| I was born and raised on Oahu and by the time | | | | swing you around again. |
| I graduated, like a lot of folks from the | | | | |
| islands, I just had to get off the island and | | | | When you enter or leave Lanikai, there will |
| experience the "mainland". I am 43, married | | | | be a little shopping center that you must |
| with 2 children and living in San Diego, the | | | | stop into. You will find K & L drive-in. If |
| next best place to live. My husband and I | | | | you know Hawaii, it is known for their yummy |
| moved here in 1994, but I find that I miss | | | | food and here you will find a variety of |
| the islands, especially since my family is | | | | plate lunch choices. My favorite is the |
| still there and we frequently visit at least | | | | Garlic Chicken with rice and macaroni salad. |
| 1 to 2 times a year. Visiting takes care of | | | | And, save room for some yummy shaved ice! |
| that urge to have to move back and we can | | | | You will find it right next door, at Island |
| have fun and appreciate it each and every | | | | Snow - get it with ice cream. |
| time. | | | | |
| | | | If you decide to drive around the island, |
| If you've ever been there, or you haven't | | | | definitely hit the North Shore, Haleiwa. |
| been there yet, there is so much to do but | | | | That is where you will find the surfers, if |
| you have to remember to get out of Waikiki! | | | | it is the right season. There on the North |
| So, I'd like to share information to | | | | Shore, you will find the famous, Matsumoto's |
| experience the island and not be a typical | | | | shaved ice - popular for their snow cones. |
| tourist. | | | | There is always a line, but it goes quick and |
| | | | worth the wait. Waimea Beach is around the |
| First of all, the weather to me, is perfect | | | | corner from there as well. Beautiful beach, |
| all times of the year. If you visit in the | | | | huge, perfect surf if it is in season, or |
| rainy season, you will find that the rain is | | | | super glassy and flat to swim, if not. |
| warm with a refreshing smell that is hard to | | | | |
| described. If your visit is during the hot | | | | And, if you stay in Waikiki, enjoy the beach. |
| months, it is quite humid, but how nice is it | | | | Rent the long boards and take a surf lesson. |
| to stay in shorts and your bathing suit all | | | | We did that last year with the kids and had |
| day long! So, pack light and leave room in | | | | a blast! |
| your suitcase for all the fun souvenirs you | | | | |
| will want to bring back with you. | | | | Last, take advantage of the beautiful flower |
| | | | leis. Buy a lei from one of the lei stands. |
| If there is one thing you have to do on your | | | | Get something different and fragrant. A |
| trip, I highly recommend that you take a day | | | | Tuberose, Pikaki or Puakinikini are very |
| trip and visit to the famous Lanikai Beach, | | | | fragrant and beautiful. Just don't buy a |
| in Kailua. Kailua is where I grew up and it | | | | plumeria! Some people before leaving the |
| has the best beach (secluded) as well as the | | | | island will throw their lei in the ocean as a |
| greatest Real Estate in Hawaii. It is on the | | | | promise to the island that they will return |
| east side of the island. Ask for directions | | | | or just wear it back home with you. |
| and anyone can tell you how to get there. | | | | |
| | | | Take a moment to ask a local resident |
| Lanikai is a big one way loop. Driving into | | | | questions about the island. They would love |
| Lanikai, you will find the well known, Buzz's | | | | to tell you about their home. |
| Steakhouse with great margaritas and maitais. | | | | |
| Dining there, you may just see an actor or | | | | I hope that my information will help to make |
| two dining next to you as many famous actors | | | | your trip a little more fun or at least get |
| own homes in this area. Keep driving on and | | | | you excited about visiting the islands. All |
| you will hit Lanikai Boat ramp. Park and | | | | islands are unique and have their own special |
| enjoy hanging out at the beach and swim to | | | | touch. Email me if you'd like. I always |
| Flat Island. Keep driving through Lanikai | | | | love to talk about my home. |
| and you will see all the million dollar homes | | | | |
| (that I will someday own) and the loop will | | | | Aloha! |