On the plane again...Stop 2 Part 2

~ Hawaii - Oahu ~

In Japan, I used to attend a Hope Chapel chain of churches. The Hope Chapel group started in Kaneohe, Hawaii on Oahu. So, over the years I've made a few friends and though I've lost touch with a few, with the wonders of Facebook, I've reconnected with some. One of my friends from way back when, invited me to stop in Oahu since I was going to be in the area. :D Though time was short, I was able to visit for a day.

Some of the photos here:

Sam greeted me in Hawaiian style with a lei (too bad I can't take it with me...)

A visit to Oahu wouldn't be complete without seeing Pearl Harbor. It was a small area, but worth a visit.

Pearl Harbor - USS Bowfin Sub

Pearl Harbor - Memorial

Pearl Harbor - Flag waving on USS Arizona Memorial

After our stop at Pearl Harbor, we drove through the city a bit and headed up for a view. We discussed doing a short hike on Diamond head to get a view coming the other direction, but after an early start to my day, my energy was running low. So, the drive to this point was good enough. :D

View of Honolulu from Tantalus Point (Diamond Head on left)

Waikiki Beach

Oahu definitely has more of the Hawaiian feel for me. We drove around the city of Honolulu a bit during the day so I was able to see the neighborhoods (saw Obama's haunts) and enjoy some of the flora that I was expecting to see. In the afternoon, I took a rest, but hit the sands of Waikiki for a swim and sunbathe before resting up for dinner. Though time was too short, I had a great visit and shout out a THANK YOU to Sam, my tour guide for the day. :D

I definitely hope to visit again. Hawaii is a great vacation destination!

More travels to come...

-T

On the plane again...Stop 2 Part 1

~ Hawaii - Kailua Kona ~

It was family vacation time for the past week in Kailua Kona on the Big Island! We haven't all been together like this in years - perhaps longer than my memory serves. So, it was so great to hang out with my brother and catch up with my parents. Since I don't live closeby, these moments are more precious whenever they are had.

My parents rented a house off of Ali'i road just a bit outside of the main downtown area. We had a Jeep Rubicon as our wheels to get around. Throughout the week, we snorkeled, surfed, boogie-boarded, tanned, and explored the island a bit.

When I first arrived, I was a bit surprised at the scenery as I had imagined Hawaii to be lush with flora all over. However, due to the volcanic activity on the Big Island, there is more lava to be seen. It's interesting and makes for different views of this tropical paradise. However, the beaches were still great, the water still warm and much fun still had.

I'll post a few pics here, but more will come on my main blog site when I return home. Enjoy!

The lava scenery

Sunset on the first night

The parents enjoying the beach life!

Green sands beach - yes the sand is green!

South Point - southern most point in the US and so much water.

Sunset from the house - each night we waited for the green flash...., but the margaritas didn't help. :D

Cheers! for my family!!!

Next stop coming up...

-T