Day 6: Shopping in Dowtown Honolulu at the Ward Center and the Alo Moana Mall
When we started the day we did not have a plan per say. I knew I wanted to head back towards downtown Honolulu to see if I could find the mall I had seen in the visitor’s brochure. I knew Quisha would have a fit if she knew there was a build-a-bear here. We still took our time getting ready in the morning. I made a breakfast of scrambled eggs and applesauce and we shared the last muffin from the little store at the Navy Lodge. After cleaning up the cottage we loaded up the van (with our cameras) and headed towards HI. It took us a little while to find the area we were looking for, but we did find a free parking area near the Ward Center. I was actually looking for another shopping area but the free parking was worth it even if we had to walk a ways. At least then we would not have to worry about getting back to the car to refill the meter. The Ward center had lots of offerings, but I was on a mission to find a build-a-bear shop and the Hawaiian shop I had seen in the advertisement. We probably walked about three blocks before we asked someone where the mall was. Seems we were not far from the parking garage and the mall itself. The Ala Moana Center (sp) is huge! We ended up staying for hours, checking out the stores and the scenery. Every time there was a open area we would go look and see some of the best views (Marc says there are no bad views in Hawaii), We stopped in several shops including a Disney store, the Hilo Hattie Hawaiian shop (where we got some great coupons), Build a Bear (where I picked up outfits for Marc and my bears) and a Taco bell for lunch (thanks to the Hilo Hattie shop where we got several coupons for buy one get one free). On our way back to the car we stopped at the ColdStone Icecream shop where we had our first taste of ColdStone (figures I would have to go all of the way to Hawaii to have coldstone). The girl behind the counter even allowed us to take pictures. Marc had strawberries and white chocolate and I had pineapple, coconut and bananas. We still ended up walking around the center for another hour peaking in at some of the local shops including a soap factory. We got back in the car and headed for the highway. We made a brief stop at an Office depot (yes, again) and then went over to Glen and Shelly’s to check our email. Glen was leaving to go to a class so Marc and I stayed a little while (actually I think Marc just wanted to spend time with Glen’s bird). We made it back to the cottage around 7 pm watched a little TV, uploaded the pictures to the computer and fought with a gecko (a whole other story). After that I am ready for bed. Tomorrow we plan to return something to WalMart and then pick up a suitcase from the swap meet so that we can put our souvenirs in it (its actually cheaper then trying to mail a package back to the mainland). Hopefully after that we can find the Bishop Museum. We check out of the cottages on Thursday and the plan is either to go to the Navy Lodge or spend the last few days with Glen and Shelly. We still have the Dole Plantation near the North Shore to look forward to and the Luau of course. I am still hoping to get to the Aloha Tower and Marketplace and a few of the other local landmarks before weeks end. We have yet to be able to hook up with our church member from back home, but we still have a few more days yet. I am not sure that we will get to go whale watching, but we can so that at home so it is not a big deal. Later….Cyndi
Day 7: Shopping at Aloha Stadium/Beachcombing
Marc and I slept in late this morning. But around 10 am we got dressed and headed to the WalMart to return an item and compare the price of a suitcase (seems that it is cheaper to buy another suitcase rather then send the packages). The prices in WalMart are higher then the swap meet, so we hit the HI highway for downtown Honolulu and the Aloha stadium. We purchased the last of our souvenirs (how many times have I said that?), including a suitcase set for $35.00 (Glen actually met us at the stadium hoping to give us a better deal then the one we had. I ended up getting a better deal in the long run). Originally we had planned to visit the Bishop Museum today, but by the time we got out of the swap meet it was getting late (we actually walked the whole area) and we decided to try the museum tomorrow and then prepare for the Luau. When I first heard about going to Hawaii I wanted to do the Luau for Marc’s birthday. Glen and Shelly were not able to attend with us so we are going to spend Friday evening with them to celebrate Marc's birthday instead. We headed back towards the HI exit, but stopped at a L&L Drive Inn to try our hand at a “plate”: A meal that is popular in Hawaii with the locals. The average plate cost about 7.25 and includes some type of meat ( usually barbecue (terriyaki) or chicken ) with rice (or eggs) and coleslaw or macaroni salad. Marc ordered the barbecue and I had the chicken. After we finished eating we drove around a bit and then headed back to the beach cottage. I did finally get to speak to TJ today after nearly a week. We had a good conversation and then I said goodbye as Marc and I headed back to the beach. We were trying to get back before the sun set so that we could walk around and just enjoy the view. We changed into our bathing suits and hit the sand. We walked a little, took pictures of the surfers and Marc even sat in the sand and let the water wash over him. At first he thought he might actually get a chance to swim in the ocean but the area below the surface was very rocky and he did not want to take the chance on getting hurt. After a while it started to get chilly so we headed back to the cottage, rinsed the sand off of us and set on the porch to watch the sun set. We plan to go to bed early tonight so that we can get up early make our Luau reservations ( keeping my fingers crossed on that one ) and head downtown to spend the day at the Bishops Museum before getting dressed for the Luau. Well Aloha and goodnight…Cyndi
Day 8: Bishop Museum/Luau
We got up really early this morning (4:30 am). Marc was still trying to catch that elusive sunrise. Today he finally succeeded. Also the girls called early this morning to update on the saga surrounding Nicki’s new muffler. After that I got up and made a few calls (one to mom and one to Uncle John). We had a breakfast of eggs, grilled cheese sandwich and applesauce. We then left for Glen and Shelly’s so that Marc and I could get tickets for the Luau that evening. We ended up staying a while (including having lunch – turkey sandwiches and Mai chips), hanging out with the kids and Marc even helped Glen with his Harley before taking a spin on it to pick up the tickets. We left around one for the Bishop Museum where we learned quite a lot about the Hawaiian history and heritage. We stayed for a few hours and then headed back to the house to change for the luau. The Paradise Cove luau started at 5pm. We were greeted with shell leis, and a drink (non-alcoholic for us). You then were shown your seating area and allowed to walk around to various booths for games and crafts. We also watched the sun go down and listened to traditional Hawaiian music. There was a fisherman’s demonstration, tree climbing and shower of flowers presentation. I even learned how to create an authentic leis for my wrist and headband. We set down for a live show with hula dancers, fire throwers and a buffet meal of rice, chicken, pork, pasta; macaroni salad and poi (get definition). Dessert included fruit (pineapple) and cake with coconut. At the end of the evening we gathered our entrance picture and a souvenir glass. We are now back at the cottage and tomorrow morning we will be checking out of the beachfront cottages and into Hickam Air Force Base. Until then...Aloha
