Austin & Cami Richards: Hawaii

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Hawaii | Part 3.

After a late night at the Polynesian Culture Center, we were pretty crazy and had another early morning as we embarked on another hike. How we managed to convince my family to do so many hikes, I will never know. No physical activities like a hike is complete without some yummy, non-healthy food. We made a stop at Leonards first and had some of their famous Malasadas. They were so good. Austin and I ordered a huge box by ourselves and you best believe we ate them all! We then drove to Diamond Head to start the hike. The reviews for this hike said it was an easy hike so we didn't think much of it. But this hike had about a billion stairs to climb and my legs were on fire before we reached the top #I'mOutOfShape This hike was cool because you had to go through old military bunkers, tunnels and observation decks before you reached the summit. The summit made the burning legs worth it though. The top offered 360 degree views of the island and the ocean. It was simply breathtaking.

After the hike, Austin and my dad went golfing. I had to promise Austin golf in order to get him on board for the vacation. They choose a beautiful golf course with ocean views during some holes. Myself, my mom, and Madison stayed back and spent the rest of the day by the pool or beach. I felt like I was living the dream.

The next morning we decided we were going to make our way around the whole island and stop at as many beaches as possible. First stop was Hanauma Bay, known for their amazing snorkeling. We showed up before the reef was technically open so we got in free, holla! The snorkeling was pretty good, but I still enjoyed Sharks Cove better. My legs got scraped pretty good from the reef, but I saw some pretty cool fish so it made the pain bearable. After snorkeling, we stopped by the blowholes and then went to breakfast. We stopped at Kimo and Boots in Kailua and they had the worlds best Banana pancakes. They were so fluffy and light and then had macadamia nut sauce spread over them. I'm drooling just thinking about it! This is another must stop eatery for anyone visiting Oahu. It was so delicious! Once our bellies were full, we stopped at Lanikai Beach for some sunbathing and boogie boarding. Then we ventured to Temple Beach in Laie which was perfect for boogie boarding and the beach was practically abandoned. Finally, we made stops at Sunset Beach again and the Dole Pineapple Plantation. No one can eat too many dole whips and fresh pineapple.