Two weeks from today my husband and I are leaving for a week long vacation in HAWAII! And the kids are staying with my parents!
We haven't been on a vacation - other than family trips to the beach - since our honeymoon in 2003. I am
beyond excited. I never imagined we woud be going on this trip this year. Normally we are practical people who feel guilty spending money on a reasonable rental in Ocean City.
But our dear friends are getting married in Hawaii so we are going! I nearly got down on my knees to thank them for their choice of venue.
I think the kids will do great with their grandparents. My parents live about 5 hours away so they are looking forward to some quality time with the kids - although they might need a Hawaiian vacation when the week is over! I just hope my husband and I can make it through the week without missing the kiddos too much.
So here's where I need your help. If you've been to Hawaii (specifically Oahu) I would love to hear your experiences. What are the must-do activities? Most importantly, what the heck should I pack? I'm feeling like pack it all - to heck with baggage fees! Not so thrifty. I need help girls!
Do you want this to be me? (source) There's wi-fi at the house where we are staying so get ready for a week of gorgeous Hawaii photos!
Thanks for visiting!
So fun! And, so jealous! :) We spent about 24 hours in Oahu as part of our honeymoon 7 years ago. Hiking Diamondhead was great--not too hard and the views are fantastic. Pearl Harbor was a must for us (the reason for our stop over there). And, you will definitely have to experience Waikiki--very much Vegas on the beach!
ReplyDeleteHave a WONDERFUL time!
You will love it! The Polynesion Cultural Center is a must and will take most of the day. Either take a tour (provides the transportation) or if you rent a car it's a nice, slow drive.
ReplyDeleteShort, tanks, swimsuit, light sundress, more shorts and tanks,a pair of capris. Something for evenings out just to feel dressed up beach style. Sunscreen for sure. Find an ABC store for anything you forgot or need, they are plentiful and honestly if luggage was lost I could live with everything ABC offers. Do see the rest of the island and just not Waikiki, once is enough for that area. Wo Fats for Dim Sum in Honolulu, take a cab. It's authentic and fun. Just point to the items on the cart to order unless you read Chinese. It's upstairs in the building, busy and we were the only non-Asians there and had a great time. Only buy fruit or flowers that are OK'd for transport or they will be taken at the airport when you go through agricultural inspection.
I'm so excited for you, Sarah!!! I've never been to Hawaii so, no tips from me.
ReplyDeleteIt will be wonderful!
Hi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic blog you have here. I have perused many of your posts and enjoyed each one! So many great projects and sweet family!
What a special trip coming up for you and your husband! It all sounds so special!
So nice stopping by to visit with you!
Kindly, Lorraine
It's been over 30 years since I went to Oahu, so I'm not much help. But, if you get a chance to visit some of the smaller islands, please do so...they are incredible. And, if you get a chance to hike a volcano, do that too!
ReplyDeleteOne thing that has stuck in my memory is that restaurants would put orchids on all the plates when they served you...let me know if they still do that! I'm envious...I'm afraid that I was much too young when I went so I didn't fully appreciate everything that the islands had to offer...maybe some day I'll go back and ask you for advice!
For food: Duke's is on the beach and the prices aren't TOO bad, Ono's for authentic Hawaiian food-it is a hole in the wall but food is really good, shave ice WITH condensed milk-at Aoki's on the north shore or there is a place in the shopping center on the left shortly before you get to Hanauma Bay (go snorkeling there).
ReplyDeleteTROPICAL (MACADAMIA) FARMS tour was fun (http://www.yelp.com/biz/tropical-farms-kaneohe> cost $20 for adults or $15 for military)
Waimea Valley- kind of a state park with a waterfall you can swim up to (take water shoes) and beautiful flowers.
We went for our anniversary last year and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Waikiki is fun but get away from that area-drive up towards the North Shore if you have time.
Take shorts, sundresses and a nice pair of capris and you will be fine. Oh, International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave-little shops and stalls. The food court is only okay, but I bought some inexpensive (like $20) sundresses in one of the stalls that I wear all the time. Enjoy!
P>S> If you have some serious bucks to spend, eat at Alan Wong's-very expensive, but the most amazing meal I have ever had and the waiters are very helpful.