I had a rather long list of things that I wanted to do and places to see.  The first place I drove was to the east side of the island and to Pali Lookout (left).  This was one of my two favorite places, because it sits high up and is very windy.  I enjoy wind very much, and I like high places.  This particular notch in the mountains gets gusts of wind strong enough that you can lean into it.  I had read about this and wanted to try it.  When I did, it really worked, and all the other tourists decided they wanted to try it, as well.  It caused quite a crowd to gather, with some people leaning into the wind and others photographing friends doing it.

One of the reasons I decided to stay on Oahu was to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.  I felt this is an honorable tribute to those who gave their lives in years past and also for those who risk their lives day to day for us now.

In the same harbor are two other ships I visited.  The USS Missouri is a battleship, and it was amazing how large its guns are.  The USS Bowfin was a submarine in WWII, and one of my clients served on it and has memorabilia from it on his walls.

Since I had a car, I got to drive all over the island.  I visited beaches on all sides of the island.  It surprised me how different the beaches can be on the famous North Shore compared to the east side.  My favorite beach was on the east side, because all the other beaches had volcanic rock which cut my hands and feet.

I rented mask, snorkel and fins for eight dollars and then spent a couple hours enjoying the underwater world in Hanauma Bay.  The colors of the various fish are amazing, and most of the fish seemed to not mind how close you got to them.

Diamond Head is a prominent volcano cone overlooking Waikiki and Queens Park.  The trail is so steep in places that stairs are used.  One set of stairs has ninety-nine steps.  I whistle while I hike, but that set of stairs left me breathing hard.  There are many switchbacks and even a couple of tunnels along the trail.  It was a FUN hike and just about the only real exercise I got during my vacation.  This is the second of my two favorite places, again because it is high and windy.

Of course, I had to play tourist at least one day and look at buildings and statues and all.  So, I drove to many of the places I read about in the tour guide and got out to walk now and then, as well.  To the left is the statue of King Kamehameha.

Also playing tourist, I wanted to go to a Luau.  I had heard that Germaine's is the oldest and best, and so that is the one I attended.  I sampled all of the food, a litlle of everything, and ended up not really caring for any of it.  *laughing*  But I did very much enjoy the show.

My trip was six days, which actually gave me five days to explore and enjoy Hawaii.  I usually used the cooler mornings for my touring and driving, and then I would enjoy the palms and wind in the afternoons at the Queens Park.  I found a place where I could sit or lie on the grass and read my book, having my choice of shade or sun, and hear the waves breaking on the sand and rocks.  It was a restful and enjoyable vacation.