Hawaii, 30th September, 2022

 Well time is nearly here for our departure for home. Leaving at 1.15pm tomorrow which is our Saturday 1st Oct your Sunday 2nd. We will miss most of Sunday being in the air arriving at 9.20pm Sunday night. Just got back from our last afternoon swim. Did most of our packing this morning otherwise PT starts panicking 🙃 Haven’t been out walking today just relaxing. Now waiting for our last beer on the balcony to watch our last sunset. 🥲 A few days ago we did a big walk out and around Magic Island. For those who  haven’t read any of my previous blogs even though it’s called Magic Island, this is actually a man-made peninsulas. The peninsular (made of dredged coral) was built onto the reef off Ala Moana Beach Park in the 1960s (completed in 1964) it was supposed to be the location of a new beach Resort Hotel, but the hotel was never built. So the peninsula was instead turned into a public park. The Peninsula was later renamed to ‘Ala Moana’ ( meaning “land from the sea”) but the people seem to prefer the name Magic Island and it’s still call that  today. That’s all it’s known as. ‘ Magic Island Beach Overview’ small Sandy beach at the end of the Magic Island peninsular. Protected from waves by a rocky barrier. No shade on the beach, but the beach is backed by a grassy area with lots of trees. A really lovey area, we always enjoy a walk around the peninsula.

This is just a copy photo of Magic Island to try and show you the set up. A Peninsular built up of crushed coral. Now full of beautiful trees.

At the beginning of the peninsula looking along Ala Moana Beach. Beautiful spot.

Walking through the park  out to the end of the peninsula looking back to the high risers

Waves coming in at different angles

One of many big Silk trees but not the season to show masses of pink flowers.

Now at the end of the peninsula looking across the enclosed bay. Straight across along this walkway there is a big breakwater with gaps that let the water flow in and out. Can get really rough out here with the wave smashing right over the wall.

At the other end of the bay just showing the other side of the peninsula where we walked back to the Main Street.

Out at the end we saw a group of people riding these things on a sight seeing tour around the city. What a great way to get around. We spent hours on foot every morning getting around.

This is the small group, what a great way to see around.

Now looking back to our building the Ilikai in the middle. It’s such a great spot.

Looking down to Diamond Head.

Across to our area.

Ilikai on the left with the turquoise colours. It’s actually a Y shape.

Back on the waterfront nearly back to our hotel.

Another wedding

Just to finish off with the big Friday night fireworks which the Hilton Hotel put on this great display. This is set up on the beach where we swim.

Well that is all after a wonderful month in Hawaii. We have really enjoyed it after waiting two years to be back here. We both love it so much. Until next time 🤗

Hawaii, 28th September, 2022

 Back again, days are going so fast didn’t realised I haven’t done a blog for five days. I think I am being a bit lazy. Too much walking and swimming. Great life, great weather. We have had a few odd showers which has bought in the humidity. Being very hot. We are meant be in Autumn it should be cooling off  but doesn’t seem to work that way. Humidity always makes it feel a lot hotter. Only three more sleeps then we will be leaving this magical place. We are already talking about re booking again for next year as we can get a good deal on our accomodation. Too good to resist. We were saying  when we first came up that this will be our last trip up this way but looks like that might not happen. 🤗😎

A couple of nights ago, we went for another very nice meal. Standing on our balcony about to leave. The whole time we have been here we have only gone out for two meals. It’s just as nice cooking in the unit and relaxing as we usually keep ourselves busy most of the day walking and swimming everyday.

Waiting for the lift

Yummy meal I had the Prawns for the main and Peter had a New York steak with stir fried veges which he really enjoyed

Both had a prawn entre.

Next morning after our big dinner, yesterday, we had to go for a long walk along Ala Moana Beach Park. It was very still no wind which made it very hot. Went right to the end down to another boat harbour. Because of the heat we decided to take the bus back as by this stage we had walked about 4.50km and so hot. Above is along the beach and the beach park runs right along the beach.

These pergolas near the big old trees gives some relief from the sun.

There’s always a wedding going on and the beaches are always popular for their photos.

The couples always  seem to be on their own with no guests. I think they flock in from mainly Japan to get married here and go back home to show everyone their beautiful photos.

Still walking along this beautiful long beach. Looking back at Diamond head which we have climbed twice in the past.

This is the other boat harbour we walked to nearer Honolulu.

 This is at the head of the harbour where the kids surf.

We stood out at the point watching them for awhile.

Walking back to return back.

This morning got the bus out to Pearl City shopping centre. This is the big project which started years ago for a new rapid rail system but is still under construction. The overall costs have more than doubled from US$5.122 billion to US$12.4 billion and also it is running 11 years late. Finishing date is now anticipated to be March 2031. It will be good when it’s finished might keep some of the traffic off the very busy roads especially through Honolulu.

Looking the other way

Peter has been making yummy pancakes after dinner some nights as you do in Hawaii. I am really enjoying them.

Last nights sunset.

Beautiful

Hawaii, 21st September, 2022

 A couple of days ago we did our one off walk along the beach to Waikiki central main beach. It’s just so busy down that end hence why it’s just a one off, too many people. It takes about 15mins to walk from where we stay where it is much quieter.

Started our walk down in front of the Hilton where we do our swimming. A little overcast when we started off but that soon cleared to blue sky.

Further along we start getting amongst the crowds. So many umbrellas and bodies lying on the beach. Diamond head in the background.

Still walking

Looking back from where we walked from

The big Banyan tree on the main beach in Waikiki

Now on the main beach downtown Waikiki.

Dave and Jen no sign of Ernie anywhere 🫢

Just having a quick walk along the canals back in from the coast.

This hotel fascinates us.

Last nights sunset.

Today we took the public bus trip to the north of the Island.

From the blue dot where we are staying we took the bus up the blue line along the east coast up to the red dot, Turtle bay. Which took two hours. Then on the way back down the grey line to Haleiwa township where we had lunch and changed buses. Then back down to the south coast just east of Honolulu back to where we are staying which took just over three hours in the bus after leaving Turtle bay.

These photos of the hills we drove past along the eastern coast with the sea on the other side. These photos where taken through the buses dirty windows so not too clear.

Looking the other side of the bus through the windows to the coast side.

We have now arrived at Turtle Bay Resort. Very flash, nightly rate to stay starts at just below NZ$1,000. We won’t be staying here but it would be nice. Good temperature on this coast with the trade winds blowing in.

We had a walk around the grounds. Lovely swimming beach.

Around the other side not for swimming with all the coral.

Sitting area to watch the surfers.

Went upstairs for a coffee. This is looking out over the other bay. The water in the foreground is on the top of the downstairs roof, which is covered in about 30cm of water. Hard to explain just really only for effect.

Above and below Hotel swimming pool

After a coffee and a good walk and look around the Hotel we got on to the bus again to continue our day’s trip.

Above and below is the coast along the township of Haleiwa where we had to change buses.

Tonight’s sunset while writing my blog.