Hawaii #1

Without further ado.... a few relics from my time in Hawaii.

Enjoy.

The Waianae Mountain range, on the west side of O'ahu.  This was the only day I ever got to come out here.  I just wish I had come more.

Aloha Tower.  It used to be the tallest tower in the whole city (and probably island).   But, it didn't last.  Still a welcoming sight to incoming ships though.

My very first authentic Hawaiian lei, given to me upon my arrival by my aunt Marsha.  We then proceeded to get in the car, and I hadn't the slightest clue as to where I was, what I was doing, or where I was going, save for the overwhelming sensation of, "WOW!  It really IS like the pictures!"

 Sunset off Waikiki beach.  Need I say more?

This is a shot taken from Magic Island.  It was taken near the day I first arrived in Hawaii (if not the day).  You're looking off the coast of Ala Moana, one of the many beaches off the southern part of O'ahu.  Ala Moana was my favorite (and closest) beach.

I found this guy on Magic Island one night just strumming away on his Ukulele.  He graciously let me photograph him.  Ukulele literally means 'jumping flee', and his playing truly exemplified this translation.

If you've never heard a conch shell being played, it's very intriguing the first time you hear it.  First you wonder where the loud, deep sound is coming from.  Then you realize it's that pretty shell over there that's emitting such a sound.

Okay, okay, I cheated.  My aunt actually took this picture on one of her flights to a neighboring island.  (It's not my fault!  They always gave me a seat on the opposite side of the plane!)  But it's still pretty, yes?  You're looking at the Honolulu coastline.  Diamond head rounds off the tip.