An Evening Stroll through Waikiki

On Saturday night, I dropped Andrew off at the Ward Center for an event with his leadership class.   David and I continued onto Waikiki Beach.  Above, Diamond Head overlooks Queen's Beach.

We strolled down Kalakaua Avenue, home of couture shops  that cater to Asian tourists.   These lovely wahine (ladies) posed for my blog.

This honu (turtle) welcomes tourists in the Outrigger Hotel.

David poses with the lion inside the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel.

We enjoyed the violinist playing on Prince Kuhio Beach.

The jetty provided a panoramic view of Waikiki Beach.  

I zoomed onto the pink hotel, the Royal Hawaiian.

Here's the Moana Surfrider again, a popular venue for Korean weddings.

Walking back to my car, we notice the keiki (children) from a hula halau (school), waiting to perform on Prince Kuhio Beach.

Also waiting are the wahine (women) of the hula hulau (school).

As the sun set, the hula halau treated tourists to Hawaiian cutlure.

Do you have a favorite dance?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 9, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 10, on SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

No matter how many sunsets I photograph, they always take my breath away .....

A Stroll through Waikiki (part 3)

Continuing my stroll through Waikiki, above is Prince Kuhio - a member of the deposed Royal Family.   When the Republic of Hawaii became a US territory, Prince Kuhio was elected to represent Hawaii.

I love the colorful flowers so close to the beach!

A group of kama'aina (local) surfers brought their mascot with them.

A long line for breakfast!

Here is Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku - the father of modern surfing, five time Olympic medalist, and Hawaii's Aloha Ambassador!

Here are the Stones of Life.  From Waikiki Visitor (at this link),

In Waikiki, along Kuhio Beach, four particular stones stand together embracing a collective legacy within Hawaiian history and culture. Oral traditions tell us that, before the reign of O‘ahu’s chief Kakuhihewa, four individuals came from Tahiti to the shores of Waikiki bringing with them tremendous healing powers. Kapaemahu was the leader of the four and honored for his ability to cast aside carnality and care for both men and women. Kapuni was said to envelop his patients with his mana. While Kinohiwas the clairvoyant diagnostician, Kahaloa— whose name means “long breath”—was said to be able to breathe life into her patients. The art of healing they practiced is known in the Islands as la‘au lapa‘au. In this practice, plants and animals from the land and sea, which are known to have healing properties, are combined with great wisdom to treat the ailing.

More flowers ... 

... and a carved pumpkin from the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel! 

Top of Waikiki is a rotating restaurant - it is on my bucket list before leaving Hawaii!    What would you order for breakfast from Eggs and Things?  Be creative!  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, November 10, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 11.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

For your carry on bag, a Ferrari!

A Stroll through Waikiki (part 2)

We have a winner from last week's blogs - Linda!   I walked as far east as the Queen Kapiolani Park, giving me a view of the resorts towering over Waikiki Beach ...

... and the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel!

I love watching the water interact with man's attempt to keep it out!

Another view of the breakwater ....

... and Diamond Head!    Would you rather stay in a historic hotel or modern resort?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, November 10, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 11.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

A surfer swims with the waves!

Jane wets her toes on Waikiki Beach

Jane wanted to visit Waikiki - the surfing sands of Oahu's ali'i (chiefs).  We ventured down to the Hale Koa - House of the Warrior.  The Hale Koa has faithfully served military families since 1975.   

Jane is dwarfed by the banyon tree!

Jane also sits in another "viney" tree -
does anyone know what kind it is?

Here's a view looking up!

  

Jane spies the stand up paddlers.

  

Jane finds a coconut!

Jane chats with the Beach Boy 
and Beach Girl!

Jane samples kayaking ... 

... and the water bike!

The water is so tempting ... 

... that many couples ride together!

Jane walks along the jetty for magnificent views!

What is your favorite beach?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 2, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 3.  


Mahalo,


Kim in Hawaii

A juggler has plenty of space to practice!

Aloha to Spam Jam in Waikiki Beach!

We have a winner from last week's blogs - Jane!

My travel buddies, Renee and Nadja, are also winners as they scored tickets to the advance screening of BATTLESHIP at the Navy's historic Sharkey Theater.  I'll post the link to their reviews when available.   Meanwhile, the Hawaii Food Bank is a winner from SPAM JAM on Waikiki Beach.   From its website (at this link),

The WAIKIKI SPAM JAM®Festival is a street festival that celebrates the people of Hawaii's love for SPAM®products a canned meat from Hormel Foods. In Hawaii, you will find SPAM®family of products at all grocery and convenience stores, many restaurants and in most homes in Hawaii.

This street festival is great for all ages, as the event includes Hawaii's top restaurants, two stages with free entertainment,and a variety of Hawaiian crafters. This is also a special event that benefits the Hawaii Food Bank, the largest non-profit in Hawaii that feeds the needy.

Located at the corner of Kalakaua and Seaside,
the crowds enjoyed the blue skies
and trade winds.

The Air Force's Band of the Pacific opened the festival.

Who knew the Air Force could rock?!?

  

Love the jerseys!  

Sandwiched between the Spam is
a Hawaii Food Bank volunteer.

David choose Gordon Biersch's Mac and Spam 
and Jo Anne tried PF Chang's Spam Lo Mein.

Spam is everywhere ... 

... and so is Five-O
(in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center).

   

We popped into the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
for an awesome view of Diamond Head.

One randomly selected commenter wins a can of Spam Flavored Macadamia Nuts ... 

tastyislandhawaii.com

... or a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1.   Leave a comment about your favorite food festival!

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, May 5, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii