Challenges by Sarah, Hawaii Five-O, Scribblings by Sarah

Hello Hawai’i – Day 9


Part I – Pearl Habor

Date: 9 October 2025
Location: Pearl Harbor, O’ahu, HI
Tour Company: Hawai’i Luxury Tours
Start time: 7:30AM

Hubby ventured out alone to visit Pearl Harbor this morning. I was feeling a bit unwell and since I have visited twice, opted for some extra rest.

With Keahi as his tour guide hubby found Pearl Harbor is more than just a historic site. It is a place of remembrance, reflection, and learning.

The highlight of his visit was the USS Arizona Memorial, which floats above the sunken battleship where over 1,100 sailors lost their lives on December 7, 1941. The quiet, somber atmosphere invited pause to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Watching the oil still seeping from the ship (often called the “tears of the Arizona”) is always a haunting reminder.

Beyond the memorial, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center offered exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts (and a great hot dog apparently).


Part II – Ke Kai Sailing Cruise

Date: 9 October 2025
Location: Waikiki, O’ahu, HI
Tour Company: Aloha Boats
Start time: 2:00 PM

There was no better way to finish a magical Hawaiian holiday, than aboard the Aloha Boats afternoon sail cruise on catamaran, Ke Kai.

As you set sail on the turquoise waters of the Pacific, the warm breeze and gentle ocean waves create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. The catamaran glided along the coastline, offering panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the sparkling horizon. Unlimited drinks were provided and I sipped on (more than a couple of) refreshing tropical drinks from the open bar. It was glorious simply soaking in the sun on deck, and every moment felt like a postcard come to life.

What made the Ke Kai afternoon sail truly special was its laid-back, island-style vibe from the fun, friendly crew. They embodied the spirit of “aloha,” shared local stories, and pumped great music as we cruised along.

The sail was definitely an unforgettable way to say farewell Hawai’i … until next time!


Part III – Waikiki Sunset

After the sailing cruise and a refreshing swim at Kuhio Beach, it was time to watch the sun set from the Beach Bar at the Westin Moana Surfrider.

This is my favourite spot to enjoy a cocktail, with the ocean breeze, live Hawaiian music, and the golden glow of the setting sun.

As the sky turned shades of pink, orange, and gold, the waves shimmered beneath the fading light it was an absolutely spectacular sight.

With a refreshing “Riptide” drink in hand and the historic charm of the “First Lady of Waikiki” behind me, it was the perfect way to toast the end of the holiday.

Stories by Sarah

Close To The Sun


Sunset at Mt McKay, Image credit Sarah Whiley 

Some of the best views of the Victorian high country, are near Falls Creek…and I was currently trudging up Mt McKay to see for myself.

At 1,849 metres above the sea level, Mt McKay is the highest spot in Australia accessible by road; and I was feeling every one of those metres as I huffed and puffed my way to the top. I knew I was racing the clock for the sunset and had to hurry. Time was running out. The gravel of the path crunched under my hiking boots, and this, combined with bird song and gently rustling leaves, provided a soundtrack; a rhythm that kept me moving.

I rounded the final corner, and saw I was just in time. The sight of the blue-tinged, bush-covered mountains of the Australian Alpine National Park greeted me. It was a 360o panorama of absolute wilderness that made my skin tingle and took my breath away. A feeling of insignificance crept over me, as I realised my smallness in this vast world. It was strangely reassuring.

The cerise rays of the setting sun dipped lower and lower in the sky before slipping away completely. I was all alone in the growing dusk, witnessing nature’s spectacular show.

And it was magical.

I found myself a spot to settled in, and pulled open my backpack. I had a drink of water and munched on an apple before I popping in my earbuds and setting my iTunes to random.

As the first few notes of David Usher’s Too Close To The Sun, began to play, I smiled to myself; appreciating this serendipitous moment…

By Sarah ©2017

 

Prompt: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Writing Prompt #217 – Stories By 5,Topic – A walk in the forest, Name – Usher, Fruit – apple, Colour – cerise, Sensation – tingle