Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon in Waikiki

If you are looking for calm water for your kids to play in, consider checking out the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon in Waikiki.  The lagoon was renovated several years ago and is now a giant saltwater swimming pool.  It is surrounded by beach on all sides but the water is circulated and kept clean and the beaches are also well taken care of.  On several sides of the lagoon there are nice grassy areas behind the beach that even have some shady spots from the trees planted there.

The lagoon is located next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village at the eastern end of Waikiki near the Ala Wai Boat harbor.  It is considered to be a part of the grounds of the Hilton but is open to the public.

The edges of the lagoon are extremely shallow and there are no waves here, so it's a great place for children to run and play and enjoy the water.

In addition to wading and swimming, the lagoon is also a popular place to try out kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.  These and other watercraft can be rented from a concession stand at the corner of the lagoon nearest the Hilton.

The only thing I don't like about the lagoon is the sand.  It feels dusty and a bit artificial to me and if you want to build sand castles you'll probably want to head somewhere else.  My kids have never complained about the sand so don't let that one complaint of mine keep you from visiting this spot.

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is located adjacent to the Hilton Hawaiian Village on the Eastern edge (away from Diamond Head) of Waikiki.
Directions:  Get on Ala Moana Boulevard.  Between Ala Moana Mall and the Hilton Hawaiian Village you will turn Makai (towards the ocean) on Hobron Lane.  Then take a left on Holomoana Street and drive until you find a parking spot.
Parking:  After you turn onto Holomoana Street there is a paid parking lot on your right.  There is also free parking along the lagoon on the left and out at the end of the road on the oceanside of the lagoon.  I always check the free parking lot first but if you do end up in the paid lot the rates are very reasonable.
Facilities:  Drinking fountains and I think a water spigot for rinsing off your feet are next to the lagoon.  Can't remember if there's an outdoor shower or not.  There are no restrooms adjacent to the lagoon but the Hilton has restrooms you can use that are just a short walk away.  There's also a snack bar on the lower floor of the Rainbow Tower facing the sidewalk.
More info:  Here's a view of the lagoon from a little different angle.

Scenic Sunday: Driving on the H3

Scenic Sunday...because I never get over the beauty of these islands.

H3 heading towards Kaneohe

As commutes go, this one is hard to complain about.  I actually love driving on the H-3.  The scenery is beautiful, the waterfalls on rainy days are breathtaking and the view of Kaneohe Bay when you come out of the tunnels never gets old.  I've been driving this five or six times a week this year.  Our schedule/routine is about to change and I'll be glad for less time in my car but I'll miss my time on the H-3.  

Have you ever accidentally gotten on the H-3?  There's no turning around for a good 10 to 15 minutes, so you're set back 20-30 minutes getting to your destination.  How do I know this?  I've taken it by mistake twice - once in each direction.  Anyone else made this mistake?  Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Memorial Day Weekend: May 28-30, 2011

Most schools are out for the year and Memorial Day Weekend is here so I say that summertime has officially arrived!  To help you enjoy this long weekend I've included Monday events in my weekly list of weekend happenings.  Head to the Weekend Events Page for all the details of both the fun and reflective events to be held this Memorial Day weekend on Oahu.  I hope you have a good weekend!

Teddy's Bigger Burgers

My kids have finally gotten to a stage where taking them somewhere by myself to grab a bite is actually fun for me.  I don't have to get a high chair for my daughter, both kids are reasonably good about staying with me or staying at a table while we order and get our food and the sudden need for a bathroom isn't as much of an emergency as it once was.

I recently took advantage of this new stage and stopped at the Teddy's Bigger Burgers in Kailua with the kids.  Their menu includes salads, several variations on their 'original burgers' and several other sandwiches including options like veggie burgers and fish sandwiches.  They have kid combo options, traditional sides like fries and onion rings and delicious shakes.  Lots of choices and I guarantee you won't leave hungry!

We kept it simple and got burgers and french fries.  Then at the end of the meal, as a reward for good behavior I got each of my kids a gumball out of the giant gumball machine.  I think that's actually their favorite part of Teddy's Burgers.  But even if you need more than a gumball to make you happy, I bet you'll find something at Teddy's that will become your favorite.  Plus you'll be supporting a locally owned business and I don't know about you, but that always makes me happy.


Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  On Oahu, Teddy's Bigger Burgers has locations in Hawaii Kai, Kailua, Waikiki, Honolulu, and Aiea.  You can also find a Teddy's Bigger Burgers on Maui, in Tokyo and one in Washington.  Check out their webpage (see below) for addresses and phone numbers.
Hours:  10am to 9pm daily (with the exception of the Waikiki location which is open until 10pm Fri-Sun.
Facilities:  As with many fast food places on Oahu, bathrooms in house are not a guarantee.  I'm pretty sure at the Kailua location the nearest bathroom is down a few doors in Starbucks.  Don't know about the other locations.
For more information:  Check out Teddy's Bigger Burgers Webpage for specific locations, menu, etc.