Hawaii- Honolulu

Del and I were lucky to be able to spend a week in Hawaii in July. Our families were kind enough to take our kids for us, and we are so grateful for their help and love! We were able to enjoy an amazing vacation because of them!

I will have to split our trip into several posts on Hawaii.

We started our Hawaii time out on Oahu. We stayed in Waikiki, and I must admit that we were not prepared for the beach city vibe that is Honolulu. It is pretty fast paced, and incredibly crowded. Our hotel was right in the thick of it all. We enjoyed it for what is was, mostly because we knew we would be escaping the hustle after just a few days for a much more laid back resort on Kauai.

We were in Hawaii alone for few days before we were going to meet some of Del's employees for the rewards trip they had earned.

We were glad we saw Honolulu, but in the end, we wished we had only allotted two nights to Waikiki, instead of three. I would love to go back to Oahu and spend time on the North Shore!

The Hawaiian version of a "Board-Walk."

Duke's was a fun atmosphere. A cool restaurant on the beach that welcomes you even in your wet, sandy swim suite. And they had really yummy chocolate banana smoothies!
They were also SO incredibly thoughtful and careful when I told them of my tree nut allergy. Traveling with my allergy is very stressful, as I have mentioned in previous travel posts. So whenever I find a restaurant that goes out of their way, I take note.
And I am sure to let them know just how deeply I appreciate it.

I decided about two weeks before our trip to start praying daily that I would be led to safe food, and individuals who were going to be kind, and hyper sensitive to my allergy needs. And that I would be led out of situations were I may be in danger because of my food choices.
I can tell you that prayers are heard! Even when you may think it is for something some may feel is silly.

To me, my nut allergy is far from silly, because negligence could cost me my life. I noticed a definite sense of peace and far fewer incidents of paralyzing fear in front of food on this trip. I found so many accommodating restaurants, and really felt far less panicked at meals!
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for guiding my foodie footsteps! Or non-foodie footsteps. I am the least experimental eater, out of necessity. Boo, and boring!

Duke the surfer himself! He was hanging out on Waikiki Beach.

This was a really cool hotel. The Moana Surfrider. That is a long covered porch with rocking chairs you see. It was decorated pretty fabulously! Loved walking through the lobby.
Ignore bald guy. Hard to get a picture without people wandering through it in Waikiki.

We hiked Diamond Head one morning. It was a short and easy hike, except for a whole bunch of stairs.

We got a treat for our walk back down the hill to the bus stop. Shave ice. But it was definitely not the best shave ice truck around. It tasted good after a hike,however!

Del got coconut, it was better than my lime.

We went on a short Honolulu city tour. We drove up to the Punchbowl National Cemetery. It is located inside a crater, and is a beautiful grave site for many veterans. I would love to see it on Memorial Day when Scout troops decorate every grave stone with a lei, a flag, and a flower.

Alliiolani Hale is a building in downtown Honolulu, located across from the Palace. There is a gold statue of Hawaii's Number Seven Ruler, Kamehameha. It is currently Hawaii's Supreme Courthouse.

Oh yeah! We hit up the ABC stores where we scored some cheap-o leis!

On the day we flew out of Oahu we celebrated our 12 year anniversary! One dozen years married to my best friend. I love you so much Del. I have been blessed with twelve amazing years with you! On to a bakers dozen for us!