Waikiki.

With numerous stops along the way this is not the fastest way into Waikiki but the most economical that also serves as somewhat of a free introduction tour to the island. En route to my first stop, we past through Chinatown and in front of the Royal Palace. Both of which I am told are worth a visit.

This is my first trip back to Honolulu in about five years and as the surroundings become more familiar my taste buds are beginning to get that “Aloha” feeling again. Familiar to most island visitors, we finally arrive at Ala Moana Shopping Center. As I exit the bus, I head straight for Foodland.

I can already taste the sticky rice and fried chicken I remember from many years ago.