Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Representing the Reptilian order of Crocodilia is the ghariel, whose snout is uniquely adapted to eating fish. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent. Ghariels are the largest of the crocodilians. [2011]

Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA

Odds and Evens, Ones and Twos, Singles and Doubles, Which one be You? Here is one surfer with two assists: a shortboard and a kite. Is he going wind surfing or kite surfing? The setting: Oahu's North Shore, one of the premier destinations for all surf sports. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Palms for Palm Sunday, but now we learn that palm trees are not much of a carbon sink compared to other trees. Miami, in fact, is replacing some of its palms with broadleaf trees that also provide more shade. Do you think that trend will spread to Honolulu? [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

America's 50th state celebrates the 61st anniversary of its admission to the union today. Happy birthday, Hawaii! You are our only tropical state, and your statehouse shows it. See how the palm trees out front are also built into the architecture? If not, focus on the pillars that hold up the roof. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

The place name Honolulu comes from the Polynesian language. It means what you see here: a "sheltered harbor." Most visitors don't really expect such a vertical downtown overlooking that harbor, but using high-rise development to increase density means that nearby shorelines can remain undeveloped open space resources. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Here are two reticulated giraffes. (Reticulate: 'resembling a net or network.') Giraffes are herd animals, so zoos will always have more than one, typically at least one male and several females. Fortunately, the males are happy to coexist in the same range, which is a real advantage for zoo keepers. How can such skinny legs support all that weight? [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Having fun with rods and boats: If you're stuck in the polar vortex, keep on dreaming. Or, even better, use some of those frequent flyer miles and sprint off to the Hawaiian Islands. [2011]

Waianae, Hawaii, USA

Enjoy the last day of summer. Autumn begins tomorrow. The beaches will have to wait until next year, and rainbows will be scarce until spring rains return. Of course, none of this applies to Hawaii, America's tropical paradise. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

The Fourth of July was meant to be sunny, so let's pray away the showers; just for today, of course. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have rainbows without rain on a day like this? Almost like natural fireworks in prismatic colors. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

President Obama begins his holiday break today in Honolulu. He was born on the island of Oahu only two years after Hawaii became a state. Now, he returns there every year for his Christmas vacation. What is so satisfying about returning home? Why do we all get so attached to the places where we grew up? [2011]

Hauula, Hawaii, USA

Some people believe that Hawaii is an "independent country under prolonged illegal occupation." To meet their demands, Kau Inoa was  set up to start the process of reviving nationhood. But, there seems to be a schism in the movement. If you find Kau Inoa in this jumble of words, you will see it is being shamed. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Kawaiaha'o is the mother church of Christianity in Hawaii. Architecturally, it is a marker of New England's prominence in the colonial history of Oahu. The design is purely Congregational, but the building material is purely indigenous: It's constructed of coral. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Iconic: That's what you would call a statue like this. The hula dancer has come to be a symbol of Hawaii itself. But, why? What is it about Hawaii that she personifies? Or, is the whole thing just another example of women being stereotyped? [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

The public image of Honolulu has nothing to do with its skyline (background) and everything to do with the island on which it is located (foreground). Perhaps that is why the Big Pineapple's high rises have not seared themselves into the collective consciousness. Though tall, none have become iconic. [2011]

Waianae, Hawaii, USA

Oahu's Waianae Coast offers some of the most isolated beaches on the island. Patrons? Mostly locals and military personnel from Hawaii's many bases and airfields. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

In 2011, Bloomberg ranked Honolulu the 3rd best city in the United States. Number 1? Raleigh. Number 2? Arlington. Raise your hand if you would rather live in Raleigh or Arlington than Honolulu. Just think: These two could be kayaking on the Potomac River instead of the Ala Wai Canal. [2011]

Laie, Hawaii, USA

Boardshorts (preferably color coordinated with the board) are a part of surfing culture. They must offer more coverage than briefs in order to protect the hair on the back of the legs while sitting on the board waiting for the next wave. What would this dude be wearing if he were surfing in California? [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Just think how accessible wide sidewalks are for those who have limited mobility. No doors or gates to navigate and no narrow aisles. For him, a sidewalk market puts everything at arms length: except for the bananas. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

What's the function of a street sign? (1) To help in wayfinding. (2) To demarcate neighborhoods. (3) To enshrine diversity. (4) To make 'linguistic others' feel at home. (5) To reflect culture. (6) To enhance community aesthetics. Are those functions fulfilled by this sign in Honolulu's Chinatown? [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

On the island of Oahu, there are 18 outrigger canoe clubs, and all are anxious to educate anyone who wants to keep the ancient sport alive. If these novices get really good, they may enter the Molokai Hoe, the race from Molokai to Oahu. Strike that. The Molokai Hoe is open only to men. [2011]