Two days after we got back from Finland, we left on a Zija Hawaiian cruise, first flying to Honolulu. This time the cruise was for the Japanese distributors.
Elle came with us this time.
I think we all were totally jet lagged and were not sure how we were able to stay awake.
Came to find out, I was in bed each night at 7:30pm.
Elle and Alex at the Salt Lake City airport ready to fly to Honolulu.
View from our Marriott hotel balcony at Waikiki beach.
Sherri knew a great sushi place so we all walked to it.
Alex, Elle, Rod, Steve Brailsford, Sherri Cutler (brother and sister), Jordan and Sarah Rasmussen (Zija photographers and videographers)
A pigeon crapped on Sherri's pants. She was not happy.
We went for the bubble drinks. They were the most delicious. Thanks Sherri for introducing us all to this delicacy. It can be found in the International Market area at Waikiki beach.
Alex drinking his bubble drink and texting.
Our little family at Waikiki beach with the Diamond Head volcano in the background.
Elle and Alex at the Waikiki Beach
Elle and Alex watching the boogie boarders
Elle walking around Waikiki beach
Early next morning we took a walk on the beach.
The hotel row on the Waikiki beach
Mine and Rod's feet in the sand
Sleeping seal. I wanted it to wake up and make his way to the ocean. No such luck
He woke up but only made a few waddling movements towards the ocean, but didn't dive in.
The area around the seal was roped off and the volunteers came to watch and protect the seal. Hours later the seal was almost at the waters edge but didn't go in.
I wonder who "baldy" is.
Beautiful Diamond Head
Alex and Rod doing their morning push ups.
Time to wash up the feet
A few more tricep dibs.
Our Marriott hotel at the beach.
Time for breakfast.
Breakfast crepes
Another view from our balcony
Then it was time to go to the cruise terminal and get on board the Norwegian Cruise Line.
Karino (Japan country manager) and his family flew from Japan and the kids were totally jet lagged.
Alex and Elle on our suite balcony.
Alex and I at the balcony
Alex, Rod, Naoko and Yoshiro Kamijima at dinner
Takuro and Eiko Kamimae, me and Elle at dinner
Lobster for dinner? Yes, of course.
View from the cruise ship leaving Honolulu
Hello Maui. Our first stop.
We drove to Lahaina and first things first, we had to get a Shave Ice.
My Shave Ice with sweet cream and ice cream.
Beach time with Sherri and Elle.
Beautiful Elle is ready for our first formal dinner.
Alex and Elle at formal dinner.
Son and Mother
Japanese distributors
Beautiful kimonos
Rod speaking to the Japanese distributors with Karino translating.
Sheri welcoming the distributors
Steve talking with the distributors
Rana (Rod's secretary), Cathy Yates, Sheri, Steve and Rod.
Takuro Kamimae
Eiko Kamimae thanking and talking
The next morning we drove to our favorite snorkeling place, just north of Lahaina.
Walking through the jungle
Kapalua bay - the best snorkeling spot
Getting ready to snorkel - Even Elle.
There were chickens everywhere....and small mice.
Rod, Elle and Alex are ready to get in the water
Sheri and Steve getting ready
Go see some sea creatures Sheri
Chickens
Many tour boats come and there are a lot of people snorkeling.
After snorkeling, we went to the Black Rock beach at Kaanapali. Steve and Alex are waxing Alex's board.
Steve
When we were leaving the harbor, this tug boat came and pushed us out.
Cruising and watching the beautiful Haleakala volcano in the clouds
Sky blue
Next stop was the Big Island and Hilo. Our ship "Pride of America" docked in the harbor.
We went to the Farmers' Market, and I think this little lady should have pulled her shirt down.
Looking for something to do. There was nothing to do. So we went to the mall and saw a movie
Gorgeous shady tree in Hilo
Back on the boat and another dinner.
The following morning we woke up on the other side of the Big Island and in Kona. This is where we were last Christmas.
View of our ship.
We took the tender out to the harbor
To the beach.
Alex is talking with Tyler.
These two blonde boys were such pros in the surf.
We heard about a great spot by the beach where we can get some poké. Because we are so classy, we took our lunch to a nearby farmers' market parking lot and ate our lunch there in the shade of a light post.
Different flavors of poké and Lilikoi soda. Yum!
Our hot lunch spot.
Elle, Alex, Jordan, Sarah, Rod and Sheri
Alex wanted to taste Kava-Kava. I think it was the last time he had that drink. It tasted like dirt.
Time for a Shave Ice.
Our ship waiting for us to return.
The next morning we woke up in Kauai.
Lighthouse on the way to the harbor in Lihue,
Golf course by the harbor
We drove along the Kuhio highway to the north side of the island. Sheri had hiked a great hiking spot many times so we all decided do the "easy hike that you can do it in flip flops".
Hanalei Bay just passed Princeville.
"Do we hike up there, Sheri?" "No!" (Yes we did)
Elle and Alex don't look too excited to go on a hike.
Jordan, Elle, Rana and Cathy are ready to hike.
Beautiful scenery down to the beach.
The water was this incredible color that you have to see it yourself.
Still hiking up.
Peaking through is the Napali Coast.
And this is where I turned back, and Rana said she would go with me.
We saw these incredible tunnels right by the road.
Taro plantation
At night we went to a Luau and these were the performers.
Alex and Elle at the Luau.
Alex and I at the Luau
The pavilion where there Luau was held.
Next morning we drove the Poipu beach for a short beach day
Steve rented a surf board
Elle and Sheri on the beach
This guy saw us girls on the beach and decided to come and view the ocean right in front of us. So funny.
Time for a Puka dog. Alex and Elle waiting for their dogs.
Last time when we were here, Alex tried to jump and touch the sign, but couldn't. Now he was just standing there holding it.
Alex eating his Puka dog. So delicious.
My favorite drive through the tree covered highway.
Back on the ship and cruising to see the Napali coast. Goodbye Kauai.
Short meeting with the Japanese distributors. Karino saying his farewells.
Rod playing paper, rock, scissors for the Japanese to win something.
Napali Coast
Back in Honolulu for a day before our flight left at night. Had a last beach day at the Waikiki beach.
Rod and Alex having lunch at the Waikiki beach before our flight home.
