Travel Tuesday: Hawaii, Oahu

I like being able to go into my photo archive for a break from reality.  Back to Quincy snowbowl tomorrow.

Travel Tuesday: Oahu, Hawaii

"With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swinging hot spot" are lyrics from the song, "Big Yellow Taxi"  that singer, songwriter, Joni Mitchell recorded in 1970.  Thanks to QDP follower, Andy,  for reminding me last Thursday of this great song.  I researched the lyrics and learned that the "pink hotel" in this song is most likely the Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu. The romantic and legendary "Pink Palace", was built in 1927 is the landmark hotel on Waikiki Beach.  I captured this picture but didn't realize it's history and connection to Joni's hit song. 

Travel Tuesday: Maui, Hawaii

This hillside on the highway near Lahaina shows how arid the climate is in this area of Maui.  In sharp contrast, rain forests are located on the other side of the island.  There are an amazing number of  climate zones represented on this 727 square mile island.

Travel Tuesday: Maui, Hawaii

Wind is being corralled on the volcanic shores of Maui. 

Travel Tuesday: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

It seems appropriate to follow Memorial Day with a post of the USS Arizona Memorial from a visit to Pearl Harbor.  The 60 mph winds that day cancelled my boat trip to the actual memorial site but I was very moved by this rainbow appearing over the Arizona after a passing shower.

Travel Tuesday: Maui, HI

This is the idyllic life I would welcome in my "twilight" years.  Life doesn't get much better than this!

Travel Tuesday: Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii

Life doesn't get much better than this.

Travel Tuesday: Maui, Hawaii

This pastoral scene is on the edge of the rain forest on the road to Hanna.

Travel Tuesday: Black Beach, Maui, Hawaii

When volcanic rock is subjected to the constant forces of nature, a magnificent beach can result.  This place is unforgettable!

Travel Tuesday: Kaanapali, Maui, HI

I would like to trade my shovel for a paddle right about now. We only have about 5 more months to wait until summer.

I really like how this paddler is lined up with the change in the blue tone of the water.  Along the horizon you can see the island of Lanai to the left and Molokai to the right.  Evening swimmers along these reefs can hear the song of the Pacific humpback whale swimming and cavorting in the distance.

Travel Tuesday: Keanae, Maui, Hawaii

This beautiful coastal area is located at mile 16 on the Hana Highway.  It's too wild and dangerous for swimming but is a photographer's paradise.

Travel Tuesday: Waikiki, Hawaii

Surfs usually "up" during winter months in Hawaii. 

Travel Tuesday: Kahaluu, Oahu, Hawaii

The Byodo-In Temple is located in the Valley of Temples Memorial Park.  It commemorates the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to arrive in Hawaii.  There is a larger scale temple located in Japan.

Travel Tuesday: Maui, HI

Aloha!  Today's travel image takes us to a rainforest at "Iao Valley State Park in Wailuku, Hawaii.  I wonder . . .  do all rainforests have rainbows?