Our 50th Celebration Continues…

Hanauma Bay

We flew from Phoenix directly to Mau’i on US Air (6 hours) and on to Oah’u via Hawaiian Airlines that was only a 35 minute flight. What a difference these celebrating seniors encountered. Very crowded with tourists, honeymooners and classy resorts one right next to the other.

We stayed at the Outrigger Waikiki located right on Waikiki Beach. We liked that located very much and in addition it was right next to my favorite hotel called the Moana Surfrider, the oldest (1901) and most historic hotel in the city.

It is a grand hotel. A 6 ft wide porch crosses the entire front of the hotel on either side of the doors and 6 lovely wooden rocking chairs line each side of the doors on this porch. These seniors spent good time in the rocking chairs, watching people and all the action on Kalakaua Avenue.

The Battleship Missouri

A Visit to Pearl Harbor

My wife was looking forward to the Arizona and Pearl Harbor. And she wasn’t disappointed. We took two tours arranged by the concierge at the Outrigger. One of our tours circled the entire island and the other went to Pearl Harbor to see the Arizona Memorial and to visit the Battleship Missouri.

As we toured the entire island of Oah’u, with the Grand Island Circle Tour, we stopped at a Dole Pineapple Plantation and a macadamia nut farm, both good stops. Our bus drivers shared historic information about the Hawaiian people, their culture, their kings, their battles. Of particular interest were all the events surrounding Pearl Harbor. Our bus driver was a walking history book.

The Bishop Museum is another must, a place filled with the Polynesian cultural artifacts and history. Everywhere seniors go they are sure to hear about King Kamehameha who once ruled the islands.

At the Outrigger Waikiki

We enjoyed dining for our 50th and saw a nearby rotating restaurant called Top of Waikiki, up 18 stories. We found it to be memorable and we enjoyed a delicious meal. Walking along Waikiki senior visitors will see the famous statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a true Hawaiian hero and one of the world’s greatest surfers and swimmers.

Twice we dipped into the warm waters of Waikiki Beach and learned that Wai + kiki means spouting waters. Across from our hotel was the famous International Market Place full of tourist souvenirs. And oh yes, we learned the difference between Kane and Wahine for your bathroom stops.

We hope you enjoy your vacation in Hawai’i as much as we did and Aloha. The Beckers