Waikiki

June 7, 2019 (3 days till we leave for Germany)

My favorite thing to do alone is hang out at Waikiki. I've been doing this at least once every 60 days for 5 years now. Only a few people know I do this. The drive and walk really clears my head. I know some people hate the crowds of Waikiki, but I've learn to embrace it. It is what Hawaii is now and you can't change it. My goal (since it opened) is to drink a beer at Michael Mina's Social House. For some reason, that place makes my day.

I parked at the 'second parking lot' near the Kapiolani Bandstand. I've learned to park here (because its free) from my Marathon Readiness runs. From there, it takes me 15 minutes to walk to the Duke Statue. This statue is one of the most significant landmarks in Waikiki. It is where the Hapalua Half Marathon starts and where the bus picks up all the tourist to take them all over the island. Adjacent to the Statue is the Hyatt Regency where our Cousin Corrie & Casie got married.

After the Duke statue is the Moana Surfrider, the best hotel in Waikiki. It cost a fortune to stay there. I still remember my mom sitting in one of the rocking chairs at the front entrance. The International Market Place is about a block away from the Moana. On this hot day, many stores within the International Place had open doors. This is a ploy by the retail outlets to get customers in their stores, but their AC bill must a fortune. Michael Mina is in the back near Kuhio Ave.

I ordered my pizza and salad with my party pass card and then went to the bar to order a beer. I had time to reflect on my 39 years in Hawaii. The only thing on my mind at the bar was I've come to the conclusion that spending time with friends and family is important to me and that I should never take them for granted.

After about 45 minutes at Michael Mina, I walked back to the car and drove home. I was only there for 1 1/2 hours, so it wasn't too long, but it clears my mind and in life that is important. In 3 days, I'll be on a plane to Germany quoting Peter, Paul & Mary, "I'm leavin' on a jet plane, don't know if I'll be back again...well it should be 3 years, but you never know.