15th May to the 18th May 2011 Our final days in Hawaii

Well I thought I would just sum up the last few days together as we were pretty much doing the same thing each day - getting up and heading to the beach and either surfing or just playing around so not many photos were taken. On the 16th Tim and I went out for dinner on our own to the Hard Rock Cafe which was nice and then just had a walk around after to walk of our big dinner. The next night the 17th we had our last meal at the famous Deny's which was really nice and cost $55 for the four of us - ridiculous!! Our last night in town was back to the Outback restaurant for our favourite meal. Also on the 16th Tim and I went to the hairdresser to get our locks cut and get rid of the greys for me so feeling good. On the 18th it was time to head home via Sydney so off to the airport and we flew home on a 767 which was a smaller plane and really old so no screens in the seat in front of us and I think we were in the creche section once again as we were surrounded by babies. Got into Sydney about 6ish on Thursday then 19th - lost a whole day - and we stayed there the night at the cheap and cheerful Formule 1 hotel which was right next to the airport. Frankie J Holden also was checking in at the same time. It was then home sweet home on the 20th and we got another airbus an A330 - very nice plane. It was pouring with rain when we arrived in Perth and can't believe 5 weeks has been an gone. Another awesome holiday a great memory to have.

14th May 2011 Longboarding Competition in Hawaii

Well there is the fireworks pictures from last night with our hotel building in the background. Today we woke up and they had the longboarding paddling competition down on the beach and we had great seats from our balcony. We watched this for a while then headed down the beach for another glorious day in the sunshine. Actually this was the best sunny day we have had since we have been here as the other days have been a little overcast. Tonight we went to a restaurant called Shore Bird where you choose your meal and then you cook it on this big grill and this came with a massive salad bar - very yummy. Another walk around the streets to walk our meal off and listed to the street entertainment.

13th May 2011 Surfing day at Waikiki

Well another day at the beach and we headed down to where the surf was happening and Tim went out to catch a couple of waves and then it was Matthew's turn and he did so well catching several waves. Tonight we went back to the Australian Outback restaurant as they have the best food there especially their clam chowder!! Then it was back to the hotel for the fireworks which they have every Friday night and then we headed into the main street for some shopping. We went back to the International Markets and also did some window shopping too.

12th May 2011 Beach day in Hawaii

Well after a big day on the tour yesterday we decided to have a beach day to relax. I tell you it really is a hard life and it has been a bit overcast over here but to be honest when that sun comes out it is really hot so the cloud cover is a bit of a saviour. Tonight we went for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe which was good food as always and then we went for a walk up the main street Kalakaua Ave and looked at all the shops and then found their markets which were awesome. We got back to the hotel about 11pm which is a late night for us and recharged for the next day at the beach!!

11th May 2011 Circle tour of the Island - Hawaii

Well after we left Pearl Harbour we headed for the Dole Plantation which is one of the largest Pineapple plantations and we got to have a look around and then we headed off to North Shore and our first stop was Sunset Beach. It was really beautiful and whilst we were on the beach a seal decided to beach itself - oh my goodness it was awesome!! After that we went for lunch at the Fuji Shrimp Farm where Emily and I had Garlic Butter Shrimp which was really good - very garlicy but yummy! Then we stopped off at the cliff where they filmed part of Forgetting Sarah Marshall where they jumped off the cliff and then it was off to the Macadamia Farm where of course we had to buy some Macadamia's. From here we went to the Pali Lookout & Valley which gives a great view and it started raining up there and was quite cool. Then our next stop was the Halona "Blow Hole" Lookout and this is where we saw 3 turtles swimming in the bay. Our next stop was Hanauma Bay which is meant to be a great snorkel bay which we are hoping to go back to and Emily saw another turtle there also. On the way back to the hotel we went into the Diamond Head crater and via some of the very expensive homes where stars lived or had $23 million dollar holiday homes. As you can see in one of the photos Matthew had seen enough and had a little nap until we got back to the hotel. The tour guide we had was really great and he was really funny and very informative - it was a one of the best tours we have been on this trip.

11th May 2011 Discovering the island - Pearl Harbour

Today we were picked up at 6.00am for our all day tour which we started with Pearl Harbour and we had to get there early as they give out tickets and they only give out 4000 per day and the gated open at 7.00 so the tour buses try to get there as early as possible. It was a very moving tribute that they have got for the USS Arizona and you start off with a movie of what happened and then you boarded a vessel and we headed over the momument which is on top of the sunken vessel and lists all the names of all that perished when it was hit and went down. There is also a list of those who survived and those who survived and have then passed and been buried on the ship.

10th May 2011 Learning to Surf in Hawaii

Well today we went and hired a surfboard and headed down to the Waikiki beach where the surf is and Tim tried to catch some waves and then gave the kids some lessons. Didnt get any photos today but have the board for a week so will make sure I get some photos of them. There is a picture of Matthew feeding the birds on our balcany and now we have a swarm of them every day. We went to the Tropics bar for a meal where they had a band playing and it is right on the beach so a great out look. Had a nice meal and then it was off to bed early as we had to be picked up tomorrow for our tour of the island and Pearl Harbour.