It was beyond wonderful to be back in the Hawaiian Islands again! Marla’s cardiologist made us cancel our March 2022 trip, so this visit was very special! We began our trip with three nights in Waikiki on Oahu. We haven’t been in Waikiki for almost 20 years.

We chose the Lotus Hotel at Diamond Head for someplace new. It is just a few feet from the beach and across from Kapiolani Park. For many years we took the family to the Hilton Hawaiian Village at the northern end of Waikiki Beach. Marla is checking out the view from our terrace after a long 7 hour and 35 minutes flight from Denver to Honolulu.

Immediately following check-in, we connected for cocktails and dinner at the Kaimana Beach Hotel with Amy Fein and her husband Michael. Their friend also visiting from Denver, Catherine, (above center) joined us as well. Amy and I have been Facebook friends for years, so it was great to finally meet in person! I always love her passionate and wise perspective on the world. She really should be a journalist! After a final Mai Tai, it was time to say goodbye.

The interiors of the Kaimana beach Hotel are very well done. I love this dramatic wall of framed photos and art.

The view looking from the beach in front of the Colony Surf Condominiums toward Waikiki beach.

A beautiful Banyon Tree highlighted our beautiful morning walks.

A bronze surfer catching a wave.

Morning exercise class on the beach side of Kapiolani Park.

Bringing the boards out for surf classes.

We walked to the Barefoot Beach Cafe on Queen’s Beach for a great breakfast.

They feature pineapple smoothies.

Marla ordered Macadamia nut pancakes (my favorite as well) and she loved them!

I had to have my fix of Portuguese sausage plus an order of pancakes!

Waikiki Beach brought back so many memories for us.

One of the truly special places for a dinner is Michel’s in the Colony Surf condominiums. This was our very first fine dining experience in Waikiki in the 1970’s! We booked weeks in advance, which is a must if you want a beachside table at sunset. Sunset begins around 6:30 PM.

Marla is one happy lady as she loves a beautiful sunset!

Oh yes!

I am one happy guy with a sunset, a beach…and a nice glass of wine. I’m wearing one of many Paul Ropp shirts I bought on trips to Bali. When Marla and I hosted our Wesco Fabrics’ clients on incentive trips to Bali we always visited his showrooms and factory.

I moved to Marla’s side of the table to see her fabulous Waikiki view!

Michel’s is a delightful throwback to early days of fine dining with classic tableside preparations and flambe delights. I started with a delicious escargot followed by Filet Mignon Rossini as the entre.

Marla loved her Beef Wellington!

Sunset!

Fireworks at one of the Waikiki hotels completed our entertainment. Lucky for us fireworks displays launch from the Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoon area at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort every Friday night!

The beach in front of the Colony Surf and the Outrigger Beach Club was almost semi-private and just steps away from our hotel. Our hotel provided beach chairs and towels for us.

I have tried to make sunset dinner reservations at the Halekulani’s “House Without A Key” a number of times over the years to no avail. For this trip I planned early and secured a reservation.

Their Mai Tais are superb! Even Marla splurged on one.

Two can play at that game!

Our sunset view!

“House Without a Key” is famous for Hawaiian music and dancers.

We are in front of the famous Duke Kahanamoku bronze statue in Waikiki. He famously won 3 gold medals, 2 silver and a bronze medal in 4 Olympics between 1912 to 1932. He was elected sheriff of Honolulu for 13 consecutive terms.

Stay tuned for more Honolulu adventures. We’ll have a quick and surprising visit at Honolulu Museum of Art and a totally amazing tour of Doris Duke’s fabulous Shangri La.

Photos: Dick Gentry, Michel’s, & the Halekulani Hotel. Not to be used without permission.