I first came to Oahu about 15 years ago, (jeez that makes me feel old) so it had that wonderful familiar feel from the moment I stepped off the plane. It hasn't changed that much. Last time I was here was to take a week long ride on an aircraft carrier to San Diego with my friend in the navy. It was a special trip for friends and family to experience life at sea. I was young and poor then and didn't have much time to see the island. Now with Eric, I finally get see the place properly.
We are staying at a decent hostel about 3 blocks from Waikiki beach. It is a basic private room with a shared bathroom. I made sure there was a kitchen we can use to help offset the cost of island living. Hawaii is not a cheap place to visit. It is comparable to Paris or Rome, only with cheaper airfare.
We have been to the beach a couple times a day so far, only taking breaks to eat (Hawaiian barbecue, YUM!) and buy huge quantities of souvenirs at the ubiquitous ABC Stores. T-shirts here are very cheap at 6/$20 or less sometimes. The trick is finding ones with good designs in the right size. Of course we bought a tiki idol, key chains, stickers, nuts, candy, a calendar, cups, hula skirts for gifts, and more too. I had to keep warning Eric that we have only been here a few days and to pace himself in buying things. We brought an extra suitcase for Eric that is mostly full already and we haven't even gotten out of Waikiki.
There is nothing like the sunsets in Hawaii. I am amazed every single time. We floated in the water watching the sun set in gloriously vivid color on Waikiki and Diamond Head. The city lights came up as the sun sank and for a few minutes it was the perfect blend of nighttime city and island sunset. Lovely. I was in the water, sorry, no pictures.
