Hawaii Day 10

Since yesterday was such a busy day and we got back so late, we decided to keep today low-key. The Beach was our morning--the waves were big and the boogie boards were fun! Yesterday's Beach had some big waves, too--one would pull you back into the ocean, while another came in top of you and pushed you back out. I kept waking up in the night with that sensation. That Beach also gradually sloped downward, but then had a pretty steep hill right before the water. This one, by our house, is so nice! Some of the best and softest sand and most beautiful water and scenery. We came back for lunch and then went to a big flea market for souvenirs. Such great deals! $1 for bracelets that were $8 in the shops. We got some fun stuff! We were hot, so drove around looking for a shave ice, but ended up at this donut cart. Holy yumminess! We went to the Pali Lookout and I've never felt such strong, constant wind! We had fun doing pictures there. Jon's shirt kept blowing up,  making him look super buff. We had a relaxing dinner and evening, gearing up for an early and busy last day tomorrow. I can't believe it--we fly out tomorrow. I'm not ready to go!

Hawaii Day 9

I needed to do laundry,  but things started out with a bang. A ton of sirens went by and then the power went out.  Our landlords were nice enough to take the laundry out of the dryer,  since I didn't have time to finish it. While the power was out,  Kristen and I went for a walk along the beach. We've heard from several people about a shave ice place that we have to try. Matsomoto's, near the North Shore. We drive up in the morning and grabbed one and wow! People are right! There are at least 20 flavors and the prices are great. You can get it with vanilla ice cream at the bottom and/or azuki beans. Jon got mango with beans and ice cream; Kendall had beans and ice cream, too, and got a local favorite;  the rest of us didn't get beans,  but had ice cream. Kristen had lime;  Jarren had bubblegum;  Jenna wanted blueberry;  and I had Hawaiian (banana, coconut, and pineapple). We went around the North side and ended up at Waimea Beach. It was so crowded, even though it was cloudy and rainy. Parking was extinct, so Jon dropped me and the the younger kids off and he and Kendall went across the street to Waimea Falls to hike. Cell reception was sketchy, so we couldn't connect well. Last I heard was they'd be done in an hour. We got out of the water and changed and couldn't find them, so we started walking. We walked between 1-2 miles. We passed homeless camps and lots of people. So. Many. People! We met up at a grocery store, where Kendall bought a dragon fruit (it's like purple kiwi). Then it was time for the Polynesian Cultural Center! I don't think we had enough time there, but we fit in a cool, interactive movie about Hawaii, a canoe ride, spear throwing for Kendall, Kristen, and I and an outrigger canoe ride fit Jon, Jarren, and Jenna. We had a luau buffet dinner and got to see the amazing show. It was great fun! Jena was really tired after the Beach, a long walk, and a long day. She got grumpy and didn't want to watch the show after intermission. I'm just glad she's not any younger!

Hawaii Day 8--4th of July!

I can't believe how fast this trip is going by! We were talking about moving here, but we've talked to a couple of people who said they've had neighbors who've done that and after a few months, they leave. It's a great place to visit and vacation to, but probably not so much to live. We're staying in Waimanalo, which is about 40 minutes north of Honolulu. We're renting an apartment hooked onto a couple's house, separated by a garage and patio area. We're about a block (a long block) away from the most beautiful beach! We spent the morning there. This couple is so sweet! They have boogie boards for use and the kids (and Jon) put them to good use. There's also a grill, so we had a cookout for lunch. They have these things called Hawaiian Winners--red hot dogs with a kick to them. So good! Jarren wants to bring some home, but I don't think they'd be good without refrigeration. We wanted to see the fireworks, so we went downtown, along with at least a million other people it seemed like. We went to the huge mall and then I decided to take the three younger kids to Waikiki Beach. It's not far from the mall, right? Well, maybe not, but the way I took them (by guessing) was at least 2 miles. We got to the Beach and it was so crowded! We only stayed for about 30 minutes, before we had to trek back. I found a shorter way though. Thank goodness, since our feet were on fire! Jon and Kendall had saved a bench on the Beach for the show, which was great because it got so crowded! Everyone hauled down their grills and shade tents. They had music blaring, food, games, etc with each group of family or friends. The fireworks were amazing! A local radio station played appropriate songs and someone had that blasting. Of course, traffic was bad getting out of there, but we made it! I'm very disappointed--Hawaii isn't how I remembered it from 20 years ago. Honolulu smells like a big city and is so much more crowded. I remember how good it smelled--like flowers and the ocean. I dreamed about it for years after my last trip. I'm hoping it'll be good again up north, where Day 9 will be...