Our getaway date, in March, felt like an eternity. I was a little nervous about the flight and knowing how long it was. I hadn't been on a plane since I was 12 years old. We had to take 3 different flights to finally reach Hawaii.
It was around 35 degrees when we got on the first plane, in Illinois. Stepping out of the airport, in Hawaii, was like stepping into summer. Beautiful palm trees everywhere and everyone was so friendly. We hopped on a bus that took us straight to the car rental. Our cute little compact car didn't have much power but it took us where we needed to go. Even though the traffic was bumper to bumper, the scenery around you took your mind off of it.
Brandon booked us at the stunning Hotel Renew. The front desk was very friendly and immediately asked if we would like a refreshing glass of pineapple juice. Our king size bed was very comfortable and I wish I could have taken that beautiful bathroom home. The photo below is the gorgeous view out our hotel window, of Waikiki Beach. As you can see, it was just a short walk down to the beach.
Our first full day in Oahu, we went to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. We viewed a documentary about the attack on Oahu and then boarded a US Navy operated boat. The boat took us around the USS Arizona Memorial that was built on top of the sunken battleship.
USS Arizona Memorial
USS Arizona anchor
Dear Lord / Lest I continue / My complacent way / Help me to remember
Somehow out there / A man died for me today. / As long as there be war
I then must / Ask and answer / am I worth dying for?
Poem Eleanor Roosevelt kept in her wallet during World WarII
Kaiten
One Man Japanese
Suicide Torpedo
First Used in 1944
The Pearl Harbor Memorial is highly recommended if you ever have the pleasure of going to Hawaii. So much information packed in that memorial. Your able to step on board a submarine, check out tons of memorabilia and learn a whole lot more than what is taught in a textbook.
Besides leaving and going back to the car rental, our trip to Pearl Harbor was the only time that we used the car. We could pretty much walk everywhere we wanted to go. If we did leave the area, we took a bus that cost around five dollars. Not bad at all!
The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel has a restaurant called Tikis Grill &Bar. We ate there a few times while watching the cruise ships and surfers, out in the ocean. The food and drinks were delicious!
Diamond Head State Monument (a volcanic tuff cone) was on the top of my list to see. My husband and I walked 1.7 miles to the crater. It wasn't that far at all and it was great exercise for us. Here's a photo of the two of us and you can see the top of Diamond Head in the background. My hair was flying around in his face while trying to get a picture. That was pretty much the best smile I was going to get out of him. :)
The photo below was the view we had on our way to Diamond Head. I made sure I had my good camera with me at all times.
The entrance of the tunnel goes through the side of the crater.
The inside of the crater doesn't even look real. They take such good care of this area. My mind goes straight to Jurassic Park when I see these photos. I'm just waiting for a dinosaur to come strolling past here.
The visiting center had an area where you can purchase a fresh pineapple or coconut drink. I'm not a big coconut fan but I had to try drinking right out of a real coconut.
The path up the side of the crater starts out smooth but then gets bumpy and in some places pretty steep. It's not too bad and well worth the view!
We took a walk down the Waikiki Beach Walk, Luxury Row and other areas close by the beach. A little window shopping and then walk on by. Luxury Row is a little too high priced for me.
The Moana Surfrider Westin Resort and Spa, also known as the "First Lady of Waikiki", is a stunning building that has the beach right behind it.
The parks are beautifully maintained in Waikiki. We noticed a chicken and her babies roaming around free, in one of the parks. The trees are very unique. The tourists like to leave their markings on them.
We really wanted to see more than just Waikiki, so we went on a bus tour. Our first stop was the Halona Blowhole and Cove. Several signs are posted to warn people about the dangers of swimming in this area.
The Tropical Farms, Macadamia Nut Farm was on the tour and offered us samples of every flavor that they make. My husband and I bought a couple bags. The macadamia nuts are delicious!
The photo below is of Mokoli'i Island, otherwise known as Chinaman's Hat.
Sunset beach was another gorgeous stop on our tour.
We had lunch at Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp. If you're ever in Oahu and love seafood, try Fumi's. Freshly caught and the smell alone will make your mouth water.
We had an incredible time on the Hawaiian Island, Oahu. After 17 years of marriage, we got a break from the real world and was able to focus on each other. Our cares were miles away and we were actually able to relax. My husband and I definitely plan to visit Hawaii again in the future.
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