Seniors on the Move: Hawaii

[maryann virack]

I've only begun to travel alone in the last few years. Major changes in the autumn of my life have forced me, not unwillingly, to embrace my independence. Once I wrote about family travel destinations and unique ways to save money and have a great time with your children. Now I find myself addressing the 'Baby Boomers". Just so you know I have decided to be a "Bloomer" not a Boomer! I feel as if my life has just begun to blossom. 

Life cannot get any better than spending a week in Oahu, Hawaii's most visited island. Spring break offered me an opportunity to leave the rains of California and the reins of teaching 8th grade behind and "Go West" across the pacific to sunny Hawaii.

The outrageous hotel directly on the beach - you know the kind where one would see Brad Pitt, George Clooney or Tom Cruise, will never be within my reach; so I opted for a more affordable trip involving walking a few blocks to the beach, taking the free trolley and watching the free nightly street entertainment. I would not trade my choice for the world. I would have missed so much of the real Hawaii in a limo. (Convinced yet?)

After much on-line research, I decided on a room at the Ocean Resort Hotel, a clean moderate priced facility two blocks from the beach with a simply magnificent view of Diamondhead. I discovered that April is the ideal time for budgeted travel to Hawaii. The Ocean Resort Hotel provides affordable prices and special discounts to seniors. Spring senior rates range from $66 to $99 for an ocean view kitchenette. For the adventurer on a budget, I found several hotels offering rooms at "walk-in' rates for about $75. You will be amazed at what hotels will offer in order to fill their rooms at the last minute.
There is no need to rent a car in Waikiki. I had a friend with a car who was my tour guide to the North Shore; but anywhere we went we saw the wonderful open air trolleys. Most destinations are free and drivers frequently provide a free tour as they travel around the island. Buses are plentiful and yet one can walk almost anywhere in Waikiki including the zoo, aquarium, shops, hotels, restaurants, water sports, beaches and parks. I found several of the most wonderful free activities. Every night at 6pm a torch lighting ceremony summons the Hawaiian dancers and musicians to entertain at Kuhio Beach. Saturday nights the city shows free movies on the beach across from the park. Saturday and Sunday mornings a free art show showcases local artists with a display at the "Art on the Zoo Fence" exhibit from 9am-4pm. For other events check www.alternative4hawaii.com.

My #1 find was the Waikiki Community Center on Poakalani Road, one block from the Ocean Resort Hotel. I happened to walk by one morning when they had scheduled a free (donations accepted) big band presentation in their auditorium. For a small fee visitors can take Tai chi, Yoga, ukulele or hula lessons. A farmer's market is held on Tuesday and Friday mornings offering fresh fruit and veggies.great for preparing in the kitchenette in your room at Ocean Resort Hotel. They even offer discount trips to the other islands. Their focus is on seniors 55+. [e-mail].

This trip, I bypassed the 100 step, one hour hike to the top of Diamondhead. On my next trip, I promised myself that if I do not hike I will take the helicopter tour for about $100 ($1 per step) to see the volcanoes.
I splurged on two extravagant outings: the luau at Paradise Cove and Sunday Brunch at the Halekelani Hotel. The old authentic native luau is long gone from the commercialized Waikiki; but updated versions abound. Paradise Cove comes highly recommended. A 3:30 bus pick-up outside our hotel and sixty minutes later, I was presented with a lei, mai-tai and photo with a gorgeous Hawaiian kane. Craft booths and activities including lei making, canoe rides and spear throwing were available before our buffet dinner of chicken, fish, salads and dessert was served. Two alcoholic drink tickets were included in our $75 package price. During and after dinner entertainment included authentic Hawaiian dancers, hula dancers, fire dancers and beautiful music. The luau is held on the beach in a very beautiful tropical setting. When the sun set, the air got a little chilly - bring a jacket.

The other "Save your money for this event" was the Sunday Brunch at the Halekulani Hotel. Reservations are necessary. Price is about $50+tip; but it is well worth it. During the week I feasted at economic local eateries, ate fruit on the beach and prepared simple meals in my kitchenette; but the Sunday brunch was a feast for all senses. Set directly on the beach, the dining room at Orchids offers the mingling of the scents of the ocean, salt air and flowers surrounded by the beauty of the sea and the most extraordinary array of culinary delights from the traditional to the exotic, while the sounds of the surf wafts over the harpist to create an unforgettable trip to paradise. If you splurge on one special meal it should be the Sunday Brunch at the Halekulani Hotel.

My week also included a trip to the Dole Pineapple Plantation, a macadamian nut farm, Hanuama Bay for snorkeling and a stop at the famous Giovanni Shrimp truck (a local secret and tasty tradition offering the best garlic shrimp for $12) all thanks to my personal tour guide and driver, Patrice.

My adventure wouldn't have been complete without a visit to the Arizona Memorial. An historic sight, the visit to Pearl Harbor is free. A short movie of the bombing creates a very serious mood and understanding of the events of 1942, before boarding a small pilot boat out to the Arizona. Go early in the morning. If you do have access to a car, drive. Tours can cost $20 just to drive you there and back. Check into the trolleys. Be advised that guests must check ALL purses and backpacks. Visitors are only allowed to bring cameras onto the memorial.

The last step of my first adventure to Oahu was a $10 ride on an outrigger canoe. A large canoe with an 'outrigger" on one side, paddled by a strong Hawaiian in the front and another in the stern, along with four wimpy tourists in the middle, sails out into the ocean past the breakers, turns around and "surfs' back to shore. Not breathtaking, not dangerous, just fun! I did it. It was new. It was something to add to hot air ballooning, snorkeling a Mexican ceynote, exploring a coral reef or paddling a kayak. I am basically a chicken; but I have seen and done more since I have become a "Bloomer" than I have in my entire life.

Oahu is beautiful but commercial. It was the perfect first trip to Hawaii. Next time I have to stretch the adventure level and maybe camp in the jungles of the Big Island...after all I am a Baby Bloomer!