We spent a lot of time just playing at the beach. Kenny's highlight was all the snorkeling, especially Hanauma Bay, I loved the Polynesian Culture Center & parasailing, Drew loved the interesting trees, Ian loved burying Connie in the sand, and Owen loved being in the arms of his grandmother & the birds, until one actually stole his cracker right out of his hands! Here are some highlights from our trip:
Hanauma Bay
The snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was amazing. We spent hours at this beach. I was a little more timid of snorkeling and seeing what was all around me, so luckily Connie was there to go with Kenny. They swam through caves and saw several huge sea turtles and some very interesting looking fish. At one point Connie and I went out snorkeling and followed around a sea turtle for quite awhile. She decided to try and touch it, which made me very nervous because I just knew that the turtle would turn around and snap her finger off, but she did touch it and I was in awe! She told me it was my turn, so of course we went looking for another sea turtle. I had to swim/chase my sea turtle around, but in the end I did prevail and can now say that I touched a sea turtle in the Pacific Ocean.....very cool!
Polynesian Culture Center
I can't lie, after spending a day at the Polynesian Culture Center I was jealous and wishing I too could by Polynesian! At the PCC we toured around to several different
islands to see the lifestyles, habitats, and entertainment of several Polynesian cultures. Our favorite was definitely the island of Samoa. There we watched a boy climb to the top of a huge palm tree, learned how to open a coconut with our bare hands and turn it into to milk, and how to make fire come alive from a stick. The boys also enjoyed the island of Tonga where they got to drum on some big drums. Clarissa, Connie, and I stayed around for the evening show and the Luau. As we entered the Luau, we received a real orchid lei. The food was delicious. We dined on a pig that had been buried underground, rolls made from taro root (that are purple), salmon, jerky, and fresh pineapple. The only less desirable food at the Luau was the poi, which I think tastes like paste. The dancing was indescribable, something that everyone should experience for themselves. All in all it was one of the coolest places I have ever gone and can't wait to go back again someday.
