The theme for today is Beautiful and Strange.  The brightly hued hibiscus reminded me of the sun.  Seeing orchids encircling these vertical palms seems unlikely with gravity pulling it downward.  So many beautiful items came into view as well as strange items, so, I'll pair the two for your enjoyment.

Having walked the flat-lands for the past several months, going back up the mountain ridges proved quite challenging. Continuing in Pearl City and taking 2 hours to walk 4.61 miles isn't breaking any speed records, but, Waimano Home Road is finally completed.

I loved the inviting passage through the gate into the yard. Calm and serene, I really wanted to enter.  The second picture was frightening, as the garage roof looks like it could cave in at any moment.  I most certainly would not be parking my car in there!  Would you?

The attention to detail made the first mailbox memorable, the second one was definitely different.  Made out of pipe parts or parts of a musical instrument, that's what I call recycling!

Still blooming abundantly, the rich colors of the plumeria shouts for attention.  I had to pause and ponder with the second picture.  I think that they are either trimming the mango tree or planning to cut it down altogether in sections.  I got this CRAZY desire to climb the scaffolding and see the view from the top!  I WAS an avid tree climber in my younger days!

I think I know what this contraption is!  I believe that it's an ELEVATOR!  Used for a handicapped person or to transport groceries or you're just lazy to use the stairs.  What do you think?

Somebody trimmed this growth to look like a bonsai tree.  Well manicured and located at the base of a huge established tree, it made me feel inspired that one person created this work of art for all to enjoy.  How many people pass by and admire this individual's handiwork?  I don't know!  But, the Walking Hawaiian did and is thankful for it.  Mahalo, mahalo!  (Thank you, thank you!)

Walking to the end of Hopeloa Pl., this empty lot with a magnificent panoramic view took my breath away.  I knew then, that I had to show this to you in the form of a video.  The light tradewinds whispered as I took the video.  Enjoy!

Surfing in Waikiki, my daughter needed a drop-off and so walking in Kahala was a logical step since it's so near to Waikiki.  I did forget that Kahala has rolling hills and this walk can be challenging!  Taking 5.17 miles, I completed a decent amount of area.  Being my neighbor hood as a youth, I have NEVER walked OR drove through this part of Kahala.  Fascinating!

Seeing a pointed roof peeking out near the entrance way of this home, I started visualizing what could be under it.  The high, lava rock wall, hid whatever lies underneath.  My imaginings are a Hot whirlpool tub, protected by the roof, or a lovely sitting area, with comfortable chairs and tables with a bar nearby.  What do you envision?

Whimsical and unusual, I loved the play of colors and it was surrounded by Pikake!  I'm sure that the home must smell heavenly!

The bright yellow ilima, (flower of Oahu), the fiery-red Royal Poinciana tree and the rooty Banyan tree makes for beautiful sights while walking.

My favorite gate for the day!  What I really like is the shadows it creates!  The  Kohola (whales) are swimming in an ocean of cement.  Not poetic, but accurate!  HaHa!

Using chalk as their medium, a garage door became the canvas for this budding artist!

Obviously, this horse doesn't know how to swim!  Decorating the front of a home, somebody got creative!  Of course, if you were made of cement, flotation devices could be helpful!  HaHa!  Hoping for some levity in your day!  Smile!  A Hui Hou! (Until we meet again!)

Seeing the brightly colored wall mural, I quickly snapped a photo.  At the time, I thought that the pebbly background was an interesting effect.  Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was letters.  So, your task is to tell me what it says!  Good luck!  * Spoiler alert!  The answer will be at the end of this posting!

Wanting to continue my connecting of routes, today's walk took me from Iwilei to Chinatown in the downtown Honolulu area.  It might not look far to you, but, 5.11 miles is what it took to accomplish this task.  Now, I have a path from Pearl City to Kahala strung together from separate routes!

Yes, the sign says it all!  Strolling through Chinatown with my beautiful friend, Amy, we ate a baked manapua from the Royal Kitchen, bought Char siu at the Char Siu House,  bought 2 stalks of fragrant tubarose at a lei shop, and visited various temples along the way.  Amy is the one in the GREEN shirt!

Espying a Dragon's head and tail peeking over a second floor rail, I decided to check it out.  What I found was a Dragon canoe! ( At least, that is what I called it!)  Read the next picture and find out all about this dragon!

Two thousand years of history!  Well, it might take me that long to finish my "Walking Hawaiian" goal!  HaHa!  Nah, only ONE thousand years!  HaHa!

Normally, I don't take pictures of buildings, but,  this one was definitely different.  The apartments faced either side.  You have a choice to either face east or west.  The walkway was in a straight line with the elevator in the middle.  Double click to see the details up close!

A fence blocked the continuation of Ka'aahi St.  You might ask me why, and I'll have no answer!  My best guess is that one side is slated for commercial use and the other is residential.

Good thing that the water wasn't exactly pure and clean, or else I would have jumped in at this point!  See!  Even the hono (turtle) won't touch the water!  HaHa!  Nah!  Actually, I thought that this park was Eden-like in the middle of high-rise Honolulu!  Don't hesitate today!  Just JUMP IN!  Pomaikai! (Good Luck!)  Highlight the white area to find the answer!

*Answer to the first picture: Ua mau ke'ea oka aina i ka pono! (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness!)

Did you figure out that the latticework is a representation of breadfruit or ulu?  Lining a walkway leading to a towering apartment building, the intricate work was emphasized by the play of light and shadow.

Daring to make my routes connect, 4.01 miles filled the bill by bridging Ala Moana and Kaka'ako together.   So now, from Kalihi to Kahala is a finished seam of streets.  I feel like a walking seamstress!  Yes, Donna has a different way of thinking!

Since I'm along the SEWING line, I want you to imagine these three pictures together as one panoramic.  The first picture is the left side, the second is the middle and the third is the end.  At the end of the blog, I'll show you the panoramic.  See how well you did!

If you LOVE ceramics and are a pottery artist, this is the place to go to!  Ceramic Hobbyist has just about everything that you can think of and more.  They also fire your work!  Dean (the guy waving) showed us (my friend Robbie was with me) non-fired clay.  We felt the hardness of the dried clay and saw the many non-fired glazes on hand.  That would be great for children to experiment and create with!  You can't eat or drink from the clay pieces, but they could be a wonderful display item!

Did I feel watched today?  Why yes I did!  Thinking that Kaka'ako was the only place with murals, I was surprised and delighted to find more awesome murals!

Maybe I should add a hard-hat to my Walking Hawaiian attire.  So much construction is occurring in the areas I've been, when looking up at all the cranes lifting buckets of cement is producing a little anxiety!  Here is Pi'ikoi St., with Ala Moana Shopping Center going through a major overhaul.  By the way, parking there is CRAZY!

Never one to miss blossoming beauties, this lily was today's winner!

Okay folks, here is the panorama that I told you to piece together.  Click on the picture to enlarge to see the details.  How did you do?  In life, little bits and pieces of experiences become a panorama seamed together which make it YOU!  Imua! (Move forward!)

Is this a view you would like to see while dining?  53 by the Sea, is a restaurant that serves Italian fare and spectacular views.  Originally the spot where the John Dominis Restaurant stood, it was torn down and been replaced with this new edifice.  The dinner menu is $$$$, but the lunch menu is reasonable!  By the way, do you know who*John Dominis was? ** Can you also tell me what plant is represented on the wall grill and the stairwell grill?

Open the massive front doors and the stairwell leads to a chapel where you can get married.  Please don't forget to order some Dom Perignon with your meal!  Not me, I rather buy a new car with the money!  HaHa!

You are correct!  Kaka'ako is complete!  Finding a fearless friend to walk with me, it took 3.49 miles to finish the area.  Planning to walk quite a distance, I was met with roads converted into parking lots and LOTS of locked or guarded fences.  Check out all the black XX's along the shoreline.

Nevertheless, concluding this walk has brought me to 20.52 miles for the month of June and the Grand total of 701.26 miles! Passing the 700 mile mark makes me feel a great sense of accomplishment!

Strolling to the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, I espied Point Panic.  Wondering why they would call it such, I took a look over the walkway.  Well, the waves curl close to the rock barrier and you better get out of the wave or you'll crash into the rocks.  

Of course, the only way in is by carefully inching your way down the rocks into the crashing waves, then swim or paddle out.  Slippery moss and opihi(limpet shellfish) covered rocks does not give you good footing.  Collecting lots of opihi ( a Hawaiian delicacy!) might make it feasible, but watch out for the churning wave action!

This was one of many sights I saw today, barring my way to walk all of the streets. Found about half-way in on Channel St., this can be frustrating, but I know that there's always the possibility.

More art pieces found at the John A. Burns School of Medicine complex.  Not being able to find a name or the artist, your interpretation would be as good as mine.  Maybe you could take it's location as a clue as it is in front of the Cancer Center.

Here is the work of the son of my good friend.  It took walking the whole of Kaka'ako to find it, but I did!  Yes, he is Paradise Boys Forever!

Even though I passed this way before, this work is NEW!  Saying, Be a Voice, not an Echo, is a thought to contemplate!  I loved the vibrant colors and the crafted doilies located inside the letters.  Make sure to double click the picture to enlarge and view the details!

Rarely seen, (at least by me) is the variegated leaves of the shell ginger plant.  Normally, dark, solid, green leaves showcase the ginger.  These little surprises always count as a reward for continuing my lofty goal a step at a time.  I hope that rewards come your way as you continue to pursue your aspirations!  A Hui Hou! (Until we meet again!)

* Answer to who is John Dominis - Queen Liliuokalani's husband!
**Answer to plant on the grill - Beach naupaka!  (Read yesterday's blog for more info!)