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Arriving via America West, non stop from Phoenix, we checked in at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel, room 617. The first room turned out to be no smoking, the second room was under maintenance, and room 617 was a very nice upgrade with a great view and worth the problems. Located on some of the best beach, among the best hotels, and just across the street from the International Market, we were settled. After a change of clothes, we grabbed a snack and off to the surf we went. Jo took a liking to the Boogie Boards and immediately ascended into Heaven. I ordered a V.O. and 7, then started in that general direction, myself. Since this is basically the reason we are visiting Little Tokyo, the above is how many leisure hours were consumed. It was fun and very relaxing. One evening's entertainment was found in the Outrigger's main show room and the group was terrific. Their show was a combination of great comedy and variety acts.
You are refused an exit visa if you do not attend a Luau while in Hawaii, so we made reservations for Paradise Cove. This Cove is on the Southwest part of Oahu and was considered to be the Mother of Luaus. [Pictures from there appear often in Hawaii travel commercials.] Our escort was a cute little thing with absolutely no sane thought in her head. Arriving well before dark, we had plenty of browse around time to take in great scenery, checkout their souvenirs, catch some Hawaiian musical and dance acts, and just be tourists having a good time. The Luau dinner and after dinner show was really great, and it lasted until around 10:00pm. Lots of photos and tape footage still remind us of another evening in Paradise.
We picked up a rental car and headed off into the sunset, well more towards Diamond Head, actually. Traveling up the Northeast coast was pretty and not as crowded as the City. We killed an afternoon on the Northeast coast and felt a fresh morning start was needed to see more. An early morning start got us to the Northern beaches before noon and again, it is pretty to see. This area is noted for the large breakers and is some of the most dangerous surfing water in the world. Leaving there, we returned through the central part of Oahu and through the soon to be destroyed Doyle pineapple farms. [Japanese bought the land for development]. We did a half a day tour of the area on a bus with seats that would seat 5 Asians, 4 Americans or 3 Hawaiians. Was okay. Ran into some mainland friends, with whom we had dinner and later, a drink prior to them taking us to the airport for out return flight. |
