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