Kane'ohe Bay, HI (USA)

This morning started early (Keith needed a ride so he could fly back to the Mainland). We arrived around 0730 and then I drove around the place to see what interesting things they had. It was definitely worth it - lots of beautiful views and things to do. I even had time for a haircut before we had to be at work (0900). Subsequently, I got a lot done before lunch. Things were actually clicking along nicely and it took a little effort to get away from work to have lunch. The folks here took me up to the top of a hill where there was a club serving "make your own pasta bar." It was delicious (and unexpected). Afterwards, they took me over to the highest point overlooking Kane'ohe Bay - weather was awesome and I can truly appreciate why people love living here! Worked after lunch (thought we would be done around 1630 again) until I got a call from John that everyone else was ready to go (I wasn't). Luckily, Steve was still working and I had a ride home. Finished by 1630 and we made it back to the Hale Koa Hotel before 1700. Quickly changed and then met up with most of our group by the pool bar. After a little while there (and a couple of mai tais), most of us continued down the beach in what I'll always remember as "The Beach Crawl." Point 1 was our hotel (Barefoot Bar), Point 2 the Outrigger Reef (Shorebird), Point 3 the Sheraton-Waikiki (Rimfire), Point 4 the Sheraton Royal-Hawaiian, Point 5 the Outrigger Waikiki (Duke's), Point 6 was Moana Surfrider and Point 7 was the Duke Statue on the beach. After some celebratory photos, we made the turn back for the hotel via Kalakaua Avenue. We later stopped at Jimmy Buffet's at the Beachcomber and at Kelly O'Neill's. I was able to survive with only three other guys - with mai-tais at every stop (they are like Hurricanes from New Orleans - yikes!!). Made it back to the hotel with them - under my own power (and still had my wallet & shoes) - but as I fell asleep I knew I would soon be paying this night back...