Mel and Wes Stories: Waikiki and Sites on Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii: Waikiki and Oahu

SELECTIONS:
  Book of Mormon Map
  COUNTRY List
  Duane's Art
  Duane's HTML Guide
  Empires of the World
  Language Identification
  LDS Temples

INTERNET SITES:
  Genealogy Help
  LDS Church
  Meet the Mormons
  Request Information

Back to Index Page for Mel and Wes Stories
Click Here to Open: Slang Dictionary
Back to Previous Page

Lesson: Waikiki and Sites on Oahu Setting the scene: The family departs Xi'an in China and arrives in Hawaii for a two-week visit. Dad must immediately begin teaching advanced computer courses in Honolulu, however, the other family members are able to see the sights. Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, especially the island of Oahu. The sky is a brilliant blue with numerous puffy clouds floating above upthrust mountain peaks. Sound from a nearby ocean surf washes over the family. A few seagulls squawk for food. People in This Story: Dad; Mel; Mom; Leilani (tour guide); Wes Brand Name or Company Name item is in green. Slang terms are linked to the Slang Dictionary. Click on the term to view its meaning. "Speed Talk" is in pink; meaning is in [brackets]. Story: Dad: Sorry that I can't head out with you today. My first class starts in an hour, but I'll see you later this afternoon. Meanwhile, the company arranged for a tour guide to show some of the local sites. Her name is Leilani. Mel: Oh, that's rich! [Laughing] As in the song, "Sweet Leilani"? That just cracks me up! Dad: Yes. I suppose it is a bit ironic. Go ahead and make do with the situation. I'll catch you on the flip side. [Dad leaves as the tour guide arrives. He departs in a company car.] Leilani: Aloha. [Hawaiian word for "Welcome" and "Goodbye"] Is this your first time to Hawaii? Mom: It is for the kids. I've been here a few times before. Wes: Hi, Leilani. Do you know any real cool spots? Leilani: Of course. What do you think? That I'm a stick in the mud? Wes: Uh... No, I mean... Uh... Mel: Wes, you've got egg on the face. You better quit while you're behind. Leilani: Hah! Never mind, Wes. I'm just teasing. I don't think you're a jerk. Wes: Thanks, Leilani. That takes a load off my mind. Mom: Wes, if you're through horsing around, we can start the tour. [Leilani drives from the hotel along Waikiki Beach to get a good view of Diamond Head. They circle back to Punch Bowl. She then drives up Likelike highway and stops at the Pali Lookout. It boasts a spectacular view and was the location of a historic battle between King Kamehameha and his foes on Oahu. Kamehameha's men pushed many of their foes off the cliff to death.] Mel: Mom, isn't this the place where Dad proposed marriage to you? Mom: Yes. We were looking out there, towards the North Shore. It's still a beautiful place and brings back pleasant memories. Leilani: Hawaii is famous for romance. One of my favorite movies is Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley. [Sighing] I still have a way's to go. No boyfriend yet. Wes: You don't need to worry about that, Leilani. Actually, you're quite easy on the eyes. Mel: What's with you today, Wes? Has the Hawaiian sun already fried your brain? Or have you secretly been watching TV soaps? Wes: No. I'm just being nice. So, lay off. Mom: Enough of that nonsense. Leilani, can you drive us along the North Shore? Leilani: Certainly. We can visit the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. Wes: That's swell. Dad used to drive a tour bus there years ago. Mel: He also taught at Brigham Young University in Laie. Leilani: I know those places. Both are near the Mormon temple. We can see all of them today and finish the night with a Luau [Hawaiian feast]. Mom: Thank you, Leilani. You are a very good guide. [The family extends this Hawaii trip to include the Big Island and Maui. Click here to see the following story: Outer Islands of Hawaii.]