5 DAYS IN HAWAII
A View from The Hotel Balcony
Harvinder was so much tied up with the daily chores on account of little Jania and dear Gobind, she had planned a vacation to a far away place so that she was able to switch off her brain circuitry and become a normal person. We tried small local trips that hardly made any virtual effect to reverse the brain clock. Our 10 hour daily help was ineffective in reducing the type of pressure on Harvinder and me.
As Harvinder is an expert in catching fantastic deals from the tel-marketers and it took almost 10 months to effectively materialize the whole trip to Hawaii. So it was finally a win-win situation, we had to shell out a two grands though. We were finally happy that we could make this trip.
We landed at Honolulu international Airport at local 5.30 PM - 3 hours behind California Pacific Time. the airport was not very big and grand but there was warmth of local people all over. They were holding colorful flower circular garlands for their respective guests.
Near the Front Desk of Hotel
Our host was to meet us at the Hotel Aqua Palm at Waikiki. We took a shuttle and reached the Hotel in 30 minutes. We went straight to the front desk and registered our selves and were allotted a suit on 5th floor. We were fresh from the journey. The weather was neither warm nor cold but a little humid.
We quickly washed and changed and were eager to have first hand communication with the locals here. We asked for a good restaurant for having a dinner. We were relieved that we had similar American food available near by. There were Italian, Mexican, Thai and an Indian restaurants available. We had as a supplement got some home made 'Paronthas' also.
Next day we just wanted to have look at the area and the city and planned for various guided trips. We went to the Expedia desk in the corner of our Hotel at an appointed time met one Mr Sean who was very cordial and welcomed us to the island. with in next two hours we had planned the entire trip as per our tastes and requirements.
In the afternoon, we went to the beach near by and went to Hilton Hawaiin Resorts nearby. As we enterd, we became the integral part of the village. This is 22Acre facility just on the Ocean. They were lot of restaurants, Pastry shops, jewellary shops, famous articles of world renown, Antiques and lots of tourists services. It was really a fun to walk along the small lanes among the mixture of various people got together from all over the world. If in a lift, you will never find two people from one place. All people of race, color, religion were seen walking , talking and having fun together. It is amazing to see all this.
Island of Oahu
More than you imagined,more than you expected, Oahu is a rich and rewarding destination. Beyond the turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and razor-edged mountains, you'll discover a legacy rich in history and influences from all corners of the Pacific.
Oahu, the sun and fun capital of the Hawaiian Islands, is awash with as many activities as there are hours in the day. Enjoy hiking through rainforests, biking along mountain ranges and swimming in the azure waters of the Pacific.
Getting AroundGetting around Oahu is fun and easy, whether it's two wheels, four wheels or otherwise. You can circle Oahu in less than three hours by car. Or you can take TheBus, our public transportation system. It's one of the best ways to experience firsthand, the local communities and people.
Taxis are plentiful and easily available. Or, if you prefer, there are a number of two-wheeled options, like motorcycles, mopeds or bicycles.
To get around, There are three major freeways, connecting you to all points of the islands. And just so you know, going east is called Diamond Head direction; west is Ewa direction; Mauka is toward the mountain; and Makai is toward the ocean.
Things to DoOahu's long-held position as the most popular of all the Hawaiian islands is due in good measure to the incredible variety - and quality - of attractions on this island. There is something exciting fascinating, and fun for every age, every interest, and every budget.
There are historic monuments like Punchbowl National Cemetery and Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor which you can visit on official Navy tours. And there are historic Hawaiian sites like 'Iolani palace, America's only Royal Palace where Kings and Queens of old Hawaii once ruled. Oahu also has Hawaii's largest collection of museums where fascinating exhibits and demonstrations let you learn about everything from how ancient Polynesians navigated the Pacific in outrigger canoes to how Nantucket whalers fashioned harpoons.
The city of Honolulu is a diverse and ongoing attraction itself with distinct and intriguing districts like the thriving downtown/Chinatown business district set alongside busy Honolulu Harbor.
Oahu also boasts dozens of attractions that are simply pure fun vacation experiences. Luaus, Polynesian shows, dancing dolphins, sunset cruises, submarine rides, a world class zoo and aquarium, garden tours, "ghost walks"... the list goes on and on. This is the Hawaiian island that can fill all the days and nights of your vacation with fun and fascinating new experiences.
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