Turkey with a tropical twist

Elizabeth Martino

Ten years ago, our family lost a beloved uncle. We didn’t want to

spend our first family holiday at home without him.

We decided to go on a vacation for Thanksgiving, but we had to

find a location that would accommodate a group with people ages 1 to

89 years old. We had grandmas, aunts, uncles, moms, dads, kids and

babies. ... Oahu was the perfect choice!

Now, it is our 10th year of returning to the same hotel, the

Sheraton Waikiki, the glittering center of activity in Honolulu with

gorgeous Diamond Head as the backdrop. Destination: Waikiki for the

Martino, Henley and Lewis families!

Our first day is usually spent at the beach or at Hanauma Bay, a

snorkeler’s dream. The beautiful clear shallow water there is the

perfect place to see Hawaiian marine life, including dozens of

varieties of fish, sea turtles, eels and tropical coral. This is also

the site where several scenes from Elvis Presley’s 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii” were filmed.

Almost every day, our large group set up several umbrellas on the

Waikiki shoreline right in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which

is also known as the “Pink Palace.” Outrigger canoe rides are always

a thrill for my three children: Melissa, 10, Joey, 8 and Amy, 6. At

only $5 a ride, what could be a better bargain?

During the evening, we listened to the relaxing Hawaiian music

poolside. In addition, we enjoyed delicious mai tais from the “Sand

Bar.”

After several days of fun in the sun it was off to the North

Shore, otherwise known as the “country.” During this time of year,

the waves are huge on the North Shore, and the Triple Crown of

Surfing contests bring out the best surfers from around the world.

Last year, we caught part of the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach. My

husband talked to Sunny Garcia about his upcoming reality show, “The

Boarding House.” He was nice enough to pose in some pictures with our

kids.

The North Shore is also famous for Waimea Falls Park, where you

can see an exciting cliff-diving show. Our family loves to look out

the car window to see the miles of pineapples and sugar cane growing

in deep, rich, red soil.

At the northern tip of the island is the Turtle Bay Resort. It

features a beautiful golf course and a great place to swim and surf.

This year, we saw the Turtle Bay Resort women’s pro surfing contest.

If you travel farther around the island, you pass the shrimp farms

and Kahuku Sugar Mill. Eventually you get to the Polynesian Cultural

Center, which offers a tour and shows featuring the customs and

culture of the Pacific islands. If you continue around the island,

you can see some great beaches and drive through the rain forest back

to town.

Back in town, my sweet husband let me enjoy a much-needed break to

relax at the pool. He took the whole gang to the Honolulu Zoo and

Waikiki Aquarium, which are a short walk from our hotel. The zoo has

many attractions, but my kids enjoyed the animal-shaped water bottles

the best.

The children had an amazing English high tea on the Banyan Veranda

at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. They were with the kids’ club

“Keiki Aloha” program with three other children, who spoke only

Japanese.

Our last day was Thanksgiving, which we spent at the beach. We had

Thanksgiving dinner at the open air Ocean Terrace Restaurant

overlooking the beautiful water of Waikiki. What a perfect way to end

a divine trip surrounded by a large extended family. Our Thanksgiving

feast included everything from turkey, prime rib, roast Chinese duck,

fresh oysters, roasted sea bass, and enough desserts to tempt any

appetite.

Our family has been lucky enough to visit most of the seven

Hawaiian Islands and we truly believe Oahu is very underrated. We

can’t wait to return again in 2004.

* ELIZABETH MARTINO is a resident of Newport Beach.

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