Ala Moana

Today we walked to Ala Moana Regional Park, which is located at the extreme west edge of Waikiki. It is quite a large park with an expansive beach, but relatively few people. The morning walk was pleasant, and after exploring a bit, we found a bench in the shade, overlooking the ocean.

We sat and read, watched a few surfers and paddle-boarders, and just enjoyed the air. It was difficult to believe there were so few people in such a beautiful place. But getting here would involve walking a bit from the big hotels, and Americans simply aren't into that.

Diamond Head as seen from Ala Moana Park

We had packed a lunch, and the moment we opened the backpack to take out our sandwiches, at least a half-dozen birds joined us. Not very afraid of humans, one little cardinal even jumped up on the bench and was only inches away from sitting on my shoulder!

When we'd had enough of park and birds, we walked to the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. This free museum told the military history of the islands from the tribal warfare described by Captain Cook when he first arrived here, up through the Spanish-American War, the World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. The exhibits were fairly well done, but I can't say we learned a lot we didn't already know.

On the way back, we passed a crappy hotel, rated as only Four Stars and not even on the beach, trying to compete with the Hilton, Sheraton, and other Five Star properties overlooking the ocean at Waikiki.

The plan is to hit a Japanese restaurant for happy hour and evening meal.