Vacation posts are always tricky. How do you share about a vacation without seeming like you are bragging your head off or becoming a terrible bore, or a terrible combination of the two? How do you do it, people?
Well, I still haven't figured out the answer, but I did decide to organize the post into my top ten favorite things about vacationing in Hawaii. That way there can be some semblance of order? Ah, who are we trying to kid... it's mostly just a massive picture dump. Oh, and FYI- we went with Greg's parents and Greg's brother and his wife. Just in case you're wondering who those other peeps are.
HAWAII TOP TEN
#10 Pearl Harbor. I've always been fascinated by World War II and America's involvement in it. The video they show at the beginning of the tour was very well done and interesting, and I was surprised by how totally respectful everyone was at the memorial. It so important to remember the sacrifices that were made so that we can enjoy this country now.
This is Greg pretending I'm pregnant. Let's just say he has been a tad baby hungry.
Kylee and I went at 6 am to wait for free tickets for the U.S.S. Arizona. In the picture below notice Kylee sitting all the way on the right and then notice all the people behind her. We might be straight up crazy to go that early, but when 6 am is that bright and beautiful, it certainly ain't too hard to roll out of bed.
#9 Polynesian Culture Center and the temple...
We spent our last evening in Hawaii walking the stunning temple grounds and seeing a show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. When I went to BYU-H all of my friends worked at the PCC; it was weird to be on the other side- just some tourist shelling out $50 to watch the show.
This is neither the Polynesian Culture Center nor the temple, but it IS the house I lived in six years ago when I went to BYU Hawaii. So freaking insane to be back.
This is us all trying to get Greg's mom to come be in the picture.
#8 Snorkeling at Haunama Bay and Shark's Cove. I discovered on this trip that I don't love snorkeling like I used to. It gives me a major headache because the mask is so freaking tight, but then if I loosen it the salt water gets in and burns my eyeballs to pieces. Seeing all the colorful fish and all is purty cool, but so not worth the headache. Any suggestions?
Greg helping his mom snorkel. He's about as kind and thoughtful as they come.
This is Haunama Bay at 7 am and what Greg calls my "Sleepy Bon" face. I made everyone go at that hour because the internet said the parking lot would be full if we didn't get there before 7. It was nowhere close to full. Oops.
#7 Dole Pineapple plantation Kind of crazy that this made it above the gorgeous snorkeling, but I totally adored the Pineapple Express train ride around the plantation. It was chill and laid back and there was a hilarious dialogue that explained the pineapple plantation to us while randomly pausing to play Hawaiian songs. I suppose it was just one of those moments where everything seems totally right in the world.
#6 The Food Half of any vacation is about the food, right? We had mostly totally delicious food and a little bit not so great food and even a couple of stops at The Cheesecake Factory which was right across the street from our hotel. You can't say no to a $10 slice of cheesecake, can you?!
Pineapple ice cream. I didn't love it as much as I was supposed to.
Matsomoto's shaved ice. Not as good as I remember- it could be because I took the suggestion of a 17 year old to get sour green apple flavoring. Note to self: Never listen to 17 year olds.
Eggs n Things breakfast: Banana Crepes with coconut syrup- by far my favorite thing I ate in Hawaii. (Also, notice how happy my pop in law looks in the background... we had to practically force him there because he wanted to go to Denny's!)
... and somehow it's almost midnight and I can't keep my eyes open. I had every intention of doing the whole vacation in one post, but it looks like you will have to wait until tomorrow for the other half. I just can't stay awake, my friends!
Well, I still haven't figured out the answer, but I did decide to organize the post into my top ten favorite things about vacationing in Hawaii. That way there can be some semblance of order? Ah, who are we trying to kid... it's mostly just a massive picture dump. Oh, and FYI- we went with Greg's parents and Greg's brother and his wife. Just in case you're wondering who those other peeps are.
HAWAII TOP TEN
#10 Pearl Harbor. I've always been fascinated by World War II and America's involvement in it. The video they show at the beginning of the tour was very well done and interesting, and I was surprised by how totally respectful everyone was at the memorial. It so important to remember the sacrifices that were made so that we can enjoy this country now.
Kylee and I went at 6 am to wait for free tickets for the U.S.S. Arizona. In the picture below notice Kylee sitting all the way on the right and then notice all the people behind her. We might be straight up crazy to go that early, but when 6 am is that bright and beautiful, it certainly ain't too hard to roll out of bed.
#9 Polynesian Culture Center and the temple...
We spent our last evening in Hawaii walking the stunning temple grounds and seeing a show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. When I went to BYU-H all of my friends worked at the PCC; it was weird to be on the other side- just some tourist shelling out $50 to watch the show.
#8 Snorkeling at Haunama Bay and Shark's Cove. I discovered on this trip that I don't love snorkeling like I used to. It gives me a major headache because the mask is so freaking tight, but then if I loosen it the salt water gets in and burns my eyeballs to pieces. Seeing all the colorful fish and all is purty cool, but so not worth the headache. Any suggestions?
#7 Dole Pineapple plantation Kind of crazy that this made it above the gorgeous snorkeling, but I totally adored the Pineapple Express train ride around the plantation. It was chill and laid back and there was a hilarious dialogue that explained the pineapple plantation to us while randomly pausing to play Hawaiian songs. I suppose it was just one of those moments where everything seems totally right in the world.
#6 The Food Half of any vacation is about the food, right? We had mostly totally delicious food and a little bit not so great food and even a couple of stops at The Cheesecake Factory which was right across the street from our hotel. You can't say no to a $10 slice of cheesecake, can you?!
We splurged on fresh lobster one night. Totally worth it!
... and somehow it's almost midnight and I can't keep my eyes open. I had every intention of doing the whole vacation in one post, but it looks like you will have to wait until tomorrow for the other half. I just can't stay awake, my friends!
