Magical Places
Celebrating places of beauty & magic
Exploring the Hawaiian Islands is a feast for the senses -- fragrant air, warm breezes, bright colorful flowers and sweet juicy fruits... truly a Tropical paradise!
This trip was my first travel adventure. Feeling bored and trapped, I quit my job and flew to Hawaii with only a backpack - no itinerary or hotel reservations, just some clothes, my camera, a toothbrush and some money. What a blast!
Waikiki Beach
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Waikiki Beach as seen from just beyond Diamond Head. Oh that wonderful water!!
Waikiki Beach - canoes everywhere
Waikiki Beach
Honestly it's extremely touristy, but if you're not here to relax it can be fun
Waikiki Beach
Ahh...the beautiful waters of the Pacific... I'm content to sit and stare at the waves all day
Waikiki city view
Sadly, it's not what it was when I first visited in the 80's -- it's now a noisy, lively city
Waikiki at night - all lit up abuzz with activity
Ala Moana Canal in Honolulu
Pali Lookout
A few miles outside of Honolulu is this neat little scenic overlook, offering stunning views of the city and Waikiki
On top of the world
View of Honolulu and Waikiki from Pali Lookout. Diamond Head is that bump on the left.
Beach Sunset
Along Hwy 72 (near Diamond Head)
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To get to more scenic, pristine places, drive out near Diamond Head!!!
Here is a lush, quiet park facing Diamond Head. Many people were doing yoga, it was that peaceful...
The trees in Hawaii are amazing!!!
A bit further up is a wonderful scenic overlook off Hwy 72 - oh so peaceful... (and very Planet of the Apes :-)
Paragliders flying over the waters...(wish I was up there...)
A trail takes you down to the sandy beach
Yes, even a rooster here!
Further up on the scenic overlook is this lush green oasis
Relax and enjoy your lunch here...
Haunauma Bay
The waters are sparkling crystal clear. Perfect for snorkeling!
Manicured lawns near Wai-Alea Beach Park
Even further on Hwy 72 is this stretch of dramatic rocky beach
Looking to the left...
Looking to the right
Blowhole overlook. This is a hole in the rock; when the waves hit just right, water shoots up like a geyser
Many tourists - not what I remember from the 80's...
Looking leftward - such beautiful scenery!
Dramatic rocky coastline on the north side of the island
Beautiful, quiet Sandy Beach. If Waikiki is too crowded & touristy, this is the place to go!!!
End of a perfect day...