
View from Tropics restaurant. Food not notable but I was starving. I meant to go back sometime for happy hour, but never made it. Obligatory blue drink below.

DAY 2
My friends made us go to Hula Grill down the street at Outrigger to get the Hula Pie. Touristy bur nicer view upstairs at Hula Grill and a lot more peaceful than Duke's downstairs. Could have walked but we drove and parked at the Post Office which was relatively inexpensive.

We then hit up the Polynesian Cultural Center way on the other side of the island as our friends booked a tour there. I've been there a couple times and while I would not go again, for first time Hawaii folks it's ok. Notably no alcohol in Laie or at the Center so make it a sober day. They do stuff like walk on fire and climb up a tree to get coconuts and put on cultural shows. If you have kids, it's a must-see. If not.. meh. There is a cool. Polynesian Football Hall of Fame small exhibit there.

We went to the Luau but ducked out before the fire show as my driver was tired and it's about an hour drive home. the Luau was ok, a lot of different foods. I didn't care for the fish but the pork was stellar. There's a little show that goes on there too, and you get a lei and pineapple drink (but again no alcohol so...maybe bring your mini).

THE DAYS ARE NOW GETTING BLURRY.
This was the view from the Lagoon Tower which is from the timeshare looking toward the Rainbow Tower.

At the Hotel Ilikai next door which looks very dated is a cool happy hour at the top 30th floor called Pesca. Good views, good drinks. I went there a couple times. The sliders were substantial and octopus was good but see below for small ahi serving. Anyway, nice atmosphere with a cool open view elevator if you can find it.
This was the view from Pesca
Beach day.

I ventured down the street and ate at this cafeteria like place. Next time I would just get the udon but they do handmade the noodles here. I tried the katsu and was going to get it over rice but the guy asked if I wanted noodles and so of course I had to try it. I also got some a la carte tempura which was good.


Friends wanted to go to Aoki which is a Benihana style place. Drink wasn't good and was overly foamy blue. ewww.

Pesca ahi, which is good but not substantial.
View from my room on 31st floor of Rainbow Tower.

View from Penthouse in Lagoon Tower.

There is no CLEAR at this airport and First Class/Premium bag check is hidden in the corner. Pre Check was down the hall at checkpoint 4. It went fairly quickly. This was the slowest Starbucks in existence for food. The airport is HOT - no AC until you get to your gate. Alaska Air is taking me home now! Bye-Bye Hawaii! Until we meet again.