Daytripping in Honolulu and around Oahu - Sunday, September 2, 2007

Sunday, September 2, 2007

We woke up at 4:00 am...jet lag is very confusing for a body!

Once we were up we went to breakfast and then got our car so we could explore the island. Honolulu is small enough that you can drive around the entire island in one day. Unfortunately, we did not have time to do so, because we had to be on our cruise in the middle of the afternoon. Regardless we were able to go to Diamond Head and see the view of the city from the 350-acre volcano crater. We continued driving on the coast to Hanauma Bay.

Hanauma Bay is a semi-circular bay that is a protected conservation area. The bay floor is the crater of a volcano that flooded when its wall collapsed and the ocean came in.

We continued to drive around the island. We discovered several beautiful sites for photographs. We also found a coffee plantation where a movie had been filmed that had lush tropical landscaping.

On our way back to Waikiki we found a family that had caught a giant squid. The kids enjoyed this unique catch.

WE had to rush back to the hotel to pack and go to the port for our cruise of the Hawaiian Islands.

Aloha time to celebrate the Big 4-0! - Saturday, September 1, 2007

Saturday, September 1, 2007

For my 40th birthday we traveled to Hawaii. We took the children out of school for the trip therefore we couldn't leave for very long. We flew into Honolulu through Dallas from Miami. It was quite a long trip, especially traveling with a 3 year-old and 7 year-old. They are good travelers, they enjoy the entire adventure, and they know its not always easy. They really try to cooperate. WE always travel prepared with books, board games, movies and video games.

After 13 hours of flight, we arrived to a beautiful day in Honolulu. We were greeted by a ______________ with beautiful lays to welcome us. We rented a car and drove to the hotel. The hotel was ______________________ and it was spectacular! The lobby was all open with tropical foliage throughout as is customary at most Hawaiian hotels.

Our room had a gorgeous view of Waikiki beach. Al and I had traveled to Hawaii in 1990 while working for Pan Am. I was 22 years old then. Not much has changed with the beach, however the city is full of upscale shops and restuarants that weren't there during my first visit.

We left our things in the room and went down to the beach. We had a great time just playing and running around on the sand. When the sun started setting the surfers came out and it was a beautiful sight to see...

Later we saw a show with various hula dancers. We enjoyed the show and even danced a little ourselves.

Due to our extreme jet lag we were exhausted so we went back to the room and to sleep.