It's the candid, less planned days wandering around the 96815 that I enjoy the most. I'm never really sure what I'll discover or what beautiful moment I might be lucky enough to capture. On this day back in March, I walked into Waikiki to check out the Honolulu Festival Parade. During the annual three day festival, artisans from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Taiwan, Korea and Hawaii gather in Honolulu to celebrate the rich, diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim through art and dance. On Sunday, the last day, thousands of locals and travelers lined Kalakaua Ave to watch the magnificent parade of performers and colorful floats dance their way through Waikiki. I was taking in the sights near Beach Walk and happened to pop into Henry's Place to try their famous homemade ice cream. This spot doesn't look like much - it resembles a little bodega, the kind found on almost every street corner in New York City. Inside they offer freshly cut tropical fruits, sandwiches and those famous white styrofoam cups with handwritten labels filled with not-too-sweet, and absolutely delicious ice cream. The incognito dessert has become a favorite for sun baked beach goers looking to cool down on those hot, sunny south shore days. While they have a million flavors to choose from, including Avocado and Ube Yam, I enjoyed the Pineapple Coconut flavor. Lump the pup agreed - it was pretty tasty. After our ice cream, we took in a little more of the parade before heading home. I wish we could have stayed longer to see the lanterns and floats light up the night sky. Back at my apartment, I heard the bang of a spectacular fireworks show, marking the end of yet another Honolulu Festival. Next year, I won't be watching with envy from my window.
Henry's Place, 7am to 10pm Daily, 234 Beach Walk, the 96815.