Oahu, the vacation I forever fell in love with island life. I had decided to get an Alaska Airline reward card and start racking up my airline mile. I booked out vacation and planned on surprising Joshua with a lei greeting at the airport. Before we landed he saw someone with one on and said how he wished he had one. Was I so glad I had already planned this for him.
Upon arriving to to the airport we had our hotel shuttle waiting for us as well. We had a couple and their son in the van with us who where going to our same hotel,
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. We ended up becoming friends and Joshua and their son played at the beach through the trip and to this day we remain in contact.
We got settled in and ate at one of the restaurants at our hotel, outside looking at the beach. Then it was time to hit the beach! After hours of soaking up the sun and enjoying the war ocean we got cleaned up and went to explore. We walked around looking at stores and counting the ABC stores. If you have ever been to Hawaii you get what I am saying. One thing that could not be passed up was the Hawaiian shave ice.
Part of the reason for coming to Hawaii was to put our SCUBA diving skills into practice. This was our first time diving since being certified and our first time being in warm water. We went with
Island Divers Hawaii. Great group who was excellent with Joshua. Sea turtles or as they are called in Hawaii, honu, were swimming everywhere.
We found an octopus and it is the softest thing I have felt. I find these animals amazing with how they move and change colors.
I set a swim the dolphin session at Sea Life Park and who was in our group? Snooki and her boyfriend Jionni. She was not very friendly but Jionni was nice.
 |
| Snooki and Jionni looking at the pictures from our dolphin swim |
 |
| Them again |
Although this was great experience I have since changed my thoughts on aquariums and sharks, dolphins and whales living in tiny pools instead of the giant ocean. You can see Joshua had an amazing time may have had a once and in a lifetime experience swimming with dolphins.
We learned to surf and had so much fun. Although Waikiki beach is crowded I did feel that the waves where perfect for learning. There are several places along the beach that you can walk up to and ask for surf lessons. There is no need to make reservations before hand. The place we used even had a photographer to capture us catching the waves.
We spent a good part of a day at Pearl Harbor. I still cannot believe that oil is still flowing from the USS Arizona. Joshua learned a lot and explored battle ships.
Hanauma Bay is a beautiful place to go snorkeling but can get packed so is best to avoid weekends.
 |
| Hanauma Bay |
 |
| Hanauma Bay |
We attended the Paradise Cove Luau and loved it. We happened to run into people from our city back home. Joshua knew the kid from school so we hung out with them there. They has a lot of crafts and fun activities for everyone. The luau seemed very authentic and was a great show. The food was very yummy as well.
 |
| Paradise Cove |
 |
| luau performer |
What trip to Oahu would be complete without hiking up Diamond Head. Great hike, even for kids. Beautiful views to be seen from the top but the top has a small spot for viewing and can be crowded.
 |
| Diamond head Summit |
 |
| North Shore |
 |
| Best shrimp truck along the north shore |
 |
| sign at a macadamia nut farm |
Although a car is not needed on Oahu we rented one to drive up to the north shore and spend the day at Kailua Beach which is stunning. I used the book
Oahu Revealed and my aunt who is as good as a Hawaiian local.
