Playing Tourist in Waikiki

We enjoyed an overnighter in Waikiki "playing tourist" ... we stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel thanks to my cousin who got us a "family rate". This was perfect timing so that we could go to Duke's (the legendary surfer) Restaurant to enjoy listening to local Hawaiian music with the well known band "Kapena". The drummer is a Pac Rim student whom Guy mentors and the lead singer knows my dad from the good old days on the beach. The weather was nice on the beach and it was relaxing to say the least.

Hauoli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year!

We started the new year with a bang ... literally with a bang. From 9pm New Year's Eve to Midnight New Years Day the family set off fireworks non-stop right in our driveway. We celebrated at my (Lori's) mom's house with extended family and friends visiting from LA. It's been four years since we've been able to "play" with fireworks so the family went a little crazy. The entire island was filled with smoke and loud bangs in every neighborhood you wouldn't know it's a recession or depression with they way people were spending money on fireworks. It's also a cultural thing ... fireworks represent scaring away evil and bringing in good for the new year. It was a great evening!