Honolulu, HI

Hundreds of other spectators lined the streets alongside us as the motorcycles paraded past, their riders waving, honking and shouting “Merry Christmas!” A few of the riders tossed candy canes for the kids. We were amazed at just how many bikes there were on Oahu. It took almost a half an hour for all the bikes to pass!

Recently my wife and sister and I went for a catamaran sail and snorkeling trip from Waikiki Beach. We left right from the beach in front of the Outrigger Hotel where the Shorebird restaurant is. After boarding the boat right on the beach, we headed for a short ride to the snorkel spot–a place called “Turtle Canyon” because of all the green sea turtles that are known to hang out there.

Every Friday the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on an “Aloha-Style” show, sort of like a luau show without the dinner. My wife and I checked it out on December 5, 2008, and I must say it was quite entertaining.

The show started at 6:30 pm. The evening began with the King’s Procession and then continued with the music, attire, performances and dance from Hawaii and other Polynesian Islands. The night ended with music to a spectacular fireworks display.

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 lived in Las Vegas the past two years and there is one thing I’ve realized that is better than the gambling there – and that is their amazing concert line-up. Bands brush through Vegas nightly like wildfire and while I’ve seen big names such as The Police, Celine Dion and Sir Elton John, nothing compares to the good times I’ve spent sitting on the lawn at the Waikiki Shell, celebrating life and good music with thousands of other people who feel the same way.

For first-time visitors to Hawaii, the luau is almost considered a rite of passage. My wife and I have been to several luaus since we have been living on Oahu. Each has its own unique blend of food, entertainment and setting. There are many different luaus on the island of Oahu, but I will writer here about three of the more popular ones. My wife and I recently attended each of these luaus with friends and family.

Whales! We were about three miles offshore from Waikiki Beach—the pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel was visible as a small dot in the distance. Outside on deck, people were pointing toward shore. A Humpback mother and her calf cavorted not far from our boat. Then the mother slapped her huge tail (called a fluke) against the water, before diving beneath the surface. Cameras were clicking like crazy. Suddenly the mother Humpback erupted from the water—a full breach—leaping into the air! People screamed, and I was lucky enough to point my camcorder just in time to catch it.

The sun started creeping lower and lower into the Honolulu skyline. There were throngs of people crowded in front of the galleries, walking to each one in a row. I was excited to experience First Friday at downtown Honolulu’s Gallery walk for the first time since moving back to my home from Las Vegas. Even before getting out of the parking garage, I could hear the sound of the crowds and live music coming from above. I knew I was in for a great evening.

Then, promptly at 8:00: boom! The first fireworks lit up the night sky with blazing reds and whites. There were some really impressive explosives—firecrackers, rockets, pinwheels and what have you—which can be heard throughout Waikiki. A few boats also lead fireworks cruises and could be seen bobbing not far from shore to witness the spectacle.

On May 10, 2008, my wife and I went to the 16th annual Filipino Festival in Waikiki. There was also a parade which ran along Kalakaua Avenue, but we only attended the festival part of it, which was in Kapiolani Park, across the street from Queen’s Beach. We arrived at the park at around 11 AM and the festival was already in full swing. The park was filled with people celebrating Filipino culture: a musical group performed on a stage with dancers, vendors of all sorts sold food and drinks, arts and crafts, while families and people of all ages walked around experiencing it all.