Interestingly enough this was a short notice trip that got planned this summer. Eric's grandparents had been wanting to take the family to Hawaii for some time to visit Eric's cousin but we didn't expect to go until the fall or winter. In the end they decided to go this summer! My brother and friend Ashly tag teamed watching the girls while we were gone and the girls had a blast! We're so grateful to have family and friends that will watch our kids for Eric and I to enjoy a little break every once in awhile!
We flew to the Oahu and stayed in Waikiki beach. Most of the things we did however seemed to be on the other side of the island so we did end up doing a lot of driving, but got to see a lot in our 5 days there.
The first day we drove to Sharks Cove in North Shore and went snorkeling and had our "beach day". On the way home for dinner we stopped at the famous Kahuku Grill and had their coconut shrimp featured on many Food Network shows, but I think the best was their fish!
The next day we went and explored a big market they have set up at the stadium in Honolulu and then we had a chill afternoon and went to a nice Italian restaurant near our hotel for my birthday dinner; yes I got to spend my birthday in Hawaii and it was a great day! Since we're clearly all about the food, we tried the famous Hula Pie for my birthday dessert. While we were waiting to be seated at dinner we watched a firework show they did off shore by the beach.
The third day Eric's grandma scheduled a private guide and all the events at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was interesting seeing everything there and we loved the girl who was our guide, but by the end of the night all the jokes and dances throughout the day's shows got really repetitive and it was so hot! It's obvious I could never live in Hawaii as beautiful and relaxing as it is, it's just to humid and hot!
On our way to the PCC we stopped at a rare black, sand beach.
Between the luau dinner and night show they had a bus that took us to the Laie Temple. It was so beautiful and fun to see considering I always had a picture of this temple in my bedroom growing up, swearing I would get married there. Haha.
The last day we spent at Pearl Harbor. Another hot and sweaty day out being tourists but still interesting to see. We took a red-eye home and landed the next morning in Utah ready to be parents again and whip our discipline needing children back into shape!
It was a great vacation and first time trip to Hawaii! I'll always treasure the trips we've been able to take with Eric's grandparents and family, considering I know it won't always be something we will have the chance to do with them.
