Unwinding on Magic Island in Waikiki: Top Relaxation Activities

Magic Island Waikiki is a beautiful and popular tourist destination located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is a man-made peninsula that was created in the 1960s as part of the Ala Moana Beach Park. The island is known for its breathtaking views of the ocean and Diamond Head, a famous volcanic cone. It is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The calm and clear waters make it a great place for families to relax and have fun. Magic Island Waikiki offers something for everyone.

Grizelda was always pretty feisty but I have to be honest and say those things you mention grew enormously as the plot developed. I owe a lot to my publisher, Maverick, for that. I initially wrote it as a funny book but Maverick saw potential in the premise for something a bit deeper and Kim Nye (the Managing Editor) encouraged me to really bring out Grizelda’s character and give it a strong theme.

As for what children will take from it, it s not for me to decide and I always like to leave that to the reader but at heart I suppose it s a story about self-confidence and not being afraid to stand your ground. As girls are particularly vulnerable to cultural standards that dictate how their bodies should look, it s especially important to see a female character defy these.

Magic Island Waikiki offers something for everyone. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the paved pathways, which are lined with palm trees and tropical plants. There are also grassy areas where people can have a picnic or play frisbee.

Which Nose for Witch? by David Crosby & Carolina Coroa: Review + Interview

David Crosby is a rising star of the picture book world. His debut, Pirates vs. Monsters, won the prestigious Bishop's Stortford Award in 2021, despite being up against books by well-established and even famous authors. His second story, the hilarious and heartwarming Halloween-themed tale Which Nose for Witch?, has just been published.

We were delighted to chat to David about his amazing books and how he creates them. Read our review of Which Nose for Witch? and learn what inspired this story. Discover David's tips for successful rhyming, what it's like to share a name with a celebrity and which nose he would choose for himself.

So, what's this story about?

As witches come of age, it's traditional for them to swap their 'baby nose' for a grown-up (and hideous) one. When it's time for Grizelda to choose hers from The Conk Boutique, she encounters a problem. Grizelda can't find anything suitable, but could the solution to her predicament be as plain as the nose on her face?

What can we learn?

Just because something is expected, doesn't mean it's right, and even if something hasn't been done before, that doesn’t make it impossible.

What makes this stand out? This is an entirely unique take on the typical witch tale, with a fabulously self-confident main character and a wonderful mother-daughter relationship at its heart.

About the illustrations. They're fantastic — so animated and amusing! There are lots of clever background details like mischievous mice, candle-lit mirrors and a witch-specific notice board which enrich Grizelda's world. I love the little star ornament on Grizelda's broomstick, the spider that's always suspended from her hair and how rustic her mother's wand is. The facial expressions and body language of the characters makes them and their interactions even more real and relatable.

Why we love it.

Grizelda encourages children to break the mould and resist the pressure to conform to the ideals of others. As girls are particularly vulnerable to cultural standards that dictate how their bodies should look, it's especially important to see a female character defy these. I think we've all been either Mum or Grizelda at different times in our lives! It's brilliant to see such a relatable scenario, despite the magical setting.

Why you need it. Grizelda is an excellent role model who isn't afraid to trust herself or stand by her convictions. I love how comfortable she is in her own skin. As children and parents are mirrored in its pages, Which Nose for Witch? will appeal to both. Although this book is ideal for reading as Halloween approaches, it's an empowering and entertaining story suitable for any time of the year.

Watch a trailer for Which Nose for Witch?:

Read our Q&A with author David Crosby.

Which Nose for Witch? is an interesting and highly original take on witches! How did you get the idea for this story and what do you hope children will take from it?

Everything came from the idea that all witches are born with your “average” nose and reach a day in their childhood when they get to choose their grown-up witch nose.

My original plan was for a high concept book with the title “A Witch’s Guide to Picking Your Nose” and I remember thinking it could be like a guide book – pick a nose shape, now choose how many warts and so on – and I could get in loads of funny words for “nose” such as “conk”, “schnozz”, “beak” and the like and then get some laughs from the apparent drawbacks of each choice. I imagined it looking a bit like Oi Frog with very comedic and vivid illustrations.

I also had rather grand thoughts that it could come with a reflective “hall of mirrors” type final page to give children and their grown-ups a laugh and even a face filter app where you can pick your own witch’s nose. Of course, those things cost fortunes so I remembered I’m not Julia Donaldson and put such thoughts from my mind!

Anyway, there was a flaw in my plan, which is that there are really only two or three archetypal shapes when it comes to witches’ noses – long and pointy, or hook-shaped, or a combination of those two – and I didn’t think I could stretch the idea far enough for a 12 spread plus picture book.

So, I ended up coming up with a proper “narrative” story instead in which we follow a young witch on the day she gets to choose her grown-up witch nose. Grizelda was born! As for what children will take from it, it’s not for me to decide and I always like to leave that to the reader but at heart I suppose it’s a story about self-confidence and not being afraid to stand your ground.

I love how confident, brave and self-assured Grizelda is. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, trust her instincts, go against tradition and do what she wants. Was this an important element of the story from the beginning or did it emerge as the plot developed?

Grizelda was always pretty feisty but I have to be honest and say those things you mention grew enormously as the plot developed. I owe a lot to my publisher, Maverick, for that. I initially wrote it as a funny book but Maverick saw potential in the premise for something a bit deeper and Kim Nye (the Managing Editor) encouraged me to really bring out Grizelda’s character and give it a strong theme.

My first book, Pirates vs. Monsters, barely changed from submission to final version but this one went through a lot of drafts and development. I had so much support from Kim and Juliet West at Maverick throughout. It was tough at times and it was a steep learning curve but I feel I really improved my writing as a result of Kim and Juliet’s challenge and guidance. Maverick are known for championing and supporting new authors and that reputation is well-deserved.

It must have been exciting to see Carolina’s illustrations for the first time! Were Grizelda and the various noses just as you’d imagined?

It was! Getting the illustrations back is always the most exciting part of the picture book process. They’re never exactly as you imagine them because obviously illustrators aren’t mind readers and can’t see inside your head! But make no mistake, illustrators are the magicians of the picture book world. I’m in awe of them. I don’t know how they do it. I absolutely loved Griz and her mum – they are adorable and have a cinematic quality. I think you can feel the love in their mother/daughter relationship in the illustrations and, judging by the feedback we’re getting, it’s really connecting with readers. Carolina went above and beyond with those noses – there were more than I could ever have possibly imagined!

Do you have a favourite spread from the book and if so, which is it and why?

Ah man why did you have to ask that? It’s too hard to choose! I’m torn between three. I love the one that ended up on the front cover, where Griz is holding the jar with a nose in it. I'm also fond of the final spread, with a very confident looking Griz on her broomstick in front of the parade of shops. And I really like the one where Griz and her mum first enter The Conk Boutique. They have that look of sheer wonder in their eyes; I love her mum’s expression in this one. Oh go on, it’s the one in The Conk Boutique then! That’s actually the one Carolina did as an initial sample too.

Which nose, if any, would you choose for yourself?

I think any nose would be better than my nose! It’s been bashed and bent in my footballing days by flying elbows! It’s funny because a strong nose is a bit of a family trait (some family members might say a curse ha!) so I’m quietly amused that I’ve ended up having this book about noses published. If I had to choose, I’d have to go for the pointy one with two warts on the end for pure comedy value. Although I do enjoy an ice cream, so I’d probably regret it come the summer!

My first book, Pirates vs. Monsters, barely changed from submission to final version but this one went through a lot of drafts and development. I had so much support from Kim and Juliet West at Maverick throughout. It was tough at times and it was a steep learning curve but I feel I really improved my writing as a result of Kim and Juliet’s challenge and guidance. Maverick are known for championing and supporting new authors and that reputation is well-deserved.

The park is equipped with BBQ pits, giving visitors the opportunity to have a cookout and enjoy a meal with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The island is home to several amenities and facilities. There are restrooms, showers, and even a concession stand where visitors can grab a snack or refreshments. The park is well-maintained and offers a safe and clean environment for visitors to enjoy. Magic Island Waikiki is also a great place to watch the sunset. As the sun goes down, the sky fills with vibrant colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for a romantic evening or a peaceful moment of reflection. Overall, Magic Island Waikiki is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Honolulu. With its stunning views, recreational activities, and serene atmosphere, it is no wonder why it attracts both locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to relax, play, or simply take in the beauty of nature, this magical island offers it all..

Reviews for "Fishing and Boating Adventures on Magic Island in Waikiki"

1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was extremely disappointed with my stay at Magic Island Waikiki. The hotel looked outdated and in need of some serious renovations. The room itself was small and cramped, and the decor felt like it was from the 80s. The staff were also unfriendly and unhelpful, which made the whole experience even worse. Overall, I would not recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Waikiki.

2. Jane Smith - 1 star - My stay at Magic Island Waikiki was a complete nightmare. The noise level was unbearable, with constant construction going on nearby and loud parties happening in the hotel until the early hours of the morning. The walls seemed paper-thin as I could hear everything happening in the surrounding rooms. The cleanliness of the hotel was also subpar, with dusty surfaces and stained carpets in my room. The only positive aspect was the location, but that alone is not enough to make up for the lack of comfort and peace during my stay.

3. Sam Johnson - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Magic Island Waikiki, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The hotel lobby was crowded and chaotic, with long lines for check-in and unhelpful staff. The room itself was average at best, with uncomfortable beds and outdated furniture. The amenities promised on their website were lacking, and the pool area was small and overcrowded. For the price I paid, I expected much more, and I would not choose to stay here again in the future.

4. Emily Williams - 2 stars - My experience at Magic Island Waikiki was mediocre at best. The room was small and cramped, with a musty smell that made it difficult to relax. The bathroom was also outdated and in need of some serious cleaning. The hotel staff were not particularly friendly or helpful, and the lack of customer service was disappointing. Additionally, the noise level from neighboring rooms and the street outside made it difficult to get a good night's sleep. Overall, I would not recommend this hotel for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Waikiki.

Exploring the Cultural Heritage of Magic Island in Waikiki