We had the morning free, so Marti and I decided to go “holoholo” along Lilipuna Road and Kam Highway toward the North Shore of Oahu.  First we stopped at He’eia Beach Park where I took this photo of palm trees.  Isn’t this just what you think of when someone says “Hawaii”?

Farther up the coast, we stopped by the side of the road to get a good look at Chinaman’s Hat (or, to be politically correct, Mokoli’i Island), another iconic image of Windward Oahu. I have to work on my zoom:  the closeup has cut off part of the island.

When we reached the Crouching Lion rock formation, we reversed direction and were home shortly before 2 pm.

At Iolani School, we found good seats in the shade and waited for 5 pm, when the commencement exercises were scheduled to start. It was a well-choreographed and moving ceremony in which 237 seniors received their high school diplomas. The speeches by the student orators were short and to the point, and the recital of names went smoothly. I tried taking some photos as my older niece walked across the stage, but I was too far away and not skilled enough with the camera anyway.

Between 7 and 8, the graduates met friends and family at designated spots on the football field. It was a joyous and festive occasion!

Please visit the Iolani School website for a more comprehensive account of the 2009 Commencement.