Oahu Vacation: Day 1

It was an incredible first day in paradise and felt like coming home. But after 20+ times coming here, it is like home away from home. I can’t say that I’m committing to a daily blog, but I’m going to do my best to keep up to date on the activities as quickly after they occur as possible.

Our day started at Duke’s, one of our favorite spots. The breakfast buffet, is without a doubt, one of the best in Waikiki. After my orange, guava, passion fruit juice, some of the tastiest home fries ever, and the delicious French toast, we stopped by the concierge desk in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Incidentally, this Outrigger used to be our home away from home and therefore, still holds a special place in my heart. Anyway, Jackie–one of the concierge’s there, has been booking our excursions for the last 3 years, so it was good to see her. If you ever go there, ask for Jackie–she’s awesome!

So after a hearty breakfast and our upcoming activities booked, it was off to get our trolley passes. In the same vein, we’ve bought our trolley passes from the trolley desk in Royal Hawaiian Center for the last few years as well, from the same lady, she too rocks.

Then, it was off to the beach! My one cousin and I stayed in the water for about 2 hours. I truly think that I’m part fish, because once I get in, I don’t wanna get out. But here’s a tip–put on sunscreen! I am now bright red and tender to the touch because I neglected to put on sunscreen because I just wanted to go swimming in that gorgeous blue water! Lesson learned.

Post beach, it was off to Tiki’s for afternoon cocktails. They make a delicious blue Hawaii. We trolley’d back to the hotel and had just settled in for an afternoon snack when the fire alarm started going off. Mind you, there was a funny smell while we were waiting at the elevator. And as we were sitting on the lanai, we did notice several fire trucks pull up, but who pays attention to such things when they’re on vacation? Alas, we were told to vacate our rooms and not to use the elevators but to come down the nearest staircase. Here’s the kicker–of the 26 floors in the hotel, we’re on the 24th. We made it to floor 16 when we were told we could take the elevator back to our floor and go back to our room. Thankfully, the fire was in the parking garage and was contained and under control. Don’t think anyone was hurt; so off to dinner we went. One incredibly delicious pulled pork sandwich later, a stop at a few stores in The Hilton Hawaiian Village and then it was time for bed.

Next up, the zoo!