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Saturday, 15 June 2013

HAWAII - Waikiki

DSCF2689Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and also the most populous. Oahu is known as ‘The Gathering Place’ and the state capital, Honolulu is located here. Even though the entire island is in the City and County of Honolulu, as a place name, Honolulu occupies only a portion of the southeast end of the island.

I spent a week in Oahu and my first posting shall be on Waikiki. Waikiki is a district of the city Honolulu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. This beachfront neighbourhood of Honolulu is the most famous place in the whole of Hawaii and its where tourists and locals gather.

I stayed here at Waikiki for my entire vacation here in Hawaii, so some of the events written here are not in chronological order. I’m not going to write Day 1 – Day 7 Waikiki, so this post is a bit long and happy reading!   


DSCF1537Arrived at the Honolulu International Airport and I received the Lei of Plumeria flowers while my beau got the Kukui Nut Lei from Roberts Hawaii upon arrival. Booked them through their website at www.robertshawaii.com for all my airport shuttle. Its cheaper than getting a cab or through the shuttle at the airport. However its better to get a cab if you have 3 or more people travelling together.


DSCF0808After meeting up with my sis together with her boyfriend, we went to Duke’s Waikiki for lunch.


DSCF0814Hmmm….what should I have for lunch? Any recommendations sis?


P9090539Took some pictures while waiting for my food.


DSCF0810View of Waikiki beach


DSCF0811Duke’s Waikiki is just located by the beach.


DSCF0815The cocktail I had. If I’m not mistaken, its called “Lava Flow”.


DSCF0816I had the Cajun Grilled Chicken Sandwich. 


DSCF0818My beau had the Duke’s Cheddar Burger.


DSCF0823The meal was simply delicious.


P9090532I can see Diamond Head from the restaurant. Diamond head is the name of the volcanic tuff cone and its the landmark for Waikiki.


DSCF0825Duke’s Waikiki “On the Sand on Waikiki Beach” is highly recommended. Meals and drinks right on the beach, what is there not to like.


DSCF0829 (2)This restaurant is located at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel.


DSCF0826 (2)Waikiki is a beachfront neighbourhood of Honolulu, so expect to see lots of bikini clad girls and topless hunks.


DSCF0827 (2)You can buy children stuff here at the Little People shop.



DSCF0828 (2)Some of the many drawings you can see around Waikiki.


DSCF0831 (2)International Market Place is an outdoor market and it came highly recommended by many. It has over 100 stalls and shops laid amongst a jungle like backdrop of banyan trees.


DSCF0840If you want to buy souvenirs, this is the place to be.


DSCF7623Many type of souvenirs for you to choose from.


DSCF0839You can really get a good deal if you are good in bartering.


DSCF0842If you forgot your beachwear, you can get it here at the Market Place.


DSCF0834 (2)International Market Place is crowded and touristy. Its nice for people who like the market like environment. But as for me, other than souvenirs, I don’t think I’ll be back here. Last I heard, the place is to be demolished to make way for a shopping mall.


DSCF0836Other than souvenirs and clothing, you can grab a bite at some of the restaurants at the Market Place.


DSCF0837Tiki town cafe. Tiki refers to large wood or stone carvings of human form and is often serve to mark the boundaries of sacred or significant sites.


DSCF0843I think the Market Place is the only place Waikiki, where credit card is not widely accepted. Not to worry, there are a few ATM machine around here in case you don’t have enough cash..


DSCF0874The Royal Hawaiian Center is a shopping mall located near Waikiki Beach.


DSCF1839The mall has four levels and………..


DSCF0869…….adopts an open-air concept building. With an average temperature of 28°C whole year round, the weather is just perfect. Schedule live music and hula performance throughout the week can been watched here at this courtyard.


DSCF0846This shopping complex has the largest concentration of flagship sores in Hawaii including Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Salvatore Ferragamo, bebe and Hermes.

I went to Kate Spade and they even sell a ‘Hawaiian’ edition handbag, where you can purchase only here in Hawaii.


DSCF1842For those craving for Chinese food, you can eat here at the Beijing.


DSCF0847This mall opened in 1979 and underwent an extensive renovation in 2005 and completed in 2008. That explains why it looks so new and the best looking mall in Hawaii.


DSCF0867 (2)Royal Hawaiian Center changed its identity after the renovation, emphasizing on its role as a gathering place not merely for commercial appeal but also notable cultural features and historical significance.


DSCF0878 (2)Got to ease yourself?

Japanese wordings often compliments English words even in menus. You get the idea regarding the importance of Japanese tourist here in Hawaii.


DSCF7645The mall is strategically located in 2201 Kalakaua Avenue. No way you can miss this big shopping mall while in Waikiki.


DSCF0851 (2)Its ‘normal’ for guys to walk around without their shirts even in shopping mall.


DSCF7608Needless to say, you regularly see guys without their shirt on the streets.


DSCF0860 (2)You often see Japanese girls walking in group along the streets in Waikiki.


DSCF7613Waikiki is indeed a shopping haven especially for the Japanese girls. You can see them either in groups or with their boyfriend carrying shopping bags.


DSCF0854 (2)The Hawaiian word meaning “the wind blow, coconut fronds sway, Koali blossoms dance on the plain”. Its actually the opening lines of a traditional male hula (dance chant).


DSCF0856So why is it called Royal Hawaiian? What so royal about this mall? The land on which the mall sits was once known as Helumoa, a Royal Grove, more than 200 years ago. King Kamehameha I, III and V once lived here  


DSCF7640Helumoa, once a massive ulu niu (coconut grove) with an estimated 10,000 trees.


DSCF0804Many coconut trees and other indigenous plants were planted here at the mall.


DSCF0863 (2)My legs are aching from all that walking. Lucky they have chairs like this for me to put up my leg.


DSCF7649One the many ABC Stores located at the mall. ABC is a chain of convenience store based in Honolulu. ABC is ubiquitous in Waikiki. There are more than 30 stores located within a one mile radius. You can practically see ABC Store at every block. This strategy has blocked competition from other convenience stores from entering the Waikiki market. Forget about 7-Eleven, its hard to spot one.

ABC Stores sells almost everything you need. From groceries to souvenirs and the price is competitive.


DSCF0877 (2)Royal Hawaiian Center is indeed the gathering place for both visitors and local residents. In my opinion, its the best mall with regard to ambience. I’ve been to this mall several times since its just a short walk to where I’m staying.


DSCF7642Off to my next destination. Don’t know here to go? Don’t worry there are many magazine shelves like this by the roadside. These magazines have maps and introduces places for shopping, gastronomy, attractions and etc.


DSCF0873 (2)That’s one quirky looking car. So how do travel around Hawaii? Everything in Waikiki is within easy walking distance. But if you want to go further, you got to have some kind of transportation.


DSCF1854Well you can travel luxuriously by renting a limo.


DSCF2915Or travel in style by getting a convertible. If renting a car, most tourist here in Hawaii opt for the convertible. 


DSCF7688Or you can always get on the Hop On, Hop Off bus.


DSCF0903 (2)The vehicle above is called the trolley. These trolleys are largely aimed at Japanese tourist. So far I didn’t see other tourist from other nationality getting on the trolley.

As for me, I took the most frequently used form of public transportation which is the bus system, called TheBus. With 100 routes serving more than 4,000 stops, it is the best way to travel around Oahu, say going downtown from Waikiki.  


DSCF0899Teddy Bear World, Hawaii is a Teddy Bear Museum located on Kalakaua Avenue.


DSCF0883 (2)Amazing attraction for the whole family? I got to check it out. Mind you there’s an entrance fee.


DSCF0881The bears of Hawaii. Aloha!


DSCF0882If you like teddy bears, you’ll love this place.


DSCF0884The Elvis Bear.


DSCF0885Teddy Bear surfers with Eric Arakawa’s surfboard.


DSCF0906 (2)Eric Arakawa is a famous surfboard shaper. He was born here in Honolulu and still lives here in Oahu. Having shaped surfboard for over ten World Champions and with 30 years experience, he is considered b many to be one of the finest shapers in the world.


DSCF0886A Sumo wrestler teddy bear.


DSCF0891 (2)Children will definitely like this place.


DSCF0892Wouldn’t recommend this place if you’re an adult and not a teddy bear fan.


DSCF0894I didn’t know that the name Teddy Bear came from the former US President Theodore Roosevelt who was commonly known as Teddy.  He even used one as a mascot in his bid for re-election.


DSCF0895I didn’t knew the history of teddy bear till I read the storey regarding the birth of teddy bear here at the museum.

Let me just summarise the story. While on a bear hunt, President Roosevelt hadn’t landed himself a bear, so his friends tied a bear cub to a tree for the President to shoot. Roosevelt declined to shoot and a legend was born.


DSCF0898There are more than 800 animatronic bears here.


DSCF0900You can always buy a teddy bear at the gift shop to take home as a souvenir.


DSCF0902Did i buy any? Nope. Didn’t really like the design of the bears. I still prefer the fat, short legged teddy bear. They are much cuter.


DSCF7632The Hawaiians just loves their dog.


DSCF0908A cute looking poodle.


DSCF0910Its 6pm, time to head back for a rest.


DSCF0911Rainbow can often be seen in Waikiki. Hawaii receives sunshine all year round but it also rains very frequently. While I was there, there will be rain nearly every few hours. But don’t worry it’s not that kind of rain where it pours. The rain is just like sprays of water and it stops after a few minutes. You don’t see people using umbrellas during the rain.


DSCF7631So where did I stayed in Waikiki. A five star hotel? I’m actually staying at my sister’s apartment called the Rosalei. The apartment is located near Waikiki Beach, about 10 minutes walk to the beach.


DSCF0916No boys allowed! Well I guess my sis had to make an exception for my beau.


DSCF0913The bed I shared with my sis. My beau had to sleep on the floor, with a mattress of course. The unit is nice with occasional cool wind blowing in.


DSCF0918After taking a bath, I went out dinner. The flaming street lights at Teddy Bear World.


DSCF0919Went to some of the shops at Waikiki streets.


DSCF0920Bought some items along the way.


DSCF0921Interested in shooting some rounds. Head to the Waikiki Gun Club. Prices starts from USD 15.


DSCF7718Compare with mainland US where 50% of Americans own a gun, Hawaii has one of the strictest gun possession laws in the United States. Assault pistols and high capacity magazine are both banned in the island and handguns are strictly regulated. This is what makes Hawaii the safest state in US.


DSCF0925 (2)My beau taking a picture with ‘President Barack Obama’. Obama is a Hawaiian and the people here just loves him.


DSCF0927There are quite a number of pubs here in Waikiki.


DSCF0929This pub caught my eye. Bacchus Waikiki is different from the ‘normal’ pubs. Notice the rainbow flag? It is actually a trendy gay wine bar and lounge.


DSCF0931 (2)I had my dinner here at the Siam Square restaurant, just beside the gay bar. Had to queue before entering the restaurant. This restaurant serves reasonably priced, delicious Thai food. My beau really enjoyed the food here especially because the servings was huge.


DSCF7716Some of the wordings you can find on the walking pavements. Mauka means inland, towards the mountain.


DSCF2191While Aloha is the most commonly spoken word in Hawaii


DSCF0932 (2)Let’s just call it a night.


DSCF0936For the subsequent days I continued to explore Waikiki.


DSCF1755I am now at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, just located beside the Royal Hawaiian Center. Its often referred to as ‘The Pink Palace” and at the rate from USD 500 per night, I’m sure the rooms are palace like.


DSCF1757Hula-la! flagship boutique located in Royal Hawaiian Hotel sells girls only swimwear. The designer swimwear is sexy and sweet. Prices are reasonable and you should check it out while in Waikiki.  


DSCF1834A place to chat and relax while enjoying the greenery of Royal Grove.


DSCF7633A girl playing around the life size bronze statue of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop at the Royal Grove. The princess was the great granddaughter of King Kamehameha I and last surviving heir.


DSCF1837 - CopyPart of the Royal Grove of Royal Hawaiian Center.


DSCF1838The Hawaiian Royal Hotel is located just beside the Royal Hawaiian Center. By walking through the Royal Grove, you will arrive at the mall.


DSCF1750The mural of Bodhisattva Guanyin at the Miramar at Waikiki, is a budget hotel located near Waikiki Beach from USD 125 per night.


DSCF1751King’s Village Farmer’s Market opens every Monday and Friday from 4 – 9pm. I didn’t manage to check out this place, maybe next time when I return to Hawaii.


DSCF0905Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu located at the corner of Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki. Claimed by many Americans to be the best HRC in the United States.


DSCF0937 (2)Honolulu Police keeps the streets safe.


DSCF0939I am now off for breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things. Walked along the streets of Kalakaua Avenue. Row of shops to my left and across the road is the beach.


DSCF7668Woa! Look at the queue. I mean its like 7am in the morning. I heard the queue gets worse later in the day.

Just above the cafe is Waikiki Circle Hotel. This hotel is facing ocean. Rates from USD 185 per night. Well if you stay more than a week here you get a 30% off.


DSCF0941Rule of thumb is wherever there is a queue, that means they serve good food. I guess we just had to queue.


DSCF0943My sis ordering our breakfast. There are more than 100 items on its breakfast menu alone.

Lucky you only queue if you want to eat in. We decided to take away our food since my sis has to work later.


DSCF0947 (2)After about 20 minutes later our food was ready to go.


DSCF0957I had the fresh strawberry pancakes with whipped cream while my beau ordered the traditional omelette. Really had a hearty breakfast.


DSCF0962Found a spot by the beach to have my breakfast. Enjoyed the beautiful view while eating the delicious pancakes. The best breakfast I had in Hawaii was in Eggs ‘n Things.


DSCF0968 (2)I have now come to the highlights of Waikiki. Waikiki is most famous for their beach. 


DSCF1002Waikiki Beach, the white sand beach shoreline fronting the neighbourhood is the nucleus of Hawaii’s tourist industry.


DSCF0979The beach is packed with high rise hotels.


DSCF0972 (2)There are offshore retaining walls on some parts of the beach.


DSCF0975This 2.4km stretch of white sand beach one of the best known beaches in the world and the most famous in Hawaii.


DSCF0977Enjoying the morning sunshine as I stroll along the beach.


DSCF0974A weird way to enjoy a suntan. 


DSCF0985 (2)Located in the middle of Pacific Ocean, the closest continent is about 3,000km away. You can be assured of a clean ocean and air.


DSCF1003 (2)People resting under coconut trees while enjoying the sea breeze.


DSCF1005 (2)An exhausted dog resting with his owner.


DSCF1004Japanese girls enjoying the ocean view.


DSCF1019People enjoying the sun and sand.


DSCF7657Spotted a pretty Japanese girl at the beach.


DSCF7661Japanese dominates the number of foreign tourist in Hawaii. Even the population of Hawaii is dominated by Asians which makes up to about 40%. Hawaii has the lowest percentage of White Americans of any states in the US. While I was in Hawaii, I felt like I was at home.


DSCF7660Other than the sun and beach, you can enjoy the view of bikini clad girls and topless hunks.


DSCF1006Kids playing at the beach.


DSCF1008 (2)People of all ages comes here to this beach.


DSCF7656If something goes wrong, be rest assured that the lifeguard is always nearby.


DSCF7658A lifeguard talking to a tourist at ‘Tower 2 Delta’ lifeguard station


DSCF1011Wonder what kind of gig he is performing.


DSCF1010I’m not sure if he’s a pastor, but he sure is giving a Sunday Service here by the beach. My first time hearing a sermon by the beach. Christianity is the largest religion in Hawaii.


DSCF1022Want to learn how to surf? You can have surfing lessons and surfboards rental here at the Star Beachboys.


DSCF7674This is the Kuhio Beach of the Waikiki Beach.


DSCF7687More pretty girls.


DSCF1015 (2)This part of the beach is where the statue of the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku is located.


DSCF7678Its kind of landmark for the Waikiki Beach. Remember the Duke’s Waikiki I had lunch? The restaurant is named after him.


DSCF1020Referred to as the ‘Father of International Surfing’, Duke introduced surfing to the Eastern seaboard of America, Europe and Australia. He became a hero when he saved eight lives from a capsized fishing vessel. Using his surfboard, he went back and forth to shore saving the people. The police chief of Newport at that time called Duke’s effort ‘the most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen’.

Raised in Waikiki, Duke was a full blooded Hawaiian, who symbolized Hawaii to millions of people. He was a five time Olympic medallist in swimming and the world’s fastest swimmer at that time.


DSCF1018One of the world’s greatest watermen, a master of swimming, surfing and canoe paddling. Duke was a true Hawaiian hero. He died in 1968 at the age of 77 and was given a burial at sea. A long of motorcade of mourners accompanied by police escort moved across town to Waikiki Beach accompanying his burial whereby his ashes were scattered into the ocean.


DSCF1023When the waves are large, you can see people bringing along their surfboards heading towards the beach.


DSCF1024The Stupid Factory.


DSCF7689Stupid factory sells sarcastic logoed t-shirts.


DSCF1028 (2)Other than the sun and beach, Waikiki is well known for shopping. There are just so many shops in Waikiki.


DSCF7690Marc Jacobs at the DFS Galleria. DFS Galleria Waikiki is a luxury shopping mall.


DSCF1029The decorations in DFS Galleria are lovely.


DSCF7693



DSCF7694Now, that’s the right way to shop.


DSCF1035You can find numerous designers here. Burberry, See by Chloe, Coach, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Salvatore Ferragamo, just to name a few.


DSCF1036 (3)Branded fashion ware all under one roof. Truly the ultimate luxury destination. 


DSCF1040DFS Galleria. DFS stands for Duty Free Shoppers. Shoppers other than Americans enjoy duty free price here.


DSCF1047 (3)As usual, you see many Japanese shoppers around.


DSCF1049DFS Galleria has both Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs shop. So what is difference between this top brands? Well, they both belong to the same designer, Marc Jacobs. Marc by Marc Jacobs is actually a more affordable secondary line.


DSCF1056How do I look?


DSCF1052I did not purchase anything here. I mean the price is cheaper compared to my home country Malaysia, but I had other plans for my shopping destination.


DSCF7701This is the place I was planning all along for my shopping spree. Waikele Premium Outlets is located at an outskirt area about 30 minutes drive away from Waikiki.


DSCF1057Just like the Las Vegas Premium Outlet, which I had my shopping spree, the items sold here are very cheap. There are 50 outlet stores including Guess, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Levi’s, Skechers, Coach, Juicy Couture, Nine West and Barneys.


DSCF1058 (2)Me and my beau bought and bought till we couldn't carry anymore. The heaviest item was the 20 bottles of vitamin supplements he bought in Vitamin World which he spent a few hundred US dollars. I spotted some people tagging along luggage bags. At first I didn’t understand their intentions, I now know.


DSCF3197We easily spent more than a thousand US dollars shopping here at the Waikele Premium Outlet. USD 50 for a coach wallet, USD 30 for a pair of Levis jeans or USD 50 for a pair of Nine West shoes, it was a bargain that was hard to resist! In Malaysia, it costs triple the price and you’re not even sure if its an imitation.


DSCF1061 (2)Americans usually purchase just few items unlike tourist especially from Japan, who buys by the load.


DSCF7710A rainbow appearing at the Premium Outlet. Monday till Saturday, the opening hours are from 9am till 9pm. Sadly I came here on a Sunday whereby the opening hours are from 10am – 6pm. Trust me when I say you need the whole day if you intend to shop here.


DSCF1077This is the Luxury Row located at the 2100 Kalakaua Avenue which offers one the finest collections of luxury brands.


DSCF1087Tiffany & Co, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Hugo Boss are some of the retailers located here.


DSCF1081A beautiful necklace on display at the Tiffany.


DSCF1089’The Storeyteller’ is a seven foot bronze statue located in front of the exclusive shops here at the Luxury Row.


DSCF1090Watcha lookin' at?


DSCF1098A famous place to have your dinner. Ramen Nakamura is a small restaurant serving ramen. This restaurant sits a maximum of 20 diners.


DSCF1094Like other well known restaurant in Waikiki, you have to queue. While waiting for my turn, I looked at the menu.


DSCF1099Ordered the spicy ramen.


DSCF1100 (3)I wouldn’t say the ramen is the best that I’ve tried. The owner is a Japanese, but in comparison with the ramen I had in Japan, the ramen by Nakamura is only so-so.


DSCF1102The Guinness Draught my beau bought in ABC Store. No cash? Don’t worry, ABC accepts credit card.


DSCF1758More of Waikiki Beach. This part of the beach is called Royal Manoa Beach, the most crowded stretch of beach.


DSCF2679Regardless of what day you go to the beach, its always crowded. But if you go early in the morning, there are lesser people.


DSCF2682I guess people prefers this stretch of beach because of the view of Diamond Head.


DSCF2683The Helumoa Aqua Lounge for rental at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.


DSCF1777The waves are really rough today.


DSCF1773The roar of the waves.


DSCF1780The waves splashes as it hits the wall.


DSCF2730My beau thought it was a good idea to take a picture of me with the splashing waves.


DSCF2732Well it was fun watching the waves as it come crashing on the wall. I was standing quite high from the sea, so I guess it’ll be alright.


DSCF2734The waves came crashing on the wall and retreated.


DSCF2736Until this huge wave came charging towards me where I was standing. The big splash got me all wet.


DSCF1765Hahaha! My beau was laughing his lungs out until I begun strangling his neck.


DSCF1783The waves are just perfect for surf boarding.


DSCF1794I’m sure surfers will enjoy their surfing today.


DSCF2701As for me, I’ll just enjoy the beautiful waves.


DSCF2704Oahu is home of some of the largest waves in the world. Not here in Waikiki but at the North Shore of Oahu.


DSCF2719Other people are also enjoying the waves.


DSCF2761


DSCF2761 (2)Here fishy, fishy, fishy.


DSCF2724The young and old enjoying themselves at the beach this beautiful day.


DSCF2729The beach getting more and more crowded.


DSCF2726The Royal Manoa Beach is indeed the best section of Waikiki Beach.


DSCF1832


DSCF2757Panoramic view of Waikiki Beach.


DSCF1847Hawaii’s flag adopted in 1845. The flag is composed of eight horizontal stripes, representing the eight major islands. If you have read the brief description of Hawaii on the ‘Big Island blog’, you’ll know which islands.


DSCF7685Hawaii flag is the only US state flag to feature the Union Flag of United Kingdom. There are various accounts regarding the origins of the flag, but just to generalise it, the flag is a remnant of the period when Hawaii was under in the influence of the British Empire.


DSCF1857A bronze statue of a mermaid along a street.


DSCF7662St Augustine Church Waikiki located just across the street from Waikiki Beach.


DSCF1846Wonder why there are so many people by the street. Is President Obama coming? There’s a parade coming! I think it was the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade. I had made prior appointment so I had to give it a miss. Shit!


DSCF1860A unique bottle of Tequila. But it comes with a higher price.


DSCF0845 (2)The Cheesecake Factory is another famous place to dine.


DSCF2767This restaurant serves Western Food such as pizza, burger and steak. But I definitely had to try their signature cheese cake. With more than 30 variety of cheese cakes to choose, I had a hard time choosing. In the end, I had The Original Cheesecake, the one that started it all. Very delicious.   


DSCF2768Whenever I pass by The Cheesecake Factory, there was a long queue. On one particular day, surprisingly there was no queue. That is when I quickly enter the restaurant and ordered the cake.


DSCF2771Diners enjoying their meal at the Cheesecake Factory located at the Royal Hawaiian Center.


DSCF2812Further up, located between the slopes of Diamond Head and Waikiki, lies Honolulu Zoo. In 1877, King Kalakaua used the surrounding area for his personal collection of exotic birds and horses. The zoo now features over a thousand animals from all over the world such as the Galapagos Tortoise, Lemur, Miniature Horse and Golden Lion Tamarin.


DSCF2830The zoo was not on my priority list of places to visit, so I gave it a miss. But I most definitely will come back here the next time I’m in Hawaii.


DSCF2827Just in front of the zoo is a statue Mohandas K. Gandhi’s statue located in Kapiolani Park.

“You must be the change that you want to see in the world”.


DSCF2834Also at the Kapiolani Park is a statue of Joy.


DSCF2835No, here name is not Joy. Its the joy of music dedicated to the children of Hawaii.


DSCF2840The 300 acre park was created in 1877 and named after Queen Kapiolani. It is the largest and oldest public park in Hawaii.


DSCF2774Hmmm….this statue looks interesting.


DSCF2776Its the famous Makua and Kila statue, depicting a young monk seal swimming alongside a surfer boy. It is based in a children’s storey honouring Hawaiian values of love and respect for ohana (family) and the ocean.


DSCF2775Makua is the young surfer who befriends a monk seal, Kila.


DSCF2773A sign-surfboard explaining the Waikiki Historic Trail.


DSCF2777The waves are calmer at this part of Kuhio Beach of the Waikiki Beach.


DSCF2797Actually the waves are big, but the offshore retaining wall prevents huge waves from crashing onto the beach.


DSCF3053Making it comfortable for all to enjoy the beach.


DSCF3063Waikiki has some of the best summer waves in the world. The swells vary in height from 2 to 8 feet.


DSCF2808Mostly teenage surfers. Wonder where the adults are? Maybe there’s a better spot to surf.


DSCF2784 - CopySurfers will go out to the ocean, pass the retaining wall to catch the waves.


DSCF2787The longest ride recorded took place in 1917 when the great Duke Kahanamoku caught a 35 foot wave and rode it to shore for a distance of 2km. 


DSCF2794A guy riding the waves.

When Mark Twain visited Hawaii in 1866, he wrote “In one place we came upon a large company of naked natives, of both sexes and all ages, amusing themselves with the national pastime of surf-bathing”.

So did Mark Twain tried surfing? Indeed he did. “I tried surf bathing once, subsequently, but made a failure of it…The board struck the shore in 3/4 of a second, without any cargo, and I struck the bottom at the same time, with a couple of barrels of water in me”.


DSCF3047From ancient time, Waikiki has been a popular surfing spot which is one of the reasons why the Chiefs made Waikiki their homes and headquarters for hundreds of years. Though surfing has been called the sport of king, everyone surfed.


DSCF3049I am now at the Queens Surf Beach, part of Waikiki Beach, in front of Kapiolani Park.


DSCF3050The cast from the famous American TV series Hawaii Five-O is coming here today. Do you know how the TV series name came about? Simple! America is made up of 50 states and Hawaii is the most recent and the 50th state of America. Five-O meaning 50!


DSCF3052Fans of the TV series camping around waiting for their favourite actors and actresses.


DSCF3054Usually, Queens Surf Beach is a quieter section of Waikiki Beach. Most probably because of the anticipation of Hawaii Five-O’s casts, the beach is crowded.


DSCF3055In ancient times, there were at least two heiau (temples) located near the shoreline in this area. One was Kupalaha, which may have functioned in connection with the infamous Papaenaenaheiau where it is believed that the last human sacrifice was made by King Kamehameha I in Waikiki.


DSCF3056Couple of local children diving into the ocean.


DSCF3057Splash!


DSCF3058Make way, here she comes.


DSCF3065Being the birthplace for modern surfing, this sport is one of the favourite activity in Waikiki. 


DSCF3066I have not tried surfing, maybe next time.


DSCF3076There are just so many places to eat in Waikiki.


DSCF3075Cheeseburger in Paradise is a restaurant chain in the Unites States.


DSCF3072I have not eaten at this restaurant while I was at the mainland and I saw this restaurant while walking along the beach, so I decided to give a try here in Waikiki.


DSCF3070A bartender mixing up a cocktail.


DSCF3074Waiter and waitresses wearing the hula skirt.


DSCF3080I of course ate their specialty cheese burger. Not bad!


DSCF2194Ten past eleven, time for supper.


DSCF3184Even late at night, Waikiki is still bustling with people.


DSCF3182Fatty’s Chinese Kitchen? Naw! Not craving for Chinese food.


DSCF2198Ate here at a Japanese BBQ restaurant.


DSCF2205Mmmm…..delicious!


DSCF2206A fortune cat as part of the deco. So what is the name of the restaurant?


DSCF2209Its the Gyu-Kaku. With over 600 locations within Japan and more than 30 overseas, this place is definitely the place to eat. Gyu-Kaku has restaurants even in Singapore and Indonesia but not Malaysia Sad smile. Hope they will open one soon in Kuala Lumpur.


DSCF3190I strolled along Waikiki beach after supper. It is relatively safe to walk around Waikiki even after midnight. Probably because this is the part of Honolulu that never sleeps.

Waikiki is a paradise and I most definitely will be missing this place a lot when I leave.


DSCF3030Wow! It's a concrete jungle in Waikiki. This picture was taken while my beau hiked up Diamond Head. Want to know more about Diamond Head? Read it in my next post. Smile




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1 comment:

  1. Amazing photos. I'm moving back to Oahu on 6/1. Can't wait

    ReplyDelete