After my flight from Fiji, today I would embark on a stroll through Waikiki, Honolulu. As the bus departed from the airport, I approached the driver and requested directions, mentioning the street name. He assured me he’d indicate when we reached the correct stop, for which I expressed gratitude. Taking my seat, I observed my fellow passengers. Among them were a few Hawaiians, though not in abundance. Interestingly, some bore a distinct Asian resemblance, reminiscent of characters from the animated TV show “Lilo and Stitch”—a thought that elicited a chuckle from me.
Bus Ride from the Airport to Honolulu
As the bus journey continued, I noticed people making eye contact, yet devoid of smiles. “Back in the western society again,” I mused. As the sky gradually brightened, the cityscape came into view, dominated by towering buildings. Aware of the presence of large hotels in Waikiki, my designated area of stay, I felt a sense of anticipation. The payment process for the bus was rather interesting; I inserted three dollar bills into the machine, akin to a vending machine, albeit without receiving any change.
Arrival at the Waikiki Beachside Hostel
At around 6 am, the bus driver signaled for me to disembark, pointing me in the direction I needed to walk. Enjoying the pleasant temperature of the moment, I knew it wouldn’t be long before the heat became too much, especially in my trousers. After locating Lemon Road and my hostel, Waikiki Beachside Hostel, I entered and informed the attendant of my reservation. He quickly confirmed it, and I proceeded to make the payment. Graciously, he arranged for me to access a dorm by 12 o’clock instead of the usual 3 pm check-in time. Expressing my gratitude, I seized the opportunity to inquire about Oahu, the island I was currently on. He kindly provided me with insights into activities around Honolulu. With my bags safely stored, I plugged in my laptop to charge before stepping outside to start my stroll through Waikiki and explore Waikiki Beach.
Overlooking Waikiki Beach
The weather was fantastic, with scattered clouds decorating the horizon. Despite not having slept a wink last night, I felt surprisingly energized and not tired at all for a stroll through Waikiki. I planned to take a short nap later in the day to recharge. As I stood at the edge of the pier, mesmerized by the crashing waves against the barrier and the kaleidoscope of colors painting the sky during sunrise, the panoramic view of Waikiki Beach unfolded before me, engulfing me in a moment of pure enchantment. It’s that exhilarating rush of emotions one experiences when finally beholding something they’ve long anticipated—a sensation as thrilling as conquering a towering summit or achieving a remarkable milestone. It’s an indescribable feeling—one that ignites the heart and soul, capturing the essence of why travel is so endlessly captivating and fulfilling.
As I strolled along Waikiki boulevard, nature’s call interrupted my reverie, prompting me to seek out a restroom. Approaching a hotel, I inquired at the reception and was directed to the facilities on the second floor. On my return journey, I couldn’t resist a peek into their restaurant, which looked truly impressive. Later in the day, I chuckled to myself as I recalled my stop at the Hilton Hotel’s restroom.
McDonald’s Encounter
I headed back to the boulevard and continued my stroll through Waikiki. Next, I entered a bustling McDonald’s, surprised by the crowd for such an early hour, around 8 am. Upon ordering a Coke, I thought the cashier said it would cost $5. Handing over a five-dollar bill, I received $3.95 in change, which left me pleasantly surprised. With my oversized cup in hand, I filled it up and ventured back outside. Finding a bench near the beach, I sat and observed the vibrant scene—surfers riding the waves, beach-goers exercising, and others taking a refreshing swim. The relaxed atmosphere paired perfectly with the refreshing Coke, providing just the caffeine boost I needed after the flight.
Playful Deceptions
I engaged in conversation with a colleague back home, dodging her inquiries about my return date with a few fibs. Later, I planned to update my Facebook status and perpetuate the falsehood—a guilty pleasure of mine. After five months of sharing the honest truth about my journey, I felt entitled to a little joke. Continuing my stroll through Waikiki boulevard, I stumbled upon a mall, although it wasn’t open yet; it was scheduled to open around 10 am.
The Royal Hawaiian Center
The mall exuded luxury and cleanliness, prompting me to snap some photos before heading back towards the Waikiki Beachside Hostel. As I traversed the immaculately clean streets and roads, I couldn’t help but entertain the thought: “I could see myself living here.” The area was truly remarkable, with affordable public transportation making it even more appealing. During my stroll through Waikiki, I passed by a stunning white hotel, admiring its beauty. The bustling streets were filled with an increasing number of people. Before returning, I stopped by a supermarket to purchase some Coke and couldn’t resist capturing a photo of the Heineken beer display.
During my Stroll through Waikiki, I observed that the pedestrian traffic lights were unique—they turned white instead of green and didn’t emit any sound, remaining silent. As I neared my hostel, I decided to pop into the Hilton Hotel to use their restroom facilities. Curiosity piqued, I wondered about their room rates; later, I discovered they were priced at $190 per night. It was amusing to think that I could afford a few nights there now, considering how my budget had expanded over the past few months.
Time for a Nap
Upon returning to the hostel, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could check into my room earlier than anticipated—a stroke of luck indeed. Eager to share my adventures, I posted some pictures and a status on Facebook, playfully misleading everyone about my journey. As I entered the dorm, I noticed my fellow travelers were still nestled in their beds, slowly waking up. Feeling utterly exhausted, I collapsed onto my bed fully clothed, leaving my bags in storage.
Three hours later, I woke up and checked Facebook, only to discover that a staggering 500 people had viewed my post. “Well, I’ll be damned,” I exclaimed, taken aback by its unexpected popularity. It seemed my little joke had struck a chord with many—a delightful surprise indeed.
The ABC Stores
After freshening up with a quick teeth brushing and styling my hair with some gel, I realized it was time to purchase a SIM card for my stay in the US. Stepping into an ABC store, I stumbled upon some delightful postcards and took advantage of a special offer, purchasing five for the price of four. Grateful for the tip from the cashier, I thanked her before continuing my wanderings. Despite my efforts, I found myself circling back to familiar spots. The once serene mall was now bustling with crowds, mirroring the lively streets of Honolulu.
Occasionally slipping up with my greetings, I mistakenly wished people “good morning” instead of “good afternoon.” For lunch, I opted for a meal at the peculiar-looking village mall, grabbing a Subway sandwich and a Coke. Taking a half-hour break, I sat down to write postcards for my family and colleagues.
Following my meal at Subway, I made the decision to purchase a T-Mobile SIM card for $90. While it was a bit pricey, I recognized the necessity, especially for accessing GPS later on during my travels.
Chores and Fun Conversations
Upon returning to the hostel, I promptly sorted out my laundry before settling into the lounge area to tackle some financial matters and conduct online research. Among my tasks, I arranged for a car rental for the following week and dedicated some time to writing blog posts. Throughout the evening, I remained engrossed in my blogging endeavors, all the while surrounded by fellow backpackers enjoying drinks and lively conversation. Among them was Marco, an Australian who kindly offered me a beer, sparking meaningful discussions about travel. Across the table sat Jessica, a Canadian hailing from the French-speaking part, her accent adding to the lively atmosphere.
Choosing Solitude Over Socializing
I continued writing until around 10:30 pm when we were politely asked to vacate the lounge area. Despite the late hour, it seemed the entire hostel was wide awake and bustling with activity—I doubted anyone was actually sleeping at that moment! While many of the guests opted to head to the bar, I found myself unsure if I wanted to join them. I was preoccupied with finalizing an update, which was taking longer than expected. Even as the majority of the hostel’s occupants prepared to party elsewhere, they lingered around the premises.
Thirty minutes later, they were still lingering. Once I finished the upload and posted a Facebook status, I ultimately decided against joining the festivities; I simply wasn’t in the mood. While I recognized it as a prime opportunity to socialize and get to know my fellow travelers, I was too exhausted to engage fully. That evening, I sat among them, absorbed in my laptop, not the most sociable presence at the table.
Meeting my Dorm Roommates
I made my way back to my dorm in building A, locating it on the second floor, the second door, room 302. Outside the door, I encountered two friendly Canadian girls from the French-speaking part of Canada named Jeanne and Melissa, who were also staying in my dorm. Shortly after, I crossed paths with Neema and Phillip. Neema, a jovial American from LA, had a penchant for cracking jokes. Phillip, a 19-year-old German, enjoyed hostel parties with Marco.
Neema, the girls, and I all retired to our respective dorm rooms for the night. While Neema and the girls settled into the other dorm room, I climbed onto the top bunk in the front room, directly above Phillip. As I lay in bed, I couldn’t shake the awareness that I was staying in a party hostel. Despite this, I didn’t feel compelled to join in the festivities. With my birthday approaching, I contemplated my lack of enthusiasm for the occasion.
The oppressive heat compounded my discomfort, contrasting sharply with the more pleasant climate of Fiji. Unlike Fiji, where basking in the sun was enjoyable, the heat in Hawaii felt stifling. My body struggled to adjust, much like it had in Asia. Eventually, exhaustion overtook me, and I drifted off to sleep around midnight, anticipating a mundane day ahead.
