Hawaii Vacation Day 3 - Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation and looking for the Magnum P.I. house

Tuesday morning we had to set the alarm, because we were going to Pearl Harbor, and we had to be there at 7:45 am. I'm not sure how late we would have slept if we had not set the alarm. So, we were up at 6:00 am got ready, grabbed some breakfast to eat in the car, and we were out the door by 7:00 am. We got to Pearl Harbor right before 7:45. We had reserved tickets on-line a couple of months ahead of time, and our tour was set for 8:45.

We had plenty of time to look through the different museums and walk the grounds, before our scheduled time.

At 8:30, we got in line to go into the theater and watch the movie. After the movie, we got on the boat, and went across to the memorial.

 The one thing that surprised me the most, was how strong the smell of gas was. It was overpowering. The whole experience was really sobering. I'm really glad we went, and experienced this piece of American History. 

We were done around 10:00, so we decided to drive around the island a little bit.
One thing I really wanted to do was to drive the H-3.

 It was a gorgeous drive, and we ended up on the H-3 several times the rest of the week.  

While driving around, Andrew wanted to go find the "Robin's Nest". (The house from Magnum P.I.) So with the help of google, and a gps, we were able to find it. You can't see the house from the road, so we parked the car, and walked the beach, until we were behind the house. The beach was beautiful, and we were able to see Rabbit Island.

Of course there is a locked gate, and tons of trees, so we weren't really able to see anything, but Andrew was still happy that we found it.

Outside the gate of the "Robin's Nest"

The house

After that little adventure, we were ready for lunch, and it was still early, so we drove over to the Dole plantation.

This was one place we knew we wanted to go, but also knew we wouldn't spend a lot of time there. We at lunch at the little cafe, and then bought our tickets for the Pineapple express.

Red Pinapples

Riding the Pineapple Express

Field of Pineapples

After the train ride, it was time for a Dole Whip. (The real reason we wanted to go to the Dole Plantation!)

After our Dole Whip, we were ready to head back to the resort and spend some time at the pool.

Michael loved the pool and the Octopus splash pad.

(He is wearing a life jacket, because we were in the pool, and then went to play at the octopus. I did take it off of him shortly after I took these pictures.)
We were at the pool till after 6:00, and we noticed they were getting an area by the pool ready for a Member Mingle. We went and asked if there were any spaces available, and there were. So we ran up to the room, put some clothes on, and went back down for the Sunset Member Mingle. They had Beer, Wine, and POG and BBQ sliders, Crab cakes, and brownies. Everything was really good! We actually ate enough there, that we didn't need dinner. They also played trivia games, and gave out prizes. As soon as we sat down, they asked a trivia question, and I raised my hand first, and won the prize, a DVC Water bottle.

After the member mingle, Michael and Andrew went to get a movie, and we went back to the room, watched the movie, and then went to bed around 8:30. It had been a busy day, and we were all beat!

Hawaii vacation day 1 - A long day of travel

Our vacation started on Sunday, May 18th at 4:30 am. We got up, got ready, packed any last minute items in the suitcase, packed the car and headed to the airport.

 6:30 am. Arrive at airport. Check our bags and head to the gate.

7:30 am board airplane and take off! Hawaii here we come!

12:00 pm (10:00 am local time) layover in Salt Lake City

2:00 pm (12:00 pm local time) board our second flight, a six hour flight to Honolulu!!

Michael fell asleep as soon as we boarded our second flight!

Michael did amazing on both flights! I was prepared with backpacks full of snacks, games, stickers, coloring books etc... And didn't even take out half of it. He is a rock star when it comes to traveling! Let's hope he does just as good on the way home. 

Almost there!!

We Made It!!!

8:30 pm (2:30 pm local time) Arrived in Hawaii!!! 

Andrew and Michael go get the rental car while I collect the luggage. While I was waiting for Andrew to come get me, he sends me a text saying that the line is super long and that I should probably just get on a bus and meet him at the rental car place. So I did, and when I got there he was just about finished, so it worked out well. 

And this is what we got to drive around in all week! We had our choice and we picked the bug!! So fun!!

Then it was off to find the resort! A quick 30 minute drive later we were pulling into the Beautiful Aulani Resort!! It is incredible!! We were greeted with leis and  necklaces! And some tropical infused water. Upon check-in, Andrew asked about an upgrade, and the lady told us that we didn't want an upgrade and that our room was great! Well she was right!!!

We booked an "island/garden" view room to save points and be able to add an extra day to our vacation. Instead of getting the ocean view room. Well, we got an ocean view room anyway! It is spectacular!!

After checking out the room, we went down to explore a little and find something to eat.

This is what our Studio Room looked like.

Entrance / kitchenette

Bathroom

Our view looking straight out

We ended up eating at the quick service restaurant by the pool/ocean. It was a lovely view for dinner. 

By this point, Michael is begging to get in the pool, so we go back to our room and get our bathing suits on. Then it's pool time! We swam in the pool a little and then walked down to the beach and played in the ocean a little.

The joy on Michael's face was priceless! Too bad I didn't get a picture of it!

We were all pretty exhausted by this time, so it was time for bed. Michael was in bed and asleep by 7:30 and Andrew and I weren't far behind him. Of course in South Carolina, it was really 1:30 am! 

It was a long day, but so worth it to spend a week in paradise!!