Just as the relentlessly overcast Seattle skies had nearly smothered all my faith in the Sun, Hawaiian Airlines swooped in with bargain-basement prices and whisked Shawna and I off to the hot-hot beaches of Waikiki!

It was just what the doctor ordered: warm sands, sunny skies and great food, topped with a sprinkling of hiking and snorkeling. Let me tell you, we perked up in a jiffy! Our hotel room was the size of a postage stamp, but it had a great view and was two blocks from the beach so nobody was complaining. Some folks have nothing good to say about the tourist-packed Waikiki neighborhood, but Shawna and I love the people-watching and the smorgasbord of great restaurants to chose from (one of which was, in fact, a smorgasbord).

We spent a day snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and part of the next day hiking up to the panoramic views at the top of Diamond Head (an old volcanic crater), but for the rest of the time we occupied ourselves squarely with outdoor dining, sun-tanning, swimming, and otherwise soaking up every drop of sun we could get. It really charged the ol' batteries... let's hope they last until we finally get a little Sun lovin' over here in the PNW.

- Jas

On the beach at Hanauma Bay

Japanese seafood in Waikiki

Lovin' the Sun on Waikiki Beach