Hawaii: Part I (Waikiki)

The closest I can come to re-living the incredible trip we just took is to write about it, so here I am.

In September, Clay told me he had some work to do in Hawaii, and that we could make a trip out of it if we wanted to. After a lot of thought (#not) we started lining up babysitters and planning our getaway. I'm so grateful for the people who helped with our kids so we could have four carefree days in paradise. 

Once we booked our tickets, I had my moments of anxiety about leaving our kiddos -- it was my first time ever leaving Camden -- but we knew they would be in good hands. Plus, I knew the break would be so good for me as a mom and for Clay and I as a couple. Also, we thought the kids would have fun being with their grandparents and having a break from us. 

We boarded our flight, and Clay were excited just to be on an airplane with time to read and talk uninterrupted -- a rare luxury. 6 hours flew by and we landed in Honolulu. We felt blissful as we breathed in the warm, humid air and packed our jackets away. 

After we checked into our little hotel room near Waikiki Beach, we found a restaurant called Cheeseburgerland. The burgers were pricey but delicious. After dinner, we walked along Waikiki Beach at sunset. It's a crowded beach, but still beautiful.  

Yachts at Waikiki Harbor

The next morning, we got up at 5:30 a.m. (8:30 Utah time, so that was sleeping in for us) and went for a run along the beach as the sun came up. I was impressed by how many people, of all ages, were out exercising at that hour.

Clay had to go to work, but I was looking forward to my time alone. I did some shopping at the huge local mall, got lost for an hour, then hurried back to the hotel so I could spend some time on the beach. I walked along Waikiki Beach for about half an hour, just soaking in the scene and enjoying my alone-time with no agenda. I sat on the beach for awhile then walked to a nearby Army Museum. I love learning about war history. The reason why is a whole other post, so I'll leave it at that for now. 

When Clay was done with work, we went on a walk on the beach at sunset then decided to have dinner at Nico's, a picturesque little seafood restaurant at the end of a pier that a couple of people recommended to us. The food was good, and the ambiance was even better. 

Nico's on Pier 38

On our way back, we stopped to check out a humongous cruise ship, then got dessert at Bubbies, a homemade Hawaiian ice cream shop that also came highly recommended by locals. I got the Oreo and coconut ice cream and it was delish.

We went back to the hotel and to bed at 9 p.m. (that time change had us exhausted early). I was so excited to go to Pearl Harbor the next day. It didn't disappoint.