O'ahu

We spent Christmas in Santa Rosa (2007).  The kids both got new luggage for Christmas...inside they were all packed for a surprise trip to O'ahu.  We were excited to leave the cold winter weather and head to the beach.  We stayed at the Waikiki Marriott Beach Resort in O'ahu.

 There is an ocean break wall that calms the waves that enter the beach by the hotels.  This made for better swim and play.  There small fish and crabs along the rock wall.  Lots of fun to explore.

Time for dinner.  Our kids loved to read at a young age...always had books.  Came in handy when there was a long wait to be seated for dinner.  I love this picture of them reading!

The beautiful lobby of our hotel.

On day two, we drove to the north coast of O'ahu to the Polynesian Cultural Center.  It had been raining so there was a lot of mud along the road.  Narrow windy roads with little to no passing room on some curves.  It was an "island" road; not what we see at home. 

We spent all day learning about the different cultures of the individual Polynesian islands.  We had a canoe ride through the center, visited each of the "island villages" and enjoyed a luau at night.

 Learning to hula

 Kids looking at taro plants (origin of poi).  We all tasted the poi...not so good.

 Canoe Pageant- each village is represented showing the traditional dress and dance.

It began to rain as we headed to Rapa Nui (nicknamed Easter Island). 

 In Samoa, we learned how to make a fire and open a coconut.  The guy gave Ryan the coconut to drink after opening.

 

 We played games in New Zealand- Poi balls then the Maori stick game.

 

We each got a Maori tattoo

 

 

This was the first time we saw a Pearl Factory shop (now they're everywhere).  Kids both selected an oyster...Camille got a black pearl and Ryan's oyster held two pink pearls.

 Our visit to Pearl Harbor...huge bummer because I didn't buy tickets in advance (stupid) and they were sold out.  We enjoyed our time on board the USS Missouri.

 

We ate our lunch in the mess hall- below deck on the submarine.  Very cramped quarters- could not imagine living on the submarine. 

Pacific Aviation Museum- learned even more about the attack of Pearl Harbor.  The kids spent time in the pilot training simulation.

 This was our fourth and last day in O'ahu.  It was the best weather of all the trip.  A great day to spend at the beach.  Today we all ventured out along the breakwall.  The waves were fairly calm in the morning but later in the day the waves were much stronger.  Made for fun and great photos.

 

 

 After the beach, we returned to our hotel pool for one last swim. 

 It's always fun to see our kids play together...they're most always happy and get along so well.