Aloha, welcome to our Hawaiian Vacation

Oahu Beaches

Oahu has more than 130 beaches of every conceivable kind -- from legendary white-sand stretches to secluded rocky bays. Waikiki, of course, is the best known, but there are many others. We spent 2 days "beach hopping" We snorkeled with schools of fish, giant sea turtles, barracudas, and saw many underwater volcano formations. We even saw the beach were they are filming the T.V. show "lost." We also found it important to heed the warning: Wherever you are on Oahu, remember that you're in an urban area. Never leave valuables in your car. Thefts do occur at Oahu's beaches, and locked cars are not a deterrent. We were robed on our last night at Sharks Cove.

Polynesian Cultural Center

A real Hawaiian Lulu. We had a wonderful night eating as much as we could and watching the spectacular show at night. (p.s. it was Mark's and Wendy's 22nd wedding anniversary!!)

Manoa Falls

We spent the afternoon in what felt like a fantasy World as we hiked to Manoa Falls. Our adventure of hiking took us through the lush rainforest of Hawaii, filled with giant ferns, cascading tropical waterfalls, picturesque streams, bamboo forest, and unique species that can be found nowhere else on Earth. The rainforest is so unique that it was even a setting for Spielberg's film "Lost World" because the vegetation has a prehistoric look. Manoa Falls is a spectacular site as it tumbles down a near vertical cliff for approximately 150-feet into a small pool. It was the most unique place we have ever been.

Buddhist Temple

This beautiful Buddhist temple is a replica of the 900-year- old Byodo-In located in Uji, Japan. It is located in one of the most peaceful location in O'ahu - the Valley of the Temple. The valley is situated against a black-drop of tall cliffs and is landscaped with traditional lush Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Inside the Byodo-In Temple is a nine-foot Loutus Buddha. Outside a three-ton, brass Peace Bell. Upon entering we were asked to take off our shoes because they consider it holy ground. It was very peaceful there.

The Boys favorite day "Pearl Harbor"

Ryan and Mark looked forward all week to seeing Pearl Harbor. We took the tour out to the "Arizona," we were asked to only speak in a whisper because we were on special ground. It was humbling to see the ship under the water knowing that the men were entombed inside and try to imagine what that day must have been like. The ship still leaks drops of oil "black tears" every few seconds.