Day10

We were picked up by a man in a white van but it was ok as we had arranged it. We were headed off to Hanauma bay to go snorkelling for the morning. The drive down was entertaining as the driver of the van instructed us how to snorkel while driving. What a character. 

Hanauma bay is actually a volcano crater (of course!) so it was a pretty spectacular place even without the amazing coral and all the colourful fish. Really terrific snorkelling location. Saw plenty of fish and even swam with a green sea turtle. Definitely a highlight. 

When we returned we had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Yummy!  And not just the cheesecake - all the food was delicious and very generous. 

A resort style afternoon including a final swim at the beach. The night ended with fireworks and snacks at the resort pool.

Day 9

Caught bus number 42 out to pearl harbour to see the memorial there dedicated to the attack in 1941.  Impressive sight to see the remains of the battleship still there. 

Afterwards we had a lazy afternoon including a dip in the pool, happy hour cocktails and beer tasting. 

Day 8

Terrific day. Again. After a late breakfast and a swim we headed east - driving along the coast. Stopped off for some more shrimp for lunch before our main activity for the day, horse riding at kualoa ranch. 

Stunning scenery to ride through. With the volcanic mountains on one side and the gorgeous ocean on the other it was incredible. Many films like Jurassic park and Godzilla have been filmed in this location. A wonderful way to see this part of the state of Hawaii. 

Only down side for poor Lilly - we have discoverd she may have an allergy to horses as her eyes were streaming the entire way. Poor Lilly. Antihistamines and eyes drops for her. 

Day 7

Picked up our Ford Mustang convertible early in the morning and headed towards the North shore of ohau. Once we cleared the traffic, the scenery was beautiful. 

Checked out the famous pipeline beach, ate shrimp from a van and enjoyed some more shaved ice treats. 

Stopped off and watched some green sea turtles on the beach before heading back into town to a cool skate shop for Cameron. Finally we had some shopping time at an outlet shopping centre and saved heaps of money there. ;-)

Day 6

Big day of walking. Early morning walk for Chris and Ann up to Duke's monument along Waikiki beach. Followed by breakfast and coffee. 

We hired a couple of stand up paddle boards and an aqua bike to take out from the beach. Lots of fun in the beautiful warm water. 

Had a bit of time by the pool and then headed off to climb another volcano - Diamond Head which overlooks Waikiki. 

After the climb we wandered down the Main Street of Waikiki for dinner and a spot of shopping. 

Day 5

Today we left the Big Island of Hawaii and flew in to Honolulu. We are overwhelmed by the Hilton village. It is a small town itself with several swimming pools, bars, shops and much more. 

We are looking forward to exploring this island over the next few days.