O'ahu 2018

Saturday - Arrived around 3pm. Small issue picking up the rental car (they didn't have a car big enough for the 7 of us), then we took off for our rented house in Waimanalo. The house was right on the beach had everything we could have wanted. Once we dropped off our luggage, we drove up to Kailua to pick up groceries for the week and grabbed dinner at The Shack. Busy sports bar with OK service.

Sunday - We were all up pretty early due to the time change. Had breakfast at the house and was in the water swimming by 8am. Temperature was perfect. We all washed up in the outdoor shower and headed to Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. The hike was a little more than most of us bargained for. A couple people in our group were a little older. The hike up to the lighthouse was a little too steep for some. Granted, we shouldn't have went right in middle of the day, but the view from the top was worth it. On our way back, we stopped at Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack. The steak and garlic shrimp plate was delicious. Potato mac salad might be my new favorite side dish.

Monday - Pearl Harbor day. We had reserved tickets for the 2:30pm Arizona tour, but got there early and was able to go at 9:30. Saw the Bowfin Submarine and the Missouri. I would definitely recommend the Arizona. I'm not by any means a military/history-buff, but that memorial is a really cool experience. There's a 15 minute movie you watch before boarding the boat that takes you to the memorial. Then you get to spend about 20-25 minutes on the memorial until the boat takes you back. The Bowfin Submarine and Missouri were cool, but I could have done with out. You could spend almost an entire day on the Missouri if you wanted. Drove down to Waikiki and had dinner and drinks at Duke's.

Tuesday - Another early morning swim followed by a drive up to the North Shore. Had lunch at Cafe Haleiwa and stopped by a bottle shop next door. Drove up to Waimea Valley, hiked down to the falls, and took a swim. Drove up to Sharks Cove and snorkeled for a while. Then drove up to Turtle Bay for a drink at Roy's Beach House. Then stopped at SevenBrothers "At The Mill" for dinner on the way home. The food was amazing.

Wednesday - Up early to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. We got there right around 7am. The cashiers weren't open yet, so we didn't have to pay. This was probably my favorite part of our trip. Spent over 2 hours swimming around the bay looking at all the different fishes. It was awesome. Had lunch at Kona Brewing Co. nearby. Headed home for an afternoon swim and for everyone to get ready for the Luau at night. Ka Moana Luau at the Sea Life Park. Very cool, very entertaining. We all had a lot of fun.

Thursday - Early morning swim followed by lunch at Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack again. We really liked this place. Headed towards Honolulu and stopped off at the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. Stopped at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetary). Dinner at Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar and Grill.

Friday - Morning swim again. Drove up to Kualoa Ranch and did the Zip Lining tour. Very cool. Zip lines were in a Ka’a’awa valley were multiple movies/tv shows were/are being filmed (Jurassic World/Lost/Godzilla). Tour guides were very helpful, funny, and made everyone feel comfortable and safe. Even those of us who have never zip lined before. Dinner at Haleiwa Joe's Seafood and Grill. Delicious and the prime rib is huge!

Saturday - Leftover prime rib for breakfast and one last morning swim. Stopped at the Sea Life Park as our Luau tickets included free access to the park up to 7 days after the luau. Started to rain as we were heading out to catch our flight.