Aloha~
The 'spirit of aloha' runs strong and clear on this beautiful island. I have an even stronger sense of place, and respect for the culture then ever before after this visit!
Unlike most of my visits to O'ahu, this time I stayed in the resort area known as Ko'olina. My very good friend and sister Leslie Darga and her husband Jim, had reserved a lovely condo there for the entire month! I was the lucky girl asked to come and stay with them for a while! I eagerly accepted their generous invitation, and the planning began!
We shared a very special afternoon with a dear friend, and now Director of Sales of The Modern Hotel, Ms. Joy Tomita. This is a very special hotel! I would describe it as 'boutique' in size. But with all the luxuries and amenities of many of the bigger, more well known resort hotels. The rooms are exquisite, spacious, and the location is perfect! The crowd there is younger. But this sophisticated hotel is comfortable, while providing spectacular service!
Our next visit was the all new Hyatt Place. This location is right in the heart of it all! Just off Kalakaua Avenue, this entirely rebuilt tower offers the very best! The rooms are big, beautifully decorated, and have all the perks of the other bigger hotels. The second tower is not yet finished. But the pool deck between them is complete. All guests receive a deluxe continental breakfast every day, with two hot dishes included to choose from at the buffet! Most important to me; the people there were wonderful, friendly, and eager to smile and help!
But with out a doubt the high-light of this visit was our very special day with our sister and friend Stacey Alford and her associate from the O'ahu Visitors Bureau- Kainoa Daines. I had met Kainoa before, and was eager to accept his invitation to a few very exclusive and special places. Our day began early at the Royal Mausoleum, just off the Pali Highway. Behind the beautiful gates, the final resting place of Hawaii's "Ali'i", the royals of the Hawaiian Islands. I was very surprised and quite unaware of this very special place, and honored to be allowed this visit. From the family of the Kamehameha line to the 'elected royals' of the Kalakaua line. The stories and information Kainoa shared were priceless! From here we went to the summer home of Queen Emma, a stop that should be on all visitors 'to do' list. We then went to the second oldest church in Hawaii, The Church at Kawaiaha'o. We were honored to spend some time learning of the history of this very important place from the "Kahu" Pastor Curt. He was so proud, and so informative of the history and current events surrounding this very old church. It's a great part of the history of Hawaii, and right in the center of Honolulu. This place too is a must see on every visitors itinerary.
After so many years, and so many visits, I continue to be amazed and educated by these islands of Hawaii. The people, the culture, the history... it's just so much more then beaches and trade winds!
With warmest aloha... a hui hou O'ahu!
Just a few thoughts from this Travel Professional.
