Because of the time difference, we gained about 3 hours as we arrived into the Honolulu airport (6 hour difference from Michigan). It was 11:00 am, and beautiful outside. The mountains, and the ocean! We loved the scenery as we flew in. As we got off the plane, right away we could tell the difference in the climate, the culture, and the laid back and carefree atmosphere. Joshua and I decided on the plane ride over that we would do our best to relax and slow down too while we were in Hawaii. It sure took a load off our minds since both of us are naturally inclined to be anxious and stressed, especially me on vacations. I had spent several months researching Oahu, and coming up with a day-by-day plan. I wanted to make sure we did everything I planned. But I promised Joshua that I would try to slow down and pace myself, and I wouldn't get discouraged if we didn't do everything on my plan.
As we were picking up our rental car, one of the employees noticed on my driver's license that I had just celebrated a birthday. She asked if we were there to celebrate my birthday. We told her yes, but also to celebrate our 15th-wedding anniversary. She was so cute in her enthusiasm for our celebrations, and offered to upgrade us to a convertible or a jeep for no extra charge. WOW! We were more than happy to take her up on the offer! We had a choice between several jeeps and a sporty convertible, but we chose the 4-door white jeep.
It was so fun driving the jeep around OahuWAIKIKI
We drove to Waikiki to check into our hotel, but first picked up our reserved snorkel gear at "Snorkel Bob's". We wanted to have snorkel gear with us for the week as we toured the island and explored different beaches. After getting the right googles (Josh got perscription ones) and the right size flippers, we went down the road to check into our hotel, the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel (see my blog post about it HERE). While checking in, a member of the staff told us they upgraded our room to an ocean view room, instead of a city view. WOW! We loved Hawaii so far!! Everyone was so friendly and nice. And what a nice room! I wish I had taken a picture of it, and the view from our lanai was amazing. We stood on the lanai for awhile and enjoyed the scenery. Then we decided to get some lunch.
Downstairs was a Subway restaurant. We grabbed some sandwiches and took them across the street to the beach to eat. Then we walked up and down the famed Waikiki Beach enjoying the ocean and sunny weather, watching the surfers, and admiring the beach-front hotels. What a different world we were in. We loved it!
Really close to the beach was the renowned International Marketplace. We took our time walking through this open-air shopping area. It had over 100 shops and artisan stands and is a must-see while in Waikiki.
In the evening, we watched the sunset on the horizon. It was gorgeous! We went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. We ate at "Duke's Canoe Club", which was on the beach. Duke's is named after Duke Kahanamoku, the father of international surfing and Hawaii's most famous citizen. We had a rail view at the restaurant, right next to the ocean. It was perfect!
Joshua on the Kapahulu JettyWe watched body surfers jump off the jetty and ride the waves.
Julie on Waikiki BeachOur hotel and Diamond head in the background
We sat and watched the surfers in the water
A plaque about Waikiki Beach
The International Market PlaceWe snapped a photo by a cascading waterfall which was under a century old banyan tree, original home of "Don the Beachcomber" restaurant - The very first Tiki bar & restaurant
Watching the sunset on Waikiki Beach
Beautiful!
Duke's Canoe Club, on the beach
And a statue of Duke Kahanamoku himselfThere were always fresh flower leis hanging on his outstretched arms
(Read a short biography on Duke HERE)
No comments:
Post a Comment