O’ahu 2017

I visited Honolulu for the second time as the wedding of Ate Cocoon and Kuya Jap came. My stay was a couple of weeks with my parents and I spent more time with Ate Cocoon and Kuya Jap for a week. Therefore, we got to visit some areas we haven’t been to. I also commuted on my own and met a friend of mine. And, I accompanied my relatives to entertaining places, beaches, and hiking trails.

On the wedding day, I had been busy coping decorations and photographs despite the rain. It, however, went so stunning! The couple made the best moment I have ever had in my life.

Here are my favourite fascinating and natural photos. No need to take pictures of people standing and smiling all the time.

5 things I love about Hawaii

The island of Oahu is so beautiful I have ever visited in my life. I have been thinking of what I really want again.

1. Food/Dessert/Snack

Poke has been stuck in my mind. It is similar to sashimi; however, there are many kinds of flavours. I WANT SPICY FLAVOUR!!! haha! Hawaiian shave ice , acai bowl, and Hawaii chocolate haupia pie are so good! And, macadamia nuts is one of my favourite nuts. I always eat it since I grew up.

2. Art

Amazing things I never stop being fascinated by are: modern patterns, surfboards, skateboards, paintings, home decoration, clothing, accessories, graphic designs, and more! I can say nothing boring. It’s because this matches one of my artistic personality types.

3. Weather

In fact, Hawaii feels like the Philippines I grew up for many years. I like the weather in Hawaii more than in the Philippines because there are more breezes through the houses and anywhere.

4. Activities

Every time I was on the way or went to the beaches, I noticed what people do all the time – skateboarders, joggers, surfers, and many indoor/outdoor activities.

Hiking is one of my hobbies. I heard that hikers go to the trails all the time. For the first time in Hawaii, I went to Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Digging Hill with my relatives. I think it feels the same as I used to hike in the Philippines. I enjoy the nature, though.

And, I saw GoPro cameras are almost available in all stores. Playing with the camera on a beeaacchh! Waaaves! *Splash*

5. Scenery

Beaches are everywhere around the island. I love the feeling of sand between my toes even though it is tiring to walk or run. It gives me calmness and clears my mind. I also love swimming or I’m going to die without saltwater. haha

The mountains and overlooks are sooo… amazing! Whenever I was on the way, I couldn’t stop staring at the mountains surrounded by beautiful clouds and sun rays on the mountains. As for the overlooks, the view is wider! I enjoyed when my aunt drove on the zigzag road… until we reached the top.

After I came back to Vancouver, I had a weird feeling. While I was on the bus, I felt like “Where are the nearby mountains?!” haha

Part 3 of 3 – The Island of Oah’u

8th day

This day seemed to ruin a part of my vacation as I started having sore throat. It was because of travelling in Pearl Harbour during the hottest day. And, I got the cold drink wrong. It tempted me and my sore throat got worse. Anyway, I had a discussion with my friend, Claudine who lives in Kailua with his boyfriend. She had a plan for me – Lanikai Pillbox Hike and Lanikai Beach. She has only a day off work on Mondays. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it since my schedule was so tough. Next time, we will meet as soon as I can visit Hawaii.

I had been so busy packing my backpack for staying in Sheraton Waikiki hotel before heading to Honolulu. We had Dim Sum time!

Spicy poke! Hmmmm!

We were going to stay in Sheraton Waikiki hotel for 3 nights. Thank a lot to uncle Jose for offering us. I glanced at random people staring at something whenever they arrived. It seemed to bother me. I tried to come seeing it. Oh, I found the baby pineapple for the first time!

Outfit of The Day!

9th day

I didn’t feel well in the morning so I had to sleep until I felt better. Yet, I still had cough. Anyway, I just got McDonald breakfast my cousins treated to. It was sweet of them! They didn’t want my sister to pay for them. hehe!

While my cousins slept, my sister and I walked

around Waikiki and we looked for US Post Office to get a box. We thought about buying pizzas or other food for my cousins as it should be fair. But aunt Julie arrived in the hotel and brought food already.

After lunch, my cousin Nathan and I went to buy drinks from Peet’s Coffee and Tea at the hotel. Then, scrolling around the hotel.

We headed to Red Lobster for family dinner. It is where Nathan works. I couldn’t wait to see how well he does. hehe!

We found Nathan to work. He did great job! hehe! By the way, food we ordered was amazing! Thank so much to all aunts/uncles for the fancy dinner! We walked to the hotel.

10th day

3 nights was over already. After packing the bags, we were going to eat out first and then coming back to the hotel. So we could check out.

iHop time

Found a turtle mascot! Shaka!

I was glad to be back at aunt Julie’s house. I really needed more rest. My cough murdered me already. But at least, the cat, Cotton comforted me.

I hit the hay since I took medicine that made me drowsy. However, I was suddenly woken up as aunt Julie showed me a skateboard (Sector 9) which uncle Sam found for me. My head still span. Just looking at it for a short while and going back to sleep.

11th day

I got up and felt refreshed. I slept for more than 8 hours. Then, I went to check my skateboard. It looks good. I like the Hawaiian vintage collages.

I recalled that aunt Julie talked about the hike but I know I needed more rest first. Maybe I would be a bit better in the next day. We went to Ala Moana Centre to check the skateboard bags. In fact, I didn’t want the bags as I might not use them in the future.

Nathan examined my skateboard. He taught me everything about the skateboard. I had no idea what to say but still learned. hehe.

12th day

I was overexcited about going to hike. It was been a very loooong time. Let’s go to Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Digging Hill, which is for easy hikers. I wish I could go to Stairway to Heaven but next time.

We finally reached the bunker on the top. It was built during War World II.

It was time to go down.

We took more rest at home. Then, going to drop off Ciara at her school. Uncle Sam, Nathan and I scrolled around Ala Moana Centre and bought Jollibee meals for lunch. Nom nom nom!

Until we picked up Ciara. We were going to fix and play the skateboards.

13th day

Heading to China man’s island. No DSLR camera was brought because we were going to ride a kayak. We only brought the smartphones with ziplocks and a big locked box. So it is waterproof.

Heading to China man’s island. No DSLR camera was brought because we were going to rode a kayak. We could bring only the smartphones. These could be stored in ziplock bags and Lock & Lock container. Carrying the kayak to the shore. Uncle Sam told me to sit at the middle of the kayak. He sat at the back and my sister was at the front. They were going to swing, except for me. I was going to stay steady. I was told not to turn my head. I realized I did. We almost flipped. If I did, we could lose the balance and the kayak would flip. I wish I could swing at the front, yet I felt like I can’t hear if somebody at the back tells me where we go. Turning the head is not good. Sadly! hehe! My cousins were going to swim with the bodyboards. One of them used the paddleboard.

Finally arrived the island!

Aunt Julie and I strolled around the island. I really wanted to go up as I saw people went there (maybe near the top). Nevertheless, it was dangerous without the ropes and stair rails. The ground is slippery sometimes. In fact, I didn’t need to go since my shoes weren’t suitable for hiking.

14th day

It was the last day of my vacation. A very special place we went is Paradise Cove. I recognized this place in many movies. Finally, here we came. For the first time, I saw there were a lot of international tourists and many entertainments, especially the performances — hula dancers and a fire twirler. This was so… more than fascinating!

YES! It was my turn to be at the front. I can turn my head. hehe!

Hawaiian food is so good!

15th day

Sadly, it was time to leave for Vancouver. I really miss viewing the nature scenery just like the Philippines I used to grow up. Lunch time in Seattle

Departing for Vancouver. I was going to choke my sister because she didn’t notice the time. She said we could wait and hear for the announcement so that we could go inside the airplane. My mind said, “We should go now. No matter what!” but nothing to hear. 10 minutes left! we dashed to the airplane. hehe

[end of part 3]

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I have the wonderful moments from the island of Oah’u. I felt like I want to swim everyday. If I don’t, I am going to die without saltwater. hehe! By the way, it was so glad to see my relatives and cousins – Augustina and Tina! In the future, I will visit there again. Shaka!

Part 2 of 3 – The Island of Oah’u

5th day

I had hard time to sleep since my shoulder was sunburned in North Shore. We went to Ala Moana Centre which is the large open-air shopping centre. I bought a shirt in Forever21 and it has Hawaiian cool pattern.

Jolibee in Foodcourt! yay! haha

Going to Ala Moana Beach Park again. It was just relaxing. I played with my cousin’s GoPro camera and a skateboard.

Then, we went to sleep over uncle Jose’s house again.

6th day

This was the hottest day. It was time to go to Pearl Harbor; however, the tickets we got declared the tour started at 12:45PM. So, we were going to visit Flea Market around Aloha Stadium — a ton of souvenirs, bracelets, clothes, and more!My decision was tough for me to buy items as those are so amazing! The prices are reasonable. I bought some tank tops with handmade prints, stickers, bracelets, travel equipment, and others.

I was in dilemma to buy a mini wooden surfboard because Hawaiian carving artist fascinated me.

Carving my nickname on this surfboard. Awesome!

Going back to Pearl Harbor after having the lunch.I read the history in this pamphlet . Now it made sense to me. It’s better to read than watching Pearl Harbor movie that is too long. 

We entered a theater to watch a film about the history of Pearl Harbour and I relieved that the film has the closed captaining. However, I fell asleep in the middle of the film. hehe! Then, going to U.S.S. Arizona Memorial by vessel. There is the sunken battleship under the memorial.

After this, we went to Coffee or Tea, Inc. I ordered Peach ice tea with tapioca balls. So good!

Hoodie time!

Heading to the Honolulu Night Market with my cousins and sister. I observed people look more different to Vancouver people – especially their clothes. Very cool!

7th day

Oh, this was Sunday – a day off work! All of my relatives joined us. Let’s drive around the island! Driviiiiiing. Unfortunately, I am not a driver yet. hehe! Let’s go to Honolulu first.

Here is the parking a lot beside Ala Moana Beach Park.
Omg! Ciara opened the door! Oh, Tina did another one. hehe!

What a photobomb… Alyssa and Ciara are crazy!

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon is a small, man-made wading pool in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu.

From Waikiki to Diamond Head. Waikīkī is a beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu and a lot of tourists visit and stay in the hotels.

Diamond Head Beach Park. Lanai Lookout

Halona Blow Hole

Again, my face got hurt by my sister’s hair. Sadly… haha!This island is called “Rabbit Island”.Driving around the island was over and it was time to go back to uncle Jose’s house.

Lunch time. After a while, I just wanted more time to eat crabs; however, my sister told me that my cousins were about to go to a mall with her. I ate only two crabs so I decided to skip eating. I joined them to go to the mall. My fingers still smelled like crab even though I washed them. haha!

My sister has keen eyes for the sale signs in the mall. I wish I could cut her arms. She kept on pointing at the sale signs. POINT POINT POINT! hehe!

[end of Part 2]

Part 1 of 3 – The Island of Oah’u

2nd day

I woke up by around 5AM. Everyone still slept. It was too early since my body clock was in Vancouver time. After the sky eventually got brighter, I went outside to play with two dogs. I then looked up to the mountains. It really stunned me! I couldn’t believe my eyes that it’s such as heaven! Last night, I couldn’t see anything and it was dark, except for a ton of lights.

The dog (left) is named Kara. She is adorable as she loves her toy! Burger?! hehe! Another dog (right) is named Lilo. She is quite quiet. I never knew that my aunt has two tortoises as her pets. They don’t need to live in water. One of them is bigger as about 15 inches. Another one is smaller.The scenery is so beautiful! I wish I could live close to the mountains.
Here is Ala Moana Beach Park. My feet were happy on the sand. Oh wait, I wasn’t ready for swimming. I would be back after lunch. hehe

From the park to my late grandmother’s house — we picked up my cousin, Nathan. My uncle and other aunts live in the house. I recognized the living room which shows in an old developed picture I saw.

We headed to Pali Lookout. Wow, the wind was very strong. It was hard to keep my iPhone steady. And, my sister’s hair hurt my face! hehe!

We visited our grandfather’s grave. Then, we went to Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.

Aunt Julie found a Deaf artist who sells his paintings. These are amazing and very traditional. We had a warm conversation but a short while. He is very busy with the tourists. I purchased one of his paintings for my souvenir. Want to know about his biography – LINKI hate this vast bell. It shook my ear; however, it was so much fun to feel the vibration.

The standup paddleboard is so awesome I have ever ridden. After this, we went home. We were going to have a welcome party. Two of my cousins I hadn’t met appeared. It was the first time I met them in person. My cousin, Tina put Hawaiian lei around my neck because I was just welcomed. And they had a surprising birthday cake for me even though my birthday is on July 9. It was really awesome!

Augustina and Tini

3rd day

I didn’t know that we were about to go to swim again. I felt like I almost swim everyday. Let’s go to Hanauma Bay which is popular for snorkeling and many kinds of fish and corals – especially the turtles.

The entrance fee costs $7 USD. We were required to watch an orientation video about the bay and safety although some have watched it before. Make sure we watch it just before we could head down to the water. We didn’t need a shutter bus. We liked walking down and good thing we stopped and took pictures of the beautiful bay.

My cousin Ciara used her GoPro Hero, taking videos and pictures under the sea. So beautiful!

My sister and I swam together and found some fish, but there are not lots in our spot. After resting for a while, I joined my uncle Sam. He knows where the spot is better for viewing a lot of fish. I followed him and I was struggled with my snorkel mask because of flooding it. He taught me how to wear it properly. He showed me a lot of amazing fish. I finally found an eel’s tail. I felt to be warned. I had to swim backward, yet it was hard without swimfins because of the wave. I grabbed uncle Sam’s foot. I was frightened as fish were close to my eyes. However, this is the wonderful experience I have ever had!

After walking up to the parking lot, we headed to Ualakaa Overlook — zigzag roads. I couldn’t believe that aunt Julie kept turning the wheel — left, right, left and right… over and over… blah blah!

We were going to sleep over uncle Jose’s house in Pearl City. Aunt Julie’s house locates in Kaneohe.

4th day

Where did we go? North Shore! There are the huge waves. A lot of professional surfers go there. Also, it’s popular for filming — Blue Crush (my favourite movie), The Big Bounce, and other films.Ohana! Bonding time!

Acai bowl is so delicious! It’s smooth and healthy, especially fruits.

I bought some souvenirs – keychains and a mug (for office). I wish I could really buy all of items. haha!

Once we arrived Keikis Beach, the rain suddenly poured. We still went ahead to reach the beach. The rain was up and down. The raindrops hurt my chest just like shooting me! hehe! By the way, the sand is very soft. Sometimes it’s a bit hard to walk.

There are a lot of waves. We know the warning sign that the waves causes injuries. It was dangerously exciting. Honestly, it hit and roll me over. My back and neck hurt. hehe! FUN!

During the remainder of afternoon, I took a walk to see the lava. It was the first time I touched it. It was black and very rough.

Then, we were off to North Shore.

Hawaiian shave ice tastes so amazing! Its flavour is Rainbow — the combination of strawberry, lemon, and pineapple.

It was time to go home. We went to supermarket to buy some pokes which is a raw salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine. Then going back to aunt Julie’s house. I tried poke. OMG, it tastes like sashimi. BUT it’s better than sashimi! ksldjflkjfls… I couldn’t stop eating. hehe!Yakiniku night! Nom nom nom!

[end of part 1]

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One thing what I noticed again and again is Shaka sign (Y) [not Facebook thumb up]. The “shaka” sign is a common greeting in Hawaiian culture, subsequently also used in surfer culture.

photo credit by Ciara

photo credit by Ciara

One funny thing that I searched for my iPhone. I signed (Y) near my cheek by asking my cousins where my iPhone was. One of them happily signed Shaka. but noooo! It was not that. It was the phone! hehe! I know it was confusing.

By the way, I am going to publish part 2 soon.

1st day – Outside of Canada

Finally, I am a Canadian citizen! Where did I travel? Oh, Hawaii! To be honest, I was supposed not to go there as I had to save up money first. However, my big sister gave me a flight ticket as my birthday gift. I would love to thank to my silly sister! haha!

July 14, Monday – We had to leave the house around 3:30AM before departing at 6AM. My gosh, this was my first time. Sometimes I didn’t read very well about the rules in the airport because of a lack of my sleep.

I thought we departed by 6AM but it delayed due to a system problem. It took about 30 minutes. I had a good nap, though. We headed to Denver, USA. Some airplanes have WiFi. We had to purchase. We decided to watch movies on iPad instead.

Snow on the mountains!

ah? range mountains

suddenly, so flat!

I already know American money, yet it confused me. Once I purchased Denver keychain, I almost picked Canadian money in my wallet. My mind said, “AMERICA!” Then, she handed me $1 USD. I felt like “what the? I thought it was a coin.” My mind was blown!

During lunch time, we went to Cantina Grill which is Mexican restaurant. Surprisingly, a server welcomed us to have seats next to the wide window! Warm sunshine and nice view! I just like to watch what the workers did — driving, carrying the luggages, and doing something. And, I couldn’t wait to eat spicy burritos! My favourite! haha!

We waited for the next airplane in two hours after lunch. I handled myself to carry two bags (backpack and camera bag), and even I wore a passport bag under my arm. I wish I could have 4 arms. haha! We flew to Los Angeles. I know we had two stops but good thing we were on an adventure.

I am the best boyfriend in the world. haha!

snack time.. so hungry!

When I arrived, I found it strange to see how different people look. Black/White/Asian people? Actors? Hipsters?! What?! People in Denver seem normal just like a lot of white people but it blew my mind again.

Then, waiting for the next airplane. It had been delaying for two hours. It murdered me already.

Finally, we were going to be on board! Flying from Los Angeles to Hawaii takes 6 hours. It depends on the tailwind.

I noticed that HNL (Honolulu International Airport) looks like NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) in the Philippines.

We were on our way to aunt Julie’s house. I saw a lot of lights among the houses. This is such as Baguio City. I should have taken a picture, yet my hands were full and I ate dinner. After arriving, we were exhausted. I had hard time to sleep because of jet lag.

I will post about the next day. So exciting!