O'ahu

There is so much to do on O’ahu.

Shopping and eating immediately come to mind.
Ala Moana is my Shopping Centre. It has great stores and most of all - terrific restaurants. The Macaroni Grill makes the most delicious chicken scallopini you have ever tasted.
Let’s stay for a while on the culinary tour of O’ahu. There is Haleiwa Joe and my favourite, Jameson’s on the Beach in Haleiwa. Apart from fantastic food there is one regular guest who obviously has a sense of humour.
The number plate on his Corvette is the name of a little blue pill.
And then there is Zia’s in Kaneohe. You have to come early, this cafe is very popular.
And where is the place to get a really nice sunburn? Hanauma Bay of course.

I love the water and should have been born with flippers attached to my feet.
One fine day we decided to go snorkelling. Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area and only a certain number of visitors are allowed in each day.
I must have spent about 4 hours in the water with only my bum sticking out.  When I finally had enough  I was burnt to a frazzle.  Even though my body was covered with water the whole time, the sun really got to me and I was in a mess. Was it worth the pain? You bet! The Coral and the fish are simply amazing.
Another “Must do” is Pearl Harbour.

When you stand inside the floating memorial, walking above the sunken USS Arizona, the futility of war is poignant. Nearly 1200 lives were lost on that infamous day in 1941.

This was a very moving experience.
Another place well worth a visit is the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu.

It was the home of King Kalakaua and his sister who succeeded him, Queen Lili’uokalani. Situated in the midst of beautiful gardens, this palace has been meticulously restored to its former glory, and the splendour of bygone days is visible in every room.
There was one more thing I had to do.
Climb Diamond Head.

On the way to the famous extinct volcano we visited the Pali look out where we had a magnificent birds eye view over Kailua and Kaneohe.

And off we went to Diamond Head. I don’t know what it is with me, if there is a “mountain” to  climb, I am the first one in line!

I must add the view from the top is really something.

Do I like Hawai’i?  I’m off again in June, so eat your heart out!