The Islands Read Online Free PDF

low breakers lazily rolled towards the shore. Further along the beach jutted the unmistakable outline of Diamond Head. In the centre of the courtyard was a magnificent banyan tree, its branches shading several tables and chairs.
    â€˜The tree’s very historic. Been here since 1904, planted a few years after the hotel opened.’ Bradley drew out a chair. ‘Great spot for an evening cocktail.’
    â€˜I don’t think I’ll move from here the whole week of my stay,’ sighed Catherine.
    Bradley had to work the next day so Catherine used the time to explore a little on her own, though all she did was walk along the beach and browse in the shops on Kalakaua Avenue. She preferred to sit in the shade of the banyan tree in the hotel courtyard watching the people on the sands of Waikiki. This was such a long way from Peel and from London. It all felt so exotic and romantic. The locals stood out. Fit and tanned wearing colourful – if sometimes sun-faded – casual clothes. She decided she had to buy a beach sarong. She noticed the women hotel staff, generally older and all smiling and friendly, wore long full and loose muu-muus that fell from a yoke at the top. Most of the women were plump but looked cool and comfortable in the flowered print dresses.
    When Bradley arrived that evening to take her to dinner, she was wearing flowers from the lei he had given her in her hair.
    â€˜Glad to see you’re getting into the aloha spirit,’ he said, giving her a light kiss.
    â€˜I went shopping in that International Marketplace but got utterly confused with all the different Hawaiian prints.’ She pointed to a woman in a bright muu-muu. ‘Is that the traditional dress?’
    â€˜Now it is. They were originally introduced by the missionaries to cover up all that decadent naked flesh. No more grass skirts and bare breasts.’
    They sat on the terrace at the Ilikai Hotel which was further down the avenue and watched the sunset ceremony of lighting the tiki torches as an Hawaiian warrior blew a large conch shell to summon the men and women dancers to gather on the outdoor terrace. Musicians appeared and as the sky glowed red and orange and the sun sank below the horizon the dancers performed popular hulas.
    â€˜It’s a bit hokey, but it’s kind of nice,’ said Bradley.
    â€˜I like it. Where else are tourists going to see this kind of thing?’ said Catherine.
    â€˜Oh, lots of touristy places do cultural shows. One drink and we’ll head back to Waikiki for dinner and we’ll see some wonderful classical dancing.’
    â€˜In the heart of Waikiki?’ Catherine was hoping they’d head away from the tourist strip and go somewhere more local, though there was time for that she figured. It was nice of him to show her the glamorous side of the city. Waikiki was what everyone came to Honolulu to see.
    Bradley took her to yet another famous old hotel – the Moonflower – explaining, ‘There’s a woman I want you to see, and it’s a lovely setting. The hotel is named after a sweet-smelling flower that only blooms at night.’
    They walked onto the terrace that faced the sea and settled at a table and Bradley ordered two mai tais. ‘Also a tradition. Basically pineapple juice and rum.’
    â€˜This is gorgeous.’ Catherine sighed as the ever present tradewind wafted across the terrace, still glowing in the remains of the sunset. The moon was rising as a band set up and a beautiful woman wearing a figure-hugging Hawaiian dress and draped in long flower leis walked between the tables, pausing to greet the scattering of people around the terrace and verandah of the restaurant.
    â€˜Who’s that?’ whispered Catherine. She was struck by the beauty of the Hawaiian girl and her interesting blend of features, tawny olive skin and dark rippling hair. ‘Is she pure Hawaiian?’
    â€˜She’s just called Kiann’e. I