It was my first day in Oahu and I could not wait to "hit the beach" at Waikiki. I was determined to squeeze in as many sights as possible before reporting for duty. The bus had dropped me off near the International Market Place and I had walked the entire length of Waikiki Beach to Kapiolani Park. Away from the crowds that lined the beach, I found it a relaxing place. A huge green lawn sprawled on for miles, bordered by a row of gently swaying palms. I marveled at the rolling clouds that flowed above the distant hotels. So, this was Hawaii. This was the place that the brought tourists from around the world to bask on its beaches and wade in its blue-green waters. I walked across the lawn and headed towards the beach. I was anxious to catch a glimpse of the bikini clad women sprawled upon the pure white Hawaiian sands.