Hawaiian Adventures with Family and Friends

In June 2021, Southwest Airlines offered a fantastic deal on flights to Hawaii, and I couldn’t resist. I scored a roundtrip ticket to Oahu from San Antonio for just $250. Excited about the trip, I posted on social media, inviting others to join. To my delight, twelve people, including my sister, brother-in-law, and niece, decided to come along.

Individuals booked their own flights, and I took care of accommodations. Our flights aligned, so we all met in Las Vegas for our connecting flight to Oahu. Hawaii still had strict entry requirements, demanding vaccination or a recent negative COVID test. Consequently, we patiently queued for document verification before boarding our connecting flight.

Off we went! Southwest Airlines doesn’t assign seats; you choose where to sit. I selected a seat near the front and ended up with a whole row to myself. I dozed off during most of the flight, so I can’t provide an eventful account.

We arrived late at night, and I had arranged transportation to take us to the hotel. By the time we checked in, it was past midnight. I stayed at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, conveniently located across from the beach and within walking distance of numerous restaurants and shops. Most of the others stayed at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, which I wouldn’t recommend – it felt more like a motel. After check-in, we all eagerly hit the sack.

Day 1: I’m an early bird, so I had breakfast alone in the hotel restaurant. As an elite Marriott Bonvoy member, I enjoyed complimentary breakfast for two daily. I ordered a second breakfast to go and dropped it off for my sister and brother-in-law, instructing them to call me when they were ready. With them still resting, I set out to explore the city.

Once everyone was up and ready, we gathered for a group lunch and drinks. Some restaurants required reservations due to ongoing COVID protocols. We found a suitable place, which asked for proof of vaccination or a COVID test. Although I can’t recall the name, the food and drinks were great. After lunch, we returned to the hotels and changed for a day at the beach.

Day 2: My brother-in-law played a crucial role in our Hawaiian adventures. He discovered an app that provided a 6-hour tour around the island. We split the cost of renting a 15-passenger van and the app among the thirteen of us. BIL served as our driver, and the app became our tour guide. Initially, we were uncertain, but it turned out to be a fantastic way to explore the island at our own pace.

Our first stop was Green World Farms, where we enjoyed coffee and tea tasting, as well as shaved ice. Next, we visited the Dole Plantation and tackled the maze competition, which was a blast. We also tried the famous Dole Whip and some corn on a stick. The line for the train ride was too long, so we passed on it.

We then stopped by the North Shore Soap Factory, where the soap maker was off duty, but the staff shared extensive information about their products. After making some purchases, we continued our journey. Hungry by now, we stopped at a place called Killer Tacos (which was just okay).

Next up was Turtle Beach, where we strolled along the shore in hopes of spotting turtles, though we had no luck. The beach attendant informed us that no turtles had shown up all day. The rocks were slippery, and we had one fall and a few near-misses.

We visited a couple of beaches, enjoying the sights of surfers catching waves. Sunset Beach provided the perfect ending to the day, as the sun set over the horizon.

Our last stop on the tour was the Laie Hawaii Temple. We couldn’t enter the temple, so we explored the grounds briefly before heading back. It was an excellent day.

Day 3: We spent the morning pursuing individual activities. I watched the sunrise from my balcony, had breakfast, and later, my brother-in-law and I returned the rental van and Ubered to Pearl Harbor. After our tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona, we rejoined the rest of the group.

We reconvened at the hotel pool for some food, drinks, and fun. There were a few unsupervised children causing trouble, and I had to find their parents before intervening myself. We attempted to play cards at the pool, but the wind disrupted our game, so we relocated to the lobby of the other hotel.

Day 4: The hotel provided beach chairs for guests, so we grabbed some and spent a relaxing, fun, and comical day at the beach. We initially braved the sun without umbrellas, but later, we decided to rent some. Two of the guys decided to try surfing, and their attempts provided the day’s comic relief. I can’t describe it adequately, so I’ll let the pictures and perhaps a video do the talking. They stayed out for at least an hour, with the longest time they stood on the boards being about five seconds – hilarious!

We then returned to our rooms to rest and prepare for the luau. We chose Germaine’s Luau and paid extra for transportation, as we had returned the rental. The bus picked us up in front of the hotel, and after an hour’s drive, we arrived at the luau. The package included dinner and adult beverages. We had a great time, making it a perfect way to end our Hawaiian adventures.

Day 5: Honolulu has so many things to see and so. We barely scratched the surface but it was time to head home. I had few things were left on my to-do list, so I plan to return someday. Until then, Aloha!