Having eased right into vacation and having found it really very easy to focus on relaxing and having fun on vacation, we’re finding Waikiki to be just as special as every other time we’ve been here. This island, especially, holds some special magic for us. It has a spell cast over us that for Ryan has lasted since he first visited in 1977 and at least every year thereafter through 1992, and for Clint since we first visited in 2002. Some land at HNL and head right for the neighbor islands, but we love O’ahu and especially Waikiki.

Some images from Ryan's childhood memories of Waikiki

Yes, it is touristy and crowded. But there’s another side to Waikiki that is hard to describe. It’s a feeling of relaxation and peace amidst the hustle and bustle. And we love it.

Yesterday, Ryan awoke before dawn and captured Waikiki transitioning from night to day as the sun came up just to the north of Diamond Head. It was a great time to relax, reflect, and take it all in.

The whole day was like that, really. Some beach walking, Ryan did some playing in the Pacific, Clint napped and read, a great Thai dinner at a hole in the wall … just another great day in paradise.

Here are some photos from our Tuesday …

Ryan loves having his feet in Waikiki's sand and surf.

Getting our morning walk in, working off our hearty breakfast.

Sheraton Waikiki in the background. Our suite is on the corner of the point nearest to the ocean.

Sharing camera time equally.

And now the two of us.

Practice makes perfect!

Segway tours of Waikiki. We prefer to use our limbs to get around, but this made for an interesting shot.

A paddleboarder plying the waters near Kapiolani Park with the Royal Hawaiian in the distance.

Catchin' some waves.

Tourists!

One of the several sea turtles swimming below our suite. They were probably about 5' long.

Clint is drawn to torches. This is at the entrance to our hotel.