Hello Oahu!-Specifically Waikiki Beach! We took advantage of the 3-day pre-cruise package so we had time to explore Oahu before getting on the ship. I had 2 goals this trip: To get a great tan and to eat pineapple every day. I’ll let you know now, I accomplished them both.
So our first night was spent enjoying some Maui Brewing Company beers and pizza.
Then of course a little sight-seeing to keep up awake. It’s a 5-hour difference to Hawaii from Chicago so we did feel like zombies by 7pm.
In the morning we met with everyone and it was like a giant reunion. It was great to see John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield again. They started the morning briefing about the day’s activities. Due to Olivia, we were told we could not go see Pearl Harbor. The waters were too rough to go out to the Memorial. Everyone was a little disappointed but what can you do?
We were told we could still go hike up 760 feet to the top of Diamond Head Crater. And we were definitely not going to let rain stop us! So we all threw on our rain jackets, grabbed a towel for the bus and climbed to the top for some fantastic views.
Afterwards our bus took us on a tour of Honolulu and to some really beautiful beaches. We loved the Halona Beach Cove where that famous kissing scene “From Here to Eternity” was filmed.
We were all wet from the hike. So the buses headed back so we could take a warm shower and then have lunch at Dukes.
Followed by some well-earned rest time on Waikiki Beach. It’s not too often you can say “I took a nap on Waikiki Beach!”
Friday morning involved Snorkeling
Now honestly, I am a TERRIBLE SWIMMER! And when they started to hand out flippers, masks and snorkels, I kind of knew it wasn’t going to happen for me. And then when they said you need to jump out of the boat, I definitely KNEW it was not going to happen for me. So I watched the Hubs and totally enjoyed the scenery and warm sun. (Started working on my first goal…)
I knew he would love this adventure. He had a blast swimming in the Pacific.
Swimmers were suppose to be able to see turtles and dolphins which was funny because the only people who saw the dolphins were the people who stayed on the boat! HA!
Luau Time!
Our Friday ended with a delicious Luau dinner. It was walking distance from the hotel at the Waikiki Aquarium. This was perfect for me since this was the only way I was seeing tropical fish today. 
The food was great. I really need to learn what this purple bread is. It was yummy!
The show was fun to watch and the sunset was beautiful. We took a nice stroll back to the hotel and hit the hay early because there was an early morning wake up for the Friendship Run before getting on the ship.
That’s enough for today before I break the internet with all my pictures.
Helpful Hints:
- Be warned, going through 3 time zones will suck. Just try and stay awake throughout the first day and go to bed early. Your body will catch up to the time.
- Flow with the changes! And there will be some changes due to unforeseen events like “TROPICAL STORMS!”
- Pack some type of rain gear. You’ll thank me later…
- Give up any need to follow a diet and try the Hula Pie at Dukes. You’ll thank me for this too.
Does anyone really like Poi?????
