Hawaii

Aloha!
We had a wonderful time in Hawaii; so much so that we wished we could have stayed longer. It didn't start out so well though. Once we got to Oahu (Thursday evening), we went to collect our luggage...we waited and waited and waited. My suitcase was no where to be found. My suitcase was packed for myself and for Kirra. That wouldn't have been much of an issue if we didn't have a wedding to attend the very next day. As soon as we checked into the hotel, we had Geoff and Nettie watch the kids (who were in bed for the evening) and Terry and I went shopping so I could find a new dress for both Kirra and I and make-up for myself. Not exactly the way we had planned on spending the first evening. I did find a dress for myself but didn't find a dress for Kirra until the next day when we drove to Ala Moana Shopping Centre. Air Canada only reimburses $50/day for lost luggage. However, we plan on sending some receipts to them and fight for more considering it was not just one person's luggage but luggage for both Kirra and I. We will see how that goes.
Justin and Vanessa's wedding took place early Friday afternoon and was beautiful. They had found a private beach at Waimanalo and the setting was perfect. Jaret was so tired and had unfortunately fell asleep in the car on the way there. We woke him up but he was still a little tired when it came time for him to walk down the isle with the rings. He was adorable and was so proud to be part of the wedding as ring bear.
After the wedding we enjoyed going to Germaine's Luau for the reception; the same location that Terry and I had our reception when we were married ten years before. Ten years ago we had a few wedding pictures taken on the beach prior to the luau and so this time we had some pictures taken as well - Terry and I and then some family shots. We also have fond memories of Terry's brother, Kim, being requested to get up and do the hula (in coconuts and a grass skirt). Kim had planned a little fun revenge and requested that Terry be called up onto stage for the hula this time around. Terry kind of expected it and was a good sport. He did so well that he even won the competition! Maybe he missed his calling. I also got up on stage and learned to do some hula moves. We had a great evening celebrating with Justin and Vanessa. Jaret and Kirra enjoyed the luau as well. Jaret fell asleep just before we were about to leave but Kirra didn't want to miss a thing and stayed awake the whole time - bouncing/dancing to the music and mesmerized by the hula dancers on stage.
On Saturday, Terry, Jaret, and I went to Hanauama Bay. We were really disappointed with our visit there. We had to wait for 10 minutes upon arrival to watch a video before being allowed entrance and then made our way down to do some snorkeling. We were hoping to meet up with Kim and Jackie but we didn't bump into them until we were all leaving. Terry did some snorkeling but found it very disappointing as it was so murky and he saw very little sea life. The coral in that area is all dead due to the larger number of people that visit the bay each year.
Sunday we stayed around Waikiki Beach. The beach area right across from our hotel (Aston Waikiki Beach) was great for swimming with the kids. Due to the breakwater, it was shallow and calm. Later in the day, while Kirra slept, Terry and Jaret went para-sailing. Jaret had so much fun. He thought he was pretty cool and from that point on kept giving people a bump with explosion - as learned from one of the para-sailing instructors.
Monday we spent more time on Waikiki Beach in the morning and then went to Turtle Beach in the afternoon. Laniakea Beach, or Turtle Beach as it is often referred to, is on The North Shore around Waimea. In 2004, green, sea turtles began visiting this area as a nesting/feeding area. Most days you will even see the turtles coming up onto the beach to bask in the sun but in days leading up to our visit, the turtles had just kept to the water to feed. We did get pretty close to the turtles but also needed to allow them their space as this is their habitat. It was amazing and I found it hard to pull myself away. Terry kept joking that in order to get a good picture of the turtles, we just needed to call them by name, "Here, Franklin." We met up with Terry's parents there and then enjoyed supper at the Dole Plantation afterwards. Terry and Jaret spent some time in the maze but being later in the day, cut their time short as they were getting ready to close. Terry was fine with this as he found the maze disappointing.
Monday evening, Terry and I took advantage of having grandparents willing to babysit and we went on a date. We did some shopping on the strip and then enjoyed supper at Duke's. It was right on the beach. The food was delicious and included "Duke's Famous Salad Bar." They had a gentleman play guitar and sing which really added to the ambiance. After dinner, we enjoyed a walk along the beach.
Tuesday we visited Sea Life Park. Geoff and Nettie offered to take care of Kirra for the day. Terry, Jaret, and I made plans to enjoy a "Dolphin Encounter." We spent some time walking around the park and taking in the dolphin show before we got into the water with the trainer and the dolphin. We were part of a group of people who got to dance and kiss the dolphin. It was fun! When Kirra is old enough, we will plan another visit with the dolphins. From there we were on our way home but got side tracked and spent some time at the Halona Blowhole and Halona Beach Cove. I will write about that and include pictures in the next post. That evening, we celebrated Nettie's birthday with supper at Tony Roma's. It was a nice evening - great service, a great meal, and a great reason to celebrate as a family.
Wednesday was our last day with Terry's family and so we headed to Waimanalo Beach Park. More to follow in next post.
Thursday was our last day in Oahu. We really could have used a few more days. The weather was hot and sunny. We spent the morning at Waikiki Beach. Then after packing up and checking out, we had lunch at the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise. More time was spent on the beach and then pool side before we needed to change and head to the airport.
And so it was - Aloha and Mahalo!