Day 5 - Oahu

Amoung the stories that will be told and retold in recounting our family trip to Hawaii, will be our close encounter with a tsunami. We will never forget the feelings we had, nor the images of cars gridlocked trying to drive out of Honolulu right below us. We will not forget the sirens blaring out; telling all to evacuate. We will not forget kneeling on the floor and praying for safety.

But I get ahead of myself....

Saturday started out as another beautiful day that lay before us. We all left the condos early to head to 'The Dole Pineapple Plantation'. We met up with My nephew Trevor, his wife Rebekah and their four kids. We had not seen them for quite some time and had never met two month old 'Ridgeline'.

We had a fun visit, rode the train and learned more about the plantation and then enjoyed a pineapple ice cream and a pineapple drink. It was an enjoyable couple hours and we were grateful they were willing to meet us there.

When we left, Matt and Katherine and Family headed to Lanikai Beach to enjoy one last day of swimming and playing in the sand. Josh and Kaija took off for Aloha Stadium to make their way through the endless stalls of the Flea Market. Aaron, Lauren and Family, James and I headed to the Northshore where we watched big waves come crashing in and after driving on to Sunset Beach, we enjoyed a picnic lunch. It was a fun afternoon for all. We met up late afternoon to have dinner together which ended up being a smorgasbord of different food.

On the way home we heard about the earthquake off the coast of Canada, but had read there was no worry of tsunami. However, shortly after we arrived back at the condos, the sirens started blaring out and when we turned on the TV, we were told to evacuate. Looking down from our balcony, we could see an endless line in both lanes of cars and knew we weren't going
anywhere anytime soon. We were just six blocks from the beach, but on the 9th floor. As we listened, we were told that if we were above the 3rd floor, we should stay put. The tsunami was scheduled for around 10:28 PM. We started to prepare, cars were moved further up in the garage, we filled every container we could find as well as the tub with water, and located flashlights. We were grateful we carry one with us whenever we travel too. The kids were all in bed, which helped immensely, and we sat and listened to what the news station was saying and spent time out on the deck watching what was happening below.

The tsunami was a 'no-show' thankfully, and we all went to bed around 11:30 PM. Containers were emptied and life went on, but we will not forget it.

Day 5-Oahu, Hawaii

Hi,

Today was a very quiet day. Matt, Katherine and Ella took off mid-morning for a snorkeling trip to Hanauma Bay. They had fun taking turns snorkeling while Ella and Jay played in the sand. Ella even went out on a boogie board and was able to see fish too.

James and I walked down to Waikiki Beach, the water was beautiful with Diamond Head as a backdrop. When we got back, we watched Ella and Jay while Matt and Katherine spent a couple hours out on a catamaran. Just a few minutes before they got home, we watched Livvy as she slept so that Aaron, Lauren, Logan, Josh and Kaija could go for a walk.

We all had dinner together at iHop. It appears our vacation is winding down.

Day 4 - Oahu, HI

Hi,

We had a very busy, yet fun filled day yesterday. It started off with a trip to Pali Lookout where we had a panoramic view of the Windward side of the island. This is where history says Kamehameha I led the bloodiest battle in Hawaiian history in 1795. When he and his men came on shore they pushed the defenders up the mountain where they pushed them (hundreds of warriors) over a 1000 foot cliff. He conquered Oahu and became a very wise and compassionate king.

Then on to Byodo-in Temple which is a Buddhist Temple and a smaller replica of a 900 year old temple that stands in Japan. There were episodes of Hawaii-Five-O, Magnum PI, and LOST filmed here. As well as 'Pearl Harbor'. We walked around the grounds, seeing a huge bell and koi ponds. We also saw the huge pagoda in pyramid hall.

Then it was on toward The Polynesian Cultural Center after first making a stop at BYU-Hawaii and then walking on the grounds of the LDS Temple. The temple was snowy white nestled amongst the lush green landscape.

Finally, our destination at PCC; this is where we would spend the next 9-1/2 hours. We visited the Polynesian countries learning about their food, clothing, culture and dance. James Ella and Katherine learned to Hula. Ella also tried her hand at fishing. We sat under a group of palm trees and watched the canoe pageant while the sun blazed overhead. We ate breadfruit mixed with coconut milk, Mackerel and taro leaves from the island of Somoa. We had ice cream sherbet with fresh fruit.

Later the 12 of us went into the Ali'i Luau where we watched as they pulled banana leaves off a mound and then lifted a whole roasted pig out of the ground. We feasted on pig, chicken and fish as we drank piña colada and mango smoothies from whole carved out pineapples. The show was full of music and dance with colorful costumes from each of the islands of Polynesia. It was a memorable evening, surrounded by our family.

After dinner was the night show; which always has fire and it really delivered this time. The fire dancers were spectacular! The show didn't disappoint either; it was 'Ha, Breath of Life'. It was the story of a baby's birth and followed the cycle of his life as he grew into a man, married, lost his father in war, and had a baby of his own. It was really good, clean and understandable. The costumes were amazing, as was the music and dance. Those kids danced so hard their skin glistened. They were spectacular! Then it was back in the car for the hour ride back to the condo.

Day 3 on Oahu

Hi,

We all had a good day today and tonight finds us all tired. Today we visited Pearl Harbor--which is always sobering. We learn some thing new every time we visit the Arizona Memorial; this time was no different. It is amazing to us to think about how patriotic everyone was back then. Everyone wanted to serve the USA. Even during the war young women of 17 were involved with helping the war efforts. Looking at the pictures and hearing the stories makes you realize it was a different era than we have today. Josh and Kaija also did the Missouri. We opted out of that as not only have we been on the Missouri many times growing up while it was docked in Bremerton, but we went through the whole ship with Aaron and Matt in '99.

Aaron and Lauren did not go to Pearl Harbor with their little kids. They went to Aloha Flea Market instead, then headed back to condo for the kids to nap.

We made it to the flea Market 12:30 and were able to purchase a few items. I mentioned to James that I was glad the kids were with us because now we did not have to bring home any trinkets for them.

All 12 of us met up together at Lanikai Beach in Kailua on the east side of the island in the late afternoon. It was here that after swimming in the ocean for a while, it started to rain. The hardest rain came while we were dining across the street at Buzz's Steakhouse on Marlin, Mahi Mahi, steak, scampi, etc. it just poured!

Day 2 - Oahu, HI

Hi,

Today was a better day, though Aaron and Lauren didn't get a lot of sleep last night as Logan and Livvy dealt with the 3 hour time change. They had both been up so late with everything that happened yesterday.

So while the rest of us headed to Sea World to enjoy the morning, Aaron, Lauren, Logan and Livvy caught up on some much needed rest--I did hear rumors that Aaron had to deal with his business too.

At Sea World we watched Matt, Katherine, Ella and Jay swim with Dolphins; they would later say it was the 'highlight of the trip'. After that event, we walked around the park and also took in two shows--a dolphin show and a show with dolphins, penguins, and sea lions. Sea Life was fun and the setting was spectacular.

Josh, Kaija, James and I headed back to the condo and Matt, Katherine and Family headed to a beach on Waikiki. As we got back to the condo, we met up with Aaron, Lauren and Family; after a refreshing rest, they were headed to Lanikai Beach. This beach is a favorite of Lauren's from when her family lived on Oahu. Since they were out that way, they ate at Teddy's Burgers. Lauren worked there after graduating from High School.

The rest of us had dinner at Seafood Bar and Grill. It was just a short walk from the condo, and we enjoyed it.

The temperature today was close to 90 degrees. Later we heard some of our family (in Idaho) had huge snowflakes coming down. We were happy to be enjoying the sun.

Day 1 - Oahu

Hi,

Oh, my! What a day! We are happy to be here in our condos, in one piece--and, at the same time, have our wits about us. All 12 of us had a very uneventful day until 1:30 PM. The Kauaj part of the family made the flight without difficulty. Aaron, Lauren and family made their flight out of Portland without a hitch; the kids did well on the flight and they arrived shortly before us. Josh and Kaija's flight was two hours later than ours out of Kauai.

The excitement started after we took the Hertz shuttle to the car rental place. As the bags were placed off the shuttle I had the audacity to ask, 'Who is Joe Willis?' His name was on the suitcase. Well, Aaron and Lauren picked up his suitcase by mistake!

So the excitement started. Lauren left a message with him to call her. Matt and Katherine got their rental, loaded up their car and headed to the Condo. Aaron got his rental car, but all their stuff would not fit, so back for another car which was an additional $70/day. Lauren got ahold of Joe who had their suitcase with him in Maui. Aaron's family then took off, leaving Joe's suitcase with us so James and I could take it back into the airport. Josh and Kaija landed and Hawaiian Airlines said they would do nothing to help us. Joe decided to fly back to Honolulu and deliver the suitcase to us and get his.

Long story short: Josh and Kaija took off in car for the commissary to get groceries. Matt, Katherine and family were checked into condo 9B and now enjoying beach. Lauren and kids were checked into 9A. Joe returned and did the suitcase exchange, Aaron came back to airport to pick us up. We had several heroes today, but we are very grateful for our heroes-- my nephew Trevor and his wife Rebekah's family who said we could borrow their car, and loaned us all the cribs and baby chairs and toys etc. it was amazing! We said we needed and they said, 'Here we have it, please take.'

The car aaron rented, was returned. Josh and Kaija avoided a car accident that happened right in front of them. We made it to the condo, had some pizza and got the kids nestled into the cribs that we borrowed.

We thought all was winding down until the fire alarm went off in 9A, seems Grandma Kathleen had NOT turned off oven as she thought, but had turned dial to 'Broil' even though it said 'off'. Fire was averted but oven very hot.

We are all tired and headed for bed. We look forward to Sea Life tomorrow.

Day 3 on Kauai

Hi,

Today was very laid back. We had church at 9 AM. We almost didn't make it but between 'Sheila' (Josh's GPS) and 'Francine' (my GPS), we managed to get there 3 minutes late; but they both had to work together. In the end, they were both wrong and we just happened to see the church as we drove by.

After church we kind of all went our separate ways--Josh had homework he had to deal with so he and Kaija retired to the downstairs for the rest of the day. The rest of us had lunch and then spent until nap time enjoying the backyard. Jay is just learning to walk and up until today, the most steps he would take was seven...today he surpassed himself with eight steps---and a lot of coaxing.

When the kids went down for a nap, James and I took off for the National Tropical Botanical Gardens less than two miles from the house. It was beautiful to walk through and we learned of several species of plants that can't be found anywhere else. We also watched talented people wove palm leaves into hats and birds; we brought a woven bird back to Ella.

From there we drove to Poipu Beach--it was busy with people swimming, snorkeling and surfing; three different areas. It is a beautiful beach and less than two miles from the house.

On our return, Matt, Katherine, Ella and Jay were on their way to the beach for a short time before dinner. They returned 1-1/2 hours later after having fun together.

We had a lasagna dinner out on the deck just before the sun slipped below the horizon. It looks like our food shopping turned out perfect; just about everything will be gone tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow we get packed up and leave for the airport at 10:30 and arrive in Honolulu where we will meet up with Aaron, Lauren, Logan and Olivia minutes after landing, as long as Hawaiian Airlines is on schedule. We have had a great time on Kauai and the time has flown by.

Fwd: Day 2 in Kauai, Hawaii

Sent from my iPhone 4S

Begin forwarded message:

From: kammeyer4@gmail.com
Date: October 20, 2012, 21:20:16 HST
Subject: Day 2 in Kauai, Hawaii

Hi,

We were up early when we heard the patter of little feet and loud voices at 6:30 AM.  Josh said that he is glad he and Kaija are downstairs so they don't hear anything.

After breakfast and making lunches, we headed off to see 'Spouting Horn'. It was amazing to see as was the coast line.  It reminded me of the Oregon Coast--the blow holes, only it was much warmer and we didn't get wet watching it.

We then drove to Hanalei Bay passing lush green scenery, as well as taro fields along the way.  The clouds were obscuring the mountaintops and although we saw no rain we drove through roads that were wet with standing puddles.  We stopped at Hanalei Beach along the north shore to have lunch and see the surfers. Here ee had sprinkles of mist.  The guys all decided to swim and Boogie Board for a couple hours while I watched the kids play in the sand and Katherine and Kaija walked down the shoreline to see Lumahai where South Pacific was filmed.  

While the kids napped we headed south driving for an hour to Lydgate Beach.  The guys had hoped to do more boogie boarding however, the waves were fast and furious and it wasn't a beach that we could see others boarding on.  We walked about 300 feet north to a breakwater where we were able to swim as we watched the water break over the tops of the rocks--and the kids could build castles in the sand; Ella enjoyed burying herself up to her neck with sand.  

After eating burgers and fries at Bubba Burgers, we all headed for home.  We are all very sun-kissed and tired.

Jay at Hanalei Beach

James, Matt, and Josh boogie boarding at Hanalei.

Ella at Hanalei.

Matt, Ella, Jay and Katherine at Lydgate Beach

Matt, Jay, Ella and Katherine; James, Kaija and Josh at Bubba Burgers in Kapa'a.

Sent from my iPhone 4S

Day 2 in Kauai, Hawaii

Hi,

We were up early when we heard the patter of little feet and loud voices at 6:30 AM. Josh said that he is glad he and Kaija are downstairs so they don't hear anything.

After breakfast and making lunches, we headed off to see 'Spouting Horn'. It was amazing to see as was the coast line. It reminded me of the Oregon Coast--the blow holes, only it was much warmer and we didn't get wet watching it.

We then drove to Hanalei Bay passing lush green scenery, as well as taro fields along the way. The clouds were obscuring the mountaintops and although we saw no rain we drove through roads that were wet with standing puddles. We stopped at Hanalei Beach along the north shore to have lunch and see the surfers. Here ee had sprinkles of mist. The guys all decided to swim and Boogie Board for a couple hours while I watched the kids play in the sand and Katherine and Kaija walked down the shoreline to see Lumahai where South Pacific was filmed.

While the kids napped we headed south driving for an hour to Lydgate Beach. The guys had hoped to do more boogie boarding however, the waves were fast and furious and it wasn't a beach that we could see others boarding on. We walked about 300 feet north to a breakwater where we were able to swim as we watched the water break over the tops of the rocks--and the kids could build castles in the sand; Ella enjoyed burying herself up to her neck with sand.

After eating burgers and fries at Bubba Burgers, we all headed for home. We are all very sun-kissed and tired.

Kauai, Hawaii

Hi,

We arrived on Kauai yesterday; the kids traveled really well. it has been an adjustment getting used to the time change, but not bad at all. Aaron, Lauren, Logan and Olivia will join us on Monday when we arrive in Oahu.

We are staying in Poipu in a very roomy home. There are four bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and two full size kitchens. This home has everything you need to spend time on the beach--including sand toys and Boogie Boards. It also has several bikes. From the deck you can see some ocean. We felt quite stifled when we arrived and there was no Air-conditioning, but tonight with (many) ceiling fans going and at least 10 floor fans, one of which is the size of a jet engine, it really is not bad. We are just 1/8 mile from Baby Beach which is great fun for the kids--they love sitting and playing in the sand. The weather is perfect!

The last picture is at Kalapaki Beach. I am having phone trouble and it won't let me finish. After a fun time at the beach, we had a wonderful dinner at Duke's-sitting in an open restaurant looking out over the ocean as the sun set. Absolutely beautiful and a perfect ending to our day.