Hawaii, still the best place to vacation!
I was born and raised on Oahu and by the time I graduated, like a lot of folks from the islands, I just had to get off the island and experience the “mainland”. I am 43, married with 2 children and living in San Diego, the next best place to live. My husband and I moved here in 1994, but I find that I miss the islands, especially since my family is still there and we frequently visit at least 1 to 2 times a year. Visiting takes care of that urge to have to move back and we can have fun and appreciate it each and every time.
If you’ve ever been there, or you haven’t been there yet, there is so much to do but you have to remember to get out of Waikiki! So, I’d like to share information to experience the island and not be a typical tourist.
First of all, the weather to me, is perfect all times of the year. If you visit in the rainy season, you will find that the rain is warm with a refreshing smell that is hard to described. If your visit is during the hot months, it is quite humid, but how nice is it to stay in shorts and your bathing suit all day long! So, pack light and leave room in your suitcase for all the fun souvenirs you will want to bring back with you.
If there is one thing you have to do on your trip, I highly recommend that you take a day trip and visit to the famous Lanikai Beach, in Kailua. Kailua is where I grew up and it has the best beach (secluded) as well as the greatest Real Estate in Hawaii. It is on the east side of the island. Ask for directions and anyone can tell you how to get there.
Lanikai is a big one way loop. Driving into Lanikai, you will find the well known, Buzz’s Steakhouse with great margaritas and maitais. Dining there, you may just see an actor or two dining next to you as many famous actors own homes in this area. Keep driving on and you will hit Lanikai Boat ramp. Park and enjoy hanging out at the beach and swim to Flat Island. Keep driving through Lanikai and you will see all the million dollar homes (that I will someday own) and the loop will swing you around again.
When you enter or leave Lanikai, there will be a little shopping center that you must stop into. You will find K & L drive-in. If you know Hawaii, it is known for their yummy food and here you will find a variety of plate lunch choices. My favorite is the Garlic Chicken with rice and macaroni salad. And, save room for some yummy shaved ice! You will find it right next door, at Island Snow – get it with ice cream.
If you decide to drive around the island, definitely hit the North Shore, Haleiwa. That is where you will find the surfers, if it is the right season. There on the North Shore, you will find the famous, Matsumoto’s shaved ice - popular for their snow cones. There is always a line, but it goes quick and worth the wait. Waimea Beach is around the corner from there as well. Beautiful beach, huge, perfect surf if it is in season, or super glassy and flat to swim, if not.
And, if you stay in Waikiki, enjoy the beach. Rent the long boards and take a surf lesson. We did that last year with the kids and had a blast!
Last, take advantage of the beautiful flower leis. Buy a lei from one of the lei stands. Get something different and fragrant. A Tuberose, Pikaki or Puakinikini are very fragrant and beautiful. Just don’t buy a plumeria! Some people before leaving the island will throw their lei in the ocean as a promise to the island that they will return or just wear it back home with you.
Take a moment to ask a local resident questions about the island. They would love to tell you about their home.
I hope that my information will help to make your trip a little more fun or at least get you excited about visiting the islands. All islands are unique and have their own special touch. Email me if you’d like. I always love to talk about my home.
Aloha!
Pam Campbell
Pam Campbell is a San Diego based Mortgage Loan Originator, married and a mother of 2 and loves Real Estate strategy. She is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist for both Residential and Commercial Real Estate. Visit her website for details: www.CaliforniaMortgagePro.com
Theatre breaks in London can involve so much more than the stage
London’s West End is often considered a mecca for live stage entertainment. Musicals, drama, comedy, tragedy, opera, and just about any other theatrical genre you can think of are all showing in London’s famous entertainment district throughout the year. With a choice of over 100 productions playing at any one time there’s bound to be something that appeals, so why not combine a theatre trip with an overnight stay in a West End hotel?
When you're looking for ideas as to what to see in the West End, consider all your options carefully. The fantastic musical “We Will Rock You” at the Dominion features the stirring music of rock group 'Queen'. Alternatively, if you love a good cliff-hanger, the classic "The 39 Steps" should do the trick.
Meanwhile, if reality TV and the search for stars to appear in 'The Sound of Music', 'Grease' and 'Joseph' has whetted your appetite - if so, make sure you secure a ticket for one of these un-missable shows. Or for something a little more traditional, opt for a trip to a stirring opera such as Verdi’s ‘Aida’ or maybe a trip to the ballet in Covent Garden.
The beauty of London's West End, however, is that so much is packed into such a small area: theatres, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shops are all conveniently located close together - making it a great place to visit for an action-packed break. Also, many restaurants in the West End offer a special value menu for theatre-goers wishing to eat before attending their selected performance, especially in the area around Leicester Square - so remember to take advantage!
Theatre breaks are not just a summer activity, but can be enjoyed all-year round. Moreover, London's tumult of activity never ceases, so you'll be able to see the sights whether you visit in the height of summer or the depths of winter. With many historic attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, plus far more besides, you will never be stuck for attractions to appreciate. Plus, many of the other marvellous sights of the country’s capital are just a short journey away from the West End, including London’s newly crowned number one tourist attraction - The London Eye.
And no visit to London would be complete without a spot of shopping! Hot-spots such as Oxford Street, Regents Street, Carnaby Street and Knightsbridge are all ripe for a spot of retail therapy. From chain stores to exclusive designer shops you’ll find them all, but remember to get back to your hotel in plenty of time to change for curtain-up!
Perhaps your ideal theatre break involves adding romance to your theatre break with a stay in an intimate boutique hotel in London with your partner, or maybe you just want to plump for a budget hotel. Either way by booking a hotel in the West End you’ll never be far away from the spotlight.
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Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online.
