Who: Blake Niemann (1 year old) of Lafayette
Where: Honolulu
Out and about: My parents took me to the beaches of Waikiki to celebrate my first birthday. Here I am playing in the warm sand with a beautiful view of Diamond Head, perhaps the most famous volcanic crater in the world, behind me. The volcano originally was named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians, but was given its current name by British sailors in the 1800s who mistakenly thought the calcite crystals in the lava rock were diamonds. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which was a fun place for families, and it’s located directly on Waikiki beach.
Travel tip: If you travel to Honolulu and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, be sure to attend the free fireworks show on the beach in front of the hotel every Friday night. I also recommend you request the Ali Tower, as they offer free hors d’oeuvres every evening on a private lanai that is a meal in itself. It will save you a lot on dinner costs. I can’t provide any comment on the food because I don’t yet have any teeth. Also, if you hike up Diamond Head, be sure to bring some bottled water along.
