I couldn’t wrap up  this trip without capturing the sights we encountered just be walking around Waikiki.  There are so many things to see and do so we didn’t want to waste one minute of the time we had in paradise.  The next few paragraphs will capture the “tourist” things we did when we were in the area.  Some of the things we happened upon by chance and others were planned because of the history of Hawaii they provided.  I hope you enjoy our journey . . .

This trip wouldn’t be complete unless we ventured to the King Kamehameha museum.  You might recognize it as the home of Hawaii 5-O offices.  Inside it is magnificent and the museum is definitely worth the trip.  It depicts the history of the island, the judicial system and what it was like at the time of Pearl Harbor.  The staircase is breathtaking and we spent hours in there going through all the information.  I will capture some of the photos here, but to see more, go to our Facebook Page — Our Travel Moments to see all of the photos I took and believe me, I took a lot of photos.

I have always wanted to go to Duke’s so we were able to stop there for lunch.  Of course I had the house drink and some wonderful appetizers.  The day was beautiful and there is nothing like being able to look out over the water and enjoy the sights and sounds of Hawaii.  We couldn’t leave that area without going by to see the statue of Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku.  According to Wikipedia, “Duke (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968) was a Native Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing.  He was born towards the end of the Kingdom of Hawaii, just before the overthrow,  living into statehood as a United States citizen. He was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming, a law enforcement officer, an actor, a beach volleyball player and businessman.”

This trip seemed to encompass Hawaii 5-O spots as well.  Initially, we just lucked upon the shooting of a scene from an upcoming show and got to see the Shrimp Truck, went to the “McGarrett house” and couldn’t miss stopping by the Hilton Hawaiian Village where the nightlife shots are taken.  There is so much history to the Hilton Hawaiian Village and when you walk it, it truly is a village.  Everything you could need or want is right there.  I loved reading about all the famous people who had a part in making this everything it is today.  It is only fitting that Hawaii 5-O is continuing the tradition on the show.

A visit to Hawaii would not be complete without walking through the Royal Hawaiian which is the original hotel of Hawaii.  The Pink Lady stand majestic steeped in history.  If those walls could talk think of the stories we would hear.  Just standing on the grounds gives you a sense of the splendor and grandeur of this beautiful lady.  I would have loved to tour the rooms but instead we walked the halls and the grounds.  We had the chance to see the rendition of the hotel displayed in gingerbread, the holiday decorations and the spirit of the season.  I particularly loved the rocking chairs that faced the beautifully manicured lawns as you soaked in the serenity they provided.

We spent our last afternoon sitting at the Shore Bird Bar and Grill enjoying the scenery, a bucket of fries and of course a signature beverage.  As I looked out onto the water, people were sailing, surfing, swimming, and wind surfing and parasailing.  Children were playing on the beach, parents enjoying some quiet time, couples spending some quality time together in one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I can’t help but thank God for all His beautiful creations and for the blessing of being there to enjoy it. The other picture is a sand sculpture which is just incredible.

It is bittersweet as I close this journey because as I write about I find myself right back there again.  I’m so thankful to have had the time to enjoy every adventure of this travel moment.