The Hapalua - Hawaii's Half Marathon

I recommend this half marathon for beginners, intermediates, and even running pros because it's fun. This marathon is well organized and a big thank you to all the volunteers. The race starts at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, heads past the Convention Center, and ends at Kapiolani Park (near the zoo). The course if fairly flat until you get to mile 10, which is uphill towards Diamond Head. I did this race with my wife and her family, which made the race even more special. Because the race was out and back, we're also able to see each other throughout the race. I had a "good for me" pace going until the one of the runners in front of me stopped and I literally ran her over. She was okay and was not injured, but still I felt bad. She wanted to wait for her husband, and I waited with her. I'm not going to lie; this was my excuse to take a breather. After exactly 8 minutes (felt like 20 minutes), we were both back to running. Everything was smooth until miles 10 to 12 when the course is mostly uphill. This was a beast and a lot of people, including me, walked it. I found myself walking majority of miles 11 to 13 and remember that runner I accidentally knocked over? Well, she ran past me on mile 11. Medals are earned and given immediately after the finish line. After the finish line is a cold shower, which I have never seen at a race before. Post race fuel includes malasada, moon pies, bananas, wafers, gels, and water. Huge plus!

Overall, great race. I'd do it again.

Waipo'o Falls (Hike)

This review is for the hike leading to the top of the falls. Just note that the best view of the Waipo'o Falls if from the viewpoints located between the Waimea Canyon Lookout and Koke'e State Park. This hike only leads you to two small waterfalls. That said, this hike is a must if you enjoy some physical activity and looking for another view of Waimea Canyon. I recommend parking across the Koke'e State Park sign, walking down the service road, and following the signs to Canyon Trail. If you have a 4x4, you can drive down the service road to Canyon Trail. The hike is 90% downhill to the falls, which means it's 90% uphill back to your car. Total hike is a little over 3 miles RT. Because it just rained the night before, this hike was not easy at all. The trail was muddy and very slippery. I recommend poles if it's wet/muddy. The trail is easy to follow. Just follow the trail leading Canyon Trail and you'll eventually end up at one of the waterfalls. On the way back, we followed the Cliff Trail and to a viewpoint where you can get an even closer to Waimea Canyon. The entire hike reminded me of the original Jurassic Park. Remember that scene with the dinosaurs? Yes, that part.

AllTrails has this hike ranked as moderate. Due to the wet and slippery conditions, I rank this hike as moderate to hard.

Waiola Shave Ice (Honolulu, HI)

I really wanted to love Waiola Shave Ice and I did. I have had my share of shave ice on this island and in my opinion, Waiola Shave Ice is up there as one of the best. Again, this is my opinion. What I love about Waiola Shave Ice is the texture. The ice is so fine that I could hardly tell the texture between the shave ice and ice cream. I had my shave ice as colorful as can be by mixing in two flavors...Orange & Orange Creamsicle. The ice cream in the center reminded me a 50/50 Orange Dreamsicle. I loved my shave ice flavor so much that I think I will mix it up next time. Instead of Orange with Orange Creamsicle, I'm going with Orange Creamsicle with Orange. Yes, this is how I do it.

Waiola Shave Ice has been around a long time. Local Yelper Nadine C even states she used to come here as a kid. Lucky Kid! Service is quick and priced right.

Slice of Waikiki

Should I be ashamed that I was craving pizza on our first night in Hawaii?
Should I be ashamed that I was specifically craving a New York Style Pepperoni Slice?
Should I be ashamed that I had pizza less than an hour after having a full dinner?

Answer...No! To eats their own

We were staying at Waikiki Malia Hotel and next door is Slice of Waikiki. I could not resist an expensive, greasy, served on a paper plate, New York Style Pepperoni Pizza. Price for one slice is $8 and to some this may be a bit pricey. To me, it didn't matter. I was craving pizza. I got what I wanted but had to wait 8 minutes because my slice was made to order. There's no dining area so I did what everyone else was doing, which was eating right outside this joint. The slice of pizza was hot and big enough that it still took me at least 5 bites to deMELish. I'm no rookie. I knew I had to eat this pizza quick before the grease soaked through the paper plate. Plus, it started to rain. It was like a race between me and the plate. Guess what...I won. Mission Accomplished! Thank You, Slice of Waikiki for being there when I needed you most. Also, I appreciate you making a fresh slice just for me...and the random ten customers ahead me. Mahalo!