You Had Me At Aloha

I have to confess that Hawaii was not at the top of my bucket list but we had five really good reasons to make the trip.  By the time our trip was over, Oahu had stolen my heart.  I loved the whole island but Turtle Bay, where we spent the last three days of our trip, completely captivated me.  From running and riding horses along the North Shore to watching the sunset and taking family photos, everything was memorable.

A movie called, "Mike and Chris Need Wedding Dates" was being filmed while we were there.  The girls were super excited to see Zac Efron in the lobby.  The parents were more excited to see Lavell Crawford (Saul's bodyguard from Breaking Bad) at the pool. Can't miss that guy!  He has quite a presence, especially in the baby pool.  Movie stars aside, it was crazy to see how much equipment and crew is needed when shooting a movie.

I toted my camera everywhere during our trip, even horseback riding, in an effort to share and preserve the moments.  I hope that I have conveyed the natural beauty of this island. The name of our blog kept floating through my head...Waltz Me To Heaven.  If heaven is anything like Oahu, please waltz me there tonight.

Linking with

September Farm / Style Elixir / Claire Justine OXOX / XOXO Rebecca

Shaka

My babies

The sunsets were beautiful.

The pool lit up for filming.

Raoul teaching Sally how to clean the hoofs.

Chris and Sally had so much fun grooming the miniature horses and riding the big ones.

Late afternoon ride with the big kids.

Love these peeps.

WMTH Travels: Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail & Kona Brewing Company

On our second full day in Hawaii, we decided to do the Makapu'u Lighthouse hike.  Makapu'u is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu with views of Makapu'u beach, Koko Head, the windward coast and neighboring islands Molokai and Lanai.  The trail is paved and wide.  Most reviews I found determined the hike to be easy but in the heat of the day with a 4 year old on my back, it was definitely a challenge.  I recommend starting this as early in the day as possible. There is not any shade and we were melting!  

The tide pools below were very welcoming but the path to them is very steep and not kid friendly.  I guess we will have to save those for another time!  Instead our reward came in the form of a trip to Kona Brewing Company and Bubbie's Ice Cream in the Koko Marina.  A pint of Longboard and the Ahi Poke that my niece and I split was exactly what I needed after a long and hot hike! After lunch, we ventured down to Bubbie's Ice Cream where I discovered mochi ice cream.  The mochi is sweetened rice confection wrapped around gourmet ice cream.  Bobbie's has twenty flavors but I opted for vanilla.  It was so good that I did not even take a picture!

Linking with

Pampers & Pearls / Shanna Said So / The Mummy Chronicles / Pumps & Pushups

Sassy pants dug her heels in and refused to walk any further after the first stop.

My hiking buddy.  He's proud to say that we were the only ones in the family to do all three hikes.

At the top with cousin Chris.  Funniest kid ever!

Ahi Poke

Pua'a Pork Tacos

WMTH Travels: Kailua beach & The Food Company Cafe

After the sunrise hike, we spent the day on Kailua beach.  The kids had so much fun playing in the sand, swimming and SUPing.  My sister-in-law and I walked to the Kalapawai Market and picked up lunch for everyone.  Open since 1932, the market was very charming.  From the great deli inside to the guy grilling burgers out front, this market had so much to offer.  

Once everyone was ready to escape the sun for a while, we made our first stop at Island Snow.  The shave ice here was my favorite and I heard that President Obama's daughters visit daily when they are in Oahu.  I am not sure what their favorite flavor is but I am pretty boring and only ordered one flavor, the pink lemonade (no ice cream or snow cap).

My sister-in-law, being the brilliant person she is, booked two sitters for the evening.  This allowed the four adults to escape the six kids for a few hours.  We stopped at Tamuras Fine Wine shop in the Aikahi Park Shopping Center to grab some wine.  I was very impressed with the selection and could have browsed the shelves for hours.  We left with a California Cabernet Sauvignon and a French white Burgundy to take to our dinner at The Food Company (BYOB).  The food was delicious but served in a relaxed atmosphere.  The chef, Jason Kiyota, was born and raised in Honolulu.  He attended culinary school and then traveled the world gaining culinary experience before returning to his home.

We enjoyed getting away from the kiddos for some adult time...a great ending to a pretty much perfect day!  

Linking up

Walking in Memphis in High Heels / I do deClaire / Elegantly Dressed and Stylish

Pink lemonade flavored shave ice

Loving this new maxi dress from Bluetique.  

Pan Roasted Mission Figs

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake with Balsamic Peppered Strawberries

WMTH Travels: Pillbox Hike at Sunrise

Our first morning in Oahu, we decided to do the Pillbox hike at sunrise.  With our bodies still on Mainland Central time, it was the perfect day to catch a Hawaiian sunrise. The climb to the top took about thirty minutes but there were amazing views after the first ten.  The hike was manageable for the 8 and 9 year olds but we were very glad to have left the 4 year olds at home! The top was crowded and there was a group of people with a huge speaker playing LOUD music. Annoying music aside, the view was breathtaking and one I will always remember.  Rain fell for a few minutes as we were descending and formed a perfect rainbow!  It was a great way to kickoff our vacation.

Linking up with

Bloved Boston / Fizz and Frosting / Still Being Molly 

 Claire Justine OXOX / Fashionably Employed

WMTH Travels: Oahu

10 Things To Do On Oahu

by Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam

10 Things You Must Do on Oahu

by Laura Radniecki, blogger and photographer

On Friday, I spent some time researching online daydreaming about our upcoming trip to Hawaii.  My brother-in-law and sister-in-law live there so I have not had the pressure of really planning our trip.  My biggest worry is getting myself and all three kids packed.  I would like everyone to carry on their baggage but I am not sure if that will happen.  As you are reading this, we will be en route so please send some prayers or good vibes. It is a long flight and with three kids in tow, a little daunting. I am excited to share the details of our trip so be sure to check back over the next couple of weeks.  If you have been to Oahu, I would love for you to leave a comment and share advice or spots that are not to be missed.

I love this map by Lauren Taylor of Lauren Taylor Creates.

Because Shanna Said So

The Mummy Chronicles