Our hotel had a great view of Waikiki Beach that we enjoyed while recovering from jet lag.
Then we hopped on a boat for a few days to give us the chance to travel around and experience multiple Hawaiian Islands. The cruise ship was called "The Pride of America". It seemed very fitting for coming home to the United States after two years living overseas! :)
We got to go snorkeling and saw sea turtles (HUGE!) and a bunch of "Finding Nemoish-like" fishes!
This is all one tree. Amazing!!
Our favorite Hawaiian experience was hiking a volcano crater. It felt remarkably like we were the last two of the "Fellowship of the Ring" making our way to Mordor. . .
. . .so we thought it would be a good place to reenact the scene where Frodo almost falls into the volcanic Mount of Doom after Gollum and the ring. If you aren't a Lord of the Ring fan then never mind. ..just consider this yet another picture of me acting like a crazy person.
A lush rain forest complete with waterfalls was a very welcomed sight after the harsh, dry volcano. It felt so strange that the same island has such drastically different scenery within a short distance of each other.
We barely scratched the surface of all there is to do in this beautiful part of the world and I'd love to go back again someday. Just look at all the area that needs exploring!!
Hawaii, thanks for the wonderful relaxing vacation. . .until next time!
