A day in Honolulu

Honolulu, United States

Golden Hour - sandy beach

Warm air lies on my skin as I walk along the water at the edge of the sand. My feet follow the shore where the water is calm. Waikiki Beach is a long curve of pale sand, and walking further along it leads to a quieter spot.

Golden Hour - shoreline

Shallow waves wash over my ankles as I step through them. A mountain rises in the distance across the water. Diamond Head is the volcanic crater that anchors the view from Waikiki, and the trail has little shade, so go early, carry water and wear closed shoes.

Golden Hour - shoreline

Both arms reach up toward the sky as I stretch on the shoreline. The ocean is calm and the air feels warm on my skin. Swimming is easy in the calmer stretches of Waikiki, and surf schools on the shoreline teach beginners.

Golden Hour - sandy beach

Soft light rests on the sand as I look back over my shoulder. Warm air stays on my skin while I pause. Waikiki Beach is busy at midday, so walking further along the sand, or arriving early when the water is calm, gives a quieter spot.

Golden Hour - water edge

Cool wet sand meets my fingers as I crouch down at the water's edge. The tide pulls away and the air stays warm on my arms. Outrigger canoes, catamarans and surf lessons fill this shoreline, and swimming is easy where the water is calmer.

Night - palm grove

Palm leaves hang overhead as the day ends and I wait beneath them. The air is still warm after the beach. Loco moco is a bowl of rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy, and it is a hearty late-night dish.