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| Oʻahu |
This is the fourth year
in a row that my husband
and I have traveled
to the beautiful
Hawaiian island of Oʻahu.
We've spent much of our time
in Hawaii's capital city, Honolulu.
Hawaii State Capitol
Some of our family and friends remark,
"Really? I think I'd rather go to one
of the other islands and see more
of the real Hawaii. Honolulu?
It's just a big city on a crowded beach."
Just a Big City on a Crowded Beach
From the Kapahulu Groin
Golden sands, turquoise waters,
smooth curling waves,
warm tropical breezes.
Yes, Paradise
is transforming
with development,
as people flock
to Honolulu
from all corners
of the globe.
Yes, at first I turned my nose up
at the throngs of people in, on, beside,
and along those smooth, glassy waves.
Really? This is how you choose
to spend your precious vacation days?
But then I began to look a little closer
and dig a little deeper.
Camera in hand, I became a hunter
stalking the city and shore.
I began to explore with an open mind,
and I discovered a city and strand
with all kinds of fascinating things.
I discovered
other hunters
stalking Waikiki.
Come see what I found in the heart
of the huge, crowded, and busy
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.
Hunters Stalking the Hunter
Koi Pond
Koi
Palm Trees
Orchids
On the Lam
Mom on Patrol!
Pockets of Quiet
White Bird of Paradise
I can't wait to return to this vibrant city
in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean.
And in Honolulu after a day of hunting,
you are never far from a delicious mai tai!
Aloha!
Aloha!
Great post, Louise, and such beautiful photos. You can find beauty just about everywhere if you dig deep enough. And since you have a photographer's eye, it's quite easy to do so!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Martha! I have my parents to thank for that eye! Both were artists, and my mother in particular, loved art history. Have a happy Monday!
DeleteWho wouldn't want to keep going back there with all the sights. Although all the people on the beach may annoy. That duck sure is talented riding that fish
ReplyDeleteLOL! The duck cracked me up! Just a fortuitous split second in time! I can easily tune out the people around me and enjoy my spot in the water or on the sand. And it makes for fascinating people watching! Have a great week, Pat!
DeleteI can see why you're drawn to Hawaii. It looks as if there's something there for everyone and a good place to relax in a warm climate. I like that photo of the duckling standing on the koi carp and the ones of the shady spots by the hotel pool.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda! It's awesome to flee the cold, short, snowy days for the tropics. I've seen beaches in places like Thailand, Costa Rica, and Malaysia, and it's hard to top Hawaii's. I still need to explore Europe's beaches. I know my nieces had an amazing time along the Amalfi Coast, as only 19 and 21 year olds can do on a budget trip abroad! Have a great week!
DeleteHonolulu has the best of both worlds alright! If you love it, that's all that matters!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Debra! And as much as I love it, I'm still anxious to get to Bora Bora, Moorea, and other spots in the Pacific! Have a good one!
DeleteYou are so my kind of woman, Louise ~ always looking for nature even in the busiest/most crowded/craziest of places. Love all your finds!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Audrey! You've just got to look! Hope all is well with you, my friend! XO!
DeleteThe duck riding the fish made me laugh heartily! I love this series, dear Louise, it looks like such a great time! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! I'm so glad that you are enjoying it! More to come! Have a lovely evening, Linda! Hugs!
DeleteI figure Honolulu is like Japan's Tokyo. Tourists flock there out of sheer laziness.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to visit Japan and Hawaii, but I'd probably visit a less crowded city
DeleteI'd love to flock to Tokyo out of sheer laziness! Unfortunately I can't afford it! LOL! Have a good one!
DeleteI loved seeing all the people. The lady in the striped dress looked just right on that crowded beach. Those paddle surfboards look like a lot of fun too. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sue! I'm so glad that you enjoyed seeing all the people. It is fun to people watch in Honolulu and on Waikiki. And the stand up paddle boards are a blast! I had such fun SUPing while in Hawaii. Hope all is well with you!
DeleteYou can find those moments of beauty anywhere if you just look.
ReplyDeleteYes you can, Alex! Have a happy evening!
DeleteNo convincing needed here, Louise. This place is absolutely beautiful and you did find all that makes this place so compelling. I have never seen a White Bird of Paradise bloom! And I LOVE that photo of the Palm Trees!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful city, Louise and I am happy you and Terry love it.
We do love it, Jim! We're already booked for 5 1/2 weeks next March and April. I have such fun running around with my camera ~ so glad that you enjoyed the photos!
DeleteOh oh oh that photo of the reflection of palm trees, oh oh oh!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beauty Louise! Reflections of any sort just stir my inner creative mind. When I walk by a store window I look for distortion and clarity. I use them both so much!!
Taking the time to soak up the ambiance is quite understandable when you hear people saying "too crowded etc" There is always a silver lining no matter where you are.
Aloha!!
Ron
Aloha, Ron! Always look for the silver lining, that's my motto! I am fascinated with reflections too, Ron. They're beautiful, but so ephemeral. Have a happy weekend, my friend!
DeleteHawaii is Chicago with palm trees. Neither one is interesting enough to visit. If you crave the South Pacific why not choose Tahiti, or Vanuatu, or Tonga, or the Cook Islands instead of just another American state?
ReplyDeleteHey David! Every single one of those places you listed is on the bucket list, plus Easter Island and New Caledonia! And Moorea! I would happily go to Honolulu every year for the rest of my life! Have a great weekend!
Delete