Hawaii ~ March 2012 ~ Day 6

We were worried about how the weather would be that day because we had a motorcycle ride scheduled. We had a few sprinkles early on, but after that it was gorgeous. 

We rented the bikes in Honolulu, and went from there past Waikiki, down around Diamond Head, Koko Head, past Hanauma Bay and up to Kaneohe (stopping along the way here and there). Then we got on the H3 and took a detour on the Pali Highway. Back to the H3, and up the center of the island on H2. We stopped at the Dole Plantation for some pineapple treats. From there we went back along the North Shore (another stop at Ted's Bakery for lunch) and down the windward coast back home. The boys took the bikes back to Honolulu while the girls got ready for dinner. 

I love seeing everyone in a line when we go on road trips. We're usually next to last, with the Perrys as the "leader of the back" as Scott says. You can see the Perry's yellow bike right in the forefront of the picture.

Ray and Diane on the blue bike, then Fred and Gayle on the white bike, and Dave and Tamara on the maroon bike.

Diane and Ray. I was having a great time. Really. 

  

Tamara

Karen and Scott

Ready to take off: Ray and Diane, Gayle and Fred, Tamara and Dave, Scott and Karen

  

The lovely Gayle, always so chic, even on a motorcycle.

The Mackenzies, Badgers, and Perrys went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for dinner and the night show. We've done that and opted out this time around. 

Karen and Scott

Gayle and Fred

Tamara and Dave

 Instead, we went to my sister's for dinner.
When we arrived Mike was making sushi:

and sashimi:

and we enjoyed every bite:

What a treat. We had a nice evening with my sister and her family (the same one that comes to our house every December to ski). We love to be with them at our house or theirs. But I must admit, their house is much more relaxing.

Hawaii ~ March 2012 ~ Day 5

Sunday. First things first: up and off to church. It's always wonderful to visit a ward in a different area. We had a great Sacrament Meeting with these Saints in Hawaii.

Fred, Gayle, Diane, Ray, Karen, Scott, Tamara, Dave

 That afternoon we did the "hike" up to Makapu'u Lighthouse. It was more like a lengthy walk, which was just what I wanted. The wind was blowing so we stayed nice and cool, and the view was breathtaking.

Dave, Tamara

Dave, Tamara

Ray and Diane, aka American Gothic. All we need is a pitchfork.

Dave, Karen

Gayle, Fred

Dave, Tamara, Fred, Gayle, Ray, Diane, Karen, Scott. We may be blinded by the sun, but at least we're smiling.

Dave, Tamara, Scott, Karen, Ray, Diane, Gayle, Fred

Diane, Ray, Karen

Fred, Karen, Scott

Karen, Ray, Diane, Scott, Tamara

Hawaii ~ March 2012 ~ Day 4

Most days our routine was the same. We got up when we felt like it, and most of us usually went for a brisk walk. The neighborhood was ideal for that. Sometimes we went in a big group, sometimes just as a couple, or alone. Then we'd eat breakfast--pretty casual--usually fruit, yogurt, bagels, or cereal, and sometimes eggs, and then there was Gayle with her hot chocolate every morning. 

The day was spent in a variety of ways. We did a  little sight-seeing once in a while, but mostly we relaxed, sat and around and talked, played various card games, read, and napped. That is my ideal vacation.

We ate in all but two nights. We grilled ahi, chicken, tri-tip, and had fish tacos one night too. Then some more games, lots of talking, then bed. 

This particular morning Tamara (remember, she's the adventurous one), Dave, Karen, and Scott hiked up to Pillbox. It was just above where we were staying. It was quite a hike. Good for them. I'm glad it was them and not me.

The Hike to Pillbox

Dave, Karen, Tamara. I think I would have been sick from the height alone, to say nothing of the fear of falling over the edge. 

Tamara and Dave

Karen and Scott

The men took off to go see all the Pearl Harbor museums. We've all done Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial before, but they wanted to see the other stuff too. I love Pearl Harbor and the Arizona. But I didn't need to see it again, or the other museums.

The girls opted for a little shopping in Kailua instead, then came back for more of our usual daytime activities.

Karen and Diane and Flat Ella, who traveled from Texas all the way to Hawaii.

We went to Assagio's for dinner that night. What a fabulous meal!

Tamara, Diane, Karen, Gayle

Fred, Scott, Ray, Dave

Hawaii ~ March 2012 ~ Day 3

The weather wasn't terrible while we were there, but it wasn't terrific either. It was warm, which made us all happy, but it was very windy. Going swimming was not much of a temptation for me because of the wind. But I sure wanted to be right by the water all the time. 

Tamara is the most adventurous of all of us. She was in and out of the water all the time. She convinced Dave and Fred to go snorkeling with her one day. The rest of us had a great time just watching them.

Fred

Tamara and Dave

Dave found not-so-hidden treasure while snorkeling - a golf ball

Later we went to Kailua beach. It's my favorite beach on Oahu and it was just minutes away from our beach house. There are great views of kite surfers, islands in the distance, and interesting people.

Gayle, Tamara, Diane - right before the water rushed up and caught us unaware. We really scrambled to avoid being drenched.

Fred, Ray, Dave, Scott

Not only did we see interesting people, we were fascinated by this dog, who carried this enormous stick all the way up and back on the beach.

Dave, Ray, Mike (my brother-in-law), Fred
Scott

Fred, Gayle, Dave, Tamara, Diane, Ray, Karen, Scott
See the kites in the background?

Hawaii ~ March 2012 ~ Day 2

Everyone in the group has been to Hawaii at least once. Ray and I have been there many times (it helps to have family who lives there). We spent our second day on the island driving up to the North Shore and enjoying the sights along the way. 

First stop: Chinaman's Hat

Fred and Gayle

Dave and Tamara

Diane

Gayle, Fred, Tamara, Dave, Karen, Scott, Diane, Ray

Scott and Karen

Diane and Ray

Next stop: The Hawaii LDS Temple in La'ie.

Diane and Ray

Fred and Gayle

Dave and Tamara

Scott and Karen

Scott, Karen, Dave, Tamara, Ray, Diane, Fred, Gayle

From there we made our way to Ted's Bakery. It was very crowded, but well worth the wait in line to get two Chocolate Haupia Pies. We brought along a cooler and ice so the pies would last until we got home.

We drove past some of the famous beaches of the North Shore: Sunset, Pipeline, Shark's Cove, Three Tables, Waimea, and lots more not so famous beaches. Then lunch at Kua'Aina in Haleiwa. Ray and I try to eat there whenever we get a chance. It was also very crowded, and also well worth the wait.

Ray and Diane
Who needs a carrot with a burger like that?

 And of course, no trip to the North Shore is worthwhile without a stop at Matsumoto's for shave ice. Don't settle for another shave ice place close by. There's a reason the line is long at Matsumoto's, and very short every where else. The good news is that the line moves fast at Matsumoto's.

Dave

Fred and Scott

Dave, Tamara, Ray, Fred, Diane, Karen

After eating more than anyone should, we made a quick trip to Costco and Safeway to get groceries for the week, then home for a delicious ahi dinner. Card games after dinner were the perfect finish to a perfect day.