Passing Through Waikiki During the Pandemic

Over the weekend I passed through Waikiki for the first time since the shelter-in-place order was implemented.  I picked up dinner there for work, and I was very hesitant to go, simply because I have only left my house twice in 30+ days, and it was to go grocery shopping.

I was expecting to see empty streets and few people outside.  Instead, there were many people driving around, walking around, and biking - many with no masks on!  Not to mention all the people surfing and swimming, or just lounging around in floaties.

I know most of the people out and about were not tourists, but it was obvious that there were indeed many tourists. 

I envisioned very few cars and very few people out - like the images of Times Square in NYC, so I was surprised with how many people were carrying on like normal.  I get it - some people need the fresh air and activity to stay sane, or they were walking to get a meal, or maybe they were walking to work.

But I also know people are getting antsy.  I am too. 

But then I think about how I stayed home for three months when my first child was born, due the recommendation of our pediatrician to not go out unnecessarily (I only went out to doctor's appointments!). 

I miss being able to take a walk outside or go to the beach without fear (or restrictions).  I miss being able to visit friends or dine out.  I miss being able to travel, or go to the grocery store without worrying about getting sick.

But that's our temporary new normal. 

Even when the restrictions are lifted, things will be different - the way we carry on with life, dine out, shop, greet friends, gather... 

Just how different, remains to be seen...