Aloha Around the World
The Adventures of Jayson, Amy & The PunkinsAmy’s 35th Birthday
Also known as my “half-way to 70 birthday”… thanks to Jayson!
After spending the day at the beach for the first time in 35 years, Jayson took me out on the town. We had dinner at the Halekulani (the only five-star resort in Waikiki). The three-piece Hawaiian ensemble sang “Happy Birthday” to me per Jayson’s request. Our pictures are a little blurry because the sun was going down, but we also had a former “Miss Hawaii” as our hula dancer.
After dinner we acted like tourists for the night. We walked the streets of Waikiki and took pictures with street performers, danced to the music, and enjoyed a moment with Duke Kahanamoku. But the funniest was the number of people who stopped and said, “Are you Amy? Happy Birthday!” (Turns out a lot of other people ate at the Halekulani, too!)
It was a great day to reflect on the challenges and successes of 2008.
Dinner Entertainment - Hawaii Style
I look forward to my 35th year of life with enthusiasm!
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- Dinner Entertainment – Hawaii Style
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- Dinner
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- With the Band
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- Posing in front of the Halekulani Christmas Wreath
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- Ty & Di – the famous parrots of Waikiki
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- Jayson with Ty & Di
OUR HWY 72 ADVENTURE
Today’s adventure took us along the scenic route of Highway 72 from Hawai’i Kai to Kailua. Some of the highlights included:
- The gorgeous view of Hanauma Bay
- Halona Beach (featured in the movie “From Here to Eternity”)
- Halona Blowhole where the ocean current creates a volcanic-like eruption through a hole in the earth
- Sandy Beach where locals hangglide and bodysurf in its dangerous waves
- Makapu’u – the easternmost part of the island
- Views of Kaupo, Kaiona and Waimanalo Beaches and Kaohi-ka-ipu and Manana (Rabbit) Islands
We continued on Highway 72 past Enchanted Lake (which is more like a pond according to Michigan standards!) and into Kailua. We enjoyed a Philly Cheese Steak at Pepper’s Place. Pepper aims to live up to the standards set by the Cheese Steak Giants of Philadelphia without having to travel 6,000 miles to get to Philly. We believe she’s achieved her goal!
It was an exciting adventure that we hope to share with everyone who visits!
Taken at the lookout point just beyond Hanauma Bay
Also taken at the lookout point just past Hanauma Bay
The View from Pali Lookout
Double Rainbow on Our Way Home
A little activity at the blowhole
Jayson found this great book titled “O’ahu Revealed.” It provides a thorough (and incredibly honest) overview of the activities available and sites to see in O’ahu. This book has inspired the first of many weekend excursions which we will share through pictures and blogs.
