Hawaii: On the Beach

It took years before I finally made it there. Across the continent to LAX, and then the overnight flight to Oahu.

The flight to the island was delayed. We arrived in the dark early morning hours, our transfer to the hotel accomplished and all luggage accounted for. Checking in to the hotel, the lobby was an open veranda, the sun now shining and the beaches filling up.

We stayed up as long as able, the jet lag tugging at our limbs and eyelids. Finally, unable to stay awake, everyone went to sleep except myself.

My childhood memories of watching Jack Lord’s character chase down the bad guys on tv with backgrounds set in the islands ran through my mind. The scenes in From Here to Eternity, and Magnum PI, and every other image that gave the islands the allure that brought us to its shores.

Before I could lay down, I had to reach the ocean. Back then, I had never been west of the Appalachians, and only watched the sun set on the Atlantic. Now, I made my way down the elevator to the ground floor and out to Waikīkī beach.

Kicking off my sandals, I had to dip my toes in the Pacific.

It was later in the day, and the beach was less crowded.

I can’t remember if it felt cold or warm nor was I struck by a bolt of lightning, or transformed in any particular way.

I just remember having done it, and then after a few minutes watching the waves, returned to the room to rejoin the others, and sleep.