I had been wanting to got back to the "Top of Waikiki", to see if they had their wonderful tenderloin on a rock on the menu. 

http://www.topofwaikiki.co

The last time I had been there, they weren't serving it, and I couldn't understand why.  It is one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten.

Several of my fellow crewmembers and I headed out for their happy hour, me with my fingers crossed!  I was thrilled to find that they did have the tenderloin, and I promptly ordered it.  

The tenderloin is charred rare, and served on a smoking hot rock. You can see the smoke more clearly if you click on the photo above and enlarge it.  You slice the steak and cook each piece as much as you like on the hot rock.  The sauce is a merlot-miso sauce.  It is sooo melt in your mouth delicious.  I had ordered immediately and I rudely ate it up before my friends' orders even arrived.  Sorry, guys!

The restaurant takes one hour to revolve, for a 360 degree view of the city and it's surroundings,

with spectacular views of Diamond Head,

the Royal Hawaiian

and the Manu Kai as it left for it's sunset sail.

As we enjoyed the views from the top, I saw a green area near the marina that I had never explored.  I decided the next morning to walk up the beach and check it out.

Looking back at Diamond Head as I walked toward the Waikik Yacht Club.

I reached Fort DeRussy Beach Park, the green area that I had seen from the Top of Waikiki.  This

beautiful park has picnic tables and grills, lots of shade and fun activities.

I wasn't tempted to try climbing this "tree", even though the kids mad it look easy.
               

DeRussy Beach has sand volleyball courts and lots water sport equiptment for rent.  I want to rent a
paddleboat on my trip next week.

The Ferry, docking below, takes you out to the submarine Atlantis for an underwater tour.
I haven't done this yet, but I will in the future (when I get over the claustrophbia thing).

http://www.hawaiiactivities.com/us/hawaii/oahu/sg/2/ag/6594/

Just past the park you come upon the Hilton HawaiianVillage.  I hadn't been here before, but I was really enchanted by it.  I'm not usually about large resorts, but I think this would be a great place to experience  a Waikiki vacation with a family.   For a commercial setting, they have given it a really lovely feel.

http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahulodging/ss/hilton_hawaiian_village.htm

The wedding chapel in the center almost made me think about getting married!

They have several Koi ponds,

flamingos,

turtles,

 South African penguins,

and some strange ducks.
















There is a beautiful Rainbow Bazaar, with interesting Asian art,  many Asian shops, and a wonderful noodle shop.  I will tell you more in my next blog, because I am coming back here next week.