My first dream vacation was in 1978, when I spent my 21st birthday in Los Angeles. But now that that's done and overwith, the next place that I would like to go is to Hawaii. In fact, after Los Angeles, I aways wanted to go there.

If and when I do go, I will only stay in Waikiki and do the one island; Oahu. Many travel agents have said to do at least two islands, especially Maui, but I only want to do just the one island.

I have picked up numerous Hawaii brochures over the years, and based on what I've read, Honolulu, Waikiki, and the island of Oahu have a lot things that you can see and do. I have nothing against the other islands, but they have more expensive hotels and they're geared towards couples, honeymooners, people who love to play golf, tennis, snorkel; or who just want peace and quiet. Not me. Give me the city lights and the shopping anytime.

Since I'm already a city and a beach person, I would just rather lie on the beach and listen to the sixties music that I taped off of the Philadelphia radio stations; sightsee Honolulu and Waikiki, and do some shopping. I had also said that I'd like to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center and take the Pearl Harbor cruise, but I have difficulty standing for long periods of time and walking due to arthritis in both of my knees. Since I also like to shop, I can always go over to the Ala Moana Center, the International Market Place, and TheBus, takes you all around Honolulu and Waikiki.

I know that I have heard that your Hawaiian vacation isn't complete without attending a traditional luau, but based on the reviews that I read on TripAdvisor.com, I am going to skip the luau. These luaus charge $70, $80, and even $90. You sit outside to eat and drink on picnic tables and then you see a show that features hula dancers. Based on the reviews that I've read; some of these luaus have been good, but some of them aren't that good. One of these luaus is held in an industrial area right next door to a recyling plant. What a terrible place to hold a luau? Since I'm from the Philadelphia area, that's just the same as holding this luau on the banks of the Delaware River in nearby Marcus Hook; in the shadow of the Sun Oil refinieries. I would rather eat indoors and see a hula show for free instead.

Now all I have to do is get the money together and then it'll be time for me to say Aloha! Job commitments, periodic unemployment, and money reasons are the main reasons that I haven't been able to go there, or anywhere. But I still would like to go there one day. And if I do, like I said earlier, I would rather just go to Honolulu.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Fagan.
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