Waikiki Sunset

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We got into Oahu around noon today to perfect weather, and ended the day by seeing the beautiful Waikiki Beach at sunset.  Surprisingly there hasn't even been any really heavy humidity here either (something I've experienced on past trips to this island) just a pleasant breeze and sunny skies all day.  We spent most of the day checking out the scene in Waikiki, since we didn't get checked into our hotel around 2 or so, and getting acquainted with the area.  There's an almost overwhelming amount of things to see and do here, so it was nice that we kept our activities a little limited for the first day here.  Not that there was any problem finding things to do around Waikiki for the day.  We even walked down Waikiki beach both during the day and later after dark, and it's remarkable how different a place can be depending on when you visit.  I sort of expected Waikiki to feel rather over-touristy and lacking an authentic Hawaii feel, but even its super crowded sands were unmistakably pleasant, despite the fact that the main strip with its designer stores is only a few steps away.

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We also got right to checking out the food here.  Actually, it's the first thing we did, since we arrived in Waikiki around lunch time.  Ono's Hawaiian Food may just be the greatest place on Earth.  We pretty much had an assortment of everything on the menu and it still only cost about $30 for two people, though if you're health conscious or a vegetarian it may not be the ideal place for lunch.  I, however, loved it.  Between the pork laulau, kalua pig, and poke I could have stayed there all day.

even its super crowded sands were unmistakably pleasant, despite the fact that the main strip with its designer stores is only a few steps away.