This year I had a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday. Even with that full week off I took two extra days and Craig and I flew out to Hawaii. His brother and sister-in-law live out there and their twins, Casey and Cara, were turning one. His parents also flew out. This was my first time going on vacation to Hawaii. I have been there three times before but each time I was playing water polo at UCI. Our schedule was limited. But this time around, Craig and I got to do whatever we wanted. The list includes going to North Shore, the Dole Plantation, Matsumoto Shaved Ice, surfing and tanning at Waikiki, watching Ten Feet play, drinking mai tais under palm trees, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, swimming with a sea turtle, kayaking at kailua, getting stung by a baby man-o-war, getting peed on (it really works!!), seeing Pearl Harbor and gaining a true sense of being an American, was humbled at the USS Arizona, hiking Diamond Head before sunrise, parasailing over Waiola, Thanksgiving with the Irei family, almost getting killed by a huge wave and of course celebrating the 1st bday of the twins. We did a lot. I hope the pictures can give you a true sense of what an amazing trip this was. I had the trip of a life time over there and I do realize how fortunate I am to be able to do all these things.
Here we are getting shaved ice at Matsumoto, sitting at the very top of a small structure on Diamond Head (it was really windy) and parasailing. Parasailing is something I recommend for everyone, even if you're scared of heights. We're wet because they lowered us into the water and then pulled us back up into the sky. Freaking awesome!!
Surfing at Waikiki. The waves were so nice and it was refreshing to not be destroyed by a wave when you fall. Good times! Pictures from the top of Diamond Head. There is Waikiki before the sun came up that morning and then on the east of Diamond Head, the sun breaks through the clouds. The view was spectacular and worth waking up at 5am to see.
At Hanauma Bay before sunrise and before the crowds. Loving our snorkel gear. An amazing view from the hillside. We saw so many fish and even swam with a sea turtle. We felt all alone while we were snorkeling. It was great!!
Pearl Harbor is a very humbling place. I've always wanted to visit here as both my grandpas served during WWII. To be standing over the USS Arizona is an amazing sight to behold and it made me appreciate this country a little more. While at Pearl Harbor, we visited the USS Bowfin (aka Pearl Harbor Avenger), which is a submarine that we toured through. There is also a great air museum to visit which is located near the air field at Pearl Harbor.
We went kayaking with Todd and Tracy. We kayaked to the bird sanctuary which is located on a really small island just off the coast of Kailua. We then kayaked to Lanikai Beach. Craig and I did some snorkeling and then we were switching fins when I stung by a baby Man-O-War. Todd got it out of the water. I wanted to keep it as a souvenir. It got me pretty good on my left wrist and my right triceps. Good times!
Meet Casey and Cara. They just turned 1 and they are wearing the bday gifts we gave them.
Family Photos
Here we are getting shaved ice at Matsumoto, sitting at the very top of a small structure on Diamond Head (it was really windy) and parasailing. Parasailing is something I recommend for everyone, even if you're scared of heights. We're wet because they lowered us into the water and then pulled us back up into the sky. Freaking awesome!!
Surfing at Waikiki. The waves were so nice and it was refreshing to not be destroyed by a wave when you fall. Good times! Pictures from the top of Diamond Head. There is Waikiki before the sun came up that morning and then on the east of Diamond Head, the sun breaks through the clouds. The view was spectacular and worth waking up at 5am to see.
At Hanauma Bay before sunrise and before the crowds. Loving our snorkel gear. An amazing view from the hillside. We saw so many fish and even swam with a sea turtle. We felt all alone while we were snorkeling. It was great!!
Pearl Harbor is a very humbling place. I've always wanted to visit here as both my grandpas served during WWII. To be standing over the USS Arizona is an amazing sight to behold and it made me appreciate this country a little more. While at Pearl Harbor, we visited the USS Bowfin (aka Pearl Harbor Avenger), which is a submarine that we toured through. There is also a great air museum to visit which is located near the air field at Pearl Harbor.
We went kayaking with Todd and Tracy. We kayaked to the bird sanctuary which is located on a really small island just off the coast of Kailua. We then kayaked to Lanikai Beach. Craig and I did some snorkeling and then we were switching fins when I stung by a baby Man-O-War. Todd got it out of the water. I wanted to keep it as a souvenir. It got me pretty good on my left wrist and my right triceps. Good times!
Meet Casey and Cara. They just turned 1 and they are wearing the bday gifts we gave them.
Family Photos
The Kobayashi Family
An amazing vacation with my husband and his family. A trip I don't think I'll ever forget. So many amazing experiences. I cannot wait to go back!! Aloha!!
Raines! I love that you blog! I cant wait to catch up on all the "Newlyweds" happenings! Next time you are in Oregon, you better stay with us in our new house! xx
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