Hawaii

We left Anchorage with thoughts of surf and sun.  By the time we arrived in Honolulu, got a car, and checked in to the hotel, it was 10pm and Birdman was fast asleep in the car.  Kate and I ran to the ocean for a quick dip.  James woke up at 6am and ran all the way through the hotel and out to the beach.  

We hit Dukes for the kalua pork nachos and dreamy atmosphere.  Brian's parents joined us later in the afternoon and we checked into our Waikiki condo.

 Despite the lack of surf in Waikiki, we had fun spotting honu (sea turtles) in the water, swimming, paddling,

swinging from banyan trees,

watching fireworks, visiting our old watering holes, and stuffing our faces with foods we can't get in Homer, namely sushi.

Genki Sushi with touch screen ordering and speedy conveyor belt delivery was by far our favorite new dining establishment.

James's hotdog nigiri was hysterical.

We visited our old neighborhood and found that it was the only place to catch a wave this time of year.  Now I remember why we lived there!

Brian and I rented a couple of boards and surfed until our arms were too tired to paddle (not as long as you might think).  Kate caught some belly rides, but didn't want to stand...still can't figure out why?  James, not interested.

Kate belly riding

Bird doing some form of body surfing

We met up with quite a few old friends, including Warren from Long Beach, CA, now flying helicopters in Hawaii. The kids loved the air station tour and the Hideaway Club is always good times.

We saw quite a few rainbows, but this was by far the best as we drove home from Ewa Beach.

We hit the north shore for the Kua 'Aina fish sandwich, Dole whip, and Matsumoto's Shave Ice with azuki beans inside.  Everyone agreed no azuki beans next time. The waves were too big and blown up for us to surf, but we did find a protected cove where Kate could snorkel for the first time.

I'm not going to lie to you, it was a bit cold this day and I found myself putting on a long sleeve t-shirt a few times.  I was afraid we would all roast coming from Alaska, but in 10 days I was never too hot or tired of the sun.

Kate's mind was completely blown when we made it to Hanauma Bay for Oahu's best snorkeling a few days later.  She is the perfect age for cruising the coral reef with mask and snorkel.  James practiced using the snorkel in the pool before we left, so he enjoyed just standing and sticking his face in the water.

We drove up the east side and saw whales breach, took the kids to what we used to call Secret Beach,
and stopped for roadside coconut drinks and lilikoi.

On a quest for surf, we met up with our friend Jake from our Ewa Beach surf days.  We went to Pokai Bay on the west side and it was great to be away from the crowds and let our families hang out.

The kids having lunch with beach buddy Rell

I think our best day was spent at Bellow Beach.  It's the prettiest beach on the island.  In the morning, Kate, Brian, Pat, and I kayaked to the Mokulua Islands.  I've done it once, but never explored past the small beach.  We paddled past large sea turtles on the way and then walked around the rocky island to a small, but deep swimming hole.  We didn't take cameras on the kayak, so you'll have to just trust that it was super cool.

BK with Mokulua Islands behind

After kayaking, we joined Chick and James playing on the beach for the rest of the day.  We rented a stand-up paddle board and body board for more good times.

By this point in the week, James was master of doing "torpedoes" in the water.  He shed the life jacket and just played in the waves, often going under for what seemed like a really long time to me, but he absolutely loved it.

Mimi and Pop Pop even got to sit and read a little at Bellows Beach.  Well deserved, as we had them working pretty hard all week.

On our last night we stayed with our friends, Oahu's best hosts, Matt and Aja.  Getting to their amazing house was an adventure in itself.  It's about a 30 minute drive up a winding, mountainous road with hair pin turns to the middle of the island.  We arrived to a fabulous spread of food, great company, and a beautiful sunset.

We had spent all week taking the kids to all our favorite spots, so it was very cool to get off the perimeter of the island and see something new.

Coffee and morning view from Matt & Aja's lawn.

Kate figured out how to crack the macadamia nuts for roasting later

The next day we hiked the Pu'u Ohi'a Trail.  The kids loved the bamboo forest, and Kate was banging bamboo and making music the whole way.

View from the top of Mt Tantalus

We hit the beach for one last dip, had another fabulous dinner with our friends, and then headed to the airport.  The kids had trouble staying awake to catch the 10 pm red-eye flight to Anchorage. 

Farewell Hawaii, until we meet again...