Donny and I visited O'ahu for our honeymoon. We decided to only stay on one island and do everything we wanted, not worrying about missing something to get to the next island. Our first day there was more of a half day. We got the rental car, checked into the Hale Koa, and changed from cold weather clothes into something more comfortable. We wanted to explore the area so we walked around to find a place for supper. We tried a place called Duke's and it was AMAZING! I had fresh lobster and Don had chicken of some sort.
The next day we went to Pearl Harbor. It was such an incredible experience for both of us. No one can fully comprehend what happened that day, but to be there and read how it happened puts things in perspective a bit. As much as I understand the need to maintain and/or restore the monuments, Pearl Harbor is part of our nation's history and I think every part of it should be free of charge.
After touring Pearl Harbor, we drove over to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. AWESOME!! We had NO IDEA that pineapples were grown underground. If you drive north of the plantation there are pineapple fields as far as the eye can see. The garden they have is amazing, but I'm sure it's even better when all plants are in bloom! While we were there, we saw a demonstration of how to pick a pineapple, cut it, and taste it. Donny actually ate a piece and enjoyed it! Many people will be surprised by that fact.
The next day we had breakfast with Corrie and Scott (who live on the island), after which we drove up to the North Shore. We played in the sand a bit, took pictures, and had lunch at a decent pizza joint.
While we were up north, we went to Waialua Sugar and Coffee Mill and learned how coffee beans are turned to coffee and cocoa. There were also free coffee samples!
The following day we visited the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was such a neat experience and so fun to watch the dances and visit each "village". We also attended a Luau where we were brought up on stage with other newlyweds or those celebrating anniversaries to dance. After the Luau we watched the show they put on.
The Friday morning we were there we went on a submarine ride that dove 110 ft. below the surface. If we ever do it again, we decided we will go at a different time of day. There wasn't a whole lot of activity to see.
After the submarine ride, we walked around the island for most of the day, then joined Corrie and Scott at their house for some food that Scott prepared for us. We brought the wine and drank both bottles, plus a bottle they had. Corrie enjoyed her water. After supper we made s'mores with their new fire pit!!
Saturday was a lazy day for sure. We didn't do anything at all until we went to dinner with Scott and Corrie again at a Thai restaurant. It was my first experience with Thai food and it was so yummy!
Sunday we decided to be active and go on the Kuli'ou'ou Ridge Hike. Oh my hell.....that hike is definitely not for beginners and requires LOTS of water and snacks!! It took us over 2 hours to hike up and over an hour to hike down. We stopped a few times for short breaks on the way up, and ate our Subway sandwiches at the top. It was an amazing view and you could practically see around the entire island.
It was crazy steep near the top!
The day after the hike was a day we were planning on scuba diving, but were unable to due to lots of rain. We decided to explore the giant outdoor mall. We found a lego store and made (as best we could) lego Donny and lego Arielle. They didn't have blonde hair, though, so I am currently a lego brunette. That night we ordered food from the restaurant on the main level of our hotel and did laundry.
On our final day there we enjoyed breakfast at a cafe, explored the USS Missouri and Utah, grabbed some Subway sandwiches, and headed to the airport. We ate supper at a restaurant in the airport and saved our sandwiches for the flight.
Alas, that is the end of our Hawaiin honeymoon.
