Day 7 - Waimea Valley Falls, Polynesian Culture Center and North Shore

This morning was a leisurely morning. We didn’t have any “scheduled” events so we could go at our own pace. After getting up and having breakfast, we headed out for the North Shore.

Our first place of interest was the Waimea Valley Falls, but they didn’t open until 9am, so we checked out some beaches along the way. The first beach we went to was the Waimea Bay Beach. Oh my – what a beautiful beach. There was also a cliff here where people could jump off. It looked like a lot of fun, but the beach wasn’t our mission this morning.







Leaving here we drove further north and ended up at Sunset Beach Park. Again, this was a beautiful beach. If you want less crowded and more laid back beaches, the North Shore is definitely where you need to be.




After seeing these two beaches it was time to head to the falls. It was really pretty even just entering the grounds. Upon getting our tickets, we started our hike toward the waterfalls. The hike itself is ¾ mile on a paved path, but there are botanical gardens along the way with all kinds of trails you can follow to view the foliage. Needless to say, we took lots of detours.








When you finally get to the waterfall and see it for the first time, you almost catch your breath. It is a beautiful sight. Sometimes you can swim in the pool below the falls and sometimes you can’t. Today was one of the days you were allowed to. Before entering you have to get briefed by the lifeguards. Due to the strong current caused by the falls, they advise everyone to have a noodle, a boogie board or a life jacket. Kids 12 and under have to have a life jacket, so Dalton got his. We all three got a boogie board. Joel opted to stay out and take pictures with the good camera.








Hitting the water for the first time was a shock. Those of you who know me well know that I don’t like cold water. And let me tell you, this water was COLD! Even Madison said it felt like taking an ice bath. I slowly inched my way in letting the next part of my body acclimate. I almost thought about not getting in, but I knew I would regret it if I didn’t get in. Finally, I just leaned forward on the board and started kicking.

Even though it was cold, once you got moving it wasn’t too bad. The kids and I swam as close to the falls as we could, but it was hard to get close because the force from the falls kept pushing us back. We stayed in long enough to get some pictures and then headed for the shore so other folks could use our boogie boards.




We dried off a bit and then started our hike back to the bottom. We took some more pictures on the way down but not nearly as many as we did on the way up. When we got to the bottom one of the peacocks was in by the snack bar. I think he was hoping for some food.




After changing into dry clothes we set off to find Madison some fresh shrimp. She had been wanting some all week and we were told there are tons of shrimp trucks along the north shore. It wasn’t a lie. We found a truck and stopped to get her some food. Dalton even ate some.






After that we headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center. When we read about this, we thought it would be a lot of fun and that we would probably spend most of the afternoon here. Upon entering, we discovered it was not exactly what we thought. I think if you get there and time the shows just right it’s probably not that bad, but our timing was off and our family isn’t really the kind of family that likes to sit and watch demonstrations – we like the hands-on kind of stuff. We tried to catch the canoe ride and were told we could get on at the back of the park (we were already back there). Once we got there we were told that was the drop off spot and you had to catch the canoe at the front of the park. We walked all the way to the front and then found out you catch it at the front and it drops you off at the back. There was no return ride. Well, we had just come from there and didn’t want to do that all over again so we decided to not ride.


In fact, after looking at the schedule and seeing what else was there, we decided we were just done with the place. Luckily, the entrance fee was included in our Go Oahu Card so we didn’t feel like it was a big waste of money.

Another thing both kids have been wanting is a tattoo. They had them on the way out so we stopped and let them get a tattoo. That made them happy.







Since we had nothing else on the agenda today and since the kids didn’t really feel like being on the beach today, we decided to continue driving the way we were and see some more of the island. I’m really glad we did. The beaches along the North Shore are absolutely beautiful and the mountains are equally so. It was hard to know which way to look because you were afraid you might miss something.








Along this part of the island we passed the Kualoa Ranch. This is the place where parts of Jurrasic Park, Hawaii 5-0 and Lost were filmed. We thought about stopping to take a tour but the kids were ready to get back to the room.

When we got back to the resort I called the spa to see if they had a massage time available and they did. They just wanted to know if I wanted the massage inside or outside. Well hello, let’s do it outside! I walked down and they took me to a little cabana outside of the spa. It was really nice to lay there and here the birds chirping in the background. We weren’t really close to the ocean, so I couldn’t hear the waves but she did have a small water fountain going, so it made it feel like I was next to the ocean.

After the massage it was back to the room for dinner and then the unfortunate – packing. We have to check out of the time-share here on Friday. When we check out we will move to a hotel in Waikiki, but packing brings to mind the realization that the vacation is almost over. We still have a full day tomorrow and then almost a full day on Saturday before catching our plane.

After dinner and packing, we caught another great sunset. Aloha!

Day 6 - Catamaran and Waikiki - Again

This morning we had a 2 hour catamaran sail. It was a breakfast sail as well, so we got fresh fruit, donuts and juice.

Before leaving the resort we packed a cooler full of drinks and sandwiches for lunch. We then headed into town. We needed to get some ice for the cooler and make sure we could find parking.

We found where we needed to be very easily and there was a fish shop right there along the pier that had ice, so we were good. We put the ice in the cooler, parked where we needed to, and gathered our things for the sail.

It was kind of funny because Madison wanted to bring her phone and keep it with her. I walked her over to the catamaran and showed her the netting up front. I told her that was where I was going to be and if she was going to be up there as well, then she needed to leave the phone in the car because it was going to get wet. We did have a waterproof bag that I put my phone, wallet and camera in, but I didn’t plan on getting in that bag. We bought a waterproof camera before the trip and I figured we would use that. Consequently, I don’t have photos from the sail right now (I’m only downloading pics from MY camera each day).




Anyway, we checked in for the sail and were the first ones on board. I quickly headed up to the netting at the front to claim my spot and it was a good thing I did. They told us that only 3 people were allowed on each side at a time. Luckily, most people who got on board were in regular clothes and I could tell probably did not want to get wet. I didn’t think many more people would want to be out there.

Once the boat was full and we had our safety meeting, we headed out to sea. When we got just a little way out they opened up the breakfast buffet, which consisted of fresh fruit and Hawaii’s version of donuts. Luckily my family brought me some fresh pineapple and a “donut”. It was covered in a cinnamon coating and was yummy.

I was right, too, in that it didn’t appear anyone else wanted on the netting. For most of the trip out it was just me and Dalton out there. I love laying there and just relaxing as the boat goes up and down with the waves. When we turned to go toward Diamonhead, the first mate came back and told us this was the part of the trip where we would probably get wet. Bring it on! We got into some pretty big waves and I did get wet. So did a lot of people who were in regular clothes.

After being out for about an hour we turned around and headed back. I wasn’t ready to be done, but I knew that all we had planned for the afternoon was beach time.

Once we got back to shore we headed toward Waikiki Beach again. Joel dropped us off at the beach where we wanted to be since we had the cooler and then he went to park. We claimed our piece of the beach and set up camp for the day.

For the first couple of hours we just enjoyed the beach. Yesterday afternoon a couple who was leaving gave us their boogie boards, so Dalton took that out in the water and just played around with that. Around lunchtime we all ate our sandwiches.




After lunch we decided that Madison and I would rent our surfboards first and then Joel and Dalton would rent theirs. Each rental was an hour and a half. Madison and I grabbed our boards and headed out.

This time we did a little better. Madison figured out the timing of the waves and was actually able to ride several in, some of them for a fairly decent distance. I got a little better, but was being a little cautious I think due to my rib still hurting from yesterday. I was able to stand up and ride a wave for a little bit, however, so it wasn’t a total fail. We had wanted to take lessons, but the cost was a little pricey for all of us to do that.

When we came back in Joel and Dalton grabbed their boards and headed out. Madison decided to go out on the boogie board with them so she could help them with the timing. She was out for about an hour and then came back to join me on the beach. Before they turned in the boards, I took the boogie board out so I could watch Dalton.







Unfortunately, both kids discovered why surfers wear the swim shirts they wear. For some reason the surfboards left rashes on both of the kids’ stomachs. Neither Joel nor I have the rash. So, either they were doing something right that we weren’t or they were doing something wrong that we weren’t. Who knows.

After getting worn out on the surfboards, Joel and Dalton turned their boards in and we all just lounged on the beach the rest of the afternoon. Shortly after 5pm we decided it was time to go. We headed to the grocery store to grab a few more things and then went back to the resort to eat dinner.

Being in the sun all day has worn the kids out so it will be an “early to bed” day for all of us.

Day 5 - Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach

Today was Pearl Harbor Day. Seeing Pearl Harbor was one of the reasons we picked Oahu. I knew it could be a long day, so I didn’t really plan anything afterwards except the beach.

We got up early this morning and arrive at Pearl Harbor a little before 7am. There were already some people in line, but maybe only 20 or so. I have to say I was amazed at how many people did not research before hand or read the signs to know that no bags were allowed in. Some had big bags full of all kinds of stuff.




At 7am when they opened the gates, we got our tickets for the Arizona Memorial. The tickets for this are free, but you do have to get tickets in order to take the ferry out. We were lucky and got the 8am tour, which is the first tour out. We also got our tickets for the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Battleship Missouri.

Since we had a bit of time before our ferry we walked around the grounds and read about some of the history. We also went ahead and got the audio tour so we could learn a little more.








At 8am we went in and watched a video about the history of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. When the video was over we caught the ferry out to the memorial. That was really powerful. It amazes me that almost 60 years later, oil is still leaking from the ship. We took pictures and took in the experience before catching our ferry back.










We were going to do the Bowfin next, but the shuttle to take us out to Ford Island and the Missouri was there so we went ahead and hopped on. After a short ride we were dropped off at the Missouri. We decided we would do the tour on our own. At this point we were a little hungry, so we grabbed a quick snack before starting the tour. For a little while we were behind a young group of kids and it was taking a long time, so when we could we found a way to pass them and continue on the tour.






After seeing all we wanted to see, we caught the shuttle back to the visitor center so we could do our tour of the Bowfin submarine. There was an audio tour with that which was pretty interesting. However, being a submarine, it was close quarters and really hot.






By the time we were done, all of us were hot, hungry and grumpy. We needed food.

We got in the car and headed toward Waikiki because we knew we were going to spend the afternoon on the beach. All we needed to do was find parking and food. We decided to eat at the Hard Rock Café. It wasn’t really our first choice, but we had seen it yesterday so we knew where it was and we knew they would have a veggie burger for me. The food and service was actually really good. We even had a small dessert.

We then changed clothes and walked to Waikiki beach. Once there we rented 2 surfboards. Madison and I gave it a go first. Let’s just say that surfing is harder than stand up paddle boarding. After a little while I let Joel try. Unfortunately, Dalton had somehow forgotten his bathing suit, so no water time for him this afternoon. Joel was out for a short try and then I went out again. I can’t tell you how many times I fell and my ribs are a little sore from the time I landed on the board. Oops.






We turned the board in and chilled on the beach until around 6pm. Then we headed back to the resort to eat. It was a relaxing afternoon.

Day 4 - Diamondhead, North Shore, Dole Plantation and the Beach

Since we didn’t climb Diamondhead yesterday we decided to get up early this morning and be there at 6am when the park opened. We arrived right on schedule. The only bad part was that a tour bus arrived just before we did and that created a little back-up at the beginning.




Joel and I both wore our vibrams for the hike and that turned out to be a good decision. Most of the path is fairly smooth and the vibrams gave good traction.

I had wanted to see how fast we could climb up, but with the tour bus folks in front of us it was impossible to go real fast. We passed them when we could but at times that wasn’t possible, especially going up the 3 sets of stairs at the top.




You climb to the top in 0.8 miles so there are some sections that are fairly steep. I was actually amazed at how easy the hike felt to me when so many around us were really winded. We did see a few runners who come there for their hill workout. Let me tell you, that is a great workout if you are running.


When we got to the top we took our share of pictures and then started the decent.






Madison had complained that I was going too fast on the way up, yet she was the one going real fast on the descent. Going down in the vibrams was a little tougher for me because you had to pay a lot more attention to where you put your feet. Because of this Madison and Dalton got a little ways ahead of us. However, when I reached the smooth trail at the bottom I started running. When I was close to catching them they realized I was behind them and they took off running!

Overall I’d say we hiked for about 40 minutes. It was a great way to start the morning.

The next thing on the agenda was to find the Go Oahu Card office and swipe our cards for the Luau tonight. That didn’t take long and then we were on our way to the Dole Plantation.

We arrived at the Dole plantation about an hour before they opened so we decided to drive north and see if we could make it to the north shore or not. We came to the town of Haleiwa and decided to stop at the beach there and take a few pictures. It was really pretty and I can’t wait to explore more of the north shore later in the week.








We drove back to the Dole Plantation and arrived just as things were opening up. We walked around a little bit and then got our tickets to the maze. We planned on finding all 8 of the secret stations, but after finding 3 of them fairly easy and then taking forever and still not finding the fourth, we decided we had had enough of the maze and were ready to go. We stopped inside the store and split a macadamia nut cookie and a pineapple whip before heading back to the resort.










Once back at the resort it was time to eat lunch and get ready to hit the beach for the rest of the afternoon. We just stayed at the beach at the resort. Madison and Dalton found some little kids to play with and helped them build sandcastles. It was a very relaxing afternoon.




We all came inside and got ready for the Luau. It only took us about 15 minutes to get there. When we got there the entertainers were walking about in the crowd. One of Madison’s friends had told her to get a picture with a cute Hawaiian guy while she was here. Madison was planning on doing that while on Waikiki Beach, but when she saw one of the entertainers she decided THIS was THE PLACE for that picture. Dalton even found him a little hula girl.






The show began by the uncovering of the pig from being cooked in the pit in the ground. The ceremony for that was short thank goodness. Then it was time to eat. Since we had kids we got to be one of the first to go through the line. Madison and Dalton tried almost everything. There wasn’t much I could eat on the menu but I got what I could, including some delicious Hawaiian rolls.







Once everyone had been through the line the show began. It was pretty neat because they showcased some of the dances from the various influences – Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa. They even had a guy perform a fireknife dance. Dalton was impressed with that. It was a pretty neat show.

After the Luau we headed back to the resort and to bed.