Hawaii 2013

Hawaii 2013 - Day 1

Houston, TX to Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii bound. Got up extremely early for a 9:55 direct flight from Houston to Honolulu, Hawaii. Arrived 1:05 island time with transportation provided by Mary and Jim which included welcoming leis.

Mary, Jim, Jane, Cathy and Pam

Heading over to the hotel, my first impression of Honolulu was not too impressive. Passing through the industrial area, we started to see many, many homeless camped out everywhere. But, as we approached Waikiki the landscape improved dramatically. Of course the water, no matter what was on land, was just awesome. We arrived at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel for a one night stay before we headed off on our cruise.

Checking into the hotel - Pam and Jane

View from hotel room

Heading out to see Waikiki Beach!

The beach directly across the street from our hotel.

First sight of Diamondhead

Banyan Tree

Jane, Pam and Cathy in front of Banyan tree

Duke Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968) was a Hawaiian competition swimmer who was also known as an actor, lawman, early beach volleyball player and businessman credited with spreading the sport of surfing. Kahanamoku was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming.

Red-Crested Cardinal - not seen in North America

Surfers and Diamondhead -- does it get any better than this??

Eating dinner at Duke's behind the Outrigger Hotel on the beach - Pam and Jane

Beautiful flowers

The historic Moana Surfside Hotel

Pam being crooned by Elvis

Kings Village nightly lowering of the flag and changing of the guard. The flag's eight alternating white, red and blue stripes represent the eight islands of Hawaii. The British Union Jack represents Hawaii's historical relationship with Great Britian as its protectorate.

What a great way to end our day with a beautiful sunset on the beach!!

Hawaii 2013 - Day 2

Honolulu

Getting into the "Aloha" spirit

Pam in our colorful room!

Packed our breakfast from the hotel and headed over to the beach across the street. We were surprised by our first of many rainbows (barely visible)that we will see throughout our trip.

Having breakfast on the beach - Pam, Cathy, Shana and Kathy

Imitating the "Surfer on a Wave" -- Kathy, Shana, Pam, Cathy and Jane

Chilling on the beach before we head out on the cruise of the islands -- Kathy, Shana and Pam

Jane testing the waters

What a view!!!

At the cruise terminal - Mary, Jim, Jane, Shana, Kathy and Pam

NCL Pride of America - allegedly the only American registered cruise ship in the world.

Kathy and Shana

Mary and Jim

Shana and Cathy

Pam and Jane

Having lunch at the Skyline Restaurant

Fire Drill with Wendy, Amy, Jane, Mary, Jim, and Pam

Poolside deck

Jane, Kathy and Pam with the Aloha Tower in the background

"Rubber Ducky"

Cheers to a great trip!

Another view of poolside deck

Rainbow #2 - across the valley beyond Honolulu

Drinks by the pool - Pam, Mary, Shana, Jim and Kathy

Bon Voyage! Enjoying the night time city lights while leaving port for the islands - Pam

What a great way to end another perfect day! Suppertime with the whole group in the Liberty Restaurant - Pam, Cathy, Jane, Mary, Jim, Kathy, Shana, Wendy and Amy.

Hawaii 2013 - Day 3

Maui

Docking in Kahului Bay on the island of Maui.

Today we are heading out on the "Road to Hana." In our rental car, five of us are heading out on a day long adventure to conquer over 600 hairpin turns, 54 narrow bridges, and awesome views. Our first stop was to one of the many beach parks dotting the coastline. Here's Wendy, Pam and Jane enjoying the views and watching the surfers.

Sea turtle nestled on the beach.

One of the many surfers hanging "ten" at the beach park.

Kaumahina State Wayside Overlook of Keanae Point

Wendy, Pam, Jane and I taking a short hike

There are so many beautiful flowers here in Hawaii, there is no way that I will ever know what they all are. These flowers are back dropped by the awesome blue water of the Pacific.

Enjoy the beautiful flowers, plants, and water pools we came across at the Keanae Arboretum.

And the coconut tree!

More beautiful scenes along Hana Highway.

And unusual plants and flowers.

Pam, Jane and Wendy thinking about taking the plunge into the waterfall and pools.

On our next stop along the Hana Highway, we spotted these two Mongoose on our short hike to the Pools of Oheo. Mongoose, which were introduced to Maui to control the rat population, became a menace to endangered ground nesting birds and their eggs.