The "Best Lei in Hawaii" Story

It was an ordinary day. We are landing in Honolulu for our second trip to Oahu, Hawaii. We traveled to Hawaii five years ago and had such a great time that we had to give it one more try. The "We" for the trip is Jerry and Just Sue as well as Carol and I. The flight is a killer with a two hour flight to Chicago and then a seven hour flight to Hawaii. It feels longer than it sounds. I got air sickness the first time we came, so I drugged myself pretty good for this flight. Don't remember much of what happened. I do remember the really neat Lei that was placed around my neck as I got off the plane by a beautiful native girl. They refer to them as "The Best Lei on the Island." Our hotel is right down the street from Waikiki Beach at the Ohana Resort. Headed to the beach as soon as we could get into our suits. After we returned to the hotel we gave Gary, Carol's cousin who lives in Honolulu, a call to make arrangements to meet him and his girlfriend the next evening for dinner. Carol's mother and Gary's mother were sisters. Gary came here years ago to do his residency for his Doctor's Degree and never left. He set up practice in Honolulu. Gary is very well known and respected Doctor on the island. He is one of eight Doctors in the State of Hawaii who have over 100 patients who receive medicinal marijuana for treatment. I need to talk to him about my return flight! I had Gary as a student years ago in a shop class at MTHS. Little did I know that he would be the cousin of my lovely wife. After the phone call we dressed and headed out for supper and then to bed. Jet lag is starting to kick in right now. The next day we have an early breakfast then off to climb Diamond Head to the summit. This is the inactive volcano that you see in all the photos of Waikiki Beach. We start our climb towards the top. We travel up 74 stairs, through a 225' narrow tunnel, up another 99 steps to the first observation deck. We then hit the spiral walkway that leads to another staircase of 54 steps to the top. We are at an elevation of 761 feet above sea level and the view is amazing. And then........ we go back down. Much easier! After returning to our hotel we shower and head out to dinner with cousin Gary. Gary has made arrangements for us to eat at Duke's Canoe Club. This is the restaurant that is featured in one of Jimmy Buffett's songs and sits right on Waikiki Beach. Great views of the ocean. We had an excellent supper and then the best part, the Hula Pie for dessert. Oh my is that good! Five years ago Gary treated us to dinner and he insisted that he do it again. Told me his favorite teacher shouldn't have to pay for dinner in Hawaii. Gee, thanks Gary!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Pixs from top are: The travelers on the observation deck, view from 761', poster for Duke's Waikiki and shot of Carol and her cousin Gary.