Honolulu…A Trip Down Memory Lane
To create the ideal mood for today’s blog, open your music app and locate a tune called “Honolulu City Lights” by Cecilio and Kapono. Consider playing it as you enjoy today’s missive. This song has a special place in our hearts. It was an anthem in the ‘70’s reflecting the beauty and music of the time.
It is on Oahu that Cheryl and I met and began our adventure together. It was an exquisite time on the Islands and the cruise was a chance to relive some golden memories. The photo above was our view as we sailed toward the Port of Honolulu. Diamond Head, as regal as we remembered, is surrounded by the bright lights of Honolulu (to the left) and homes dotting the hillsides behind her. It was a thrilling way to begin our two day stay on this land where so many of our memories were made.
From our veranda, morning Sunrise Honolulu
Our dear friends, Anne and Lee Davis, picked us up at the dock. Generous and thoughtful as always, they presented us with exquisite orchid leis.
Anne and Lee Davis
Friends for decades, two of the most generous and wonderful people we’ve known. So fortunate to call them friends. First stop was a hearty breakfast on Waikiki beach.
The Duke
After a leisurely repast, we drove through Waikiki on our way to the windward side of the island. The iconic statue of ‘The Duke’ greets all.
Duke Kahanamoku was the father of modern surfing, an Olympic Champion, Sheriff of Honolulu, ambassador, and actor,
“The Pink Lady”.
As Honolulu has grown up around her, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel remains the quintessential Old Hawaiiana landmark.
The view of the windward side on the Island of Oahu. This side of the island is where Cheryl and I met, lived, worked and played.
If you look closely you’ll notice a shiny silver building. That’s Sea LIfe Park where I worked as the Park’s narrator for three years.
Yours truly over 40 years ago. I was privileged to help train these magnificent animals.
Rabbit Island.
My view from ‘work’ at Sea LIfe Park. It is called Rabbit Island because it used to be inhabited by thousands of our furry friends. They have since been replaced by colonies of Albatross and Red Footed Boobie birds.
Kailua Beach Park
The longest white sand beach in the State. Our backyard and playground, it is serene, quiet and nearly deserted just beyond the Beach Park. The Davis’ home is at the far end of Kailua Beach.
After a long day of touring, we had dinner at a Hawaii landmark, Buzzs’ Steak House. It is located just off Kailua Beach Park.
The Davis’ home is the finest we know of in Hawaii. Whether day or night, from the backyard or the balcony, the views are spectacular. Click on an image to enlarge and scroll through the photos.
A farewell breakfast at the Davis Estate.
Shortly after boarding our ship we pulled up the anchor and headed out to sea.
As our visit began, so it ends with an Aloha to Diamond Head and a nod to this Island Paradise that holds so many memories.
Next destination…
We are cruising from Hawaii to French Polynesia and stops in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. As it did from Santa Barbara, it will take five days on the high seas. And so the adventure continues…