Bill & Helen Wandke's Home Page

It seemed like forever I have wanted to go to Hawaii. I have family and friends that are "World Travelers" but I have not been outside the Continental USA. Not that we don't have wonderful things to offer here, but what is it they say about the grass being greener. I finally did it!! Bill never really wanted to go so I found a friend that did and we had a wonderful time. Hawaii, finally a dream come true. It wasn't all of the Islands, one has to start somewhere. The tickets were for the Island of Oahu.

We left Seattle airport an 5:45 AM on the May, 20, 1999. We arrived in Honolulu around 11:00 AM. We decided to settle in and pick up some brochures, after a walk to the beach and through some shops close by. We had nothing planned at this point. We had talked about renting a car and seeing the North Shore and touring the Island. Since neither of us was anxious to drive in an unfamiliar area we decided to check in to the transit system. We both liked the idea of leaving the driving to someone that knew their way around. The bus fare is $1.00 and they go everywhere. You can get a transfer if you are changing busses or get off and look around and pay another dollar to get on again and continue.

The 21st we were on a bus around the Island. We had heard about the North Shore, and the big surf. We got off at the Waimea Valley Adventure park and walked in to the visitor center. This is an 1800 acre nature park and more than 600 species of plant life can be viewed. There are daily cultural exhibitions and dive shows at the 45 foot Waimea Falls. After a walk around the Park which was indeed beautiful, we were back on the bus. We observed the many beautiful beaches and parks as we drove along. The North Shore beaches were less crowded, and just as beautiful as Waikiki. We were next off the bus at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This highlights arts and crafts of the islands and authentically re-created villages. Then on bus worn out and ready to go home. After freshening up , we were at the Paradise Seafood and Steak house for dinner. Karen had crab legs while I enjoyed a New York Steak.

The 22nd we walked to the Kapiolani Park and toured the Aquarium and Zoo. I was very impressed with the Aquarium which included sharks, beautiful tropical fish, and a turtle or two. There were also many exhibits of coral and other forms of undersea life. As we walked through the Park toward the Zoo, we passed by many groups of natives in various outfits ready for the Kodak Hula Festival. We chose to go on to the Zoo as that was the original plan. We have been to better zoos, but how were we to know.

The 23rd was a kick back and lay on the beach day. This didn't mean we could forgo the souvenir shopping and a visit to Hilo Hattie. Besides this was Luau day for us so we wanted to be fresh and ready. The Luau was called CREATION A Polynesian Odyssey. It was at the Princess Kaiiulani Hotel in the Ainahau Showroom. We went to the dinner show which included an all-you-can eat prime rib buffet with salad and dessert bar and a free Mai-Tai. It was a presentation by Polynesian performers journeying back in time to the creation of the South Pacific. It was WONDERFUL with the highlight being a dramatic Samoan fire dance.

The 24th Karen slept in. The night was much later than we had anticipated. We have been turning in early each night. I just sat on the lanai (balcony) until Karen woke up. After breakfast we were headed for the bus stop and the Dole Plantation. We learned an interesting fact. The commercial plantations had been moved to the West Indies where labor was less expensive. The Hawaiian Plantation grows only for the locals and the tourist trade. Because of the high cost of living in the islands wages had become a great demand. I spent an hour in the Dole Maze which is reputed to be the largest maze in the world. There were 6 boxes to be found each with a stencil that had to be traced. I gave up after 5 to head for the visitor center to meet Karen. I was sure she had finished much before me. Well, she had but only had 3 stencils traced.

. He took us to a very plush hotel and a dolphin show. After we had freshened up, he and his wife and son picked us up at the hotel again for an afternoon tour. We went to the Punchbowl., which is located at the Puowaina Crater. There they have the Honolulu Memorial Cemetery, where veterans from all wars, including the World War II, are buried. They also had concrete walls with the names of all that have lost their lives fight in the various wars. These again included all wars. Quite impressive. Also impressive was the views of the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head. From there they drove us to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. It was 1186 feet above sea level and offered a panoramic view of windward Oahu. The wind was blowing 80 and it was quite cool. Darn good thing I am a bit heavy or I could have blown out to sea!!!

The 26th. Our plane leaves tonight at 8:45PM. Check out time is noon. We shower and pack and take our bags down to the lobby to check until plane time. No plan for today. We will go to the beach to spend the day. I packed my sunscreen so I will find a shady spot. I have been good about sunscreen every day so only have a little tan. Uh-Oh!!! Karen is buying ticket for a ride on the Catamaran Kepoikai II, we are going for a boat ride!! Great ride!! Great View!! Guess who is SUNBURNED?? Ouch!!

Vacation in Oahu