Eating rainbow-colored shave ice on a hot day. Fishing with the keiki using limp shrimp as bait. Going to a bon dance to mingle with friends.

Readers told us: These simple pleasures are what summer is all about.

With the season quickly coming to an end, we asked you to share your favorite summer moments this year.

For some, everyday activities with loved ones proved priceless: hanging out with the hubby by a pool or going to the park with the grandbaby.

For others, summer offered unforgettable and life-changing experiences: the birth of a first child or a golden wedding anniversary.

Readers detailed their highlights of the season; submissions included photos and even poems.

Enjoy their special summer memories as you recall your own.

SUBMITTED MOMENTS

"I had not seen my sister for seven years. ... Her first encounter with the Pacific left her speechless. Her first intimacy with a swimsuit stripped her of six decades of shyness. She ate malassadas and shave ice, and learned overnight to hang loose."

— Wylma C. Samaranayake-Robinson, 57, of Honolulu

"Going to the Embassy Suites in Waikiki to enjoy an early Fourth of July celebration, watching 'Top Gun' poolside. We got there early to get a table, right across from the screen. As the sun set, we enjoyed our pizza and beer, and watched the Hilton Friday night fireworks before the movie started. Snuggled up to my husband on a warm summer night, watching fireworks and one of the greatest movies: That's a special summer moment with the one I love."

— Frankie Quinabo, Honolulu

"This summer was like a mixed bag of arare. I painted a room, cleaned the house, landscaped the mailbox, wrote a novel, wrote an essay about my novel, attended a writing workshop, met magician Mark Mauricio, learned how to make balloon animals, went hiking with Mom, and went fishing with Dad."

— Chris Kobayashi, 24, Kane'ohe

'SOARING'

Free as the wind blowing

Wheels turning

Pedaling through trails

Waves crash against rough walls of rocks

Speeding by I glance at the deep blue sea

Free as the proud bald eagle gliding by

Blazing along the tree lined path

Cool breeze sweeps the fresh scent of pine

The warmth of the sun hugs my body

As fluffy white clouds float above me

Carefree, I gaze up to the perfect sky

Soaring free like an eagle

Breathtaking bike ride in Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia

— Mariel Garcia, 12, Honolulu

"On June 28, our family staged a wonderful celebration — golden anniversary for my husband and me. Fifty years ago, we flew hours by propeller plane from the Bay Area and landed at the old Honolulu Airport. We are still on our honeymoon."

— Virginia M. Lau, 72, Honolulu

"Sunrise from Mauna Loa with my son. Shared solitude at 10,000 feet. Awe-inspiring bleakness. Pure rejuvenating air. Reflective quiet."

— Ron Wong, 54, Kailua

"After 18 years of marriage, my husband and I gave birth to our first baby. On June 9, we welcomed our beautiful baby boy, Koali'i Laioha Thomas Evile Lepago Keawe-Asuega. He is our miracle blessing from God. For us, this will always be our special summer moment."

— Pam Asuega-Keawe, 41, Honolulu

"Our special times this summer were spent with our 2-year-old grandson, Kaleb, in the great outdoors — whether it was around the house, helping 'Papa' (grandpa) or at a park. He found the greatest amusement in simple activities."

— Sally Kino, 59, Mililani

'THE COLORS OF HAWAI'I'

Ever had thick, sticky, syrup slowly slide down your arm?

Or that 'ono-licious sweet, tangy or sour freezing juice tickling your endorphins?

And when the snow changes to Kool-Aid in your mouth?

Then you have never been to Shimazu's Shave Ice.

Mmm, that rainbow-colored snowball can't be beat on 90-degree sticky days.

— Caitlyn Ramiscal, 13, Makakilo

"My special moment of summer was traveling to Europe with my girlfriend, Naomi. We first traveled to London and witnessed the musical 'Wicked.' We even climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was special because we saw many beautiful and amazing sights in Europe while being with one another.

— Franklin Troy Fegurgur, 19, Honolulu

"After much begging, we took the kids fishing at Ala Moana. We learned our lesson and upgraded our bait from stale bread to limp shrimp. Nick and Noelle each caught a tiny tilapia. Screaming, eyes wide. But, it was the crab that Nick almost caught — twice — that made the day!"

— Dana K. Nagaishi, 44, Honolulu

"Daily walks with my 1-year-old granddaughter from Boston were the highlights of my summer. Her yelpings with delight and excitement upon seeing dogs, birds or snails were magical moments. It was a summer of bonding and love between a grandchild and her popo."

— Maggie Leong, 62, Honolulu

"Kahuku Hongwanji's Bon Dance (July 25) brought together generations of families for the final time to eat shave ice, mingle with old friends and relive the reverence of the music and dance. Kahuku High School then hosted an all-year class reunion to reminisce about the plantation days. Red Raider for life!"

— Bernice Ramos Clark, 55, Honolulu

"I am visiting my Nana in Hawai'i. This summer I went to the beach. I got stung by a man-o-war. My mom did too. Then we always go to Island Snow after the beach."

— Noelani Bacon, 6, Dana Point, Calif.