Hawaii

We had a wonderful time in Hawaii. There were two bad things about the trip. 1) the flight time - 10.5 hrs. (it was terrible) and 2) coming home!

We hit 2 islands while we were there. O'ahu and Kaua'i. Kaua'i was definitely my favorite of the two. Today I am quickly covering O'ahu.

We stayed in Waikiki (not directly on the beach but a couple blocks away)....the beach was beautiful. (the area around the beach was busy and very touristy--lots of buildings and shopping. It didn't feel like "Hawaii" to me.

We went to Pearl Harbor and the beach on our first full day. You have to arrive very early to get tickets (they're free but they only give out so many per day). Pearl Harbor was on Morgan's list of must see things. She really enjoyed learning about it when she was in 5th grade. It was nice to hang at the beach and relax (well, some of us) after all the travel and getting up early.

Our 2nd day was spent climbing to the top of Diamond Head and then we drove around to the Southern side of Oahu. I am copying what we did from my brother or maybe sister -in-law (she may have helped). Their words are great and it's easy to cut and paste. :-)
We hit:
- Hanauma Bay - state park with beautiful snorkeling. We didn't dive, but got some great views and pictures.

- Halona Blowhole - underground lava tubes funnel seawater thru an opening in the rocks - very cool

- Sandy Beach - should be known as "kick Ron's rear" Beach. Big waves that are great for bodysurfing - probably 4-5 ft today. Lots of fun, Ron's body will pay for it tomorrow. I was tossed around like a toy.

- Beautiful vistas as we rounded the southern tip of the island and headed to Kailua and Lanikai beaches on the western shore. The granddaughters loved these 2 beaches as they were very calm and relaxing. Lots of wind surfers in Kailua beach hauling butt in high winds.

- Finally, we headed back to the hotel via Pali Pass, stopping at Pali Lookout. The winds feel like hurricane force up here. There are places where it can blow you off your feet. (note from me--and yes, I had on a dress (cover up for my swimsuit) and it got yanked way up--thank goodness for the swim suit...there is a photo...but it will never grace this blog!)

Here are some photos from the day.

Waikiki Beach.

Pearl Harbor

There is still oil leaking from the sunken ship....after all this time.  Wow.

Fun at the beach in Waikiki

At the top of Diamond Head

Random Beach/Ocean Shots

And finally the "hurricane force" winds at Pali Lookout...something was really funny.

Next stop.....Kaua'i.  Check back in a couple days--I should cover part of our time by then.

Aloha, Tricia