Ready for our Hawaiian Vacation! Long overdue! Beautiful Oahu Issues with our door lock at our hotel :( Well worth the wait...gorgeous view from our room on the 14th floor at the Hale Koa Another gorgeous view from our room...love the rainbow! Downtown Waikiki Diamond Head/Waikiki At the Shore Bird Enjoying a Chi Chi drink & dinner at The Hale Koa Bibas Restaurant Breakfast Another stunning view from our room Cocktails at the Barefoot Bar at the Hale Koa Cheers! Enjoying the pool The weather was simply wonderful Hale Koa Pool Mi Amigo Here we go again with another beautiful view :) At the Sheraton way before happy hour ;-) At Duke's www.dukeswaikiki.com/ Dinner at Bibas Hale Koa Monday, Oct 7th-Wednesday, Oct 9th On our way to Kauai Oahu Kauai We stayed in the southern tip of of the island at the Sheraton Kauai Resort 5 Fun things you should know about Kauai 1. Kauai has more beaches, rivers, streams and waterfalls than any of the other Hawaiian islands. 2. Travel & Leisure Magazine readers recently named Kauai as the 2nd Best Island in the World! 3. Kauai is geologically the oldest of the major Hawaiian islands at 5.8 million years old. 4. The population of Kauai is approximately 67,000 and a predicted population of 85,000 by 2015. 5. Kauai coffee is the largest coffee plantation in the United States. Highway to Heaven A Grand Gateway to Kauai's South Shore. Beautiful driving through it. Koloa Koloa is one of the communities that make up the south shore of Kauai. Population 1,942. Local food truck Check them out on Facebook www.facebook.com/kauaifoodtruck BBQ pulled Kailua pork Loco Moco...Kevin's favorite Hawaiian dish Our home for the next few days www.sheraton-kauai.com Beautiful Anthrium...Kevin's mom's favorite! The Anthurium is the most popular and long lasting of all tropical flowers, with over 12 million stems shipped annually from Hawaii. Our cozy room Beautiful Inviting Privacy Waimea Canyon is approximately one mile wide, 3600 feet deep and 10 miles in length. Wranglers Restaurant in Waimea Salmon Chicken Beautiful sunset at the Sheraton Resort Beautiful morning Poipu Beach Ejoying Poipu Beach Lovely beach The most popular beach on the South Shore is Poipu Beach, which is fronted by Poipu Beach Park, and a few resorts. Poipu Beach was named America's Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among the 10 "best" beaches selected nationwide. Getting ready to go snorkeling... There goes Kevin Local restaurant Nice place to have lunch www.brenneckes.com/ Mahi Mahi Chicken More beautiful pictures of Kauai One of Kauai’s most treasured landmarks is the Hanalei Bridge. Built in 1912, the Hanalei Bridge is still just a one lane bridge and thus it requires Kauai’s north shore drivers to exercise some courtesy in taking turns crossing. Many a shaka sign and wave of aloha is shared on each side of the bridge as the drivers pass by each other after crossing. This dry cave is one of several sea caves located in the area. The cave, which is about 300 yards deep, used to be much larger but the 1957 tsunami partially filled it with sand. Legend states that Manini-holo, chief fisherman of the Menehune (little people) dug this cave in search of the supernatural beast, akua, who had been stealing their fish. In actuality, the ocean used to be much higher and these caves were formed from thousands of years of ocean waves beating against the lava and etching away the rock. Inspired from the islands of Hawaii, Hawaiian Barbecue is L&L’s brand of unique fusion of Asian and American dishes prepared with a unique island flare. Kevin really enjoys Hawaiian lunch plates Kevin fits right in! spam musubi...yummy! Resting at the Sheraton At the Rum Fire Restaurant www.sheraton-kauai.com/dining/rumfire/ Penne/Kunana feta cheese/Kalamata Olives/Capers/Artichokes/Basil Pesto Pork Chop/Fingerling Potatoes/Smoked Bacon/Sea Asparagus/Rum Apple Reduction Creme Brulee Cheesecake Beautiful Plumeria's Our last day in Kauai Shopping plaza across from the Sheraton Roosters & Chickens everywhere...why you ask? One of the theories revolves around Hurricane Iniki which hit Kauai very hard in 1992 decimating Chicken farms and local chicken coops setting them free to roam. Enjoyed shopping in this neat store Driving to the airport Chinese/BBQ Restaurant Leaving Kauai layover in Oahu then to Molokai Wednesday, Oct 9th-Friday, Oct 11th Kauai Arriving to Oahu...inter island local flight greeters Quick bite at the airport...Kahuna Nachos Local Inter-Island Greeter...leaving to Molokai See the Aloha Tower? Center. Looks like a miniature Empire State Building. Diamond Head This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Arriving to Molokai Not one skyscraper! The east end of Molokai is a tropical rain forest which receives over 240 inches of rain a year. There are no traffic lights or shopping center on Molokai. Molokai is home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world, dropping 3,000 feet. Molokai is said to be the birthplace of Hula. Molokai island measures 38 by 10 miles No traffic lights. Population of 8000. Loved it! If you blink you miss the town. Only franchise business in Molokai and the locals own it. And you thought you were paying too much for gas huh? When we arrived at the Lihue airport, we ran into some locals who asked us where we were staying? I told them Paniolo Hale so they told us to drive 12 miles into town first to pick up groceries because there were no stores, restaurants etc., where we were staying. And sure enough they were right. Purchased our groceries and off to Paniolo Hale hotel/condo. Stopped in the only burger place on the island for a quick bite. This is the studio condo we rented...so quaint! On the west end of the island. Paniolo Hale View from our Lanai which was screened in to keep the bugs away Wild Turkey's everywhere Our home away from home Molokai's tiny airport Hotel Moloka'i is a rural, relaxed paradise boasting the world's highest sea cliffs and the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii. Well-admired because it’s one of the “most Hawaiian” of the main islands. Gorgeous views from the pool area at Hotel Molokai Hotel Molokai's bar one of two bars on the island. Our fun ride :) Elsa & her husband a police officer in Oahu decided to move their family away from the hustle and bustle of Oahu. Imagine that? He transferred to the Molokai Police Dept and Elsa opened up this small restaurant in town. Simple! Enjoy the next few pictures of beautiful Molokai...you can see the island of Maui. It's only a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride away from Molokai. Love these Palm Trees Simply gorgeous! Kevin visited this small church This was not fun...narrow wet roads...one slip and you're in the ocean :((( but the views were gorgeous! Stunning views Kevin enjoying the warm water and the view of the island of Maui I enjoyed stopping by local general stores. Sweet local store owner! Shopping at Molokai Art From The Heart Store molokaigallery.com/ Downtown Kaunakakai I did some light shopping & Kevin went to the library to do some light reading. Kevin enjoyed the Kalaupapa Lookout These cliffs are the world's highest sea cliffs reaching 1700 feet. Driving around We really enjoyed our lunch here. Good portions and great local flavor. Steak lunch plate Mahi Mahi lunch plate I'd say this was our favorite local place to eat. We actually came back here before leaving Molokai and ordered food to go to take back to Oahu. That's how good it was! Back to our condo...we were located 20 miles east from the town of Kaunakakai Soaking in the view from our condo before departing Here in the Hawaiian Islands it's customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home. It's a tradition that came with the Japanese immigrants, and it totally caught on. Walking from our condo So warm & inviting Beautiful Hawaiian plants/flowers More wild turkey's...just like Kauai with chickens & roosters everywhere In case you were wondering about the sign "flying golf balls" in the above picture...this area was once the Sheraton Golf Course. Opened in 1977 & closed in 1987. :( I said, "Kevin...watch that wave coming"... He looked back and thought oh...it's not bad... Really? We had a good laugh!!! Oh well! It felt good he said...I'm sure it did! Beautiful sunset Met a nice local family...Kalehua & her family Paniolo Hale Our last day in Molokai :( Just taking it all in. Walking the property on Paniolo Hale once the Sheraton Molokai Humane Society Hey Chrissy...want to transfer here? :) For those who don't know...Christina works for the San Diego Humane Society On our way to the Molokai Airport But first one more drive through Kaunakakai town Too funny...note says not to accept personal checks from all those people who's checks bounced. Lunch at Molokai Pizza Cafe More shopping before we leave at my favorite island Leaving Molokai...darn it! Arriving Oahu Did you know there are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet? Vowels: A, E, I, O, U Consonants: H, K, L, M, N, P, W Downtown Honolulu Simply gorgeous Breakfast at the Ocean House oceanhousewaikiki.com/ What a way to start your morning! Gorgeous Loved all the Hawaiian flowers! Beautiful palm trees full of coconuts Loving Waikiki This is what its all about...relaxing! R & R Hale Koa Barefoot Bar Waiting to go Jet Skiing Love that "No Hurry" Honolulu, HI My guy! The lovely downtown Honolulu/Waikiki/Diamond Head What a blast!! Downtown Honolulu & Diamond Head Fun, fun, fun! The shaka sign, sometimes known as "hang loose", is a gesture often associated with Hawaii and surf culture. Yay Para-sailing!...see how tight I'm holding on to Kevin? :-/ Here we go... ha ha ha I wouldn't let go like Kevin to do the shaka sign, but my right pinky tried :)) Oh my god...here we go! Dip in the water About 400 feet up...it was breath taking! LOVED IT!! Then the rain came as we arrived to the Barefoot Bar at the Hale Koa Perfect time for a cold Corona! :))) Poor hair :-/ Nothing but frizz & curls On our way to Kobe Steakhouse for dinner in Waikiki At our balcony after dinner enjoying the night view of Honolulu Hanauma Bay Hanauma is a marine embankment formed within a volcanic cone and located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oahu (just east of Honolulu) in the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Island accommodating over three million visitors per year. Me & my guy again...having a great vacation! Enjoying a ride around the island of Oahu Sandy Beach is located on the South Shore of Oahu in Hawaii. It is known for its excellent body-boarding and body-surfing opportunities due to shore break that breaks very close to the shore. Located in Waimanalo Love Bellows...we have so many fond memories in the 80's & 90's staying at the cabins at Bellows Chinaman's Hat Mokolii, also known among locals as Chinaman’s Hat because of its shape, is a popular spot for taking pictures on Oahu’s windward coast. The small island is located at the north end of Kaneo Across from Chinaman's hat you have this lovely view Enjoying every minute One of many North Shore beaches. We call this one "our beach" this is where we would go on dates when we were dating some 30+ years ago. No one there but just us two just like the good old days. Back in the early 80's there was a brown horse behind this fence Kevin enjoyed petting during our many visits. Our Beach Went to visit a local shipmate of Kevin's Poke. Sunset Beach Waimea Bay Beach Park My favorite restaurant in the North Shore Haleiwa~Jameson's By The Sea ] Yummy! Haleiwa town Built in 1921, the Anahula Bridge is constructed. The historic landmark is also known as the Hale‘iwa Rainbow Bridge for its double-arch design. Always a line for the local shaved ice www.haleiwashaveice.com Pineapple field More than one-third of the world's commercial supply of pineapples comes from Hawaii. Hale Koa Luau The Kalua pig is a Hawaiian Luau dish which is produced by slowly roasting a pig in an underground pit. A whole pig is rubbed down with salt while a hole is dug and lined with extremely hot rocks and layers of vegetation like banana and tea leaves. The pig is wrapped in vegetation and lowered into the hole, and then the entire pig is buried for five or more hours to slowly roast it. When the pig is done roasting, it is uncovered, removed, and served. The meat tends to be very tender and juicy, thanks to the wrapping of vegetation which keeps the pig moist during the cooking process. While eating, a performance of the hula kahiko or hula is done with the accompaniment of chants, drums and other percussion instruments. Poi...have you ever tried it? Few national cemeteries can compete with the dramatic natural setting of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The “Punchbowl” was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs which, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range. If you're interested in historical information: www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmcp.asp Girls attended school here 1995-98 Thank you Claire for the tour of PHK. Nice seeing you again :) Where we resided 1995-98...again wonderful memories! Hokulani Housing Pearl Harbor Kevin and I were stationed here 1981-1985 Ten years later Kevin received orders here again 1995-98 Our finest! Let's go down memory lane...Barb, Robin & Kim remember this area? The message center to the right and our Autosevocom (Secure Voice) command was on the left side of that bridge (walkway) which is no longer there. :((( They tore it down and are now removing the bridge (walkway) as we speak. The message center is still up and running. It's considered a historical sight, so therefore, it will never be torn down. Remember this ladies?...inspections. And this is where Kevin & I met and were stationed in 1982 on TAD (Temporary Active Duty) orders for 3 months. This is where it all began... This is the door Kevin opened for me for the first time I checked into the command. This is the elementary school sharing the fence with our command...little did we know in '82 some 13 years later...our 3 daughters would be attending that same school. Crazy huh! This is the barracks I lived in...first door to the left on the second deck was my room. Nice renovation. Kevin's command where he made Chief in 1995 Valerie does this backyard look familiar? Wonderful early 80's memories my friend! Valerie this is what they've done with your old neighborhood. Nice huh? The beauty of us visiting Oahu is not only to enjoy the beautiful island but it was also our home. Many wonderful memories! Back to the Hale Koa In his glory! :)) Oh yeah, Michael Savage came along with us :)) Another beautiful day in Paradise! How could I not? It was pure heaven!! Loving the beautiful beaches of Waikiki...yes that's me in the green tube :)) Our last couple of days on the island :( Hale Koa Chillin' One more shaka! Going to a Magic Show The International Market Place features over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands in an open-air setting under the banyan trees in the heart of Waikiki. The International Marketplace was founded by Donn Beach in 1956. The exceptional banyan tree, which still remains to this day, was also once home to Don's tree house. Life is good! :-) One of our favorite restaurant the Shore Bird shorebirdwaikiki.com/ Having fun! This has to be the best Mahi Rueben sandwich I have ever had. Grilled Mahi Mahi, Swiss Cheese, Homemade Coleslaw, Thousand Island dressing on a Marble Rye Bread. Kevin enjoyed the Roast Turkey Club Our last night out :( Our last Hawaiian evening aboard the sleek and state-of-the-art vessel, the Navatek I. The 140’ high-tech vessel. It’s the only dinner cruise that cruises along Waikiki Beach AND BEYOND Diamond Head to the hidden shores of the Kahala Coastline (home to Hawaii's rich and famous). View of the Aloha Tower Marketplace upon our departure Aloha Tower was the tallest tallest structure in Hawaii when it was completed in 1926. It is now the most recognized building in the state and second only to Diamond Head as Hawaii’s most famous landmark. Cutest young lady Yay! Cheers! Yet another beautiful view of Diamond Head Showtime Enjoying our last evening in Oahu How sweet! Here's to another 30! Our last breakfast at the Wialana Coffee House We sure know how to eat healthy! :-/ Loved the Hawaiian carpet...it looked better in person :) Our last day at the Hale Koa :( More beautiful Hawaiian flowers around the Hale Koa Waiting for the shuttle to take us the airport. Must we leave? Surprisingly I only had to buy one extra bag :) Aloha Oahu, Kauai & Molokai...till we meet again :) We had a spectacular vacation! Brittanni picked us up at the airport. Since she was born in Hawaii, I just had to bring my girl a little bit of Hawaii (a plumeria lei) for her to enjoy! We hope you have enjoyed viewing our Vacation Blog...all 450+ pictures as much as I enjoyed creating it! If you've never been to the Hawaiian Islands, I hope this blog will encouraged you to plan a trip. It should be on the top of your Bucket List! Aloha my family & friends!
Hiking into Halawa Valley on Molokai is hiking into one of Molokai’s most ancient places. The Halawa Valley trek will lead you past the ruins of structures believed to have been built by Polynesians around 650 AD, through thick foliage, and through a river. You will ultimately end at the double tiered 250 foot Mo’oula Falls...
Six Facts to Know Before You Go to Molokai. See why the Friendly Isle is considered one of the best kept secrets in Hawaii.
Oceanfront Resort Condominium In the heart of the Hawaiian Islands lies a hidden treasure. Molokai, the most Hawaiian island. An island lost in wake of the world's hustle and bustle. An island so quiet and friendly, there's not a single traffic signal. No building is taller than a palm tree and the people don't
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Hiking into Halawa Valley on Molokai is hiking into one of Molokai’s most ancient places. The Halawa Valley trek will lead you past the ruins of structures believed to have been built by Polynesians around 650 AD, through thick foliage, and through a river. You will ultimately end at the double tiered 250 foot Mo’oula Falls...
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