(Birds of Paradise on Kuhio Ave.–one of my most favored flowers)

We’ve been back from Honolulu less than a week and already planning a return trip to Hawai’i. Short of the food, everything about the island city was impeccable.

One of my baby brother’s is now married — the 1st in the family to tie the knot and I think it’s changed our lives. We’re not novice travelers by any stretch of desire, but something about his lovely wedding in Hawai’i had us all at ‘Aloha.’

8 flawless days off the mainland offered these simple yet story-telling scenes. I remain jet-lagged as a result.

Blow Hole. A deliciously sexy and secluded beach we arrived at by scooter on Highway 1. I jumped off this cliff to the right. The waves’ strength almost knocked me off on the other side of the curvacious rock formation.

A threesome of spectacular trees as we began our ascent toward Diamond Head.

A single tree in the same field as above, overlooking the city.

My vantage point from a bunker at the top of Diamond Head. I was staring right into the glaring sun at 5 p.m. Breathtaking.

Can you imagine how long it took us to walk up this distance to the top of Diamond Head? My quads were not happy with me. Nor I with them.

First time in a helicopter. I sat beside the pilot and saw amazing landscapes…like below.

A view of North Shore from the cobalt blue helicopter.

A lovely and colorful flower outside our condo.

This palm pretended to offer me shade as I sunbathed at Waikiki beach.

A surfer’s playground.

Straight on view from bro’s condo; left was a clear shot of the beach.

TO BE CONTINUED…..