Hawaii- 29th ad 30th August, 2013

  

29th August

 

Not doing a lot today just walked over to Walmarts big department store in behind the Ala Moana centre as Des wanted us to get him something a whole $4.98 worth. Had a quick look around there brought a few things for the little ones and back to the unit for a couple of hours then down for a swim, so refreshing after walking in the heat.

 

  



So hot PT caught me putting my head in the deep freeze to try and cool down.

Wandered around down in front of the hotel and took a few shots. This one looking over the lagoon towards the ocean. Great place for the younger kids to swim.

Looking back over the lagoon to the Hilton on the right and our complex far left. This beach is groomed every morning. The boardwalk in the foreground runs right around the lagoon. They have done it really nicely.

This is our hotel looking back from the boat harbour. It is in the shape of a Y. The first five nights we are in the right hand side of the wing nearest to the camera. Tomorrow night is our last night then we move over to the left hand wing three levels down from the top 2nd in from the end.

 

Standing out in the boat harbour looking back at the hotel.

 

 

 

30th August.

 

Another lazy day didn't leave the unit until after lunch. We then decided to go out to the bus company main office right out nearly to the airport to  obtain our senior card  so we can hop on and off the bus when ever. It is usually $2.50 per ride ( you only pay when you get on the bus and can then travel for as long as you like). For the senior card you pay $10.00 per month and pay $1.00  per ride or $10.00 plus $5.00 per month then all rides are no charge. that's the one we went for. The $10.00 card last for four years then you pay $5.00 per month for all the free rides. Have I confused you.......

After all that we now have our cards with no charge when we hop on the bus.

 

Bussed back to the hotel  at 5.00pm flopped down had a drink when out for a quick bite to eat to be back to our room to see another fireworks display from our balcony. Just amazing. We won't see these from our next unit.

 

We were going to Skype Joe tonight but had a text from Bev saying Joe wasn't up to it so not sure if it is just because he had a few visitors today or other reasons, Bev didn't say why.

 

Took no photos today not a lot to write about two quiet days and tomorrow morning have to pack up and change units. Not sure what we will do as we have to be out by 11.00am and can't get into our other until until 4.00pm. The hotel will store our bags.

 

 

 

Hawaii 28th August 2013

This morning walked along to the main Waikiki beach area which is a 15 min none stop walk along the beach in front of the beach hotels. Very hot today just seem to be finding it hard to acclimatized to the heat when we are going for long walks.

Far too busy down that end, like it much better down where we are staying  ten minute walk from Ala Moana centre.

We walked through the International markets, down and around some of the back streets past the Waikiki Banyan where we took the kids about 1988. Finally after about two hours back to our apt for lunch suffering a bit of heat exhaustion.

Watched a bit of the American Open tennis then down for a swim  getting back to the hotel about 4.30pm.

 

On our walk this morning looking along Waikiki beach with Diamond Head in the back ground which we will climb later perhaps next week.






 



 

Main part of the beach with all the surf boards for hire on the right.

 

 



 

Approaching the main part of the beach.

 



Dave and Jen I took this photo for you, where you swam nearly everyday, out in the gap of  the breakwater with Ernie!!!!!!

And below, the Banyan Hotel where we stayed.

 

 

 

Banyan Tree

 

 

Just another photo from our balcony including the hotel pool. Don't swim there, we prefer the sea.

 

 

Its now 9.00pm and it is still very hot inside as the air conditioning isn't the best. Hope we get a better one in the next unit. We shift on Saturday on the other side of the building where we will look over the Yacht harbour. We prefer that side better but decided to try this lagoon side just for a change.

Hawaii 26th --27th August 2013 (27th--28th August NZ time)

Left  on NZ10 flight at 11.00am. As some of you know we were upgraded to premium class due to applying by their auction program where you put in a bid about a week before you leave. You can make it any amount then wait to see if they accept. We knew that we had the upgrade three days before we left.

 What a difference. Premium check in. Much more room, better meals all served individually and put on your tray just like business class, not brought out in the trollies. Anything you wanted to drink all free. We also had three seats  so had a seat between us. Linen napkins not paper and no plastic cutlery. By the way kids we were 2nd on board not first!!!!!!! You guys know the joke.

I think that this class seats about 36 but only 25 passengers  and had two staff just looking after the 25. Really enjoyed the flight but it has now spoilt us .We  have applied for an auction on the way home but won't be notified until about three days before we leave.
Flight took eight and half hours arriving on time.





Note larger headphones really good, distance between seats, knees under tray which shows space. They also tilt back a lot further.

Arrived at our condo in the Ilikai Hotel  just after 10.00pm as quick off the plane. We have now gone back a day so now 26th August. Went to our room dropped everything and then went across the road to the ABC store to get get some food for breakfast.

Had a good sleep woke up refreshed and now have  to go through the 27th August again.

Had a quiet day just walked along to Ala Moana  mall picked up enough food  for two nights to cook in. Came back to unit then went down to the beach for a swim. Very relaxing after walking around in this heat. Water was so warm.

We are only here for five nights room 36 level 18  looking over the lagoon then for 14 nights on level 20 room no. 2008 overlooking the yacht harbour.

  

Below Condo 1836



Kitchen





As you can see it is a studio. Couch in front of beds looking towards a TV on the wall.

Lounge with the beds behind



View from our balcony looking over the lagoon which has been upgraded since we were here. Lovely sandy beach area all around it with lawns and trees to sit under. Great for the  kids. Lots of peddle boats etc. We swam off  the beach behind in the ocean.



Above and below fireworks night on the beach where we swam today. We thought these were every Friday night but tonight is Tuesday. Maybe they do it twice a week now. These two photos were taken from our balcony. Great spot to watch.



Reflection in the lagoon



Double lounger on one end of balcony. Other end table and chairs. Large area. Nice spot in the afternoons as it gets the morning sun only, so a lot cooler in the afternoons. Perfect spot for a beer.

First day good clear blue skies, hot. Not planning too much in advance just taking it as it comes each day. Nice to have a stay put holiday for a change, without driving every day.