O’ahu

We were flying out of Honolulu and decided to try resort life for a few nights at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki.  The beauty of the hotel and the outstanding staff made our stay memorable. Our room overlooked a courtyard and the ocean, there were gorgeous flower arrangements everywhere, and the pool was relaxing. Ian went on the history tour of the hotel and learned that this location has been revered as an ancient holy ground surrounded by healing ocean waters.

We read about the Lijestrand House designed by Vladimir Ossipoff and the hotel arranged a tour.  Set in the hills, the house has views from every room, morning sun in the kitchen but not the bedrooms and lots of storage.  The guide shared personal stories of the Lijestrand family and made us feel like we were family visiting for a few hours.  

We are not big shoppers but enjoyed the many stores and restaurants walking distance from our hotel.  The malls did an interesting and creative mix of indoor and outdoor space.  One day we passed a hula lesson and we took silly photos before a relaxing Hawaiian massage.  

We woke up early to go snorkeling in Hanauma Bay.  The driver was hilarious at 7 am—he was completely monotone while giving instructions.  When he picked us up to drive back, he was more animatated and chatty.  There was three whales swimming pass as we walked down into the bay.  Watching them was so much fun that we forgot to take a photo.  This was our first time snorkeling off land and in shallow coral reefs.  

Kaley and Sunshine took another surf lesson.  The water conditions were different in Waikiki—we had to paddle out much further and the waves were rolling swells.  The water was the perfect temperature and there was a rainbow for the end of our lesson.  Kaley rode each wave she attempted; Sunshine got up most times but usually fell (becuase of leaning forward too much).  We are both ready for another lesson-it was so much fun!

Sunshine’s father, Jack, went to Ilonia School on Honolulu.  We took a taxi and thought we would walk around campus for a few minutes.  The school arranged a tour and we ended up spending almost three hours learning about what is happening on campus today and looking at Jack’s old high school yearbook.   

For our last night, we ate dinner at Orchids Restaurant during sunset.  The views of the sailboats shadowed in the sunset and the orchids filled the room were enchanting. Afterwards we joined the crowds to enjoy a short fireworks display.  Hawaii was better than we had expected, and we had expected it to be paradise.