And we're back

In true Murray Steenblik fashion Aaron and I did Oahu right. We were able to see all the island has to offer. We loved every minute of it. We both have never been big on going to Hawaii, I had never been and I have to admit I always wanted what I thought was more adventurous. I have always thought if I am going to pay money I want to see a new culture and get a totally different experience. With that being said I LOVE OAHU and I want to go again...NOW. I loved how easy everything was. We rented a jeep and went around the whole dang island many times. It was clean, good food, and accessibility. It would be correct to say that Oahu changed my mind, sometimes it is nice to be a bit more comfortable while traveling.

We flew in on Saturday and spent the day at the hotel settling in.

Sunday we started bright and early (let me just say our plan was to do nothing that day) and headed to Haunama Bay to snorkel. It was fabulous. We saw tons of amazing fish, a 6 foot moray eel (not my highlight but Aaron was stoked), and of course a nice Hawiian sea turtle. We then hiked Diamond Head and soaked in a great view of the big city.




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Monday we went straight to the North Shore and how happy I am that we did. We snorkled at Shark's Cove which was incredible. I thought Sunday was the coolest until I snorkeled Monday. Again huge fish in this amazing cove that honestly looked like a movie set underwater. The ocean was FLAT, like a bay and we couldn't have hit it right on the money that morning. After snorkeling we got some treat's at Ted's Bakery, which we frequented many more times. Then to Waimea Bay we went. Again some snorkeling with a ginormous sea turtle which we just hovered over for about 15 minutes watching it eat on the bottom of the ocean and then it decided to show of a bit and swim around us. We went to go out to these spinning dolphin but when we had swam out they had left. They were putting on an amazing show. We spent the night in the North Shore until just after Sunset which we enjoyed at none other than Sunset Beach.






Tuesday was another filled day again, which I am sure does not surprise you. We hiked Maunawilli Falls which was excellent, hot, sweaty and fun. We then went continued our journey in the area to Lanikai beach. We rented stand up paddle boards and played in the sun for the good part of the day. We paddle boarded out to an island which was pretty rad. The ocean was so clear and beautiful. Most of these pics are on waterproof cam so will upload at a later date.




Wednesday we actually did chill a bit in the am at the hotel and went to the beach at our hotel for a little while. Then it was time to head up to the Laie to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was super rad. We went 2 hours before our Luau which was the perfect amount of time. After the Luau we had the most excellent surprise. We took the tram to the temple which has been completely renovated and was going to start its open house on Friday. We went up the steps and a man offered to give us a private tour right then and there. Truly amazing. The temple was beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. It was such a treat to get a one on one tour with the man who oversees every temple construction and remodel, he shared all the little details with us. After that he drove us back to the polynesian cultural center so we would not miss the show. We watched a great show and enjoyed the evening. We decided to take the round around the top of the island past the north shore as swell reached 15 feet that day (remember monday the swell was 0 feet). We sat on the beach in the dark with the moonlight and watched huge waves crashing.




Thursday we headed to Pearl Harbor which was pretty interesting. Did you know that the USS Arizona still leaks oil (tears of the victims as they refer to it), they say it could take up to 200 years after the attack to completely drain. It was really cool and they told us that those who did not die the day of the attack on the ship have their ashes taken into the boat when they die to be with their friends. Love the loyalty. After Pearl Harbor we went back to the hotel and relaxed a bit and went to a movie.



Friday we hit up the North Shore again as it really is I think one of our most favorite places on this earth. We checked out Sharks Cove yet it was still too big of swell to snorkel. So we went back to Waimea Bay which still had waves but calm enough to still play around, which we did. We then drove to the other side of the North Shore near Laie and went to this awesome secluded beach park that was kind of tucked in the woods. It was crazy cool. We then picked up some treats from Ted's and watched sunset at Sunset Beach.








Saturday was our last day and we decided to vedge out at the pool. It was a brilliant way to end our trip. We hit the island hard for 7 days so it was good to end with some relaxation. We went to another movie and headed into Honolulu for some excellent food and SideStreet Inn and got back on the plan to our life back in LA.

Not mentioned in here are the fabulous meals we had. We really did eat good food, which of course should not be much of a surprise as we are foodies. We went to some of the most yummiest places we had ever eaten thanks to Food Network Suggestions and those from friends. Ted's, Helena's, Motsumoto's, Side Street Inn, Grass Skirt Grill were all excellent!!!

I am so thankful that we were able to go on this vacation. We really did need it. We figured that 2 years is the point where it is time for a long break. Of course weekend trips help but a good week away from work and responsibilities does the body good...pretty sure is better for me than milk. I have to give a special thanks to the Murray's for giving us a week of their timeshare (Marriott Ko Olina, it was great with the most excellent lagoons and pools) and to Jeff and Rachel Nelson and Jer for taking such good care of our kiddos so we could get away.

I feel like a new person.