Daddy's Christmas Angel

Monday, April 18, 2011

"O" Is For Oahu

Moana Surfrider MM Sikes
As the Passenger to Paradise, it is difficult for me to leave the Hawaiian Islands, so "O" must stand for Oahu as a fabulous destination in my journey through the alphabet. When we first arrived in Honolulu on Oahu, I was terribly disappointed because where we were booked to stay for a week overlooked the top of a Jack-in-the-Box. Although I have nothing against this fast food chain, it was certainly not the image I had for Hawaii. However, after contacting RCI they were able to relocate us on the top floor of a high rise with a view of the ocean.

Because the famous Waikiki Beach was overloaded with tourists, I was again disappointed. However, the Moana Surfrider, built in 1901, and the Royal Hawaiian, constructed in 1927, and both located on Wakiki made the trip to Oahu worthwhile. We spent several days in the Royal Hawaiian, affectionately called the "Pink Lady".  I created paintings of both the Moana Surfrider and the Pink Lady and plan to include them in More Hotels to Remember which has not yet been published and would be a coffee table book with hotels I wanted to have in Hotels to Remember but did not have room.

"Pink Lady" MM Sikes
The Polynesian Cultural Center provided an outstanding side trip for us, and on another visit to Oahu we went out to see the USS Arizona Memorial on December 7. Oahu is a great beginning point for a visit to the Hawaiian Islands. Thank you A to Z Blog Challenge for the chance to remember.

8 comments:

Samantha Vérant said...

I am a HUGE fan of Maui and the big island of Hawaii. Except it is so expensive to eat there!

Angela said...

It'd kind of like renting a beach out just to discover you have a view of the back of a restaurant.

I like your paintings, though. I'd no idea you were so talented?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry tourists have ruined some of the experience.

Susan Oloier said...

I have never been to Hawaii. I dream of going, though.

Enid Wilson said...

The new Hawaii Five O is shown here in Oz. The scenery of high mountains and deep seas was amazing (when they showed not just crimes in the cities).

My Darcy Mutates

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Food was very expensive last time we were there, Samantha. Sometimes there are early bird dinners which helps.

Angela, we were really disappointed in that place which also had a murphy bed that when opened filled the room. Thanks for liking my paintings. I enjoy creating them.

Alex, guess that's what happened when a place is beautiful and popular.

Susan, bet you make it there someday! It is prettier than I had imagined.

Enid, I know what you mean. Better to see more scenery and less crime. If there's that much crime, I don't want to go back!!!

Julie Flanders said...

I love your paintings!

Anonymous said...

My parents have been to the USS Arizona and the Polynesian Cultural center. The said the sites were amazing and that we need to get out there and visit.