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I Am Headed To Hawaii

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Old Nov 1st, 2012, 07:02 PM
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I Am Headed To Hawaii

Although I have been to Oahu many times in the past, this trip is going to be a special one. This time I get to do something I enjoy at home in one of America's favorite sun destinations.

Next week I will be playing in a Co-ed Softball Tournament at Kapiolani Park. Looking forward to meeting new friends and hopefully becoming a permanent part of this annual event.

So if you are around come join us for some softball fun!
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Old Nov 1st, 2012, 07:09 PM
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Good luck! Fun to be in the Presdent's hometown on Election Day.
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Old Nov 1st, 2012, 08:38 PM
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HappyTrvlr,

Yes, could be fun if he wins although he is not my candidate of choice.

I will be celebrating either way because no matter who wins he is still after all our President.
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Old Nov 2nd, 2012, 06:01 AM
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It's great to get to visit and not feel entirely like a tourist. And in Hawaii, too.

Have a great time.
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Old Nov 2nd, 2012, 01:30 PM
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Marginal,

Thanks

Looking forward to trying surfing again. Took a lesson there about ten years ago and have not done it since.

My arms are still hurting from having to paddle back out to my instructor
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Old Nov 2nd, 2012, 03:53 PM
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Yes, the paddling really reminds you how little swimming you've done recently.
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Old Nov 11th, 2012, 07:23 AM
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Honolulu Cheap Transportation And Food

Arriving in Honolulu, I have a plan that will kill two birds with one stone. Leaving the upper level of the airport building I head over to the “City Bus” stop. A short wait and the No.19 bus arrives that will take me for US$2.50 to an important address in Waikiki.

With numerous stops along the way this is not the fastest way into Waikiki but the most economical that also serves as somewhat of a free introduction tour to the island.

En route to my first stop, we past through Chinatown and in front of the Royal Palace. Both of which I am told are worth a visit.

This is my first trip back to Honolulu in about five years and as the surroundings become more familiar my taste buds are beginning to get that “Aloha” feeling again. Familiar to most island visitors, we finally arrive at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

As I exit the bus, I head straight for Foodland. I can already taste the sticky rice and fried chicken I remember from many years ago.


Video:http://youtu.be/rK0fcH7-bcE
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Old Nov 11th, 2012, 07:54 AM
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Goodbye Sunshine

In my experience some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the United States occur in Hawaii. For my first night in Honolulu I leave the Grand Waikiki and head for Queen Beach to capture another one of them.

As sailboats move across the orange horizon, I enjoy the views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki waterfront as I wait for hopefully the “Green Flash” of a Hawaii sunset. Anytime along the beaches of Waikiki seem to be a fun and relaxing for everyone.

From boogie boarders and surfers enjoying the crashing waves to others like myself enjoying the view and the fresh ocean breeze this is an experience not to be missed. For me, it is always relaxing to listen to the sounds of the sea and watch as the sun displays its brilliant evening colors.

This evening there is no “Green Flash” as clouds hangs on the distant horizon. However, the soothing colors of the skies and the wink as the sun says goodbye makes for an impressive experience.


Video:http://youtu.be/wuyYPrc0F3A
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Old Nov 11th, 2012, 09:50 AM
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Food And Fun Enjoying Oahu

After a long day of playing Co-ed Softball, a few of us meet for dinner at Duke's. Popular with locals and tourists, Duke's located on the beach is a Waikiki institution. With pretty much open air seating and reasonable prices, dining or just hanging out at Duke is pretty hard to beat.

Dinner and a nice salad bar is about US$35 per person including drinks which you can only order one at a time. No stacking or ordering a drink for someone else (must be present to drink).

Stuffed from dinner or just wanting to test your hearing then head over to Madd Dog on Kuhio which we do. With a DJ spinning the tunes, a few of us burn off some calories and have a great time doing it. Although we have an early game to play in the morning, the fun last way past our bed time and it is going to be a very short night.

Back at Kapiolani Park our round one playoff game goes as expected and for most of us we are happy it is over in a good way. Breakfast at Bogart's Cafe on Monsarrat Ave where we are accused by an irate customer of being “McCain and That Man supporters” then it is off to explore a bit of Oahu.

Following the coastline, we take in magnificent views of the rugged coast as awesome waves crash into it. A stop at Sandy Beach and we are body-surfing the waves even as we are encouraged over a loud PA system to swim at another beach. Sandy Beach is known as the most dangerous beach in America with a record number of back and neck injuries occurring here.

This evening dinner is at Buzz's Steak House in Kailua where Presidents have been known to dine. I hope they were not given an exemption on the I am told “3 Mai Tai Limit”.

Dinner at Buzz's will set you back a little bit more than at Duke's. However, what is a Presidential experience worth to you?

My last day in Hawaii is as beautiful as my first although a little sad. It does end on a good note with breakfast at Moana Surfrider, the original Waikiki beach hotel.

A breakfast buffet, US$30 per person is more than delicious with fresh banana pancakes and other breakfast delights along with a view and ambiance that is amazing.



Video:http://youtu.be/984uONQ4tUY
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Old Nov 11th, 2012, 07:51 PM
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Gee, I feel relaxed already just reading this TR!

What, no spam???

Nice report, DMB, thanks for sharing!
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Old Nov 12th, 2012, 03:07 AM
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DMB: Thanks for the great report. Hey - if you need a "ringer" for your softball team next time - I think I can still put a little heat on the ball, but may have to yield to a designated runner.

Sandy Beach does have a dangerous shore break at times - and one has to be careful when body surfing there, but where you can really get lunched is up at Waimea - or at least I did - while the little kids just tumble softly into the sand.

And always love having evening cocktails at Duke's. If I lived in Hono - I would have to apply for some kind of discount there.

Also like the drinks at the beach bar at the Royal Hawaiian but forget the name. Mai Tai bar? Great setting too.
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Old Nov 12th, 2012, 08:46 AM
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EZTraveler,

Saw the "Spam Sushi" in Foodland, just could not get up the nerve to try it

Maybe next time.

BTW- What is "Spam"? Does anyone really know?
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Old Nov 12th, 2012, 08:55 AM
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tomsd,

Would be glad to have a "ringer". Tournament is held every year 1st-2nd week of November, so plan on it

For locals you don't have to apply for discount. At Moana Surfrider the waiter was nice enough to give us all the discount although there was only one local. We did nicely reward his generosity.

Have not been to Royal Hawaiian, maybe next time. However, no matter where you have an evening cocktail along the beach in Waikiki, you can't go wrong.
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Old Nov 12th, 2012, 09:24 AM
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Here, DMBTraveler, is all you've ever wanted to know about Spam and probably much beyond what you really wanted to know!



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam

Personally, I can't stand Spam myself but some of my relatives on Hawaii love it and they love that inedible poi.
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Old Nov 12th, 2012, 06:32 PM
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Spam is made from ground up meat...essentially a type of mild sausage without casings. Definitely an aquired taste, but a favorite in Hawaii. No youth sports game or school field trip is complete without sapm musubi.
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Old Nov 12th, 2012, 07:05 PM
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Spam was very prevelent in WWII as a canned meat for the Armed Forces, etc. My uncle and dad returned from duty in the far Pacific - and one of the aunts had a big celebration - and served Spam, which she thought was special - and my poor dad and uncle had to choke it down.

In Hawaii - Spam and eggs is still poplar for breakfast, and it's not too bad heated (I like salty stuff) - but I am not a huge fan otherwise, even as a centerpiece for sushi.
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