Honolulu Hustle: A Drummer's Dizzying Dive
okay, so. honolulu. wow. i just got back and my brain feels like a cymbal crash - all scattered energy and lingering reverb. i’m leo, by the way, touring session drummer. usually i’m behind a kit, keeping time for someone else’s story, but this trip? this was my story, and it was… a lot.
I’m not gonna lie, the humidity hit me like a rogue snare drum. i just checked and it’s… a sticky, shimmering blanket right now, hope you like that kind of thing. twenty-three degrees, feels like it too. pressure’s decent, but the air is thick enough to chew. i was sweating through my t-shirt before i even made it to my hotel.
Speaking of hotels, i ended up in *Waikiki. tourist central, obviously. but hey, it’s convenient. i found a little place through Airbnb - nothing fancy, but it had a decent view of the ocean. someone told me that the hotels closer to the beach are insane prices, so i figured i’d save some cash.
My main goal? to find some good local music. i’m always scouting for new rhythms, new vibes. i spent a lot of time wandering around, checking out open mics and small clubs. i stumbled upon this amazing little jazz bar in Honolulu, called The Blue Note (check it out on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-blue-note-honolulu). the drummer there… man, he was good. seriously tight grooves. i even got to jam with him for a bit - that was a highlight for sure.
I also did some exploring beyond the tourist traps. i took a day trip to Pearl Harbor - a sobering experience, obviously. it’s a place that really sticks with you. then i hiked up Diamond Head - the views from the top are incredible. you can see the whole city spread out before you. i found a great guide on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60644-Activities-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html.
Food-wise… oh man. the food. poke bowls everywhere. i’m pretty sure i ate my weight in ahi tuna. and shave ice! so good. i heard that Leonard’s Bakery is the place to go for malasadas - those portuguese donuts. i didn’t make it there, but it’s on the list for next time. i also found this amazing food truck park near Ala Moana Center - so many options! check out the reviews on Google: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ala+Moana+Center/@21.287658,-157.786666,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!4m3!1s0x0:0x8000000000000000!8m2!3d21.287658!4d-157.786666
“Don’t even think about renting a car unless you’re prepared to battle for parking. seriously. it’s a bloodsport.”
That was some drunk advice i got from a bartender at a bar in Kailua. he was right. parking is a nightmare. i mostly relied on ride-sharing apps, which were pretty convenient.
if you get bored, Hilo and Kona* are just a short drive away. i didn’t have time to make it to either, but i’ve heard they’re worth checking out.
okay, gotta run. my laundry’s piling up and i need to practice. but seriously, go to honolulu. it’s chaotic, it’s humid, it’s a little overwhelming… but it’s also amazing. just be prepared to sweat. a lot.
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