We were picked up by Mickey this morning, a 50-something surfer dude who has been born and bred in Waikiki. We got kitted up at the Star Beach Boys Shack, putting on our rash guard and strapping our board to our ankle.
After a quick ‘how to surf’ lesson on the beach we paddled out whilst laid on our boards and sat waiting for a wave.
Nicola was first to go, and followed the instructions; paddle as the wave hits you, then put your hands on the board under your shoulders, get onto your knees and then your feet…left foot in front of the right and crouch with arms out! Phew, it was a lot to remember and she didn’t quite get into the standing position.
Ben however, was a natural and made the whole process look easy!
Tony our instructor was a good teacher though, and after 3 attempts Nicola managed to get to her feet…sadly the camera is not very flattering, and she never managed to crack a smile, just look mildly terrified! Daddy Smith, we know these will make you chuckle!!!!!!!!
The sheer delight of finally standing was such a rush!! After our lesson we went back to the hostel for a shower, and to compare injuries…of which there are many.
We then hopped on a local bus and headed into downtown Honolulu for some sightseeing.
First stop was Chinatown, where we stopped in at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza and got some steamed buns for lunch.
We then wandered around the old Chinatown business district, where scents of jasmine tea and incense wafted in the air. We looked around the buzzing markets and even found a Chinese ‘Smith Street’.
Our route then took us through the central business district of downtown Honolulu and into the historical area.
Iolani Palace, the official residence of Queen Kapi’olani and King Kalakaua from 1882 to 1891, and Queen Lili’uokalani after that was an impressive building.
The sight of many political struggles, the biggest of which occurred in 1893 when a group of armed US business men overthrew the Hawaiian Royal family. From then until 1969 it became the capitol building.
Also, a relict from the Hawaiian Kingdom was Ali’iolani Hale building, the first major government building constructed by the Hawaiian monarchy in 1874. In front of it the imposing figure of Kamehameha the Great stands facing the Royal Palace.
Next door was Kawaiaha’o Church, Oahu’s oldest Church, built in 1842 by the first Missionaries.
The cemetery was filled with notable colonial figures, including Sanford Dole who was involved in overthrowing the Royals.
Across the street was the first Mission houses, which used to house the Mission Headquarters for the Sandwich Islands (the name given to Hawaii by Cook).
After our dose of history we walked down to the shopping mall district, where we did a bit of engagement ring shopping…and realised neither of us know anything about diamonds, or engagement rings! Any help will be greatly appreciated!!
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