What else did the monster have? . . . Hawaii with a Four-Year-Old

My family and I DO NOT like surprises. 

For us, a lot of the enjoyment of a trip comes from knowing it’s coming MONTHS before the actual date. 

Bryan hauls piles of guide books from the library for me and I start researching.  For this trip to Hawaii, OAHU REVEALED was my best source for things to do with children.      

I picked a hotel right by the beach, the zoo, and the aquarium.

We booked flights for Saturday, December 30 so that we could be sure to all be there for New Year's Eve.  

Kepler headed straight to the beach.

In the evening, we enjoyed strolling along Kalakaua and seeing the street performers.

Sunday, December 31

     First up, the zoo:

Back to the beach

The streets were jammed on New Year’s Eve.  We were lucky to snag a table for cocktails at the Outrigger.  

 We were glad we had booked a table for dinner.

Monday, Jan 1: the Aquarium

Some of the best fun was unplanned.  On the way back from the aquarium, we couldn't resist swinging on a banyan tree. 

Tuesday, Jan 2

Bryan, Nicole, and James went to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

. . . while Kepler and I enjoyed some books and monster games at the hotel.  He was not in the mood for going to the beach.  

Wednesday, Jan 3

going to the Children’s Museum by bus: The bus system is AMAZING!  Seniors ride for $1.00.

Kepler made friends all over the place . . .  and had lots of fun; especially in the theatre.

 Thursday, Jan 4

Hanauma Bay snorkeling:  you don't even need to put on the gear!  Colorful fish swim all around you as you wade near the shore.  

Friday, Jan 5

Pirate Ship!  Hauling up treasure and fighting with swords!

Saturday, Jan 6

We had booked a trip, but a tummy virus hit three of us on Friday night, and we had to cancel.  Full refund!   Thank-you Polynesian Cultural Village! 

Sunday, Jan 7

Back to the Beach!

 

Nicole is really good at finding the best restaurants nearby.   What a great week!

  

  

A terrific Hawaiian singer was performing her contemporary music all through our dinner here.

  

*******

I love traveling in the United States, and, to show my appreciation, I am posting a recipe I clipped about 30 years ago. 

I made it for the first time just before this Christmas because it’s a fruitcake.  It was good but very dense and more like a big currant scone than a cake.   No wonder, since there is absolutely no leavening agent in it!