Thanksgiving in Hawaii

This week we kicked off what is sure to be an epic month with a visit to O’ahu, celebrating with Max while Cait is deployed.  Yesterday he led us up the Diamond Head Crater and we had clear skies for a great view of Honolulu. We definitely earned the fresh poke bowls and Howzit hazy's we treated ourselves to afterward, and it was worth every stair!

View of the crater from the top.

Some cuties we met at the top.

View from the bunker at the top of Diamond Head.

Post-hike lunch and brews.

He hosted friendsgiving on Wednesday night and made an amazing Beef Wellington, then we had our least traditional Thanksgiving yet - we took turkey sandwiches to the beach and watched a bunch of honus (some gorgeous, very large green sea turtles) floating in the surf. On our way home from the beach, the Dole Plantation was surprisingly open(and incredibly busy), so we stopped in for some fresh Dolewhip and a short wander around their garden.

Haleiwa Beach Park

Haleiwa Beach Park

Haleiwa Beach Park

Hau'oli Lā Ho'omaika'i (Happy Thanksgiving) 

Baby pineapple

According to the Dole directional we have 4400 miles to go...

 

A hiu hou - tomorrow we are Auckland-bound!

 

Bound for the Southern Hemisphere

It's been a while since I have felt like anything happening in our life merited posting in this forum.  But for over two years, we've been planning a trip to New Zealand, and it's evolved into what I expect will be an epic experience. 

I traveled to Greece with a friend last year, and she faithfully posted about our adventures every day.  I received so much positive feedback about that from my friends and family who read her descriptions and saw our photos, that I have decided to attempt to share our upcoming adventures.  Not everyday - but at least about each region we visit. 

We'll start out visiting Max on O'ahu for Thanksgiving, then head to Auckland and spend 12 days exploring the North Island.  Then we'll fly to Queenstown and spend 8 days exploring the South Island.  We'll fly from Christchurch back to Auckland and spend our last few days in the city, before returning to Colorado just in time for Christmas.  Follow along, if you'd like!

North Island Stops:  

South Island Stops: