In April I chose to cash in my frequent flier miles for the grand opportunity to visit Hawaii for the first time and scheduled the trip as a birthday present to myself in November (I give myself great gifts!)
I was optimistic at the time that I could find SOMEONE who wanted to go with me in the span of six months, but I was wrong. So, I did what any independent, determined woman would do... I joined Travel Buddy, then I packed my bag (yes, I meant singular, how odd, right?) and headed for the land of palm trees and hula.
The first two days I barely uttered a word, but logged a whole lot of miles by foot exploring Waikiki taking in the sensory overload. Taking in the sites of Waikiki Beach along the beach trail, I meandered through several hotels along the way making mental notes as to which I'd like to stay in upon my next trip to this lovely island. In short order I managed to take in Pearl Harbor (by bus - about 1.25 hours from Waikiki), Chinatown (go see the open air fish market and get a lei for only $3.50), and visited the terrific views (free) from the historic Aloha Center.
Next was a nice, young couple also from England. I "picked them up" at a bus stop. I was carrying a map that I shared with them and we decided to take in the sights together. Next, while eating breakfast at Cheeseburger in Paradise I met a nice guy who was a Captain pilot American Airlines, named Mel. We ended up leaving the restaurant and catching a cup of kona coffee down the street at the Surfrider hotel and chatted about a variety of subjects for a few hours before I had to leave.
Every person who passed me by during the week I was on the island gave smiles very generously and it was one of the easiest places on earth to start conversations with people. It was fascinating to see the locals come to the water in droves to surf. All the side streets were jammed with cars with carrier racks on top, specifically for surf board carrying.
Every day in Waikiki was an adventure and I am astonished how much I was able to see in just a week. It is amazing just how relaxed a person can be with no-where to be.
A relaxing trip to O'ahu was a the best way to celebrate a birthday! Beautiful skies, water, and mountains as far as the eye can see. Every single person I talked to had a great attitude, was relaxed, and polite. Also the fittest people in one location that I have ever witnessed. Surfing does a body good!