Polynesian Cultural Center

Our last day we spent our time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This is one of the things I wanted to see most in Hawaii. We were able to get admission tickets to spend the day visiting each 'village'. We also got to have dinner and see the show, "Ha  Breath of Life". It was one of my favorite things I have done in Hawaii so far.

The above video, and this picture was the canoe dancing that each 'village' does. I couldn't get very good videos or pictures because there was so many people around.

Each village had a show that went on each hour during the day. This was the show in Samoa. It was hilarious! This guy was amazing. He showed us how to make fire, break into coconuts, and climb the coconut tree. He was also in the Ha Breath of Life show that we saw. He was the main fire dancer. It was incredible what they could do with fire!

Before going into dinner they had us take a picture. Aren't we cute? (Tiffany loved the guy she is standing by. She hurried so she could be the one to stand next to him)!

Tiffany and I waiting for "Ha Breath of Life" show. I wish we could have taken pictures of the show, but no cameras or phones were allowed! :( I would definitely go see this show again!

In the Tongan show, Jordan was lucky enough to get called up to participate in the show! Take a look!

The Polynesian Cultural Center was an amazing experience. The whole vacation was wonderful. I am so grateful for a great family who took the time to come visit TJ and I.

O'ahu

I was so excited to head to O'ahu with my family, since I have never been there before. We arrived Saturday night, and I headed back home Tuesday night, while my family flew back to Washington early Wednesday morning. Saturday night we checked into our hotel and all went out on the town. By our hotel there was a strip where there were tons and tons of shops. It was beautifully lit up with torches, and Christmas lights.

Tiffany and I ready to hit up the town!

While we were walking the strip, there were many street performers that were drawing in crowds. One guy made himself look like a statue. We would sit very still. When tourists would walk by him he began to move. It would freak them out. Pretty funny!

Sunday we went on a hike up to Diamond Head State Monument. When my dad mentioned doing this hike, I had no idea what it was. No one knew what was to come. We all showed up in flip-flops, not thinking anything about it. We got to the beginning of the trail, where a sign told us a little about the hike. One of the first things it said was to NOT WEAR FLIP-FLOPS. Oh well! The hike was very hard. It was steep the whole entire way up. It was a hot day which made it so we were all drenched in sweat by the top. Once we got to the top, I realized how worth it that hike was. It was absolutely breathtaking.

A tunnel we went though to get to the beginning of the hike.

That's what we were climbing.

One of my favorite things I have ever seen.

*Favorite

These stairs were towards the end of the hike. I was already exhausted when I got to these. I couldn't believe I had to hike these!

Entering a dark tunnel. It was actually kind of creepy! You couldn't see a thing.

Kona Farmers Market

Saturday, we all loaded up and headed to Kona again. This was my families last day on the Big Island. We wanted to take them to Alli drive which is full of shops, and the farmers market. We walked around the farmers market first, and got some souvenirs. Kyle, my dad, and TJ found a spot right by the beach where they could watch college football. Naturally, they wanted to watch it, so my mom, Tiffany, Jordan and I continued through the shops.

TJ and Jordan both got sweet necklaces from the farmers market.

Everyone wanted a turn with Jordan's hat.

Tiffany and I found a Henna store, so we went for it. I got the flower, Tiff got the sea turtle.

My family left the Big Island and headed to O'ahu next. I, luckily was able to go with them. TJ couldn't get off work which meant he was staying home all alone. :( I felt so bad leaving him, but really wanted to continue the vacation. TJ was nice enough to let me go!

Akaka Falls

TJ and I wanted to take my family to Akaka Falls while they were here. On Friday, we got up early and headed to Akaka Falls. It is about a 50 minute drive from our house, so we wanted to get up early enough. We didn't want to waste a minute! TJ and I have been there before, but we loved going again and enjoying it with the family.

On the way out, we found a little stand selling fresh fruit, and coconuts. We stopped there to check it out.

Jordan bought this hat from a guy that hand makes them. It is amazing how he can make something like that!

TJ wanted to try it out too!

We took my family to lunch at Tex's so they could try the famous Malasadas. They loved them, of course! Afterwards, we went back to Hapuna Beach to spend the rest of the afternoon there. It was nice and sunny! We played, took naps, and enjoyed the beautiful beach!