Hawaii… (Well, Oahu, same difference)

When I was little, I had wanted to go to the island of Hawaii so bad, it was painful.  But in actuality it was the island of Oahu that I dreamed about. After many visits to Oahu, and subsequently, Kauai, Maui, and the “Big Island, ” Hawaii itself, I’m always at home with Oahu.  It is my first love and feels like home.  For those traveling across the Pacific for the first time, Oahu is the island where Honolulu is.  Where Waikiki is.  The home of the Dole Pineapple Plantation, North Shore (Pipeline),  Waimea Falls, Pearl Harbor (Arizona Memorial) and Kalakaua Avenue.  All the major hotels line the famous boulevard, and one in particular to visit, even if just for their amazing Mai Tai’s, is the Moana Surfrider Hotel. This lovely, majestic, colonial style building, is elegant as it is stately.  This large, white structure,  is strategically located on the famous street, and has an enchanting terrace to observe the lively beach in the distance.  Since most restaurants on this street are within a 2 hour plus waiting time to be seated , The Surfrider is a great stop.  No matter how many visits to the rumored, “touristy” Waikiki Beach, and all that it encompasses, it really doesn’t disappoint in terms of weather, beach activity, and island magic.