Last day in Hawai'i - 5 July 2012

The last day of a trip is never fun but luckily, our flights weren't until 9pm so we still were able to enjoy most of the day.  We were up early and spent a bit of time doing laundry and cleaning in the morning and then were ready to head to the beach but, not before Rob got an email saying that their flight was cancelled.  Oh shoot! Another reason why Rob hates United.   He said he's going to make a song called "United Sucks" to tagline the Canadian singer who made a you tube video called "United Breaks Guitars"...the shining moment in this is that they found out they would be getting a meal on their 9.5 hour flight...yeah!!!!  So, all flights were sorted, and off to the beach we go!   We headed to Kailua, an area known for their beaches...and their famed visitors, the Obama family.  We found a quiet spot on the beach that wasn't crowded at all and enjoyed the rays and water.   I really wanted to paddleboard but it ended up not working out as it was too windy.  We'll just have to go back :)

Afterwards, we checked out Sandy Beach, where we were a few days before and due to the wind, it was really rough...we stayed a watched some of the boogie boarders and surfers were really getting tossed around.  

These pictures really show nothing, the weather really was so rough.   

It was really nice to get to the beach for one last time before we headed back to AK.  So, back home to pack up and on to the airport.  

 Last picture and a goodbye to Lauren and Rob.  What a wonderful time we all had together!!!  Seeing them after almost 1 1/2 years was like no time had passed at all.  We caught right up and laughed the entire week.  So sad we don't all live in the same place anymore, but so grateful to be able to meet up with them (thank you so much for inviting us, and thank you to Barb and Robin!!).  Here's the the next vacation!!  

One last stop at the airport at Kona, our Hawaiian fave!  

Eric and I absolutely LOVED Hawaii and understand why it's such a popular destination.  Being in Alaska which is already pretty remote, it's nice to have an amazing place to visit that's not terribly far away!  Hawai'i, we'll be back! 

Side Note:  After we returned, we found out that Rob and Lauren flew all the way to DC from Hawai'i...9 1/2 hours with NO meal...more fuel for Rob's United Sucks song.  We're all waiting for your masterpiece song :) 

Happy America Day- 4 July 2012 (Day7)

Since Canada Day was July 1, we all decided that July 4 was the day we'd call America Day..and what a day it was.  (Warning: there are lots of scenery shots below, just couldn't decide).  We hiked to Diamond Head, a much shorter hike than the one to the waterfall the other day, and much more touristy, but beautiful none the less. 

 Beginning of the hike.  

Views from the hike....I just can't get over the beauty!!!  Many to follow......

 Titanic

 Titanic part two.  We were told it really is a cool feeling. 

 The stair portion we had to walk up. 99 steps! 

 Over 703 feet high

 All the way at the top

 Poor Lauren had sunscreen in her eyes...Rob, being a nice husband, helped her wash it out.   

 Walking through the tunnel. 

 We made it back down.  Rob and Eric, as always, deep in conversation.  

 I loved the grounds and the look and feel of it all.  

 Peaceful break. 

 Lauren's favorite...shave (d) ice!!!

 Huh?!

Afterwards, off to Waikiki for some much needed fuel.  My fuel of choice, "the patriot"...much like a pina colada, but much more delicious!! What an American :) 

 I swear, it really was delicious, checking out the swirling action here.  

 Branding

 Lauren and her Hawaiian Mai Tai, yum! 

So, we sat there for quite some time, and realized the dinner crowd had come in.  Apparently, at this restaurant, if you ordered a steak or any type of meat, you have to cook it yourself on this grill (below). Strange.  By the time we left, the line was pretty long.  

Afterwards, we hit up the beach for a bit, and encountered this American Patriot.  Check out the outfit, and most importantly, the shoes!!!  She also informed us that Starbucks was giving out free coffee (not iced, no lattes, just coffee) for free, score! 

As we were walking along the pier, I felt a pull towards the water and decided I must get in.  I jumped in right then and there.  So refreshing!!  Have I mentioned I am loving Hawai'i?!? 

We finished off the night with some great fireworks.  A fantastic way to spend America Day.  

Happy 4th of July to all of you!!