Honolulu, HI

Last weekend my wife and I went to the Ala Moana Mall near Honolulu. This is the largest outdoor mall in the United States, and although we have been here many times, we still probably haven’t seen it all. There are literally hundreds of shops and vendors to choose from, in addition to dozens of eateries, from fast food to gourmet dining. Also, it’s a visually appealing mall, with numerous fountains, koi ponds and landscaping throughout.

This last Tuesday afternoon my wife and I headed over to Ward Warehouse, a mall near Honolulu. Although smaller and less well known than the world famous Ala Moana shopping mall, which is not far from Ward, Ward Warehouse still has much to offer. Also, be careful not to confuse Ward Warehouse with its cousin, Ward Center, which is actually down the street a ways from Ward Center (although it is not that far).

As a parent of youngsters, I love going out to parks with my husband and kids. There’s nothing quite like spending an afternoon running around, playing on swings and sliding down slides. Fortunately, Hawai’i happens to be home to many great parks that are ideal places for families to spend an afternoon together.

Last Sunday my wife and I went to Kelly O’Neil’s pub on Lewers Street (across the street from Moose McGillicuddy’s) in Waikiki to watch a local Irish band. Kelly O’Neil’s features live Irish music every Sunday, from about 4pm to 7pm (no cover charge). We arrived shortly after 4:00 and took seats at a small table off to the side, facing the band.

I was happy to discover on a recent Glass Bottom Boat (or the “G Double B” as I like to call it) tour through tropical Kaneohe Bay, the boat was of course not only very safe, it offered a very unique underwater viewing experience. The kind where you don’t even have to get wet!