Honolulu & Kona - 2021

Not much can be said positively about 2021. It was basically a carry-over of 2020 and its infestation of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing COVID-19. Luckily with proof of vaccination we were able to take a much-needed trip to the Hawaiian islands for Round 2 of our exploration there.

Upon landing we quickly got hounded by a few cabbies, and one of them was driving a limo. He insisted his limo was the same $45 that the other cabs charged, and of course we had to verify. So, he was correct and we took our first limo ride. I was so excited that on the way we saw a banyan tree. I love these trees.

None of our excursions would be complete without a steaming bowl of the local pho, which is increasingly easy to find in every corner of the globe apparently.

Of course, the next morning was all about the special Hawaiian breakfast - rice, scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage, and fried Spam.

The mountains on the north side of the island rise so steeply and dramatically.

First visit of the day was to the Byodo-In Temple. It's so peaceful and serene here. It would have been even more serene had I not received a phone call that my electricity back home had been shut off barely two days after signing the papers. A quick 20 minutes got them all switched over and the fun day resumed.

We couldn't resist taking a photo in the same place we stood in 2012. Now instead of knowing one another for two years we are at eleven. No day would be complete without a stop at the Dole Plantation for some Dole whip. This stuff is heavenly and is the closest you can get to eating a whole pineapple without actually eating a whole pineapple.

Swimming at the North Shore.

Sunset at an overlook east of Diamond Head.

Hellur.