Hawaii 2011: Days 5, 6, 7 and 8

(..after a busy last few days, I had no time to blog from the phone while at the hotel. So I am finishing up from my balcony here in Columbus. Enjoy.)

DAY 5

On Wednesday I was lucky enough to do some surfing down at Kuhio. Thanks 'Big Todd'. We basically used this day as a lazy day and once I finished with the waves we returned to the hotel to get some sun out by the pool and watch some basketball.

DAY 6

We were up early to leave for Hanauma Bay. A plan to stop for breakfast became harder than it had to be. So I think everyone has been told they need to "chill out". Though maybe the one handing out this wisdom should heed their own advice. Instead of picking up some breakfast sandwiches at, say, the two McD's or one BK that we're within five minutes of our hotel, we decided to just wing it and hope to find something on the way. I say we, but I'm not really sure where this strategy originated. Or why, when I questioned this decision, I was told to chill out. But I'm wrong of course. I mean, there was guaranteed to be something along the way, right? And if not, maaan who cares! The snack bar at the park will be open. And if it's not yet, aw well that's no problem. I mean it's not like each individual could be at their own level of hunger, right? Why take all five of us each into consideration? Stupid me.

Hanauma Bay was amazing as usual though. We actually convinced mom to get in the water and do some snorkeling. She was real slow and cautious and first, then she loved it. I was really proud of her! Seeing her so happy that she had done it and liked it had really made me happy and I think that was the best moment of the trip for me. Even hilarious when a 6 ft long eel swam underneath us with its mouth wide open, you could hear the screams under the water as she freaked out. But she was fine. It was really good to be out there with her.

However when returning to the hotel, once again I crossed a horrible, horrible line. As we backed through the full upper level of the cramped parking garage to exit to the street, a small boxy rental pulled up. I got out. "There aren't any spots left," I informed the car behind us. As I got back into our Crown Vic, my dad made a comment (with the window down, they could hear) about the garage attendants just sitting in the booth and chatting away, not paying attention. So as I'm sitting down and shutting the door I shouted in the opposite direction, "maybe if you weren't talking it up and doing your jobs instead!" Was it needed? Not really. Do I need my twenty year old brother to instruct me on how to live my life? Or critique me? Not really. Do you really want everyone else speaking up every time you do or say something that they disagree with? It's like I said directly after that: I'm quiet, quiet, quiet, quiet. I can never be myself around them as it is. Do you think maybe your older brother would mind sitting up front for once? Or your grandmother? Or your mother? And the laughing and calling me a "baby". Oh man. I'm not quite sure how I survive life here without the wisdom and guidance of those who are significantly younger than me. Man it's tough. And then to say to mom "worry about yourself and everything will be just fine," while at dinner one night... how about practicing what you preach. And then dad says "he's going to beat your ass." What the hell? I can't think of anything that would really warrant a father saying that between siblings, let alone when it's the one whining that needs an attitude adjustment. This isn't the kitchen at my parents house, I won't lay down to avoid damaging surroundings or others. But I'm not turning it into a bar parking lot brawl in front of my grandmother. And an adult should know better than to make a comment like that when two brothers are equally at fault. But then again, that was a difference while growing up.

I love them all and would do anything for any of them, but when you treat me like the 'Tom' of the family, I will gladly oblige you with the consequences. All I ask is that everyone take each other into consideration. Look out for your family. Do one or two things throughout the day to make someone elses day easier or make someone smile. And when I see someone not make an effort to do that, yeah I take offense and I in one way or another make it known that I am unhappy with it. Just as my parents did when I was younger. I suppose it's just another difference of growing up.

DAY 7

The last real day. We soaked up all of the sunshine that we possibly could. Surfed some more, did last minute shopping, and had an amazing dinner at the Kona Brewing Company. Sampled some of their local brews and must say I was impressed with the dark beers. Very good stuff. Bed around 11:00.

DAY 8 - LAST DAY

Jessica's graduation was at 3. We soaked up more sun, swam in the pool, checked out of the hotel, and then soaked up more sun. By 1:30 we were on our way to UH Manoa. It was a very casual ceremony but a fun and spirited one. The Governor spoke and before we knew it, we were lowering lei's around Jessica's head as it is tradition here once the ceremony is over. Her graduation party was really fun and loose. Just the type of bar that my friends and I would love back here. Our flight left at 9:40 that night, and I must say that it was a great week on the island, but I was glad to be on my way back home.

Mahalo nui loa, goodnight.

Hawaii 2011: Days Three and Four

DAY THREE

Today actually ended up with decent weather! We had enough sunshine down at Kuhio Beach to lure us to jump in the water. But only moments later.. yep.. rain. So we pitched the beach and returned to the hotel and.. sun! And this time it managed to stay out. Hotel guests and locals alike were at the bar and pool soaking it up. We sadly watched Miami defeat Boston in overtime before going to eat dinner at Margaritaville. I bought a nice polo at a sweet price, and my mom got us a free and huge dessert. Jessica met up with us at a lookout just past Diamondhead and we explored that some. Seeing Diamondhead Beach for the first time, a fav surfing spot on this end of the island. End day 3.

DAY FOUR

By far the most eventful day for us. We had breakfast early at this trendy little breakfast spot- Cafe Kaila. Then headed east and caught some of our first real sun at Kailua (see pic). It was here that we also had the opportunity to swim with some very laid back sea turtles. These honu were pretty chill, and let us hang around them as they ate and surfaced for air.

Next, we stopped by a Buddhist temple that I am certain was used in LOST. After the temple, we continued north to the shrimp trucks and shrimp farms. Watching dad deal with his spicy shrimp was quite entertaining. We stopped by Sharks Cove on our way through Waimea, then hit up some shops while in Haleiwa. Long day. Time for sleep. Free day tomorrow!

Hawaii 2011: Day Two

Our second day, which was more like a first day, began around 6 am. I woke up and stayed in bed for about an hour. Thinking about all of yesterday travels and wondering what the trade winds had planned for us today. As daylight started to break, the clouds began to open up. And it poured and poured.

Around 8 am or so, we made the short walk across Kuhio Ave to Denny's. After some scrambled eggs and Bacon, we all walked through the International Market Place, down through/behind the Sheraton and back east along the shore to Kuhio Beach. That Sheraton was quite impressive. We learn that someone drowned here last night and that search efforts were continuing today. We then head back to our hotel, the Ohana Waikiki West, with the intentions of walking back down to the beach to swim, etc.

But the rain begins again. At this point I figure I might as well catch up on some sleep. A 3 hr nap sounded good.

I awake to a long forgotten sight: the sun. The fam and I all make it out to the pool just in time for some returning cloud coverage. I wandered over to the bar and immediately recognized the bartender from our last trip here. She says I look familiar and we catch up on lives lately. My second beer was on the house. And then my dad joined me for a few drinks before leaving for dinner.

Mothers Day dinner was at a very exclusive marina restaurant dubbed the Chart House. Service here was excellent. The place was packed, but our food was quick and amazing and our glasses never empty. For dessert, Jessica took us to another local spot: Bubbies. This ice cream shop is a fav on the island.

Back to the hotel again now, and I would walk down the hall to the bar but Trish, the bartender from earlier, has already left. Her vacation is just starting too, but she is heading back to Wisconsin for two weeks.

I actually made it up past 10pm tonight (last night I was done at 8). I believe this normal sleep time will provide much more fun tomorrow. Besides, most of the hotel guests just showed up today. Now if the weather would just cooperate...

Hawaii 2011: Day One

After flying out of Chicago, connecting in Phoenix, and a total of 17 hours of travel by road and air, I landed on Oahu for the third time in my life.

It's my dads first time here and although we have not done much yet, we've already had some fun. Ate at Cheeseburger down in Waikiki, played some cards, and walked for some ice cream. The weather today pretty much blows, as does the forecast for this week. Not happy about that. but we'll see what tomorrow has in store!

It was great to have everyone together here with my sis. Her graduation is this coming Saturday and we will fly back afterwards. Cinco de Mayo kinda kicked my ass on sleep, so I've had maybe.. 4 hrs of sleep in the last two days. It's 8pm here and everyone else is sleeping. The hotel bar sounds pretty fun (loud) right now. And between that and the tv coverage of the bin Laden killing, I'm finding it hard to rest my eyes. But I will now try my best. Jetlag might throw you off, but it can help you catch up on a hell of a lot of sleep!

From the Ohana Waikiki West here in Honolulu, goodnight.