Even a country mouse from Waipahu needs to get into the big city once in a while, and what better time than the winter holiday season. So, despite COVID concerns, I pushed down to Waikiki to see the sights and the lights.
Why the Waikiki section of Honolulu? Because that’s where the lights are brightest, a young man can find his fancy, an old man can act fanciful, and where I can enjoy the company of my fancy-pants friend, Mr. S, who is an unofficial ambassador of all things Waikiki.
We met up at the swank condo of Mr. S. Little did I know S would be in a heated meeting with an investor in his latest scheme, a bicycle ride-sharing program for drunk drivers. The plan is to station a fleet of bicycles-built-for-two outside bars to allow drunks to team up for follow-on transport. Mr. S argued fervently that the riders were independent contractors who assumed full liability, but his partner seemed concerned. I was glad the meeting was cut short before Mr. S tried to rope me into this gig. He was still smarting that I didn’t join his now-faltering business venture to distribute medical cannabis via airborne drones. Mr. S has got a lot of irons in the fire. Glad he had time for a Yuletide stroll.
Let’s hit the streets.
Pushing down Kalakaua Avenue, the main drag through Waikiki. Much emptier than usual. Hotel occupancy is now in the low 20% range, as opposed to the normal 75-85%. Nice not having as many people around, but miss that tax revenue.Hard Rock Cafe, like many other businesses, is closed. Not sure if temporary, or for good. Rent ain’t cheap around this neck of the woods.Only one sand sculpture in the Sheritan Waikiki this year, and it’s not even Christmas themed. Usually they’ve got several sculptures, including Santa and trees and presents. This year, just a sculpture of ancient tattoo technique. Probably just me, but appears somewhat homoerotic. Infinity pool overlooks ocean. Nice!Front of Royal Hawaiian HotelLooking out to the back of Royal HawaiianNothing like some harp playing in the lobbyInternational Market Place used to have lots of little vendors outdoors under the banyan trees, but recent renovations have gentrified the place.Beach access alleyway. Hawaii law requires unencumbered beach access for all, even in swanky Waikiki.Mr S taking it to the sandFestive jeeps heading down KalakauaHanging out in the Moana Surfrider hotel lobbyI wonder if there’s really a present in hereYeah, plenty of Christmas trees around, but I put the overall Waikiki holiday decorations at 50% of usual. Still nice.Here’s a recent addition – Tesla store in Waikiki, right next to the Rolex store and Christian Dior.Probably time to head home — Mr. S is starting to play with the murals
It was a nice stroll through Waikiki, the land of glitz and ritz.
Time to head back to Waipahu, the land of the common man, like yours truly Waipahu Bob.
Happy holidays everybody!
Bonus pic from Waipahu. Here’s my next-door-neighbor’s festive decorations. Note the can of Coors Light in the snowman’s hand.
Waipahu Bob 