Island of Oahu, by Margot B

Waikiki has scenic beauty, hospitable people, lots to do - never a boring moment... One of the most beautiful places in the world.

One of the more popular tourist attactions is the flea market at the Aloha Stadium, near Pearl Harbour. It is seven miles around, has over 1500 vendors, is open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a private shuttle that carries passengers from Waikiki at 7:30, 9 and 10:30am.

One of my favourite restaurants is the Shorebird Inn at the Outrigger Reef Hotel, on the beach at Waikiki. The restaurant is open on the beach side. My favourite feature is the breakfast buffet; it has everything.

Another favourite and a very popular attraction, is the sunset dinner cruise on a real Hawaiian catamarand. This is a must. It is approximately a three hour scenic cruise that gives you a beautiful view of the Waikiki shoreline. Entertainment is provided by Hawaiian dancers and musicians.The evening cruise begins with cocktails at about 5 PM, then dinner at sunset [very good food], then live entertainment and dancing. My fondest memory is the Honolulu skyline photographed from the Sunset Dinner Cruise.

The Luau at Paradise Cove is a most outstanding memory of Waikiki. A tropical Mai Tai greeting and live Hawaiian music set a festive mood of the evening. After the 'Shower of Flowers' there is a demonstration of the net fishing techniques of old Hawaii ...in the Hukilau on the beach. Then follows the Royal Court Procession and the time-honoured techniques of underground oven cooking at the Imu Ceremony: Transporting the Kalua pig from the hot coals to the dinner table.

Then the evening feast begins with traditional Hawaiian dishes, after which Hawaiian dancers entertain with songs and dances of Hawaii and Polynesia, against the backdrop of Hawaii's spectacular sunset.

Paradise Cove is the picture-perfect location for an intimate wedding ceremony, a family get-together, a graduation party, a class reunion or even a corporate theme party.

Iolani Palace is the only true royal palace in the U.S. and the last official residence of the kings and queens who ruled Hawaii. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani completed the palace in 1882. It served as the monarch residence until the dethronement of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893 by American businessmen.

Iolani Palace had electricity and telephones installed several years before the White House. The Queen was imprisoned in the Palace for eight months in 1895 by the unlawful Provisional Government, charged with misprision of treason for attempting to restore Hawai`i's sovereignty. The Palace served as capitol of the Provisional Government, Republic, Territory and State of Hawai`i until 1969. At that time the Palace was vacated and restoration begun. It is now a museum under the direction of Friends of Iolani Palace, who continue restoration efforts.

A must-see is the Sheraton Royal Hawaiian, the Pink Palace, located on the beach one block from the malls. The walls are painted in a very relaxing shade of pink, everything is very well lighted, and there is even carpet lining the outdoor walkways. There is a pool to sit by if you aren’t interested in the beach; both the pool area and the beach area have chairs and umbrellas available to just spend a day sitting under while you relax in the pleasant Hawaiian sun. In the first floor area there are also a large selection of shops offering everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry and clothing.

The hotel does have a selection of restaurants and bars to choose from; there is the Surf Room for any one to have a meal, the Mai Tai Bar right next to the beach for drinks during the day. The only restaurant I ate at was the Surf Room for breakfast, so I can only comment on it and none of the others. The surf room offers a huge buffet for breakfast, everything from rice and sausage to waffles and omelets.

As for luggage and bags: A carry-on bag with casual clothing is all that is necessary for a week's stay - and hang on to your handbags in Honolulu and Waikiki. Comfortable walking shoes are the most important clothing item to have in Honolulu..and a camera is a must.