Hawaii 18th to 20th September 2017

MONDAY 18TH September

Didn't do a lot today went for a wander around the grounds of the Hilton village which is right next door to us. Went to their ice cream shop and had one of their great ice creams. Like everything here they were far too sweet. So much sugar in everything. I have had my one ice cream and won't be having another.

The trade winds have come in this week for the first time. Makes the temperatures a little kinder on us and very refreshing as we walk around.

In the Hilton grounds looking through to the lagoon.

Looking down the road of the village. Lots of little shops.

Now down on the lagoon looking from the Hilton gardens. The opposite side from where we walk around to the beach for swimming.

Looking across from another angle.

Looking through our apartment out to the night view. Nice temperature at this time of night.

TUESDAY  19TH September.

Today we made our way up to the Punchbowl. The resting place of the Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country. 

We decided to take the challenge in catching the bus up there dealing with transfers etc. It took us awhile waiting at bus stops on the way up and on the way down. We eventually returned home after a rather long time. Its always good to set ourselves with a challenge

Entrance to the gardens of the Punchbowl

Walking up the road through the main entrance are these amazing trees.

Look at the width of this one. Its amazing, its what we call a silk tree. The men are laid to rest all around the gardens in the lawns as you can see their plaques.

The memorial building.

Flowers from New Zealand.

Inside.

We walked up the hill to the lookout overlooking both Waikiki and Honolulu.

Diamond head in the far distance. Not going to walk up there this time. Done that three times before so that's it. Don't think the knees would take it these days.

As we were walking back down the hill more of the grounds and the plaques. Its really nicely laid out. Very peaceful surrounds.

Got back to the condo and refreshed with a swim. Trade winds still blowing so very pleasant on the beach, reduces the heat a bit. We were going out for dinner tonight but decided to do that tomorrow. (Too tired.)

WEDNESDAY  20TH September.

Another challenge for the day taking the bus out to Ewa Beach which is further along the coast to the west. We didn't keep going further around the coast to the flash beach resorts just too far when you have to hang around waiting for buses. We certainly saw a few new bus stops yesterday and today but it is all fun as we have the time to do it. It took us about two hours to get there with all the stop starts in the bus.

We arrived at the town of Ewa inland a bit from the coast so we had another transfer out to the beach.

Finally arrived at the Ewa Beach Park, looking across the picnic area to the beach.

A beautiful beach. We arrived with our togs, suncream lotion hats etc to find out that it wasn't a place to swim probably due to the trade winds blowing along the beach. Although it doesn't look like it in these photos the waves were real dumpers rolling up the beach then sweeping away with a strong current. Too dangerous and there wasn't any lifeguards, so disappointed we couldn't swim but well worth the trip just to see this beautiful spot. Photo above  looking east back to Waikiki but too far to see.

Looking straight out to sea. The waves look fairly tame in the photo but it wasn't like that at all. Quite scary.

Looking the other way to the west.

Zoomed in to bring up Waikiki and Diamond head.

PT talking to a couple of local lads who advised too rough for swimming.

A beautiful spot and a shame about the swimming.

Waiting for the bus to come back along to the beach park for our return to base. Very hot waiting and no seats at this shelter. We were right next to a military training area and had to listen to them practicing firing their rifles. very loud and a little scary hoping their aim was good. The bus was meant to return every half hour. We waited and waited more than an hour went by still no bus. A young local boy stopped and took us into to Ewa town to the transfer station. He was at the park and saw that we had been waiting for some time. The bus back was a lot quicker as we managed to catch the express bus which went down the motorway whereas on the way out we stopped at every bus stop on the back road.

 Went downstairs again for  

dinner tonight which was nice. Note Dads new shirt..

Rather like these. My blue Hawaiian and PTs beer.