My first adventure in 2009 started my year out with an amazing trip to Oahu, the most populated island of Hawaii. My friend Jesse found an amazing deal, where we were able to book $245 roundtrip tickets from San Diego to Honolulu. This offer was too good to pass up, and within minutes we had booked our trip. By the next day, our friends had heard about the tickets, and then we had a group of five. Landon, Bram, Waffle, Jesse and Me.
We had the greatest Hawaiian welcome from Bliss, Jesse’s parents friend that lived in Hawaii. She met us at the airport with leis, porkbuns, Hawaiian candy and treats, maps and travel guides bookmarked with things to do. It was amazing! We then went to our hotel where we spent the first night roaming around Waikiki.
The next day, we went straight to the rental car place in the morning to pick up our car. What better way to explore a tropical island that stuffing 5 people in a 4-person Jeep?
North Shore
We drove up the North Shore, where all of the famous surfing spots are. We watched some surfers and got in the water and played around for a little bit. It was beautiful up there! Off white sand and crystal clear water that was so warm. The beach was lined with little bungalow beach houses, talk about prime real estate!
For lunch we decided we had to dine at one of the local shrimp trucks that are scattered around the North Shore. It was fantastic!
Lani Kai
Funny enough, Bram ended up running into a friend from University of San Diego,where he went to college. Her name was Erin and she was originally from Hawaii and had moved back after they graduated. She was so sweet and took us to Lani Kai, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! It was very secluded and we spent the day picnicing out there with a group of her friends. Something we would have never been able to do without the help of a local!
Manoa Falls
After Lani Kai, we took a hike along Manoa Falls Trail. It was a muddy, foresty trail that ended at a gigantic waterfall!
Hanuama Bay
We spent an afternoon at Hanuama Bay. When we got there we had to watch a five minute video on protecting the sealife as we were snorkling. Then we got our gear and dived in. We saw lots of huge fish and sea turtles, but luckily no sharks :)
Surfing in Waikiki
Unfortunately for Waffle, he lost a bet with Landon, and had to try surfing for the first time during the Superbowl. We all rented boards and paddled out in the Waikiki bay. Landon and Waffle spent a few hours trying to tandem ride, but couldn't make it happen. Then Erin and I decided to give it a whirl and stood up on the first try! Sorry boys :)
Our Ohana
We spent the last night at Bliss and Mel's house, where we had a BBQ with their kids, Tarynn and Todd and some of Tarynn's roommates. It was an awesome end to the trip!
