Every year my family and I go on a vacation. This year, we went to Hawaii for a second time, visiting Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. We would be staying at my cousin Peter’s house. Peter was working in Honolulu.
Day 1- Dec 19, 2005
We had to wake up really early. We packed snacks and when the taxi arrived, we loaded our luggage but we were freezing. As usual, Dad talked to the Indian driver. At the airport, we checked in and waited for our plane with United Airlines. When we boarded, we took a short flight to Chicago. Chicago.jpg)
airport was so big. We explored and bought pizza .jpg)
and McDonald’s hash browns. We then boarded again for a long and boring flight to Honolulu. I played my Gameboy and Alex listened to music on her MP3. They showed two movies – The Polar Express and Cinderella Man, which were boring. We got free drinks.
Finally, when we landed at the Honolulu airport, Peter greeted us with leis. We put our luggage in his old Volvo and drove to his little house in Waikiki. The house was small but nice with a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen.
We got changed and went for Pho and then the Torch show on Waikiki beach which we have seen already when we were there two years ago. We looked at the beach for a while and had ice cream. We walked back to Peter’s house, pulled out the couch bed and noticed that the key was missing, so we searched but could not find it. We gave up and went to bed.
Day 2 – Dec 20, 2005 - Waikiki
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next morning, we woke up to look for the house key but.jpg)
we still did not find it. We ate omelet and pancakes for breakfast then went to Waikiki beach. We rented a boogie board and played in the water. When we went back home, Peter’s neighbour found the key on the driveway and had called Peter, making us embarrassed.
I took a nap and then we went to Todai – a Japanese buffet place. There were sushi, tempura, soups, crab legs, desserts and much more. Everything was so delicious and we ate so much we almost died. After the meal we drove around looking at the Christmas lights. Back to Peter’s house we did some packing for our trip to Maui tomorrow and then went to sleep.
Day 3- Dec 21, 2005 – Maui
Day 1- Dec 19, 2005
We had to wake up really early. We packed snacks and when the taxi arrived, we loaded our luggage but we were freezing. As usual, Dad talked to the Indian driver. At the airport, we checked in and waited for our plane with United Airlines. When we boarded, we took a short flight to Chicago. Chicago
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airport was so big. We explored and bought pizza .jpg)
and McDonald’s hash browns. We then boarded again for a long and boring flight to Honolulu. I played my Gameboy and Alex listened to music on her MP3. They showed two movies – The Polar Express and Cinderella Man, which were boring. We got free drinks.Finally, when we landed at the Honolulu airport, Peter greeted us with leis. We put our luggage in his old Volvo and drove to his little house in Waikiki. The house was small but nice with a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen.
We got changed and went for Pho and then the Torch show on Waikiki beach which we have seen already when we were there two years ago. We looked at the beach for a while and had ice cream. We walked back to Peter’s house, pulled out the couch bed and noticed that the key was missing, so we searched but could not find it. We gave up and went to bed.
Day 2 – Dec 20, 2005 - Waikiki
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next morning, we woke up to look for the house key but.jpg)
we still did not find it. We ate omelet and pancakes for breakfast then went to Waikiki beach. We rented a boogie board and played in the water. When we went back home, Peter’s neighbour found the key on the driveway and had called Peter, making us embarrassed.I took a nap and then we went to Todai – a Japanese buffet place. There were sushi, tempura, soups, crab legs, desserts and much more. Everything was so delicious and we ate so much we almost died. After the meal we drove around looking at the Christmas lights. Back to Peter’s house we did some packing for our trip to Maui tomorrow and then went to sleep.
Day 3- Dec 21, 2005 – Maui
Today, we woke up very early for our 6 am flight to Maui. Peter dropped us off at the airport and we checked in easily for the very short flight.
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nce in Maui, we got our rental car and drove to Haleakala – an inactive volcano. We drove up the mountain and saw bikers riding down. We stopped for a trail and saw a crater. At the top, it was harder to breath because the air was thinner. We saw Silversword, a special plant growing near volcanoes. When we got down, we had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant called “All Star”, then headed to the Iao Needle.
After that we drove to our hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel. After settling in, we went on the beach to explore and then went to a shopping mall. We could not eat there so we ate at the hotel’s stinky buffet.
Day 4 – Dec 22, 2005 – Lahaina
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nce in Maui, we got our rental car and drove to Haleakala – an inactive volcano. We drove up the mountain and saw bikers riding down. We stopped for a trail and saw a crater. At the top, it was harder to breath because the air was thinner. We saw Silversword, a special plant growing near volcanoes. When we got down, we had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant called “All Star”, then headed to the Iao Needle.After that we drove to our hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel. After settling in, we went on the beach to explore and then went to a shopping mall. We could not eat there so we ate at the hotel’s stinky buffet.
Day 4 – Dec 22, 2005 – Lahaina
We woke up and went to a free breakfast at the hotel. Then we went snorkeling at the Black Rock. We saw many different fish and a turtle. Alex hurt herself at the rocks. We then played on the hotel’s beach and rode the waves.
We then drove to Lahaina for whale watching. After we bought the tickets, we walked around visiting a court house, an old hotel and ate at Subway. We then boarded the boat and looked for whales. I missed the jump, only saw its body and tail.
We then waked a long way to a theatre to watch a Hawaiian show called “Ulalena” about the history of the Hawaiian Islands. The show was really beautiful with the music, the dancing and it was sometimes funny. After the show we went to eat at another Vietnamese restaurant that offered delicious deep fried fish. Then we drove back to the hotel and went to sleep.
Day 5 – Dec 23, 2005 – Road to Hana
We then drove to Lahaina for whale watching. After we bought the tickets, we walked around visiting a court house, an old hotel and ate at Subway. We then boarded the boat and looked for whales. I missed the jump, only saw its body and tail.
We then waked a long way to a theatre to watch a Hawaiian show called “Ulalena” about the history of the Hawaiian Islands. The show was really beautiful with the music, the dancing and it was sometimes funny. After the show we went to eat at another Vietnamese restaurant that offered delicious deep fried fish. Then we drove back to the hotel and went to sleep.
Day 5 – Dec 23, 2005 – Road to Hana
The next morning, we had a hard time waking up early. When we finally got up, we ate breakfast at a small café on the way to Hana. We had delicious omelets and waffles. We packed some cookies and croissants for the road. Along the way, we stopped and went on a trek. We saw a rooster and many different tropical plants. On the way back, Alex slipped and got mud on her pants. We also saw many beautiful views and beaches. At half way to Hana, we stopped for Banana bread and drinks. The roads were winding with many one lane bridges where we had to stop and wait for cars from the opposite side to pass first. Mom gave up and turned back.
We drove to Turtle Beach, but couldn’t find any turtles. We also went to the oldest church in Maui which was built in 1832, and signed the visitor’s book. After that we went to Big Beach and rode the huge waves. It was really fun.
Later we drove to a Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. Lastly, we drove back to the hotel and went to sleep. Tomorrow we will leave for the Big Island.
Day 6 – Dec 24, 2005 – Big Island.
We drove to Turtle Beach, but couldn’t find any turtles. We also went to the oldest church in Maui which was built in 1832, and signed the visitor’s book. After that we went to Big Beach and rode the huge waves. It was really fun.
Later we drove to a Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. Lastly, we drove back to the hotel and went to sleep. Tomorrow we will leave for the Big Island.
Day 6 – Dec 24, 2005 – Big Island.
We woke up early to return the car at the airport. At the airport we checked in and had breakfast at a café. Dad bought macadamia nuts. We boarded our plane – a turbo prop and the flight was short. At the Kona airport, we got our bag and drove to the Keahou Sheraton resort.
On the way to the hotel, we visited the town to see an old church and King Kamehameha’s home. We went to the flea market and again bought macadamia nuts. We drove to lunch at Ba Le – a Vietnamese pho place.
At the Sheraton, we got a nice room with ocean view. Alex and I swam at the pool and the super slide was pretty good. As it was Christmas eve, most places were closed so we had to eat at a small Chinese fast food restaurant which was not so good. Then we went back to the hotel to sleep.
Day 7- December 25, 2005
On the way to the hotel, we visited the town to see an old church and King Kamehameha’s home. We went to the flea market and again bought macadamia nuts. We drove to lunch at Ba Le – a Vietnamese pho place.
At the Sheraton, we got a nice room with ocean view. Alex and I swam at the pool and the super slide was pretty good. As it was Christmas eve, most places were closed so we had to eat at a small Chinese fast food restaurant which was not so good. Then we went back to the hotel to sleep.
Day 7- December 25, 2005
Today after having breakfast at the Sheraton, we drove to Kahula Beach for snorkeling. We took hotel’s towels and Dad said that he saw millions of fish, but Alex and I already saw them. After cleaning up back at the hotel, we drove back to town for lunch. We had delicious mahi mahi fish and chips.
We wanted to go for a tour of a coffee factory but it was closed (Christmas day), so we drove to Captain Cook’s monument. We then drove to visit a historic park – the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. This was where refugees would run to in ancient times. We saw old Hawaiian games, temples, carvings and some cool sunbathing turtles. After we went to the “Painted Church” – another old church and signed the visitor’s book. We saw a statue of Mary with a lot of shell leis.
Back at the Sheraton, there was a Christmas Gala, we sat and looked at people eating their Christmas dinner. Alex and I then went on the free internet at the hotel while Mom visited the gift shop. We went to look for manta rays but did not see any. Then we return to our room and went to sleep.
Day 8 – Dec 26, 2005 – Hilo
Today, we checked out and ate at a Korean BBQ restaurant. The food was so good with ribs, pork and noodles. We bought chips at a supermarket, then drove to Hapuna beach. It was crowded and the waves were really rough. I almost got sucked into the ocean. Mom lost her slippers so we stopped at a little town on the way to Hilo to buy new slippers for Mom.
We visited the Akala Falls and they were not that special. We saw a lot of very big banyan trees. When we got to Hilo, we checked into the Hawaiian Hilo hotel, then went for dinner at Uncle Billy next door. The food was mediocre and the hula show was too loud. We walked around a bit and went back to watch TV before going to sleep.
Day 9 – Dec 27, 2005 – Volcano
We wanted to go for a tour of a coffee factory but it was closed (Christmas day), so we drove to Captain Cook’s monument. We then drove to visit a historic park – the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. This was where refugees would run to in ancient times. We saw old Hawaiian games, temples, carvings and some cool sunbathing turtles. After we went to the “Painted Church” – another old church and signed the visitor’s book. We saw a statue of Mary with a lot of shell leis.
Back at the Sheraton, there was a Christmas Gala, we sat and looked at people eating their Christmas dinner. Alex and I then went on the free internet at the hotel while Mom visited the gift shop. We went to look for manta rays but did not see any. Then we return to our room and went to sleep.
Day 8 – Dec 26, 2005 – Hilo
Today, we checked out and ate at a Korean BBQ restaurant. The food was so good with ribs, pork and noodles. We bought chips at a supermarket, then drove to Hapuna beach. It was crowded and the waves were really rough. I almost got sucked into the ocean. Mom lost her slippers so we stopped at a little town on the way to Hilo to buy new slippers for Mom.
We visited the Akala Falls and they were not that special. We saw a lot of very big banyan trees. When we got to Hilo, we checked into the Hawaiian Hilo hotel, then went for dinner at Uncle Billy next door. The food was mediocre and the hula show was too loud. We walked around a bit and went back to watch TV before going to sleep.
Day 9 – Dec 27, 2005 – Volcano
The next morning, we had breakfast at “The House of Pancakes” which was packed with tourists. We ate waffles which were too rich and Mom had omelets and pancakes. After that big breakfast, we drove to the Mauna Loa macadamia factory and saw how the chocolate was made. I loved the free samples. We also visited the macadamia plantation to see the macadamia trees where Dad picked some nuts for souvenirs.
Then we continued to the Volcano Park. At the Volcano park we joined a small tour where the ranger took us on a hike to see the crater and the caldera. After that we drove around the caldera and stopped by steam vents and the Jagger museum. We drove to a crater and it was smelly with sulphur fumes. We then took a long drive to the end of a road which was covered with black lava. We saw a steam plume where the fresh lava hit the ocean. We then drove to a Black sand beach to take a look and took some pictures.
After that, the evening was falling and Dad raced to the Hilo airport for our flight on Aloha Airlines to go back to Honolulu. Back in Honolulu we took a taxi to Peter’s house, fed his fish and went to sleep on the springy sofa bed. Peter had gone back to Boston for his Christmas holidays, so we had the house to ourselves.
Day 10 – Dec 28, 2005 – Downtown Honolulu
Then we continued to the Volcano Park. At the Volcano park we joined a small tour where the ranger took us on a hike to see the crater and the caldera. After that we drove around the caldera and stopped by steam vents and the Jagger museum. We drove to a crater and it was smelly with sulphur fumes. We then took a long drive to the end of a road which was covered with black lava. We saw a steam plume where the fresh lava hit the ocean. We then drove to a Black sand beach to take a look and took some pictures.
After that, the evening was falling and Dad raced to the Hilo airport for our flight on Aloha Airlines to go back to Honolulu. Back in Honolulu we took a taxi to Peter’s house, fed his fish and went to sleep on the springy sofa bed. Peter had gone back to Boston for his Christmas holidays, so we had the house to ourselves.
Day 10 – Dec 28, 2005 – Downtown Honolulu
Today we went to Chinatown for dimsum. It was good but too crowded. Then we went downtown to visit the Supreme Court, City Hall and the Capital State Building. At the supreme court, we looked around and saw some old paintings. The City Hall was nicely decorated for Christmas with Santas, nutcrackers, etc. At the Capital State building we saw a statue of Father Damien. We also stopped by the impressive Iolani Palace which was the residence of the last King and Queen of Hawaii. It was hot and we were dying of thirst until Mom bought some drinks for us from a lunch truck on the street.
After that we conquered China town by buying Hawaiian slippers and shopped for groceries for dinner. Back to Waikiki we went to the International market where we bought bracelets, magnets and key chains for souvenir.
We also bought a cheese cake at the Cheese cake Factory. Mom made delicious fried fish for dinner. We watched Pirates of the Caribbean on TV while we ate cheese cake for dessert. Then we went to sleep.
Day 11- Dec 29, 2005 – Waimanalo Beach
After that we conquered China town by buying Hawaiian slippers and shopped for groceries for dinner. Back to Waikiki we went to the International market where we bought bracelets, magnets and key chains for souvenir.
We also bought a cheese cake at the Cheese cake Factory. Mom made delicious fried fish for dinner. We watched Pirates of the Caribbean on TV while we ate cheese cake for dessert. Then we went to sleep.
Day 11- Dec 29, 2005 – Waimanalo Beach
Mom made fried rice for breakfast and it was delicious. Dad washed the car, but he took too long so we were late to go to Hanauma Bay and the parking lot was full. Instead we went to the Waimanalo beach which was not crowded like Waikiki. We ate lunch at the nearby local burger joint. It was OK, but the shave ice was great.
We left the beach and drove around the island. We stopped by a macadamia store with free samples and rested on the beach at a park with a clear view of the China Man Hat Island. We tried to visit a Japanese temple but it was already closed for the day. We then drove to a huge Asian supermarket called Daie, to buy supplies (bagels, eggs, vegetables, etc.). Then we went back home and went to sleep.
Day 12 – Dec 30, 2005 – My Birthday
We left the beach and drove around the island. We stopped by a macadamia store with free samples and rested on the beach at a park with a clear view of the China Man Hat Island. We tried to visit a Japanese temple but it was already closed for the day. We then drove to a huge Asian supermarket called Daie, to buy supplies (bagels, eggs, vegetables, etc.). Then we went back home and went to sleep.
Day 12 – Dec 30, 2005 – My Birthday
The next day, Mom made fried rice again and we tried to go early to Hanauma Bay, but it was still full. so we could not get in. We were disappointed and drove to the Turtle Bay Resort where we could snorkel. Dad saw millions of fish but really saw very few because we saw very few fish.
On the way back to Waikiki, we visited the Japanese Temple that we missed yesterday. The temple was beautiful and peaceful with many swans and peacocks. We prayed to a huge Buddha statue. We rang a bell at the temple and bought some candies. We drove off and ate garlic shrimps with rice at a mobile restaurant along the way. It was so good but Dad complained that we would be full for my birthday dinner at Todai tonight.
We drove back, showered and got ready for my birthday at Todai. We ate everything from sushi to tempuras. We were so full that I could not eat my small birthday cake. Dad only ate crabs and tempuras. When we went back, we walked to Waikiki beach to digest and checked out the street entertainment. We tipped a few musicians. Finally we went back and went to sleep.
Day 13- Dec 31, 2005 – New Year’s Eve
On the way back to Waikiki, we visited the Japanese Temple that we missed yesterday. The temple was beautiful and peaceful with many swans and peacocks. We prayed to a huge Buddha statue. We rang a bell at the temple and bought some candies. We drove off and ate garlic shrimps with rice at a mobile restaurant along the way. It was so good but Dad complained that we would be full for my birthday dinner at Todai tonight.
We drove back, showered and got ready for my birthday at Todai. We ate everything from sushi to tempuras. We were so full that I could not eat my small birthday cake. Dad only ate crabs and tempuras. When we went back, we walked to Waikiki beach to digest and checked out the street entertainment. We tipped a few musicians. Finally we went back and went to sleep.
Day 13- Dec 31, 2005 – New Year’s Eve
Today we slept in and had eggs for breakfast. Then we went to the Bishop Museum where there were a lot of Hawaiian historical artifacts like knives, clothing, whale teeth and many others. There was a lifesize whale statue with skin on one side and bones on the other. We heard some stories about Pele and Hawaiian musical instruments. There was also a Hula show performed by kids.
We drove to Chinatown to eat Pho at a Vietnamese restaurant and went back to get ready for New Year’s Eve fireworks. We walked to Waikiki beach and settled to wait for midnight. The fireworks were not that special. Disappointed, we walked back with the crowds on the street and went to sleep.
Day 14 – Jan 1, 2006- New Year
We drove to Chinatown to eat Pho at a Vietnamese restaurant and went back to get ready for New Year’s Eve fireworks. We walked to Waikiki beach and settled to wait for midnight. The fireworks were not that special. Disappointed, we walked back with the crowds on the street and went to sleep.
Day 14 – Jan 1, 2006- New Year
The next morning we at bagels for breakfast and headed to the North Shore to watch people surfing. There were not that many people because it was raining. We stopped by a deserted beach and sat around but soon had to run back to the car because of the rain. We had lunch at a little local restaurant.
We then drove back to Honolulu and shopped at a mall that is the biggest in Oahu. Mom took forever to buy pants and shoes. I looked in a Disney store. On the way back, we stopped at the Cheesecake Factory again to buy another cheese cake.
Day 15- Jan 2, 2006 – Kahlua Beach
We then drove back to Honolulu and shopped at a mall that is the biggest in Oahu. Mom took forever to buy pants and shoes. I looked in a Disney store. On the way back, we stopped at the Cheesecake Factory again to buy another cheese cake.
Day 15- Jan 2, 2006 – Kahlua Beach
Today we wanted to go to the beach so we drove to the beautiful Kahlua beach. However, it was raining too hard so we had to go to the west side of the island where it was dry. We drove all the way to the end of the road to a very beautiful and deserted beach with killer waves. However, along the way we saw a lot of homeless people in tents and trailers. We spent the day on the beach but I was a bit scared of the big waves. We then had pizza at a Pizza Hut and Dad wanted meat lover’s as usual.
Back to Peter’s house, the parents went for a walk at Waikiki beach while Alex and I watched 2 movies in a row. When Mom and Dad came back, we went to sleep.
Day 16 – Jan 3, 2006 – Kahlua Beach
Back to Peter’s house, the parents went for a walk at Waikiki beach while Alex and I watched 2 movies in a row. When Mom and Dad came back, we went to sleep.
Day 16 – Jan 3, 2006 – Kahlua Beach
Today, it was sunny so we returned to Kahlua Beach, where we swam and played around. We met 2 kids and had fun playing water polo with them. They asked if we were locals and if we were they would give us their boogie boards. Mom went out and bought us hamburgers and fries for lunch. We drove back after a good day on the beach.
After showering, we went for dinner at an expensive Chinese restaurant. We then went to Walmart and bought more pillows, soaps and toilet paper for Peter before going back.
Day 17 – Jan 4, 2006
After showering, we went for dinner at an expensive Chinese restaurant. We then went to Walmart and bought more pillows, soaps and toilet paper for Peter before going back.
Day 17 – Jan 4, 2006
As Peter would be back today from Boston, Mom and Dad cleaned the house and the car to give back to him. Mom also did the laundry. We then tried to go to Hanauma Bay again but was not able to get in because it was full again. We went back to Waikiki to swim for the last time.
After lunch, Mom and Dad went to the airport to pick up Bac Ba, Peter and Tom. When they came back we packed everybody in the car to go to a Vietnamese restaurant with mediocre food, then Peter dropped us off at the International Market. Peter bought necklaces and bracelets for Alex and a cap for me. We walked home and bought ice cream. I could not sleep well because I had to share the bed with both Mom and Alex. Dad and Bac Ba talked too loud and it gave me a headache.
Day 18 – Jan 5, 2006 – Home
After lunch, Mom and Dad went to the airport to pick up Bac Ba, Peter and Tom. When they came back we packed everybody in the car to go to a Vietnamese restaurant with mediocre food, then Peter dropped us off at the International Market. Peter bought necklaces and bracelets for Alex and a cap for me. We walked home and bought ice cream. I could not sleep well because I had to share the bed with both Mom and Alex. Dad and Bac Ba talked too loud and it gave me a headache.
Day 18 – Jan 5, 2006 – Home
Today we packed up and Peter took us to the airport. We checked in and while we were waiting I bought an Archie comic book, chips and Burger king. We stopped over in San Francisco where we ate sushi. Once on the plane we watched “Just Like Heaven” and Mom ran into her coworkers who returned from New Zealand. We were so glad to got back to Toronto airport, where we got our bags and went into the cold to take a taxi home. It was so good when we got home.
Conclusion
Conclusion
I loved this trip back to Hawaii because I visited two more islands and got to spend great vacation time with my family. I can’t wait for our next vacation which is still a mystery.
The End.
The End.
