Aloha from Hawaii

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Aloha everyone!

So we left Fiji and headed to another Pacific Island, Oahu. Oahu is an island of Hawaii and is home to Honolulu and the world famous Waikiki Beach. We stayed here for a couple of days before setting off to another of Hawaii's islands; Maui. Whilst here we just took it easy and took full advantage of having sky tv in our rooms! We were also only one block away from Waikiki beach and went down to the beach to practice our body boarding skills. We were going to Maui to meet Kate's mum and dad for 10 nights but to get there we had to overcome the 4 hour boat journey from hell. It must have been the roughest waters we had experienced whilst being away but the good thing was that the boat was empty and we could sleep most of the journey.

So we arrived at the posh hotel lobby with our backpacks, saying we wanted to check in, for the very posh hawaiian lady to say "At this hotel?". The place was very nice lots of freebies (always good for us backpackers!!!!). We had a lovely two bedroom apartment with lukes favourite , flat screen cable tv in everyroom!!! The place had two beautiful big stunning pools and whirlpools and lots of comfortable cabanas and softs to relax on in the grounds. So we met mum and dad later on (for those who want to know she didnt cry!!! disappointing or what!!!). We had 10 days to relax but decided to explore a bit of the island and some of its culture. First we went to a traditional hawaiian luau. Here we watched different dances from the many polynesian islands, including of course the hula dance. We also ate traditional hawaiian feast that is cooked underground. Apart from an over excited host, who thought he was Elvis, it was a very good night. This was helped by the fact it was an open bar. Bring on those Mai Tai's (a very nice hawaiian cocktail).

Another day we went on a snorkel trip to a nearby island; Lanai. We also hoped to see Humpback whales and dolphins. Our boat set out from Lahaina harbour and 5 minuted into our journey we came across some humpback whales. A mother with a small calf and a male. These were so beautiful and graceful in the water and kept coming to have a peek at us. So after the whales we continued to Lanai, only to get some more visitors. This time bottlenose dolphins. We finally got to our first snorkelling spot; shark fin rock and had a great time with the beautiful angel and butterfly fish. On the next stop along the coast, just as we anchored into a bay we encountered a pod of around 30 spinner dolphins surrounded the boat. (I think these dolphins must have eaten too much sugar because they did their jumps and spins too quick for my camera). We got into the water to snorkle and although we couldn't see the dolphins we could hear them.

The final trip we took was the famous road to Hana. A breathtaking trip of 53 miles of road, along 617 road curves and 56 one lane bridges and this was only one way. Due to an earthqauke last year, some of the road had disappeared so there was only one road in and one road out. Due to difficult driving conditions, we decided to take a guided tour. We went past rugged volcanic coastline, waterfalls, rainforest, fruit plantations, farms, caves, lava tubes and white and black sand beaches. We had time at these places to explore and learn a little more about Maui.

It was now time to head back to Oahu for a couple more days before we set off for America. Whilst back here we spent a bit more time relaxing on Waikiki beach but also visited a nearby sea nature reserve; Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay is a flooded volcanic crater and is now filled with coral reef and an abundance of sealife. This bay is truly stunning, with the sapphire and turquoise waters as you will see from the photo's. It is also home to many sea turtles but unfortunately they must have been asleep when we were there!

Thanks for all our messages since our last blog and we will see you all soon!

Luke and katie xxx

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Photos

Sunset over Hawaii
Another one of luke's masterpieces

Waikiki Beach on Oahu
Surfs up man!!!

Comments

[chella]

brillient blog
dear luke and kate

[chella]

brilll blog
dear luke and kate brillent blog i love the way you write,its wonder ful,and the picture r brillient you can photographer. Hope your having a great time.1more month left wohhooo.but not for u i bet you had a brillent time and wont too stay. make the most off it and enjoy(with the time u have got left) cant wait too see uxxxxxxxxxxxxxx chella