Talk Story #56 – Waikiki’s Multi-Purpose Ala Wai Canal Offers Multi-Generational Fun on Oahu
Rain pouring straight down did not dampen the enthusiastic crowds this weekend during the 26th Annual Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race on the Ala Wai Canal. For the benefit of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii, donations at a minimum of $5 gave an ‘adopted Owner’ a numbered Duckie to watch as some 20,000 little yellow ducks were dumped en masse from the Kalakaua Ave. bridge. There, they headed down the current for about 100 yards toward the ocean. The first 50 ‘finishers’ would win, for their owners, various nice prizes.
Happy little girls waited patiently with their mother for the Duckie Race to begin
Multi-generational fun for all as the ducks glide by
Massed together, 20,000 yellow duckies head out to ride the current – looks like 2 bold leaders have separated from the pack!
In Hawaii, what is a little rain? It is still warm and the sun always seems to shine brightly once again – which it did…much later.
(Side Note: My particular one did not win, just stayed obviously, somewhere in the pack of thousands of others, just making a yellow blur on the rain drenched canal.)
Walking Along the Ala Wai Canal
From Ala Moana Blvd to the Kalakaua Ave. bridge, there is a beautiful tree-lined walkway for a quiet stroll or quick run along the canal. The Hawaii Convention Center, with its futuristic architectural design and a tall waterfall on the side of the building, backs right out on to the path and canal.
An Ala Wai walkway with the sun shining brightly
A couple of years ago, I stated in my article, Talk Story #2 that, “if it wasn’t for the Ala Wai Canal, there would be no Waikiki!” – and how true that comment is! From what was once marshlands, ancient lava flows, and old coral reefs, and three underground springs flowing down from the valleys of the Ko’olau mountain range, flooding the area, this canal allowed the area to become a famous mecca called ‘Waikiki‘.
A special stone and canoes line the 'mauka' side and Waikiki condos on the 'makai' side
Several Outrigger canoe clubs headquarter water side, not just for competition racing, but also leisure paddling. The popular, public Ala Wai Golf Course runs along a large section and length of the canal. On the makai (ocean) side of this L-shaped canal, there is a totally different dynamic: the beaches, superb world-class shopping, spacious parks, all the major hotels, even a zoo.
Yes, this canal is unique with an interesting history and purpose for various reasons, besides just entertainment and exercise. Many visitors and kama’aina (long time resident) may not realize that it was constructed with a man-made dream in mind.
Waikiki is all now totally prime real estate with an eclectic choice of properties, often dramatic with a wide range of age, size, views, and prices. A number of the Hawaii Life’s condominium Galleries for the Kaka’ako, Ala Moana, Waikiki areas, I maintain for your convenience.
Two examples of Moderate to Luxury are:
Let’s Talk Story!
In Hawaii, there is often a gathering of family and friends, and in a casual way, stories are told of present and past happenings. We call it “Talk Story.” My continued series are about different places around Oahu with a bit of their history, and the opportunities for you today. I would love to hear about your personal Hawaii memories to share, perhaps during the territorial days, like I was, growing up out ‘Koko Head’ way. Hawaii is a special place and so are the people.
May my blogs help in the discovery of a lifestyle best suited for YOU. Whether it is a new military move, a casual beach house, a downsized retirement home, a golf course fronted resort home-away-from-home, a grand residence with superb view, or a high rise condominium…
It is time! The market is rising in the more popular locations and interest rates continue to be low. Start enjoying living life to the fullest…Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers is a statewide private (not franchised) company of fresh, enthusiastic, and professional agents available on every island and any area you are interested in. Allow me to assist you in finding that perfect location and the Realtor who knows each area the best!
I look forward to hearing from you. With warm Aloha,
Jeanne E. Buboltz (RB)
Email: Jeanne@HawaiiLife
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