Hawaii Part 2

The following morning was Saturday...the boys didn't have to go to work...so we got up early, got dressed and headed over to Pearl Harbor.  We were glad we arrived a bit early before tickets to different things were not sold out yet and the larger crowds had not arrived.

We went inside a WWII submarine...I think it was WWII.

Newel barely fit through the doors.

Although I found this interesting, this was definitely something the guys were into more.

Of course as we were going to different areas we would take photos specifically for our kids...like the Styrofoam cup at the museum, so Arden could see the pressure under water.

It was odd for me to see real war battleships parked not too far from us.

Later it was our turn to take a boat ride to the USS Arizona's remains.  Perhaps it was because we had seen the video of the bombing prior to getting into our boat, or perhaps because we knew this was a burial site, there was a quiet and even reverent feel to the memorial.




After our visit at Pearl Harbor, we drove to the other side of the island to Haleiwa.  We made a mistake and stopped at Cholo's...once you've had Red Iguana in Utah, Mexican food at other places may be a disappointment.  This wasn't the worst food I've had, but it wasn't on the top of my list. However, we had a great time.  We also enjoyed some delicious ice cream at the North Shore Market Place...it really was yummy.   Newel was on a hunt for a Hawaiian shirt.  He finally found the shirt. He's posing for us, imitating Arden. When we ask Arden to pose for a photo this is how he poses.

Arden imitation

Then, off we went...to a fun beach...and since I waited too long to post this, I don't remember the name of the beach. However, the weather was good enough we could be in our swimming suits and even get in the water.
I even climbed a rock.

I wish I had one the photos Judy took where we're rinsing off the sand and water and Newel is in the middle of two Hawaiians...It was pretty funny.  He looked like an Oreo sandwich.
We continued our adventure around the island and made a quick stop at BYU-Hawaii and the Laie Temple. It was gorgeous.

We were having such a wonderful time.  Although we kind of missed the kids, it was fun to be just us with friends.  I've missed that.  I've forgotten what it's like to have that much time uninterrupted.


The following morning we went to church.  We went to a ward in Honolulu.  The building was gorgeous.  It was like a tabernacle...or our version of a cathedral.

We met up with Judy and Clarke after they were done with Mass and headed down for more driving.
After lunch, we headed over to some waterfalls.  It was kind of funny because I thought some of those plants and scenery looked kind of familiar...and it turns out that Lost, the show Newel and I watched for years was partially filmed at that location.

Weird bugs for Arden

Of course we couldn't pass the opportunity to take photos of interesting insects.  Arden even assigned us to take photos of spiders.   On our hike to the waterfall, Newel and I searched hard for a spider, we didn't have such luck.

Flowers for Maya

Our hike was fairly easy, although muddy.  I got so muddy on our way back from the waterfall. The waterfall was nice, although we weren't allowed to get in due to too much rain and rock slides or something like that.

After our hike, we headed over to another beach to go snorkeling.  Here's a photo of chickens...yes, they were as common as stray cats or dogs you'd find in another country.  Speaking of another country.  Hawaii reminded me a bit of Nicaragua...although Nicaragua is not as nice, but it is just as green and anything grows.  I wish one day the situation in Nicaragua would be better so foreigners could come to appreciate the true beauty of my home country.

I don't remember the name of the place we went snorkeling, but before you could get in, you had to pay a fee and watch a video about how you should be careful with the reef.

Arden's spider

We also finally found a spider.  She looked mean.


The beach was great, even if it was a bit windy, partially cloudy, and higher waves than usual.  Newel and I had fun relaxing, climbing trees, and taking silly photos while Judy and Clarke went snorkeling.


We had some good laughs.

Then it was our turn to go snorkeling.  I was of course a bit scared, but I tried it.  I'm still scared of the water.  After almost hyperventilating and doing some breathing exercises, I calmed down and I enjoyed it.  I was wishing Arden and Maya were there to enjoy it with us. Then, I was bummed since we ran out of time.  The beach was closing.

That was okay, we got dressed and hiked to our car and headed to another beach where the sand was so fine it reminded me of some of the beaches in Florida.
Since it was Judy and Clarke's last day, we wanted to try something "Hawaiian" so off we went to the Rainbow Drive-in (one of the places listed in Dine and Drive) where they served us a typical Hawaiian meal.  It was good, but it wasn't what I expected.   I guess I was expecting something with coconuts and pineapples and pork.  We got rice and eggs and other yummy meats.  It was still good.  I guess sometimes we shouldn't have certain expectations, but be open to whatever may come.