Aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii

My family and I had traveled to many countries, but when we decided to leave South Africa in 1992, for the United States, there was only one choice for our new home, and it was Honolulu, Hawaii. There was an enormous amount of work for us all to do in preparation for this big move, but tremendous excitement and of course some sadness, leaving family and friends behind.

Now the fun part started getting to know the city of Honolulu; our new home.

Our family decided that before university started for our two daughters, Beverley and Felicity, kindergarten for our two grandchildren, Yudy and Estee, and the establishment of our new business, we would act as tourists and really get to know and get the feel of this vibrant, magnificent city called Honolulu and the Island of Oahu.

Please join me as we explore this beautiful Island. Take your time and enjoy all the videos which show you all the highlights of Oahu.

Half of the magnificent Waikiki beach is marked off for surfers. For quite a distance into the ocean the water is quite shallow, and you will find numerous rocks on the bottom. The surf has long rolling breaks, making it ideal for swimmers, as well as beginners and experienced surfers. Relax on Hawaii's world famous beaches. There is something for everyone and the vast stretches of white sandy beaches are especially appealing to those looking for sun, sand and water. The beach hosts many events a year, including surf competitions, outdoor performances, hula dancing and outrigger canoe races.

Surfing Waikiki - Honolulu, Hawaii Travel Poster by LanternPress

Today, the area is filled with hotels like the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Halekulani hotel, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, the Sheraton Waikiki , and historic hotels dating back to the early 20th century (such as the Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel).

Waikiki's main street is Kalakaua Avenue, named after King Kalakaua, where you will find most of the expensive hotels and many of the luxury designer brand stores. Another main street is Kuhio Avenue, named after Prince Kuhio. Kuhio Avenue is better known for its restaurants, cafe's and grocers, along with its clubs, and nightlife.

From quaint shops and artists' studios to elegant art galleries and large shopping centers, you'll enjoy island-style shopping. Find many unique items, including T-shirts dyed with Hawaiian red dirt, macadamia nut cookies, music CDs by local musicians, coffee, books, designer clothing, custom jewelry, furniture, surfboards, tropical flowers, and fine art and gifts handcrafted of wood, ceramics, fabric, or glass.

We spent an exciting day and evening experiencing Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center - located in Laie, Oahu. The Center is about an hour's drive from Waikiki.

At the Polynesian Cultural Center you will learn about and interact with the people of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. There is so much to do. Watch Hawaii's only canoe pageant, experience a Hawaiian Luau, and enjoy family activities from all of Polynesia. The world-famous evening show, Ha: Breath of Life features songs and dances from throughout Polynesia. It is the venue for the annual World Fire Knife Dance Competition, in which contestants display their skill with blazing swords. The park has its own IMAX theater as well as a lagoon where visitors can paddle canoes accompanied by a guide.

Each of the major Polynesian cultures has its own section, centered on a traditional village. Hourly performances and cultural learning experiences take place in these villages.

It is one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Hawaii. Since opening its doors in 1963, over 32 million people have visited the center.

We always enjoy a luau and have learned about the food and the culture of the Hawaiian Islands. It is a South Pacific-style celebration of music and dance with the women in grass skirts, men in face paint, traditional music and great entertainment.

Enjoy a luau! You won't be disappointed. You will love the food, the entertainment and leave with wonderful memories of this beautiful Island.

Diamond Head is Hawaii's most famous landmark.

Bring water and a flashlight and take a short hike through old military bunkers. The trail to the summit is an easy 1.4 mile hike that takes you to an elevation of 560 feet and to wonderful views of the Honolulu area. There are handrails as well as plenty of places to rest. This hike will take up to 2 hours for a round-trip. You will need a flashlight because portions of this trail go through long, dark tunnels.

A picture in 1992 of Yudy and Estee, our grandchildren, enjoying this hike.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941. The base was attacked by Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes.

2,402 Americans were killed and 1,282 wounded.

The attack led to the American entry into World War II, The following day (December 8), the United States declared war on Japan. Germany and Italy then declared war on the U.S. on December 11 1941.

Take a picnic lunch and explore these beautiful gardens and visit the crystal clear pool below Waihi Falls.

There are 36 major botanical collections. Most of the plant collections are native Hawaiian plants, and a variety of Hawaiian birds. It is located in the gorgeous Waimea Valley and promises to be a wonderful experience for the whole family.

In Hawaii, there's a word for food that's delicious -- "Ono". Because you will find a mix of many cultures in Hawaii, you will find a variety of cuisine, which includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, European, and American. You will simply enjoy the fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and seafood.
My favorite, the Hawaiian chocolate.

Located at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, the Ala Moana Center is part of the commercial, retail, and residential district of Ala Moana, and across from Ala Moana Beach Park. Over 56 million people visit the Ala Moana Center annually. There are more than 290 shops and restaurants, including boutique stores of leading international fashion designers. You will find designer stores, such as Bulgari, Prada, Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, etc., The Center boasts one of the world's largest food courts, featuring cuisines from around the world. It is a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.