The King’s Tide, a Luau, a visit to Pearl Harbor and an amazing Hawaiian Sunset – a fitt

The arrival of the King’s Tide, the highest tide in recent history in Waikiki, made for an interesting walk along the shore of Waikiki. Walkways that were usually open were under water and often those who dared walk along the seawall were drenched by the thundering waves. The surfers were taking advantage of the high tide with waves that exceeded those at the Pipeline on the North Shore.

After dodging the encroaching seawaters on a rather long walk along the Waikiki shoreline, I went to a Luau at the Diamondhead Aquarium. The luau actually had pretty good food and the dancers doing a variety of native dances did a good job. I found myself seated with a future groom and his groomsman on their final night of freedom. I tried to talk his fiance out of it (he definitely is marrying up!) but she would have nothing of it and they actually did make a cute couple. Needless to say I did not however join in their attempt to drink through as many pineapple filled drinks as possible before the bar closed. The highlight of the night was the fire twirlers. A fitting end to a very Hawaiian evening.

The next morning I arrived at Pearl Harbor early enough to get a free ticket to the first Arizona Memorial presentation and boat ride. A very humbling experience. I spent the morning exploring the Bowfin Submarine and Missouri Battleship.

After an afternoon nap, I ventured towards the North Shore to shoot the sunset. I pulled over along a small beach with a rocky shore and enjoyed the sunset in relative peace.  One thing about coming to Hawaii at this time – there have been many times I have been able to contemplate the world around me without any company. A very relaxing experience.

Right now I am sitting at the Honolulu Airport waiting to board the plane to Kauai. Stay tuned, there is more to come!

Aquamarine Blue Waters, Sandy Beaches, Craggy Shorelines and Palm Trees. I must be in Hawaii!

In the early morning, just after sunrise, we boarded a van and Marie from Blue Hawaii Photo Tours led us through an amazing days of sights, sounds and Hawaiian history and culture. We roamed from Waikiki to various scenic spots along the eastern shore taking photos of rocky shorelines, soft sandy beaches and towering mountain ranges. All the while, Marie helped the four of us with our cameras. Yes, even me. I learned some shortcuts and a few techniques I never thought of. We visited Makapu’u Point, Lanikai where you can see an old WWII Pillbox observation station, Kualoa Beach Park with the Chinaman’s Hat Island jutting out in the bay. We made our way to La’ie Point where a giant tsunami punched a hole right through a small island in the bay. From there we venture to the North Shore where the famous surfing beaches can be found with names like “Sunset Beach,” “Banzai  Pipeline,” and “Pupukea Beach.” At Laniakea on the North Shore,  we watched the Hawaiian Green Turtle cavort in the surf with its human swim partners. They seemed to revel in getting flipped completely over by the crashing waves!

While on the North Shore, we visited a massive Banyan Tree that has become a fixture in TV shows and Movies including the new “Jumanji 2” coming out this summer. While there, I got to practice my portrait photography with a member of our tour. She volunteered to be the model for the group as we used the Hawaiian backdrops for a different type of photography.

Also on the North Shore, we dined at one of the many food trucks that can be found throughout the area. The food was excellent. I had Thai Chicken Satay and some fresh Mango from a nearby fruit stand. Great lunch!

On the way back to Waikiki, we passed the Dole Plantation and Marie filled us in on the amazing maturation process for a single pineapple. It takes over a year for one pineapple and the plant only produces two fruit! After two years, they dig up the plant and start all over!

After the tour, I rested a bit then took a long walk through Waikiki. If I was a shopper, I would have been in heaven. You can find everything from very high end to down and dirty basic. My walk included a rather hairy section of sandy beach where an unusually high tide was filling the walk that was supposed to be there with water. But I didn’t drown and enjoyed a very nice dinner at Hula Grill part of  Duke Kahanamoku the Godfather of Surfing’s Restaurant empire. Their special included two types of native fish, Ono and Mahimahi and some native veggies. Of course I had to finish it with a slice of KIMO’S FAMOUS HULA PIE® – Chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted mac nuts & whipped cream. My new favorite dessert!!!!!

It is now Friday morning and I have decided to catch on my blog and relax a bit. This evening I am going to a Luau at Diamond Head. Stay tuned – there will be a lot more to come!