Aloha Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii.

Aloha.

Hawaii is not a place “I've always wanted to visit”. I'm more of a Caribbean mindset. But, when my son was stationed there for two years we visited. The first time, it poured the whole week. Every morning we set off for the north shore beaches. Every morning, before noon, the rains came. Waikiki beach was closed to swimmers because of sewage backup. Luckily we were on Kaneohe Bay on the north shore with the most beautiful beach. Our next trip was full sunshine. I made sure I crisped my body. Painfully so. We had use of kid's car and drove all over. It made up for the disappointing first visit. 

 

Kaneohe

Now we come to our third visit. This is a meeting of cultures, language, and families. We are here to celebrate the marriage of our #1 son, to his lovely Korean bride.

Imagine, going to the airport knowing you have, not just a seat, but a First Class seat! For me this is an exciting experience. We decided to use all the man's miles for the family. First class for the bride and groom. First class for me and the man. Sorry Kid#2. Only enough for you to go in the back of the bus. We tried. We really did spend the better part of an afternoon looking for the best deals for our miles. All 800,00 of them.

The wedding party, family and friends total 14 people. The Bride and Groom, 5 family members for her, 5 for my son, and 2 local friends. Because of the language barrier they chose not to have a traditional wedding reception, but instead a sunset dinner cruise.

The location was Ala Moana Beach Park, with Diamond Head in the distance. The sun mostly shined, rain was  just a few sprinkles. The wind kicked up and we thought the little bridal trellis would take off and fly away. The only problem was late flowers. The leis were not ready when promised but they did throw in a lovely centerpiece. Not that they could use it. But it looked nice in their room.

A short and simple ceremony. Smiles all around. Then off to our sunset cruise with entertainment. The dancers were placed all around the cabin and we had a great view. The dinner was yummy. 

those thighs...

 

 

Before and after the wedding day, we thoroughly relaxed. Beach and poolside with libations. Visiting with family, catching up on everything.  Wandering the shops. And especially sitting near the pool or in the hotel lobby. We spent 3 nights at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and then 3 nights at the Hale Koa Military hotel.

grape juice

grape juice redistributed

free with purchase

The Sheraton is old and will soon be remodeled. It was a very short walk to the beach where, twice a day, the hotel brought us water and a piece of fruit. A bit pricy considering the “resort fee” was $26 per day. Ok that did include towels and chairs. 

do not be fooled. that water was COLD

Duke Kahanamoku  “The father of modern surfing”

The Hale Koa was everything we could want for our resort hotel. We could visit with our neighbor on the balcony, aka the lanai. But the best part was the lobby. The couches and chairs had opiate properties. The breeze was delightful. If only we could have brought our drinks there. Ahhhhh......

sharing my snack

View from my lanai

looking up

We tried NOT to get too crispy. We ate too much, we drank too much.  North shore drive led us to Maui Mike's and Ted's bakery.  We stood under Banyan trees, and in front of the Hawaii 50 building.  We had Japanese cook-it-yourself.  We went to a luau and got ourselves inked. I bought souvenier Honolulu Cookies for others and HAD to have a box for myself. 

 

under a banyan tree

 We had a lovely time. Would I return? I suppose for the right reason. Mahalo.