| HA 451
Flight to Sydney - Honolulu Airport 8:00am hello cab to airport 8:40am for 11:40am flight - Arrive Sydney Sunday 25 March 2018, 7:30pm - delayed landing 8.30pm |
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Hawaii Day 15 - Saturday 24 March 2018
Saturday 24 March 2018: Flight back to Sydney
Friday, March 23, 2018
Hawaii Day 14 - Friday 23 March 2018
Friday 23 March 2018: Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian - Lei making
Have breakfast of mee goreng with poached egg, jap chae and chicken wings.
10.30am walk to the Royal Hawaiian SC for the hula lessons, but there is no one there, did we miss it, yes, it was on at 10-11am, we got there at 11am. So we kill time in Kate Spade and I end up buying a wallet and a "aloha" bracelet for Kaylene.
At 12.30pm we go back up to level 3 for lei making and again we get the last spots even though it starts at 1pm. We are shown how to thread the needle and then how to thread the flowers on. We finish at 2pm and wear our leis down to the beach via the hotel. Take photos. Then we head back to the Cheesecake Factory for a late lunch, early dinner.
Get 2 entrees - warm crab with artichoke dip and ahi poke with salad and for mains we get the angel hair pasta with shrimp and the luau salad. Total is $99, but we pay $120 incl. tips.
Check out Macy's, go to the International Marketplace again, go into the Cookie shop and try cookies. The others want to go to Ross, so I walk back to the apartment on my own.
Pack my bags again.
7.30pm Janet, Kaylene and I head out to see the Hilton fireworks again. We get there with 5mins to start time. Watch the fireworks, then make our way slowly back to the apartment.
Janet orders the cab for tomorrow. I checkin online. Continue packing.
Bedtime at 11pm
Have breakfast of mee goreng with poached egg, jap chae and chicken wings.
10.30am walk to the Royal Hawaiian SC for the hula lessons, but there is no one there, did we miss it, yes, it was on at 10-11am, we got there at 11am. So we kill time in Kate Spade and I end up buying a wallet and a "aloha" bracelet for Kaylene.
At 12.30pm we go back up to level 3 for lei making and again we get the last spots even though it starts at 1pm. We are shown how to thread the needle and then how to thread the flowers on. We finish at 2pm and wear our leis down to the beach via the hotel. Take photos. Then we head back to the Cheesecake Factory for a late lunch, early dinner.
Get 2 entrees - warm crab with artichoke dip and ahi poke with salad and for mains we get the angel hair pasta with shrimp and the luau salad. Total is $99, but we pay $120 incl. tips.
Check out Macy's, go to the International Marketplace again, go into the Cookie shop and try cookies. The others want to go to Ross, so I walk back to the apartment on my own.
Pack my bags again.
7.30pm Janet, Kaylene and I head out to see the Hilton fireworks again. We get there with 5mins to start time. Watch the fireworks, then make our way slowly back to the apartment.
Janet orders the cab for tomorrow. I checkin online. Continue packing.
Bedtime at 11pm
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Hawaii Day 13 - Thursday 22 March 2018
Thursday 22 March: Ala Moana Shopping
Sleep in, as it's a cloudy day. Have a late breakfast - a cup of soup with egg, cos lettuce, biscuits and 1/2 a melon cake.
11am, Janet and I head out to AMSC. Lily and Kaylene are still working on packing their bags.
Go into Sand Paper and I buy a silver ring. Wait for the AMSC center stage hula show. Buy keychains, earrings and pendant in the ABC store.
12noon, watch the hula show.
After the show we go into Victoria's Secret - I buy more bras and body lotion and get a free tote and a lingerie bag. Janet goes into Longs Drugstore. Get a message from Kaylene that they are in Victoria Secret after we have just been in the Disney Store. Meet up in VS and then go to the food court for lunch. I get a bun thit nuong with satay chicken and spring rolls, the others get their own food. It is raining very heavily.
After lunch I go in Ann Taylor to have a good look, end up only buying 1 top. Walking past Starbucks, we get our drinks again. I have the hazelnut with coconut milk macchiato - I think I should stick to the refresher or mocha.
Walk into Bed, Bath and Bodyworks - buy some more body lotion and spray mists for Kaylene.
Walk into Sand Paper again and get the rose gold ring, similar to the silver ring.
Rain has ceased as we make our way back via DQ. Buy poke and chicken wings. Walk into the Korean supermarket and buy the crabs and japchae. It's beginning to sprinkle as we make our way back to the apartment.
7.30pm back in the apartment and we have our dinner then continue packing.
Sleep in, as it's a cloudy day. Have a late breakfast - a cup of soup with egg, cos lettuce, biscuits and 1/2 a melon cake.
11am, Janet and I head out to AMSC. Lily and Kaylene are still working on packing their bags.
Go into Sand Paper and I buy a silver ring. Wait for the AMSC center stage hula show. Buy keychains, earrings and pendant in the ABC store.
12noon, watch the hula show.
After the show we go into Victoria's Secret - I buy more bras and body lotion and get a free tote and a lingerie bag. Janet goes into Longs Drugstore. Get a message from Kaylene that they are in Victoria Secret after we have just been in the Disney Store. Meet up in VS and then go to the food court for lunch. I get a bun thit nuong with satay chicken and spring rolls, the others get their own food. It is raining very heavily.
After lunch I go in Ann Taylor to have a good look, end up only buying 1 top. Walking past Starbucks, we get our drinks again. I have the hazelnut with coconut milk macchiato - I think I should stick to the refresher or mocha.
Walk into Bed, Bath and Bodyworks - buy some more body lotion and spray mists for Kaylene.
Walk into Sand Paper again and get the rose gold ring, similar to the silver ring.
Rain has ceased as we make our way back via DQ. Buy poke and chicken wings. Walk into the Korean supermarket and buy the crabs and japchae. It's beginning to sprinkle as we make our way back to the apartment.
7.30pm back in the apartment and we have our dinner then continue packing.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Hawaii Day 12 - Wednesday 21 March 2018
Wednesday 21 March 2018: Waikele Premium Outlets
I have a cup of noodle with egg for breakfast and then we have the malasadas, mochi and a banana.
10am we catch the shuttle bus to the Waikele Outlets for $5 per person. Arrange for the 4.30pm shuttle back.
Get to the outlets and go into Vera Bradley - buy more coin purses. Go into Gap - buy top and t-shirts. In Old Navy I get a denim jacket, a t-shirt and a hoodie. In Kate Spade, we all buy something. I get 2 hand bags and a card purse. In Banana Republic I get a skirt and a top. Buy another bag at Le Sportsac.
4.30pm we line up for the shuttle back at Waikiki. Like everyone else. Ends up they need another bus to take the rest of us. We get off at the Ilikai Hotel and walk back to the apartment at 5.37pm.
I finish off my bag of pork rinds. Janet cooks soup, using chicken bones and pork chops, carrots, watercress. Spinach and sweet potato.
We shower and pack our bags, does it all fit? can we shop for more?
I have a cup of noodle with egg for breakfast and then we have the malasadas, mochi and a banana.
10am we catch the shuttle bus to the Waikele Outlets for $5 per person. Arrange for the 4.30pm shuttle back.
Get to the outlets and go into Vera Bradley - buy more coin purses. Go into Gap - buy top and t-shirts. In Old Navy I get a denim jacket, a t-shirt and a hoodie. In Kate Spade, we all buy something. I get 2 hand bags and a card purse. In Banana Republic I get a skirt and a top. Buy another bag at Le Sportsac.
4.30pm we line up for the shuttle back at Waikiki. Like everyone else. Ends up they need another bus to take the rest of us. We get off at the Ilikai Hotel and walk back to the apartment at 5.37pm.
I finish off my bag of pork rinds. Janet cooks soup, using chicken bones and pork chops, carrots, watercress. Spinach and sweet potato.
We shower and pack our bags, does it all fit? can we shop for more?
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Hawaii Day 11 - Tuesday 20 March 2018
Tuesday 20 March 2018: Waikiki
Sleep in. Have cup of soup with egg, crackers with ham and cheese and cucumber for breakfast.
Walk down to the Royal Hawaiian SC. Go to the Helumoa Hale Guest Services at 11am to get our tickets to the free ukulele lessons at 12 noon. We get the last 3 tickets, so Janet volunteers to miss this one.
Go to Forever 21 to kill time.
12noon we go back to the Guest Services for the ukulele lessons. Everyone given a ukulele and the instructor goes through the basic chords, then take us through Pearly Shells and Tiny Bubbles. Of course, Kaylene picks it up quickly. Lily is ok, but I fumble my way through...so unmusical, plus having long finger nails does not help. But we join in and have some fun.
1.00am we go up to level 3 for the bracelet weaving, called lauhala weaving using pandanas leaves. This is also fun. Because we have joined the class which has already started, they sit us at empty spots on the tables, with the others who are already there. Janet and Lily sit at one table and Kaylene and I at another table. Again lucky to get there when we did, as they turn away people who come later because there is no more room. We are shown the basics and then left to complete the bracelet, although they finish it off for us.
2.00am we go to the food court for lunch. Order food from Panda Express - get golden honey walnut shrimp, chicken mushrooms and noodles. Janet gets a bowl of pho again.
After lunch we walk to the statue of the Duke, take photos. Walk all the way down to the end of the street and the start of the park.
4.00pm Get hot chocolate from Starbucks, as it's getting cooler, to warm us up. Walk back up the street. Go past the Hyatt Regency at 5pm and there is a market taking place, so we check it out. Janet buys a variety of malasadas (3 for $5) and mochi (2 for $5).
6.00pm we are back at the Royal Hawaiian SC - check out the musicians and 1 dancer. Not very entertaining, so we decide to go to the International Marketplace to watch their 7pm show. A lot more interesting.
8.00pm Kaylene gets a colour match at Sephora, we walk past and decide to go in and get it done. Janet and Lily wait outside, then go into Victoria's Secret, while we are in Sephora. Once we are finish we walk back to the apartment. I make a detour and buy garlic shrimp from the food truck.
9.00pm we are back at the apartment. Janet cooks vegies to go with our shrimp and rice.
In bed by 11.30pm
Sleep in. Have cup of soup with egg, crackers with ham and cheese and cucumber for breakfast.
Walk down to the Royal Hawaiian SC. Go to the Helumoa Hale Guest Services at 11am to get our tickets to the free ukulele lessons at 12 noon. We get the last 3 tickets, so Janet volunteers to miss this one.
Go to Forever 21 to kill time.
12noon we go back to the Guest Services for the ukulele lessons. Everyone given a ukulele and the instructor goes through the basic chords, then take us through Pearly Shells and Tiny Bubbles. Of course, Kaylene picks it up quickly. Lily is ok, but I fumble my way through...so unmusical, plus having long finger nails does not help. But we join in and have some fun.
1.00am we go up to level 3 for the bracelet weaving, called lauhala weaving using pandanas leaves. This is also fun. Because we have joined the class which has already started, they sit us at empty spots on the tables, with the others who are already there. Janet and Lily sit at one table and Kaylene and I at another table. Again lucky to get there when we did, as they turn away people who come later because there is no more room. We are shown the basics and then left to complete the bracelet, although they finish it off for us.
2.00am we go to the food court for lunch. Order food from Panda Express - get golden honey walnut shrimp, chicken mushrooms and noodles. Janet gets a bowl of pho again.
After lunch we walk to the statue of the Duke, take photos. Walk all the way down to the end of the street and the start of the park.
4.00pm Get hot chocolate from Starbucks, as it's getting cooler, to warm us up. Walk back up the street. Go past the Hyatt Regency at 5pm and there is a market taking place, so we check it out. Janet buys a variety of malasadas (3 for $5) and mochi (2 for $5).
6.00pm we are back at the Royal Hawaiian SC - check out the musicians and 1 dancer. Not very entertaining, so we decide to go to the International Marketplace to watch their 7pm show. A lot more interesting.
8.00pm Kaylene gets a colour match at Sephora, we walk past and decide to go in and get it done. Janet and Lily wait outside, then go into Victoria's Secret, while we are in Sephora. Once we are finish we walk back to the apartment. I make a detour and buy garlic shrimp from the food truck.
9.00pm we are back at the apartment. Janet cooks vegies to go with our shrimp and rice.
In bed by 11.30pm
Monday, March 19, 2018
Hawaii Day 10 - Monday 19 March 2018
Monday 19 March 2018: Pearl Ridge
Breakfast I have a cup of noodle with egg, ham, cheese, cucumber and crackers with pizza pockets.
Then we head out to catch the "A" city express bus to Pearlridge SC. Go into Sears first to use the toilets. Lily buys a set of bits and drills for Justin - very heavy to carry around all day, but she does.
Then we head to the shoe department - try on shoes, but there isn't any I like. Instead in the jewellery department, I buy 2 bling bracelets and a pair of bling earrings.
Head to the food court for lunch. Janet buys a chicken pho combo (2 spring rolls and drink) and just a plain chicken pho for her and me. Lily also buys pho for her and Kaylene.
Looking for Bed, Bath and Beyond, it's on it it's own, so we head to it via Macy's. I buy Bindy's omelette flipper for $10.99 - it looks like it's been sitting on the shelf for a long time - very dusty.
We then walk back to the bus stop to catch the bus back to AMSC. Go into Target, but don't buy anything. Walk to Walmart instead. Buy souvenir coin purses, tote bags and pork rinds. Walk back to AMSC - go to Old Navy - looking for Evan's shorts - none on special for his size. Buy a top, shorts and 2 scarves. Go into Bloomingdales to redeem our free gift for flying Hawaiian Airlines, which are 2 shoe bags each. Check out Brandy Melville, Gap, Forever 21, Ann Taylor. Some how fashions this season not to my liking. Go back to the food court for dinner.
Kaylene buys a poke bowl from Poke and Box, Lily buys shrimp and steak take away. Walk back to the apartment. Divy out the food. Have the ahi tuna and salmon poke with salad, brown rice, shobuya sauce, sesame sauce, furikame, crab salad, corn and seaweed with shrimp, steak, broccoli, carrot and mashed potatoes. Then have fruit, nashi, nextarine, strawberries, pineapple and rambutan.
Shower and in bed by 11.20pm
Breakfast I have a cup of noodle with egg, ham, cheese, cucumber and crackers with pizza pockets.
Then we head out to catch the "A" city express bus to Pearlridge SC. Go into Sears first to use the toilets. Lily buys a set of bits and drills for Justin - very heavy to carry around all day, but she does.
Then we head to the shoe department - try on shoes, but there isn't any I like. Instead in the jewellery department, I buy 2 bling bracelets and a pair of bling earrings.
Head to the food court for lunch. Janet buys a chicken pho combo (2 spring rolls and drink) and just a plain chicken pho for her and me. Lily also buys pho for her and Kaylene.
Looking for Bed, Bath and Beyond, it's on it it's own, so we head to it via Macy's. I buy Bindy's omelette flipper for $10.99 - it looks like it's been sitting on the shelf for a long time - very dusty.
We then walk back to the bus stop to catch the bus back to AMSC. Go into Target, but don't buy anything. Walk to Walmart instead. Buy souvenir coin purses, tote bags and pork rinds. Walk back to AMSC - go to Old Navy - looking for Evan's shorts - none on special for his size. Buy a top, shorts and 2 scarves. Go into Bloomingdales to redeem our free gift for flying Hawaiian Airlines, which are 2 shoe bags each. Check out Brandy Melville, Gap, Forever 21, Ann Taylor. Some how fashions this season not to my liking. Go back to the food court for dinner.
Kaylene buys a poke bowl from Poke and Box, Lily buys shrimp and steak take away. Walk back to the apartment. Divy out the food. Have the ahi tuna and salmon poke with salad, brown rice, shobuya sauce, sesame sauce, furikame, crab salad, corn and seaweed with shrimp, steak, broccoli, carrot and mashed potatoes. Then have fruit, nashi, nextarine, strawberries, pineapple and rambutan.
Shower and in bed by 11.20pm
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Hawaii Day 9 - Sunday 18 March 2018
Sunday 18 March 2018: Ward Centre, AMSC
After breakfast we walk to the Ward Centre to check out Bed, Bath and Beyond - looking for Bindy's omelette flipper. They don't have any in stock, so I ask if they can find out which store would have it. They search and find one at Pearl Ridge which I ask them to put on hold for me.
We look through the specialty shops at the centre. I buy a bag of taro chips for $6.
Go into Famous Footwear - don't expect to buy anything but end up buying 2 shoes, a pair of crocs and a black elastic strap wedge (kind of dressy). Continue walking, heading away from the centre, we stop at Starbucks - get a strawberry refresher, and drinks for the others. Discover there is a Ross close by, so we head to Ross. Shop in Ross, but I don't see anything I like. Lily buys stuff.
Walk back to the centre and Nordstrom Rack via a back street and stumble across a huge wall graffiti - so nice and colourful "Aloha". A wedding party has also stopped here to take photos, so we wait for them to finish before we take our photos.
Go into Nordstrom Rack - nothing to buy. Go into TJ Maxx - again nothing to buy. So we walk back to AMSC.
Head to the Japanese Shirokiya food court for dinner.
I buy a garlic shrimp plate, spicy salmon poke bowl, and 5 pieces of gyozas to share with Kaylene. Janet buys ramen with tempura and Lily buys beef ramen.
7.50pm head to Old Navy - but the shop is about to close, so we walk back via Target. Lily and Janey shop some more. I don't have anything to buy.
Walk back to the apartment.
After breakfast we walk to the Ward Centre to check out Bed, Bath and Beyond - looking for Bindy's omelette flipper. They don't have any in stock, so I ask if they can find out which store would have it. They search and find one at Pearl Ridge which I ask them to put on hold for me.
We look through the specialty shops at the centre. I buy a bag of taro chips for $6.
Go into Famous Footwear - don't expect to buy anything but end up buying 2 shoes, a pair of crocs and a black elastic strap wedge (kind of dressy). Continue walking, heading away from the centre, we stop at Starbucks - get a strawberry refresher, and drinks for the others. Discover there is a Ross close by, so we head to Ross. Shop in Ross, but I don't see anything I like. Lily buys stuff.
Walk back to the centre and Nordstrom Rack via a back street and stumble across a huge wall graffiti - so nice and colourful "Aloha". A wedding party has also stopped here to take photos, so we wait for them to finish before we take our photos.
Go into Nordstrom Rack - nothing to buy. Go into TJ Maxx - again nothing to buy. So we walk back to AMSC.
Head to the Japanese Shirokiya food court for dinner.
I buy a garlic shrimp plate, spicy salmon poke bowl, and 5 pieces of gyozas to share with Kaylene. Janet buys ramen with tempura and Lily buys beef ramen.
7.50pm head to Old Navy - but the shop is about to close, so we walk back via Target. Lily and Janey shop some more. I don't have anything to buy.
Walk back to the apartment.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Hawaii Day 8 - Saturday 17 March 2018
Saturday 17 March 2018: Waikiki
Cut up another pineapple which we had bought at DQ.
Late breakfast, 1/2 a char siu bau, salad with ham, biscuits, pizza pockets.
11am we head out and walk towards Waikiki. Look in Tommy Bahamas - nice dresses but so are the prices. Also look in Brandy Melville - but I think I'm getting too old for this fashion brand, more for Kaylene.
I head to check out the Pau Hana Marketplace - food trucks at Beachwalk. Looks promising - will have to come back. Continue walking via Imperial Hotel and Starbucks, buy 3 ice teas and mocha frappacino.
12 noon. Head to the kerb opposite Longs Drugstore to find a spot to watch St Patrick's day parade. Some people have gotten into the spirit - dressing in green. Watch the parade go by, marching bands, cars and trolleys. People handing out goodies - we manage to get some green bead necklaces.
12.30pm the parade is over. Kaylene wants to go to the Duke statue to take more photos but we end up walking into Ross instead. I buy 2 pairs of shoes. Two hours later, Kaylene needs to pee, so we finally leave Ross and head to the International Marketplace and use the toilets there.
I want to buy food from the food trucks, so we head back to the Pau Hana Marketplace at 3.30pm. I buy a garlic shrimp with rice, salad and macaroni salad for $15.70 as well as a plain garlic shrimp with salad for $12.55. Kaylene buys a combination tacos of 3 - chicken, beef and shrimp and Lily buys fried chicken and chips with 2 canned soft drinks. We eat our late lunch at the tables provided.
Walk back to the apartment.
5.30pm, Kaylene and I head to the beach. This time I go in for a dip and we just sun ourselves. People watch. The sun is going down. Janet and Lily go to DQ.
6.45pm we watch the sunset at the beach. Take photos, before heading back to the apartment to have our showers.
8.40pm, Lily and Janet arrive back from grocery shopping. They have bought Vietnamese wrappers, and 1/2 a roast chicken with vegies - carrots, lettuce, cucumber. So we have viet rice paper rolls for dinner.
11.20pm bedtime.
Cut up another pineapple which we had bought at DQ.
Late breakfast, 1/2 a char siu bau, salad with ham, biscuits, pizza pockets.
11am we head out and walk towards Waikiki. Look in Tommy Bahamas - nice dresses but so are the prices. Also look in Brandy Melville - but I think I'm getting too old for this fashion brand, more for Kaylene.
I head to check out the Pau Hana Marketplace - food trucks at Beachwalk. Looks promising - will have to come back. Continue walking via Imperial Hotel and Starbucks, buy 3 ice teas and mocha frappacino.
12 noon. Head to the kerb opposite Longs Drugstore to find a spot to watch St Patrick's day parade. Some people have gotten into the spirit - dressing in green. Watch the parade go by, marching bands, cars and trolleys. People handing out goodies - we manage to get some green bead necklaces.
12.30pm the parade is over. Kaylene wants to go to the Duke statue to take more photos but we end up walking into Ross instead. I buy 2 pairs of shoes. Two hours later, Kaylene needs to pee, so we finally leave Ross and head to the International Marketplace and use the toilets there.
I want to buy food from the food trucks, so we head back to the Pau Hana Marketplace at 3.30pm. I buy a garlic shrimp with rice, salad and macaroni salad for $15.70 as well as a plain garlic shrimp with salad for $12.55. Kaylene buys a combination tacos of 3 - chicken, beef and shrimp and Lily buys fried chicken and chips with 2 canned soft drinks. We eat our late lunch at the tables provided.
Walk back to the apartment.
5.30pm, Kaylene and I head to the beach. This time I go in for a dip and we just sun ourselves. People watch. The sun is going down. Janet and Lily go to DQ.
6.45pm we watch the sunset at the beach. Take photos, before heading back to the apartment to have our showers.
8.40pm, Lily and Janet arrive back from grocery shopping. They have bought Vietnamese wrappers, and 1/2 a roast chicken with vegies - carrots, lettuce, cucumber. So we have viet rice paper rolls for dinner.
11.20pm bedtime.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Hawaii Day 7 - Friday 16 March 2018
Friday 16 March 2018: Diamond Head
Have breakfast.
8am we catch the bus to the Diamond Head State Monument. Get off the bus at the entrance to the park. Here we have to walk up and into the crater. Not too bad a walk. Get to the entry booths and pay our $1 each entry fee.
Toilet break for some, before we begin our hike to the top. Lily and Janet need to rest before the 99 steep steps and then again at the spiral staircase. Kaylene forges ahead with me following. I rest in the bunker, waiting for Lily and Janet to tackle the spiral staircase.
We take photos of the great views. It's a beautiful day. Lots of people up top too. Has changed since we last came. Doesn't look like the same bunker that we looked out of. But at least now you can hike around the top.
Find a spot to sit and eat our sweet potato, cucumbers and carrots whilst enjoying the view. Looks like there is another trail which loops down - no steps here and would be easier to come up this way. This wasn't here the last time we came.
At the bottom, we fill up our water bottles. Another pee break. I buy a souvenir pin for $2.95.
Decide to buy shave ice for $4 - 2 flavours, watermelon and passionfruit. Eat out shave ice and walk back to the bus stop.
Decide to catch the bus to Kahala Mall.
At the mall, we have lunch at Taco Bell.
Shop in Banana Republic. I buy 2 long sleeve shirts. Also shop in Ross and buy an aloha singlet top and a dressy dress.
Catch bus 23 back to Waikiki, Saratoga Road bus stop.
Walk back to the apartment.
6pm we walk to the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach and pick a spot to watch the fireworks which are on at 7.45pm.
8pm we walk back to the apartment. Stop at 7-eleven which is just outside our apartment and which we always walk past without going in. They have pre-packaged foods, as well as cooked meals. Lily and Janet buys a bowl of pho each, salads and I get a drink.
We eat at the apartment our pho bowls with broccoli, spinach, soup. I also have a cup of soup with egg.
Have breakfast.
8am we catch the bus to the Diamond Head State Monument. Get off the bus at the entrance to the park. Here we have to walk up and into the crater. Not too bad a walk. Get to the entry booths and pay our $1 each entry fee.
Toilet break for some, before we begin our hike to the top. Lily and Janet need to rest before the 99 steep steps and then again at the spiral staircase. Kaylene forges ahead with me following. I rest in the bunker, waiting for Lily and Janet to tackle the spiral staircase.
We take photos of the great views. It's a beautiful day. Lots of people up top too. Has changed since we last came. Doesn't look like the same bunker that we looked out of. But at least now you can hike around the top.
Find a spot to sit and eat our sweet potato, cucumbers and carrots whilst enjoying the view. Looks like there is another trail which loops down - no steps here and would be easier to come up this way. This wasn't here the last time we came.
At the bottom, we fill up our water bottles. Another pee break. I buy a souvenir pin for $2.95.
Decide to buy shave ice for $4 - 2 flavours, watermelon and passionfruit. Eat out shave ice and walk back to the bus stop.
Decide to catch the bus to Kahala Mall.
At the mall, we have lunch at Taco Bell.
Shop in Banana Republic. I buy 2 long sleeve shirts. Also shop in Ross and buy an aloha singlet top and a dressy dress.
Catch bus 23 back to Waikiki, Saratoga Road bus stop.
Walk back to the apartment.
6pm we walk to the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach and pick a spot to watch the fireworks which are on at 7.45pm.
8pm we walk back to the apartment. Stop at 7-eleven which is just outside our apartment and which we always walk past without going in. They have pre-packaged foods, as well as cooked meals. Lily and Janet buys a bowl of pho each, salads and I get a drink.
We eat at the apartment our pho bowls with broccoli, spinach, soup. I also have a cup of soup with egg.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Hawaii Day 6 - Thursday 15 March 2018
Thursday 15 March 2018: Waikiki Beach
6.30am wakeup
8.30am walk to the beach with Kaylene.
9am we pick a spot on the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian and sun ourselves. Kaylene goes for a dip, while I just watch.
10am we walk back to the apartment. Stop at Starbucks along the way to buy a grande shaken ice tea lemonade with passio tea and a mocha frappacino.
10.45am back at apartment, we stop at level 5 pool deck. I go in for a dip, while she sun bakes.
11am back at the apartment. we shower, have a char siu bun and egg tart.
12.10pm we head out to AMSC. But go to Target first. I buy a top, shorts, singlet tops, and itchy cream, since I now have flea bites.
Go into Vera Bradley. Buy coin purses.
Go into Williams Sonoma - end up buying a spiralizer, spatula, peelers.
Time for late lunch. Kaylene and I buy a large poke bowl to share - tuna, salmon and shrimp with salad, cucumber, spring onion and sesame dressing.
I also buy a garlic scampi with pasta from Blue Water Shrimp.
4.40pm after lunch we go shopping at Ross.
6.19pm and we are still in Ross.
Walk to Farmland Foods - Lily buys some hams. We check out the Japanese foodcourt, across the parking lot, but don't buy anything - still full, but will come back another day.
Walk back to Target where Janet buys some fruit, bananas, ham, cheese, pizza pockets.
Walk back to the apartment.
6.30am wakeup
8.30am walk to the beach with Kaylene.
9am we pick a spot on the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian and sun ourselves. Kaylene goes for a dip, while I just watch.
10am we walk back to the apartment. Stop at Starbucks along the way to buy a grande shaken ice tea lemonade with passio tea and a mocha frappacino.
10.45am back at apartment, we stop at level 5 pool deck. I go in for a dip, while she sun bakes.
11am back at the apartment. we shower, have a char siu bun and egg tart.
12.10pm we head out to AMSC. But go to Target first. I buy a top, shorts, singlet tops, and itchy cream, since I now have flea bites.
Go into Vera Bradley. Buy coin purses.
Go into Williams Sonoma - end up buying a spiralizer, spatula, peelers.
Time for late lunch. Kaylene and I buy a large poke bowl to share - tuna, salmon and shrimp with salad, cucumber, spring onion and sesame dressing.
I also buy a garlic scampi with pasta from Blue Water Shrimp.
4.40pm after lunch we go shopping at Ross.
6.19pm and we are still in Ross.
Walk to Farmland Foods - Lily buys some hams. We check out the Japanese foodcourt, across the parking lot, but don't buy anything - still full, but will come back another day.
Walk back to Target where Janet buys some fruit, bananas, ham, cheese, pizza pockets.
Walk back to the apartment.
Hawaii Day 5 - Wednesday 14 March 2018
Wednesday 14 March 2018: Arizona Memorial
We need to get up early to catch the bus to take us to the Arizona Memorial. So we are all up at 6.30pm to get ready and out the door at 7.30am.
Walk to the bus stop to catch the 42 Bus to the memorial at 7.46am
Get there in time to get the free tickets for the 9.15am tour. We first watch a 20min film before boarding the navy shuttle to the memorial. Given just enough time to take photos, watch the oil bubbling to the surface, before we have to get back onto the shuttle, so the next group can do the same thing.
Back on mainland, we check out the museums and exhibits. Take lots of photos.
10.41am Catch the bus back to Waikiki, but get off at Chinatown to have Pho for lunch at Pho To-Chau. Check out what is left of the market stalls.
It starts to rain while we are at the Maunakea Marketplace. Walk past the Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery and buy some char siu baus, egg tarts, lotus buns. The char siu buns are so delicious when freshly baked. We also buy some joong.
Catch the bus back to Waikiki. And eat our buns.
We have the joong with vegies for dinner.
After dinner, we walk down to Waikiki and take photos along the main avenue.
We need to get up early to catch the bus to take us to the Arizona Memorial. So we are all up at 6.30pm to get ready and out the door at 7.30am.
Walk to the bus stop to catch the 42 Bus to the memorial at 7.46am
Get there in time to get the free tickets for the 9.15am tour. We first watch a 20min film before boarding the navy shuttle to the memorial. Given just enough time to take photos, watch the oil bubbling to the surface, before we have to get back onto the shuttle, so the next group can do the same thing.
Back on mainland, we check out the museums and exhibits. Take lots of photos.
10.41am Catch the bus back to Waikiki, but get off at Chinatown to have Pho for lunch at Pho To-Chau. Check out what is left of the market stalls.
It starts to rain while we are at the Maunakea Marketplace. Walk past the Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery and buy some char siu baus, egg tarts, lotus buns. The char siu buns are so delicious when freshly baked. We also buy some joong.
Catch the bus back to Waikiki. And eat our buns.
We have the joong with vegies for dinner.
After dinner, we walk down to Waikiki and take photos along the main avenue.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Hawaii Day 4 - Tuesday 13 March 2018
Tuesday 13 March 2018 - Waikiki, International Marketplace
10am I have a bowl of instant noodles for breakfast.
11am we head out towards Waikiki. Go to the Post Office first so I can send my postcard back to work, and Janet sends one to Fiona. Stamps are $1.15 each.
12.30pm at International Marketplace. They have renovated the place and it is now no longer seedy. Instead they have the upmarket shops like AMSC. Go up and have a look around and I end up in Pandora. Buy Pandora charms which are distinctly Hawaiian.
2.20pm walk into Hollister and end up buying some clothes here.
3.15pm we go to the Food Hall for late lunch/early dinner. I buy the 3 taco plate, with chips and guacamole. Janet buys herself something and Lily and Kaylene buy a roast plate.
4.30pm we shop in Nordstrom Rack. I buy more clothes, summer work tops and some more jewellery.
7.54pm we are in Maccas. KC buys 4 McChickens for $1 each and large fries for $7.
8.48pm back at apartment to eat our takeout Maccas.
10am I have a bowl of instant noodles for breakfast.
11am we head out towards Waikiki. Go to the Post Office first so I can send my postcard back to work, and Janet sends one to Fiona. Stamps are $1.15 each.
12.30pm at International Marketplace. They have renovated the place and it is now no longer seedy. Instead they have the upmarket shops like AMSC. Go up and have a look around and I end up in Pandora. Buy Pandora charms which are distinctly Hawaiian.
2.20pm walk into Hollister and end up buying some clothes here.
3.15pm we go to the Food Hall for late lunch/early dinner. I buy the 3 taco plate, with chips and guacamole. Janet buys herself something and Lily and Kaylene buy a roast plate.
4.30pm we shop in Nordstrom Rack. I buy more clothes, summer work tops and some more jewellery.
7.54pm we are in Maccas. KC buys 4 McChickens for $1 each and large fries for $7.
8.48pm back at apartment to eat our takeout Maccas.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Hawaii Day 3 - Monday 12 March 2018
Monday 12 March 2018 - Korean Supermarket, DQ, AMSC
7am I am woken by some rustling at the door. So I update my diary.
7.39am others are still sleeping.
9.30am still in bed.
10.30am eating breakfast. A cup of soup with egg cracked in it and microwaved. Biscuits and slices of turkey meat.
11.30am After everyone is up and has eaten, we head out the door. Walk to the Korean supermarket which is next door to DQ. Check out what they have - they also sell prepared foods.
12.21pm We are eating outside DQ. LC bought jap chae, spicy rice cake with pork from the Korean supermarket. I buy takoyaki for $10.26.
1.19pm we are grocery shopping in DQ. Janet pays with cash for the groceries.
3.30pm walk back to the apartment. We eat the spam musubi, poke bowl, bento box which was bought at DQ and the cut up pineapple.
4.30pm we head out again to AMSC.
5.00pm at Sephora, KC buys her cosmetics. Then we go to Banana Republic, I buy several outfits.
7.20pm we have walked to Walmart and are shopping here until 10pm. I get another SD card for my camera $19.65. Janet pays for the rest of the stuff with her credit card.
10.30pm we are back at the apartment.
Have our showers, eat fruit, peaches, strawberries and mini oreo cookies.
12.05am in bed.
7am I am woken by some rustling at the door. So I update my diary.
7.39am others are still sleeping.
9.30am still in bed.
10.30am eating breakfast. A cup of soup with egg cracked in it and microwaved. Biscuits and slices of turkey meat.
11.30am After everyone is up and has eaten, we head out the door. Walk to the Korean supermarket which is next door to DQ. Check out what they have - they also sell prepared foods.
12.21pm We are eating outside DQ. LC bought jap chae, spicy rice cake with pork from the Korean supermarket. I buy takoyaki for $10.26.
1.19pm we are grocery shopping in DQ. Janet pays with cash for the groceries.
3.30pm walk back to the apartment. We eat the spam musubi, poke bowl, bento box which was bought at DQ and the cut up pineapple.
4.30pm we head out again to AMSC.
5.00pm at Sephora, KC buys her cosmetics. Then we go to Banana Republic, I buy several outfits.
7.20pm we have walked to Walmart and are shopping here until 10pm. I get another SD card for my camera $19.65. Janet pays for the rest of the stuff with her credit card.
10.30pm we are back at the apartment.
Have our showers, eat fruit, peaches, strawberries and mini oreo cookies.
12.05am in bed.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Hawaii Day 2 - Sunday 11 March 2018
Sunday 11 March 2018 - Honolulu Festival
7.30am and we get woken up by Mark calling Lily.
It's cloudy and overcast, so continue to sleep in.
10am get up. Janet and Kaylene are still sleeping. Lily is also awake. I have a cup of soup and some vita wheat for breakfast.
11.30am, the others are up and have eaten and we head out to the Convention Centre to check out day 2 of the Honolulu Festival. They have lion dancers performing on the stage outside. We go in to use the toilet and get distracted by the food. End up buying 2 Kahlua pork sliders for US$16 and okonomiyaki crinkle cut fries smothered in gravy for US$8, as well as 2 soft drinks for $8. Total of US$32. Janet and Kaylene have found a table and are waiting for Lily and I with the food. We sit and eat. Check out the stalls again. We buy preserved peaches (this is yummy) and plums (too sour) $22. Kaylene visits the jewellery store which I bought my necklace from and we buy 4 rings at $10 each and a pair of earrings for KC for $15. Go back outside and there are ladies modelling the runway in fantastic outfits.
We then head to Food Pantry. Lily and Kaylene buy biscuits, Janet buys milk and eggs. We then head back to the apartment to put the milk and eggs in the fridge before heading back out again.
Head towards the Beach Walk to see performances on the stage, but there are only 2 Japanese ladies playing classical Japanese instruments and singing opera. So we head to the Royal Hawaiian SC. Stop at Starbucks, to buy refreshers for Kaylene and myself. Walk through the Royal Hawaiian SC. Check out street view from up top, looking for a good vantage point for the parade. Palm trees are in the way. I suggest we sit on the kerb in front of the brochure bins, but no comment, so we keep walking.
3.30pm and eventually we pick a spot on the grass verge in front of the Duke and wait for the parade. Lily goes into the closest ABC store to buy a fold up mat for us to sit on.
4.30pm the parade has finally made it's way down to where we are sitting. Most performers look tired already, but are still dancing they still have a bit a way to go, ending at Kapiolani Park. Watch the parade until the end.
7.00pm Finally the end of the parade. So we go to the International Marketplace to find somewhere to eat. Everywhere is busy. Even the fast food section in the upstairs area has queues. We end up buying subway - 2 x seafood sensations for $19.25. Walk back to the beach to find a spot to watch the fireworks.
8.00pm we've plonked ourselves down on the sand, lucky we have the mat and tuck into our subs.
8.30pm the fireworks are scheduled to start. It goes for 15 mins. They did look spectacular. Was waiting for.
So many people on the beach. We need to file out, but it is very orderly. We check out the food court under the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, but JT and LC not committed.
9.00pm walk into Ross and shop. JT and KC buy slip ons and a top.
10.00pm we walk back to the apartment. Shop in an ABC store along the way. LC buys a pineapple.
11.00pm take turns having our showers. Have some pineapple.
1.00am go to sleep.
7.30am and we get woken up by Mark calling Lily.
It's cloudy and overcast, so continue to sleep in.
10am get up. Janet and Kaylene are still sleeping. Lily is also awake. I have a cup of soup and some vita wheat for breakfast.
11.30am, the others are up and have eaten and we head out to the Convention Centre to check out day 2 of the Honolulu Festival. They have lion dancers performing on the stage outside. We go in to use the toilet and get distracted by the food. End up buying 2 Kahlua pork sliders for US$16 and okonomiyaki crinkle cut fries smothered in gravy for US$8, as well as 2 soft drinks for $8. Total of US$32. Janet and Kaylene have found a table and are waiting for Lily and I with the food. We sit and eat. Check out the stalls again. We buy preserved peaches (this is yummy) and plums (too sour) $22. Kaylene visits the jewellery store which I bought my necklace from and we buy 4 rings at $10 each and a pair of earrings for KC for $15. Go back outside and there are ladies modelling the runway in fantastic outfits.
We then head to Food Pantry. Lily and Kaylene buy biscuits, Janet buys milk and eggs. We then head back to the apartment to put the milk and eggs in the fridge before heading back out again.
Head towards the Beach Walk to see performances on the stage, but there are only 2 Japanese ladies playing classical Japanese instruments and singing opera. So we head to the Royal Hawaiian SC. Stop at Starbucks, to buy refreshers for Kaylene and myself. Walk through the Royal Hawaiian SC. Check out street view from up top, looking for a good vantage point for the parade. Palm trees are in the way. I suggest we sit on the kerb in front of the brochure bins, but no comment, so we keep walking.
3.30pm and eventually we pick a spot on the grass verge in front of the Duke and wait for the parade. Lily goes into the closest ABC store to buy a fold up mat for us to sit on.
4.30pm the parade has finally made it's way down to where we are sitting. Most performers look tired already, but are still dancing they still have a bit a way to go, ending at Kapiolani Park. Watch the parade until the end.
7.00pm Finally the end of the parade. So we go to the International Marketplace to find somewhere to eat. Everywhere is busy. Even the fast food section in the upstairs area has queues. We end up buying subway - 2 x seafood sensations for $19.25. Walk back to the beach to find a spot to watch the fireworks.
8.00pm we've plonked ourselves down on the sand, lucky we have the mat and tuck into our subs.
8.30pm the fireworks are scheduled to start. It goes for 15 mins. They did look spectacular. Was waiting for.
So many people on the beach. We need to file out, but it is very orderly. We check out the food court under the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, but JT and LC not committed.
9.00pm walk into Ross and shop. JT and KC buy slip ons and a top.
10.00pm we walk back to the apartment. Shop in an ABC store along the way. LC buys a pineapple.
11.00pm take turns having our showers. Have some pineapple.
1.00am go to sleep.
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Hawaii Day 1 - Saturday 10 March 2018
Saturday 10 March 2018
Flight to Hawaii
Got dropped off by Nathan at 6.30pm for our 9.40pm flight to Honolulu.
Self checkin and check bags in at counter. Go through immigrations and security. Need to be drug swabbed.
Have Maccas for dinner. before boarding.
8.50pm the gate is open.
10pm we are on board and taking off.
I watch the movie: Christopher Robin.
10.40pm our meals are served. I have the chicken pesto wrap with apple slices, shortbread biscuit and POG.
Arrived in Honolulu 10.40am Sat morning. Go through immigration with no problems. Pick up our bags. Kaylene calls Hello Cabs - using Janet's phone and Janet arranges a pickup, which was pretty quick, except we were waiting in the wrong spot.
12.56pm we are at the apartment 3708a.
Drop off at AirBnb apartment. Followed emailed directions to get the key. Had problems with it in the lift, but someone else was going up, so we pressed our floor 38 and got up to the floor. But when we tried the key in the door, it wouldn't open. Had 2 keys and they both didn't work. Lucky for us, there is actually someone in the other adjoining apartment who knows the owner and gives her a call. She ends up giving us her key card to use. We arrange a card swap the next day.
We all have a nap.
4.25pm, we head out to the Honolulu Festival. I buy an "Aloha"necklace for US$22. After checking out the stalls at the festival, we walk to Ala Moana SC.
6.52pm we have dinner at the Lanai Sobaya for US$55. Hot soba noodles x 2, hot udon noodles, karage don buri, karage (9) and mixed tempura.
After eating we go shopping. Kaylene gets a US SIM card for her phone for US$30.
I buy 2 x Alex & Ani bracelets for US$205.24 and some Alex & Ani charms for US$18.85, whilst waiting for her. Go to Old Navy and as it's cooler than we expected, we buy some warmer clothes. I buy an Old Navy logo sweat $15.99 and a sweater for $14.
Walk back to the apartment at 10:25pm
Flight to Hawaii
Got dropped off by Nathan at 6.30pm for our 9.40pm flight to Honolulu.
Self checkin and check bags in at counter. Go through immigrations and security. Need to be drug swabbed.
Have Maccas for dinner. before boarding.
8.50pm the gate is open.
10pm we are on board and taking off.
I watch the movie: Christopher Robin.
10.40pm our meals are served. I have the chicken pesto wrap with apple slices, shortbread biscuit and POG.
Arrived in Honolulu 10.40am Sat morning. Go through immigration with no problems. Pick up our bags. Kaylene calls Hello Cabs - using Janet's phone and Janet arranges a pickup, which was pretty quick, except we were waiting in the wrong spot.
12.56pm we are at the apartment 3708a.
Drop off at AirBnb apartment. Followed emailed directions to get the key. Had problems with it in the lift, but someone else was going up, so we pressed our floor 38 and got up to the floor. But when we tried the key in the door, it wouldn't open. Had 2 keys and they both didn't work. Lucky for us, there is actually someone in the other adjoining apartment who knows the owner and gives her a call. She ends up giving us her key card to use. We arrange a card swap the next day.
We all have a nap.
4.25pm, we head out to the Honolulu Festival. I buy an "Aloha"necklace for US$22. After checking out the stalls at the festival, we walk to Ala Moana SC.
6.52pm we have dinner at the Lanai Sobaya for US$55. Hot soba noodles x 2, hot udon noodles, karage don buri, karage (9) and mixed tempura.
After eating we go shopping. Kaylene gets a US SIM card for her phone for US$30.
I buy 2 x Alex & Ani bracelets for US$205.24 and some Alex & Ani charms for US$18.85, whilst waiting for her. Go to Old Navy and as it's cooler than we expected, we buy some warmer clothes. I buy an Old Navy logo sweat $15.99 and a sweater for $14.
Walk back to the apartment at 10:25pm
Saturday, March 3, 2018
China Fun Festival at Burwood Park
Saturday 3 March 2018
Janet and Kaylene go to pick Fiona up at 2.30pm
Lily, A. Cath, Evan and I walk to Burwood Park to check out the China Fun Festival.
Janet and Kaylene go to pick Fiona up at 2.30pm
Lily, A. Cath, Evan and I walk to Burwood Park to check out the China Fun Festival.
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