There were slippers on our front doorstep last week. In Hawaii, the polite thing to do when you enter the home is to leave your shoes at the door. The slippers (reefs) belonged to our daughter Jasmine who has lived in Oahu, Hawaii for almost eight years. She flew to the mainland last week, spent a few days with us, flew to New Mexico, drove to Colorado and is now safely back on the island.We visit her whenever we can and Oahu has become our favorite of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu is a vibrant city with plenty to offer in the way of entertainment, nightlife and great dining experiences. Waikiki Beach is a fun place to soak up some sun, try out your surfing legs and best of all, people watch. If you prefer a more secluded beach setting, there are lovely beaches all along the Windward side of the island.
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Jasmine always has to stop and feed the needy.........................................................
The Hawaii Pacific University campus where she went to college. She has since graduated with a major in Psychology and is a therapist for children with autism.
Jasmine (left) and a couple of her roommates at their first house after a year in the dorms. This was a great house shared by five girls. Too bad they were kicked out after 6 months! The house had a pool and tended to a bit of a party scene. One day the neighbors noticed that there were guys jumping off the roof into the pool and notified the owners. So much for the great house with the pool!
Jasmine and roommate/best friend Lindsay .................................................................................
My favorite hotel on Oahu is the Moana Surf Rider. The Surf Rider is a charming historic hotel on Waikiki Beach...............................................................
A huge banyan tree shades the outdoor cafe which overlooks the beach...............
Wide verandas for brunch and afternoon tea. Rocking chairs on the front porch.
Jim enjoying the last rays of the day on North Shore........................................
Racing out to sea on the Na Koku II catamaran. On one trip, a friend, her son and I went out on this catamaran on our last day. You can book a ride on the Na Koku in front of the Moana Surf Rider on Waikiki Beach. We might have gone out on that cat every day had we known it was going to be so much fun. They serve up a pretty wicked Mai Tai!
The view from the Moana Surf Rider.....................................................................
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Jasmine always has to stop and feed the needy.........................................................
The Hawaii Pacific University campus where she went to college. She has since graduated with a major in Psychology and is a therapist for children with autism. 
Jasmine (left) and a couple of her roommates at their first house after a year in the dorms. This was a great house shared by five girls. Too bad they were kicked out after 6 months! The house had a pool and tended to a bit of a party scene. One day the neighbors noticed that there were guys jumping off the roof into the pool and notified the owners. So much for the great house with the pool! 
Jasmine and roommate/best friend Lindsay .................................................................................
My favorite hotel on Oahu is the Moana Surf Rider. The Surf Rider is a charming historic hotel on Waikiki Beach...............................................................
A huge banyan tree shades the outdoor cafe which overlooks the beach...............
Wide verandas for brunch and afternoon tea. Rocking chairs on the front porch.
Jim enjoying the last rays of the day on North Shore........................................
Racing out to sea on the Na Koku II catamaran. On one trip, a friend, her son and I went out on this catamaran on our last day. You can book a ride on the Na Koku in front of the Moana Surf Rider on Waikiki Beach. We might have gone out on that cat every day had we known it was going to be so much fun. They serve up a pretty wicked Mai Tai!
The view from the Moana Surf Rider.....................................................................Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman
Copyright: Sotto Il Monte Vineyards
