The Wonders of Waikiki

Happy New Year!  I know this is a great time to look forward, but I'm hoping to take some time to look back and reflect.

Looking back to Hawaii, we have a volcano of photos that are about to erupt.  Consider yourselves warned.

Make-a-Wish graciously housed our family at the Sheraton Waikiki in a room on the 18th floor, overlooking both the ocean and Diamond Head volcano.  Never would I have envisioned our family staying in a resort on one of the world's most iconic beaches.  While definitely a once in a lifetime experience, it was lovely.  The kids definitely enjoyed having plenty of comfy beds where they could spread out.  Annika brought a plethora of stuffies to remind her of home.

She was especially delighted when housekeeping both made her bed and organized her stuffed animals. She wrote a thank you note to express her appreciation, and we received this lovely note from Laila in return.

Here we are spying on the surfers in the early morning light as they wait for a wave to come in.  At first I thought they were a bunch of geese.  Even now, I'm not quite certain if they are surfers or snorklers.  Either way, I spy a bunch of people waiting to be amused.

On our first day, Talia went on a ten-mile run around Diamond Crater and peeked inside the volcano.  Sorry--no lava, just green grass.

She even ran into her Tara, her running mentor from Salt Lake.  What a small world!

We showed up the week before the Honolulu marathon, so it was fun to feel the running energy.  Not sure I would ever run it though--too warm with too much humidity.

Hawaii has the best trees.  I can't get enough of these vines!

The colors on this tree seem fake, but I promise, no filter.

Jason started running again too.  The new knee is doing great.

Saluting the morning pigeons.

Enjoying the Christmas sand sculptures at our hotel.  It's not everywhere you see a surfing Santa!

Our hotel location was central and fun, right on Waikiki beach.  We were right next to the Royal Hawaiian and International Market shopping centers.  While admittedly touristy, it was quite enjoyable to park and then enjoy all the bustle on foot.  

On our last day, Annika even joined a hulu class.

Other location perks: shopping for souvenirs and indulging in pastries from Liliha bakery.  The poi donuts were so delicious that we came back for more.  Also, french toast made from Hawaiian rolls is mighty decadent.

Exploring Waikiki beach.  Here we are looking back at our hotel.

Once we'd had enough of the salt water, we could slip back to the resort to enjoy the pools.  The kids were super excited about the 70 foot water slide, but it turned out to be 70 feet in length rather than vertical drop.

The hot tubs were my personal favorite.  We felt mighty spoiled coming back from each day's adventures and hopping into the pools to relax.

Back to the beach for some evening snorkeling.

Enjoying the sunset with my hubby.

The sunsets were spectacular! At first Jason thought he might feel claustrophobic living on an island, but decided that it would be fine as long as he could have a sailboat to travel to lands beyond.  He must be a wayfinder at heart.

Watching the sun set from the pier was beautiful, but watching it set from the infinity pool was extra special.  Just don't tell Eli!  He was pretty bummed that the minimum age for this pool was 16.  That's tough when you're a super responsible kid who causes less commotion than his mother.  Still, better watch out for that Brooklyn.  She's a trouble maker!

The water falls right over the edge so that it feels like the pool continues into the ocean.   You can even rent a cabana that sits in the pool.

Leaping lizards!  We enjoyed our foray into the laps of luxury.  

A few more photos from around town: here's Eli in front of the pink tree at the Royal Hawaiian.

 Once again, giving his very best Shaka!  Jason and Annika joined in as well.

All decked out for Christmas, the Royal Hawaiian even boasted free pictures with Aloha Santa!  Unfortunately we got there a little late and Santa had to go home just as we were getting to the front of the line.

  

With a good book in hand, Annika didn't mind the wait.  (The gal behind her looks a little less pleased.)

Plus, she got to give an elf the side-eye.

Last but not least, photos from our very last morning in the hotel.  Gazing down into the water we saw more sea turtles!  Everyone was THRILLED.  I'm extra glad that they visited since there we didn't see any at the beach where they frequently nest.  

Waikiki, thanks for giving us a magical home away from home during our Make-a-Wish dream week.  Our trip may be over, but the memories live on!