Waikiki – Another place in the sun!

In the meantime we’re off exploring the island of Oahu in all it’s splendour, colours and excitement while Sage gets a break and some much-needed attention.  I need to replace the spartite that holds the mast in the collar as it goes through the deck to the keel, re-attach the self steering gear with some lock washers, get the drogue properly set up to be deployed should we run into some nasty weather and numerous other small chores that keep screaming for attention.  Every little adjustment makes Sage work better for us and makes Sage easier to handle.  It’s not all work though.  We try to focus on boat work in the morning and by noon are usually out exploring, heading to the beach or planning an evening excursion.

Hawaii Yacht Club – looking at the harbour entrance

Hawaii Yacht Club – the BBQ pit

Offshore sailor’s BBQ table

Our temporary home for the present is the Ala Wai Yacht Harbour and part of that complex is the Hawaii Yacht Club.

The yacht harbour is

Marina view from the 24th floor of the Ilikai Hotel

conveniently located at the west end of Waikiki Beach and from there we can walk into town or catch a city bus for $2.50 that will take us anywhere on Oahu .  For us it’s a perfect spot to get the things done that we want to do and

One of the first events we took in was the Sunday concert in the park featuring the Royal Hawaiian Band.  Through an introduction, by e-mail from Bill and Donna, onboard Alia in Victoria we got to meet Bill and Barbara.

Waikiki, to many, is a vast and intensely urban tourist mecca bordered by one of the most spectacular summer surfing beaches.  It is one of the most densely populated places in America and right now the surf is up and everyone’s headed to the beach for some of the best surfing the beginning of the season has offered.  I often walk down from the marina to a place where I can watch the surfers heading out and it’s all of a 5 minute walk from the bow of the boat.

There’s a lot to see in Honolulu and on Oahu.  Of course, there’s Pearl Harbour but other places we have been and things we’ve seen include the Bishop’s Museum, various markets, Foster’s Botanical Garden, Byodin Temple, circle drive around Oahu, Hanauma Bay and of course the hotel district of Waikiki!

Here’s a sample of pictures taken of some of the places: