Day 29 Hawaii, Waikiki, Saturday 15/10/2011
We spent the morning on busy Waikiki Beach enjoying the views, the beautiful water and spectating the long board riding, outrigger surfing and the passing parade in general!
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| The views from out balcony |
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| The Stones of Life |
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| Click on pic to enlarge |
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| Long board, outrigger and paddle board heaven! |
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| Majestic Diamond Head stands sentinel! |
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| The famous pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel nestles between the bigger, newer hotels. |
This afternoon we hopped on the shopping shuttle and took a tour around Honolulu and the shopping areas, disembarking at Ala Moana to wander around and have a bite to eat. What a huge shopping centre! Great shops! Saw some interesting things as we travelled around town on the trolley!
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The shopping Shuttle - get a good commentary about the sights as well .
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As we headed off in the trolley we passed a big protest march about the USA economy
heading through Waikiki. Made the TV news tonight! |
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Guinness Book of Records biggest shirt - size 400XL!
On display at Hilo Hatties shopping centre |
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| Sadly there are quite a few homeless people here - someones home in the park |
ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTRE
Certainly a must to visit when in Honolulu!
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The biggest Food Court we've ever seen! An amazing variety of food from
around the world! |
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| The new trend in golf clothes! |
After we'd had our fill of shopping at Ala Moana we strolled back to central Waikiki to watch the sunset via the Marina, the local beach park and lagoon, and all the beach hotels with their bands, Hawaiian music, and happy "happy hour" crowds! Very nice! Great atmosphere here in Waikiki!
THE HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE
Beautiful and action packed! Grounds, gardens and facilities amazing!
Loved the birds around the grounds, and the cute tortoises.
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| Lovely dining area! Overlooks the beach and ocean. |
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| Happy Hour! |
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| Huge pool! One of five! |
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| The ducks were enjoying the pond- having a sleep! |
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| Interesting! Not as revered in Aussie! Why???? |
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| So graceful! |
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| The beautiful chapel in the Hilton grounds. |
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| The penguin, tortoise and carp pond |
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More holiday makers "happy hour-ing' and enjoying the Hawaiian music
on the beach! |
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| Another huge hotel on the beach. |
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| Setting up for a corporate function - looked amazing! |
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| Beach Volleyball in full swing! |
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The beach path runs right along the foreshore - a beautifulstroll and a must to do!
Amazing views! and sights to enjoy!
Always Diamond Head watching over! |
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| I dream of dining here one day! - the Sheraton' charming dining area! |
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| The Sheraton Happy Hour and song! |
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| Endless pool bar and happy hour! |
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| The Royal Hawaiian |
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| Surfrider happy hour |
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| The Moana Surfrider Hotel |
Our very last sunset here in Hawaii!
The lighting of the flares at 6pm signals that the fun and games of Waikiki nightlife begins! and out come all the interesting street characters to entertain the night crowds, restaurant goers and shoppers!
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| The nightly flare lighting ceremony |
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| The Silver Men! |
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| The Gold man! |
This weekend is the celebration of the birthday of Princess Victoria Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa (pronunciation???) Ka'iulani Gleghorn (1875-1899), the daughter of Princess Miriam Likelike and Archibald Scott Gleghorn, a Scotsman who became Royal Governor of O'ahu. She was second in line to the throne at the time the Hawaiian Monarchy was overthrown in 1893. She was educated in England and died after an illness in 1899 at the age of 23.
Tonight there was a cultural performance by Hawaiian girls and women in the beachfont park in honour of the Princess, followed by a huge fireworks display. The celebration continues over the next week. They performed different traditional Hawaiian dances and played Hawaiian instruments. A very enjoyable evening! Great to see the young ones involved in and enjoying their cultural heritage. They danced so beautifully! A pleasure to watch!
MAHALO HAWAII!
A fabulous time once again!
Love you!
