We found the most perfect spot for first time snorkelers. Kahalu'u Beach was just the perfect place to take kids to swim and snorkel around. The entry was shallow and the water was very calm, so no waves at all. There is a natural sea wall that protects the area from big waves. I didn't really get many pictures here because we spent the entire time in the water! It was so amazing! Charlotte and Aliza were fearless and unstoppable. They just kept swimming out farther and farther. Carmen was slower to warm up to the idea of fish swimming all around her. But once she got out deep enough and took a little peek under the water, she realized how cool it really was and jumped right in. David and Dallin spent a lot of time on shore with Grandpa Bean eating shave ice.
Then we headed to Akaka Falls and hiked down to the waterfall. It reminded of being in Jurassic Park or the tv show Lost. I expected a velociraptor to come out of the trees at any time! But it was a gorgeous little hike.
Carmen was mad because I took the camera away from her. She wanted to take pictures of all the gorgeous vegetation, but I wanted the pictures to have US in them. And right after taking this winner of a picture below, the camera battery died....
As we headed from the falls to the botanical gardens we stopped at a roadside stand to get a snack! We got TWO fresh cut pineapples and some coconut water. Grandpa Bean was very doubtful that we could eat two pineapples and thought we were wasting out money. But we sat down right there and devoured them both! They were so delicious and fresh! The owners of this little stand also own the farm right there and make enough money a year just by selling pineapples and coconuts to sustain themselves. I'm considering a career change.....
By the time we got to the botanical gardens, everyone was pretty tired and hot and pretty much done with the day. But we had driven to the opposite side of the island, so we were going to go no matter how grumpy everyone was! And boy am I glad we did! It was beautiful!!! Words and pictures can't even describe how amazing the view was at the end of the hike.
This pose was Carmen's idea, so that's why it worked so well. If I had suggested it, it would not have turned out as cute.
Tiki man...
Carmen found this fallen tree limb that fit perfectly like a crown on her head....
We took a really long rest here at this pond, but if we had know the view that awaited us just around the corner, I'm not sure we would have stayed as long here.
Charlotte found this leaf that was bigger than her!
And Aliza found this amazingly colored lizard.
We were photobombed by Carmen.....
And then we got up and moved along the trail to discover this outstanding vista of the ocean. Once again, pictures don't do it justice.
We soon headed back to the hotel for one last great swim in the awesome pools.
And had some dinner at the Queens Shops with Grandpa Bean.
The next day it was time to go home. Checking in is always so chaotic! I'm always grateful that David handles it all. I just stay out of the way!
Once we were on our flight (Carmen, Dallin and I got first class tickets) our pilot asked us if we'd like to see the cock pit. He let the kids sit in his seat and even took their pictures! He was so nice to let us do that. And still to this day, Dallin wears his pilot wings that he was given.
We had a red eye flight that night. And after nearly 12 hrs of flying, here we are almost home. We arrived back in DC and still had to make the 2 hour drive home. After taking a plane, a train, a bus and an automobile we were pretty exhausted and ready to sleep in our own beds.
This whole trip was really amazing! And we all feel so blessed to have been able to go as a family to have so many adventures together. Many memories were made!
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