The Accommodation:
The Sheraton Waikiki was fantastic – ocean was metres from the balcony, we could watch a colony of sea turtles working a reef just below our room. There was an edge pool next to the ocean with a bar next to it. The bar had live Hawaiian music and fire shows during the evenings. We could enjoy from the balcony or from the pool.
The Location:
Like being at the Gold Coast, lots of designer label shops with ridiculously expensive merchandise. The food was reasonably priced although it was almost impossible to obtain health food. Everything had egg and cheese in it, on it or surrounding it. There was additional cost in downsizing to healthy options. I am a big eater and I could barely finish any meal, and was only eating two meals a day.
The Island:
Lots of traffic, fantastic views from everywhere. 25 – 30 degrees during the day and around 20 at night. Water was always like a bathtub. Locals were very relaxed and friendly, tourists outnumbered locals, Japanese outnumbered everyone.
The Travel:
Just escaped the volcanic ash on the way over, although the large eastern state contingent had to drive back. Ordered a 'mid size SUV'. It was ENORMOUS. Only half an hour to cross the Island by car. We got nailed on the way back and had to drive after all flights were cancelled into Adelaide.
The Other Attractions:
Pearl Harbour tour was fantastic -touring the biggest and last Battleship made by the Americans. The Aircraft museum was awesome. You actually get to climb through these things, not just stare at a distance.
The Windsurfing:
I scored it good at Diamond Head – half mast or better with consistent 5.2 wind. Good jumping and riding for 3 – 4 hours 3 days out of 7, should have been 4 if I was more vigilant. Watch out for the coral heads, I bought back some reef with me. There are spots where the waves are best at certain times where you have to dodge the exposed coral as you ride. There are also many surfers in the windsurf break. Obtaining gear was a nightmare – it is all 5 years old, hacked up and has to be replaced with new if you break it.
I get the sense it is not normally a windy spot but has its epic days. There is somewhere on the north shore of Oahu that was blowing hard but small surf. Would not recommend Oahu as a destination in its own right, although if you are travelling through with your own gear and spend a few days, you would probably get lucky for one of them. There are worse ways to spend June.
I have no photos as I was sailing or 'honeymooning'...
Sounds like an interesting spot Geoff.
NE'ly trades, south facing reef = generally starboard tack (right hand fwd) wave rides, correct?
Did the Ex-volcano block the wind out much?
Must get "The Accidental Tourist" out and check which way they're riding....
