Hello Hawaii - Oahu, Waikiki & a Sunset Cruise

So the Bestie comes out to visit and what do you do? Go on holiday of course! For her it was a holiday within a holiday but for me it was just plain fabulous. One of the places on my dream list of places to visit in my lifetime was Hawaii. It always seemed so far away and exotic. Now however with my current residence being in California, it is so much closer in proximity. When I was younger, a girls trip to one of the Greek Islands, although fun and exciting, wasn't too much of a big deal - everyone would go, but Hawaii, well Hawaii is just like that for the people out here. For me it was realising a dream!

Diamond Head and Waikiki

Four of us set out and about and headed of to Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and whose name translates as 'The Gathering Place'. It also hosts the states capital Honolulu which is where we flew in to.


We stayed in Waikiki, and I was told that as far as the Hawaiian islands go, Waikiki and Honolulu were too populated and I might not like it, but I LOVED it! There was a great balance of laid back atmosphere, nightlife, and proximity to the gorgeous beaches and rain forests.

Waikiki Beach

Maitai's at Dukes - Waikiki Beach

As we waited for the fourth member of our girls brigade to join us (flyinng in from AZ rather than CA) we set about exploring our base location of Waikiki Beach. The white sands and blue oceans really are the colour that they appear in postcards, although the sand itself is a little sharper than I was expecting as it is the result of the breakdown of shells and coral from the reefs. Not quite as soft as I had imagined.

We went and ate at Dukes Bar and got started with a traditional Maitai cocktail - well it would be rude not to wouldn't it! Dukes named after Duke Paoa Kahanmoku, descended from royalty who is credited with introducing surfing to the US Atlantic Coast and Australia and New Zealand. There is a bronze statue of him on Waikiki beach and he also represented the US in the Olympics for Swimming for 20 years!

The Fabulous Four in the Waikiki Waters

The first thing that we needed to do after lunch was hit the water - warm and turquoise blue it really did feel like I has hit paradise, although I must admit that I did find it a little odd to have this amazing beach right in the middle of the city, the two things seemed like they should be a paradox to each other, but actually complimented the other very well in the traditional Hawaiian laid back atmosphere.

Sunset Cruise

Kicking Back and Enjoying the View

Wanting to make the most of our time, on the first night we booked a sunset cruise to around the bay. Being warned not to be there too late and wanting to shower after our dip in the (very salty) ocean, we ended up running along the beach to get to the section of beach that we were to launch from on time. Arriving there out of breath and a little on the warm side, we then preceeded to wait for a further 20 minutes for some other passengers who were running late and we ended up leaving behind.

We set sail on a catamaran boat called Maitai, and yes they did serve you mighty good maitai's for the duration of the cruise. The trip took us right out into Waikiki Bay and passed the distinctive Diamond Head extinct volcano where you would see the very dramatic city skyline of Waikiki and the colours that it changed as the sun was setting. It was beautiful.

The distinctive Diamond Head 

The ride was quite choppy when we got to sea and the waves were causing the boat to raise up and then smashing down with big splashes - much to the delight of the younger passengers on board. Standing at times was interesting, especially after a couple of the complimentary drinks. Who needs a surfboard when you have a boat to ride!

There are times in your life where you have what I describe as a moment. It is a particular pin point in time where you have a moment of clarity where you sit back and take stock of your current situation. Here I was riding the waves on a Catamaran boat in Waikiki Bay at sunset in Hawaii. It was a pinch yourself to see if it is really true moment. It was, I was there, and once again I was truely appreciative of just how lucky I was. I had always wanted to visit Hawaii and here I was. With friends. Laughing and drinking Maitai's. What better start to a holiday could you get! :-)

This is the perfect picture to sum up the first night of our hols! Pictures paint a thousand words and all that jazz!