Aloha from Oahu, HI - Part 1

We went to Hawaii for Spring Break! It was everyone’s first time to the islands and we were so excited. The Austin family is stationed on Oahu for about another year and we knew we had to go visit while they were there. We were so thankful for their hospitality and making this opportunity a reality for us. We stayed the first couple of nights in Honolulu on Waikiki Beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Villages. It let us experience the resort life and stereotypical Honolulu as well as adjust to the time zone. The rest of the week we stay with the Austin at Joint Base/ Pearl Harbor which was also a cool experience and sweet time with them.

We arrived at 3pm Hawaii time (9pm EST in Cleveland) but we pushed through and stayed up until about 8pm that first night. We were tired but excited so it helped.

 

We did wake up early the next day as predicted due to the 6 hour time difference. So we hike to Manoa Falls as it was close by. We were soaking up the landscape and the different trees and plants we weren't use to seeing.. 

Leighton of course found flowers along the trail and decorated her hair. 

Sadie came to Hawaii with decorated nails on theme.

The entire week I sang the line “From the land where palm trees sway” from Mele Kalikimaka the Christmas song. I could not get it out of my head. The palm trees were swaying so it fit and I think all the kids would join in with me at some point singing along. 

After our early hike, we found a local place for breakfast. It was delicious and in a beautiful location. When Wes and I travel together, we love to find the little local food places to try and love to eat/coffee our way through a new location. It was fun to bring the kids along on this time of vacationing. 

Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop

The Morning Cup coffee shop (we enjoyed the most and came back the next day!)

Levi bought a watch before the trip that could take pictures so he was constantly using! 

Ready for 1st beach day..... we needed sunscreen! 

The only sad part of the day was watching UK lose to TN in the NCAA tournament Sweet 16. I couldn't stand sitting at the beach restaurant to watch and ended up gong to the beach and watching loosely on my phone. But in the end, I was in Hawaii, so quickly bounced back. 

views from hotel room

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