Oahu

A bunch more pics of Oahu here, which have nothing to specifically to do with a race or run. 

We spent 10 nights there, five in Waikiki and five in Makaha on the west shore. We arrived on December 7th and watched the Pearl Harbor Day parade that evening in downtown Waikiki. We did the deluxe package tour of the Polynesian Adventure Center, which was amazing--touring six different pacific island groups and learning about their history and culture, a luau and then a fire show. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, thrown in there. 

Pearl Harbor visit, although unfortunately we weren't able to get out to the Arizona due to winds. I felt like I took away plenty from the experience, picturing planes coming over the hills and the panic and response. There were many exhibits and museum halls to learn from. 

We stayed in a high rise with ocean views in Waikiki and then a condo on the water in Makaha, a much quieter, local setting. We twice made it up to the North Shore, where we did the tourist thing, including shaved ices at Matsumotos---known for their..shaved ice--and then caught sight of the winter big surf on the Banzai Pipeline, Halewei and elsewhere. They take their surfing very seriously in Hawaii, with a channel dedicated to it, and surf shops everywhere. The Dole Plantation, briefly. Many stops in local groceries to see how folks live and taste the tropical treats. A boatload of macadamia nuts and coffee for the return trip home. 

Fun eats all along the way, including malasadas at Leonards in Honolulu. Guava and lillikoi donuts, straight from the fryer, etc. Roy's, excellent. Musubui Cafe, Hula Dogs, and poke. Taro bubble tea with tapioca. I kind of got into tapioca cups with fruits. There was the Hawaii Poi Factory too on the east shore. Giovanni's shrimp in Halawei. Papayas and local honey.

Stargazing was a thing for me, especially in the second five days on the west shore. I saw Neptune through binoculars. I spotted most of the planets. The Geminids meteor shower was one night and they were shooting every few minutes for a while then. We also had a night with sideways rain, which was kind of cool. Tradewinds. I saw a whale from our lanai. 

Oahu was better than expected. I thought this island would be a bit too busy for me. And Waikiki is loud and busy, for sure. But that was fine, especially when wrapped up with the marathon, some dining, and other city stuff. We really loved the quiet beaches we found on the west side, and the Polynesian Center was amazing. There were a lot of amazing beaches with very little in the way of visitors. Seeing everything during the holiday season, with the Christmas trees and Hawaiian wreaths and other Polynesian decor was extra special.