Hawaii

I know these have been a long time coming, but I'm hoping you'll think the wait was worth it. As many of you already know, on Easter Monday, Kevin, Bradyn, Grandma, Grandpa and I headed to Hawaii. Specifically, we stayed on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, which is on the island of Oahu. What a fantastic week! We rented a two-bedroom condo in a building called The Ilikai, which is at the opposite end of Waikiki Beach from the well-known Diamond Head landmark. Fabulous condo, great location and a wonderful time was had by all.

Here is the view from our lanai (balcony). The lagoon is part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village next door, which just happens to be the hotel that Kevin & I stayed at in 2002.

On Tuesday, we headed out after breakfast to explore. Here is Miss B, already embracing the Hawaiian flower-wearing tradition.

Our first family walk on Waikiki Beach.

Walking in the ocean with Grandpa.

During a cloudy break, Bradyn & Grandma had a swim in the hotel pool (where they spent a lot of time over the course of the week). I took this photo from our lanai on the 13th floor. Even from all the way up there, Bradyn was very easily identifiable in her yellow floaties.

I will not bore you with the story of our agony over purchasing Bradyn's new bikini before we left home. Long story short, she told us she would not wear it. Once in Hawaii, she quickly changed her mind and this is the only bathing suit she ever wanted to wear (and the only one I seem to be sharing pictures of her in)!

A great view of Waikiki Beach. In the background is Diamond Head (a volcanic tuff cone). Kevin, Bradyn & I hiked to the top of Diamond Head later in the week.

Bradyn met some friends while playing in the lagoon, and managed to get herself invited to take a ride on their surf board.



One of the things we wanted to do in Hawaii was go to an authentic luau - not an inexpensive endeavor. From the lanai of our condo, we had a clear view of the roof-top luau held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village next door. After seeing the performance once, we odered sushi & Subway on a subsequent night and ate on our lanai while watching the show. Who needs to pay $100+ per person and travel an hour by bus to see a luau when you can sit on your own lanai eating take-out and drinking for 'free'?

On Thursday, we went to the Hula Mound on Waikiki Beach for a show. Bradyn was THRILLED to have the chance to go up on stage and learn how to hula.

Getting hugs after the show from the mother-daughter hula performance team. Bradyn was over the moon when she was given the daughter's flower lei.

To celebrate Bradyn's dance performance, we had dinner in the Red Lion Pub (yep, my 6-year old was in a pub) and enjoyed $1 tacos and $2.50 Mai Tais. Bradyn had a Shirley Temple - I had to draw the line somewhere.

On Friday night, Bradyn and I raced down to the beach to catch the sunset.

One of the funniest lines on our trip came from Bradyn (shocker, I know). For some activites (like riding the bus) or certain meals, there was a price advantage for children 5 and under. A few times we asked Bradyn if she would pretend to be 5. She very loudly refused and stated "I'm 6, and you're going to pay". It was too cute. Here she is at sunset, proud to be 6.

Beautiful girl.

Waikiki Beach is famous for it's sunsets - now you see why. (Yes, I really did take this picture.)

After enjoying the sunset, we raced back up to our room to catch the fireworks show - again, right from the comfort of our lanai while eating take-out.

On Saturday morning, Kevin, Bradyn & I took the bus and headed to Diamond Head. We caught the end of a farmer's market as we got off the bus, and had the pleasure of trying Kalua pulled pork - it was fantastic! After fueling up, we headed towards the Diamond Head admission gate. I admit I was quite concerned when Bradyn said she was tired and we were only in the parking lot! Thankfully she found her energy and made the climb. Here are Kevin & Bradyn, on our way to the top.

Family photo

The climb included a walk through this tunnel - a bit dark and creepy, but not bad.

The view from the top of Diamond Head ..... soooo worth the hike. I loved how the water was so many different colours, and that you could see the coral reefs.

On our way back down.

After our Diamond Head journey, we walked across the road to Diamond Head Memorial Park to pay our respects to High Chief Peter Maivia (The Rock's grandfather).

Grandma bought Bradyn her own Hula girl outfit and she was very happy to show us her moves.

Posing with her Hula doll before heading to dinner at Red Lobster (yeah!!). At Red Lobster, a lady came by our table to say Bradyn looked adorable in her outfit. She proceeded to introduce us to her husband - an authentic 100% Hawaiian gentleman who was an actor on Hawaii Five-O and Magnum PI. He taught Bradyn another hula dance, right there in the middle of the restaurant. Good fun!


Hanging out on the lanai on our last day in her beloved bikini.

Saying good-bye to the pool with Grandma & Grandpa.

Until next time Hawaii - we'll miss you!