"The wind blows, coconut fronds sway, Koali blossoms dance on the plain."
The opening lines of a traditional Hula in relation to Waikaki.
Relaxing on Waikiki Beach in the morning, we can't help but be enchanted by this tropical paradise; like the Sirens call the water beckons the idle sunbather in, because it looks so warm and inviting, and it is. It's the perfect temperature, and it would be so easy to stay right here; many do, some just seem to float around all day on brightly coloured lilos.
But, soon or later, everybody gets hungry, and then they are spoiled by choice, with a huge variety of restaurants, cafes and food courts available. One of the best places we found was Tropical Iceland in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre. Their fat free sorbets, on a bed of shaved ice are simply divine, and it’s all healthy.
These four rocks are called Kahuna, or Wizard, Stones, (pictured above) and represent four mysterious historical figures that came from across the sea and helped the Hawaiians.
In the afternoon, Kalakaua Avenue, running parallel to the beach was closed, for the Parade of Champions, a street parade honoring local sportspeople.
There were bands, and flag wavers, and lots of colour and movement.
The local Little League World Champion team were very popular (pictured below). After seeing so many award winning teams, and individuals, I formed the opinion Hawaiian's are like us, very good at sport. Perhaps, the good climate encourages kids to play outside.
Gold medialist, Natasha Kai, received a standing ovation (pictured below - check out those tat's)
We had dinner at the Marriot Hotel's buffett, which had a particularly good roast beef. The chef carved off the biggest choicest piece off for me, and I must say it was mouth watering. To walk off this indulgence, we followed the boardwalk along the beach.
Tomorrow we've booked a car through Thrifty Car Rentals to drive up to the North Shore of the Island to visit Turtle Beach, and hopefully, the famous Banzai Pipeline.
