Our days have been so packed… but I am enjoying every moment of it. It is hard to believe that we leave for home tomorrow. I wish we could stay longer–there is so much more that I would like to experience! It looks like another trip is necessary. Not only to see my dear sister, but to experience more of this amazing place.
After our lovely day with Chris and her family last Monday, we had a nice dinner and relaxation time at Mimi’s house.
On Tuesday, we headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the north side of the island. I am so glad we did… this place was amazing. There are sections for eight of the major island(s) in Polynesia. Each section has guides from that area, authentic clothing, foods, and housing. Each section also has two shows that they perform throughout the day. One is a cultural “hands on” show with arts, crafts, dance, or music. The other show is dancing, cultural rites, singing and playing instruments.
There is a canal in the middle of the park. Each island has a flat canoe that they row down the canal while there are dancers on top of it! One guy fell in the water–but I was not sure if it was scripted or not 
These particular dancers are from Tahiti.
After seeing these temporary tatoos on everyone, we finally tracked down the hut–in Marquesas–where they were giving them out.
 |
 Mimi got a turtle and I got a woodcut design. I actually liked the look of it alot But I am too big of a wuss to get a real tattoo–so the temporaty tattoo was the perfect fit! |
We went to every show we could fit in, plus an IMAX show about coral reefs and their importance to Polynesia.
We learned so much that day about the islands’ cultures–we had a lesson in the history and evolution of the ukulele, did some Tahitian hula dancing, and tried some fresh poi.
It was a wonderful time, and the Polynesian Cultural Center is highly recommended if you are planning a trip to Oahu 
There is also a luau at the PCC several times a week, but we opted out of this one, in favor of another one on the other side of the island (we are going to that tonight!)
Tuesday was a late night… Mimi’s husband, Dan, finally returned from his latest training session–he got in about 1am from California. He was gone for 6 weeks, and we were all very happy to see him (especially Mimi!) We did not wait up, but we did get to see him the next morn…
We woke up early to make it to Waikiki to meet with our guide and group for the Waterfall Hike. Our group was through Oahu Nature Tours, which is an eco-tourism company that specializes in flora and fauna of Oahu. Our guide was a native Hawaiian, and added so many great aspects about mythology, geology, native farming techniques, etc.
 |
 |
 |
 |
We were tired after our hiking tour, but it was one of the best things I have ever done. I learned so much and saw so many sights.
That evening, we hit a local bar and grill for some fun with Mimi and Dan. It was so much fun to hang out with both of them and have a few drinks–we got there right before Happy Hour was over
Pinky’s was a great restaurant, and while they had tons of entrees for the meat-eaters in the group, they also had some great salads and sides for my veggie meal.
…and when we got home, we had some fun playing dress-up in Dan’s field gear… wow, is that stuff heavy! Here are Dan and Kris in the vest and helmet
…and just for fun, here is the picture of me in the gear. What a load.
Yesterday, we went snorkeling on the southeast side of the island at Hanauma Bay. I have some pictures to share of our snorkeling, and our evening luau. Those are going to have to wait for another day though… probably when I get home to Maryland.
Many thanks to you all who have read along with me while this blog became more of a travel blog instead of a knitting blog! I hope you have enjoyed it. Knitting news will return soon–I still want to show you the lovely yarn I got at the shop here in Hawaii, and my knitting lesson with Mimi
So, we leave Hawaii tonight (10/28) and will be flying through the night. Tomorrow, we will get home–where it is apparently quite cold and rainy. Hmm–well, Hawaii was a dream while it lasted!
Aloha~
I have SO many updates to share! I wish I could go through individually and comment on each pair of socks on each of your blogs, but in the meantime, I want to thank you all for the success of Socktoberfest 2005! So many of you saw the spirit of it that I first imagined–and while these past few days have been a little lacking on my part, you all have really kept it going so well!
And here are some lovely finished socks! Go see them and comment to your fellow Socktoberist!
| Aimee Agnes Barb Kristin Carolyn Ada Beth |
April Christine Kimberly Ariane Donna Fannie Gwen |
Courtney Saun Jess Lisa Nadine Paula Isela |
Jennifer Janine Danielle Norma Ruth Kathy Heather |
**Remember, there are some fabulous gifts for the Socktoberists–I will draw names with a random number generator on Monday, OCTOBER 31st! So, check in on this day to see if you are the lucky winner of the great prizes!
Wow! thanks for sharing the pictures! Glad to hear you guys are having a great time!
Looks like you are having tons of fun. I’m having a vacation through you! When I was about 11 I got a temp. tatoo in Hawaii (it was an electric guitar). We’re all still socking away here.:)
Y’all are just having too much fun. You are going to be ruined when you get back (in a good way!)
Amy
Sounds like such a great vacation, and I’m enjoying it vicariously as well! Safe trip home!
What, no knitting pictures? Just kidding–it looks like you’re having too much fun to sit still and knit.
I remember the Polynesian Cultural Center from my trip there when I was in high school–it was one of the best parts of the trip.
I’ve enjoyed reading about all your island fun. Thanks for thinking of us all while you are on Holiday.
Thanks for sharing! I look forward to going to many of the places that you went. Can’t wait to see you though! XXOO
Oh I wish I was there! It’s so beautiful, especially the waterfall hike!
Hi Lolly!
I got my Sockober socks started! Just under the wire… and trying out a new technique (for me) magic loop!
Look like you are having SO much fun on your vacation – I’m jealous!
Great pictures! Have a safe, relaxing trip home.
Looks like your having a great time! Thanks for sharing the pictures!!
Wow! Looks like you are having a fantastic time. What a great vacation. Neat that you got to meet Chris too. It is interesting how knit people are so friendly. I’m going to meet some of my online buddies this weekend in Chicago.
Enjoy the rest of your stay!
Nice pictures!!!
I have finished a pair of Socktobersocks today.. not colorful, but socks!!
Such beautiful pictures. It looks like you two are having a great time. I’m enjoying all of the posts of all the places you and Kris have been too. Glad Mimi’s husband is back home, that can be tough!
When I was at the PCC a few years ago, there was at least 2 people who fell in the water during the barge procession. I loved that place. Your pictures are making me want to go back really bad. I love Hawaii. (Od course, I have only been there at 6 or 7 times. But my first visit doesn’t really count since I was only a year old at the time.)
I love your sister’s honu tattoo. My very real honu tattoo is based on a Tahitian tribal design. And let me know if you want the addy for a place to get the temporary tattooss.
Oh – it looks like you are having so much fun!! Enjoy your last day in paradise!!
I am so happy you are having fun with your sister and seeing so many wonderful sites! Have a safe trip!
Cathy
Sounds like you have had a wonderful time!
My Socktober socks are finished and will be on my blog Monday! Aloha!!
Have a safe flight! I’ve enjoyed your trip and all the photos! Yay, Lolly!
Looks, like you had a really great time! I’m happy for you.
Best wishes
Petra
Im so glad you had a blast in Hawaii…Im insanely jealous. You deserved it! But Im also happy you are coming back and gracing us with some knitting posts (I need to see more socks!)
ps you’ve been tagged
SO SO SO FUN!! I’m glad yall are having a wonderful time! I hope the overnight flight is not too bad (I didn’t enjoy ours when we had to do so!).
Ew, isn’t poi the grossest thing you’ve ever tasted in your life?
Yeah, you’re going to be pretty disappointed in the weather when you get back, but at least you’ll have your memories and dreams of paradise to sustain you through the cold.
I bet Kris was SO excited to snorkel and see all the fish – I wouldn’t have been surprised if he tried to take some home!
wowowowwow! What an excellent time you had! cute tattoos…I can’t wait to see you though! sooo much to catch up!!
x/o safe return!!
What a super fun trip, lolly! thanks so much for sharing it with us
. I really enjoyed it. Have a safe trip back home!
What a fabulous vacation! I love the picture of you in the gear:) Awesome socktoberfest…I have another one on the go!
Hi, Lolly!! You guys are too funny dressing up in Dan’s gear!! I’m so happy for Mimi that he’s finally home. She must be so thrilled!
I bet Kris was in HEAVEN at Hanauma Bay. I love the PCC tattoos and Happy Hour’s always a good thing.
We’re sure going to miss having you here in Hawaii, but I know you’ll be back again soon. All our best to you and your family- have a safe and smooth flight home!! 
Thank you so much for taking the time to post on your trip….it has been a wonderful vicarious vacation!
Poi and lomi salmon are my comfort food, especially if both are fresh. I enjoyed the travel blog while it lasted and look forward to the knitting entries to come.
Your trip looks fantastic. Your pictures are great and certainly show you had a great time.
Your trip sounds fantastic! I really enjoyed looking at those pictures, thanks!
P.S: My socks is almost done!
Looks like you guys had a good time. My socks are done. Thanks for organizing Socktober!!!
You are having mucho fun!!! It keeps me warm just looking at the pictures. Thanks for posting them!
I am so envious! You guys look like you’re having a great time. Have a safe trip home.
My socks are finished.
I’m ready to head to Hawaii from your photos. It looks like a fabulous place.
I finally finished a pair of socks. I just wish that Socktober lasted a few weeks longer so I could get that second pair finished!
The pictures look wonderful! I am so glad you both had such a nice vacation. They go by so fast, don’t they? Have a safe trip home!
I finally finished my socks. I put a photo on my blog.
Hey Lauren – thanks again for hosting Socktoberfest – it was tons of fun!!! Even though I only showed one completed pair of socks, due to their secret nature of them being gifts, I actually finished 4 pair – whew! I’m tired!!!
Anyway – it was a blast and I’m already planning next years. Later!!
I just finished my first pair of socks EVER and I wanted to personally thank you all so much for the inspiration. You can check them out at phiaknits.blogspot.com!
Girl, that was an amazing vacation. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. That said, now that you’re back, you’ve been TAGGED FOR A KNITTING MEME. Details in my bloggie.
Hey Lolly! Great vacation pics! Also, I have blogged a finished pair of Socktober socks. Yay!
Thanks for hosting this, it was tons of fun. Can’t wait til next year!
Hi Lolly, thanks to you I did manage to finish my baby socks! I just posted about them in my blog. It was really fun to be a part of Socktoberfest!
Whoo-Hoo! The eye-burning AcidRainbow socks are off the needles and on the feet!
It looks like you are having a splendid vacation! I hope your trip home is comfortable and that you have warm clothes waiting your return.
Lauren, I have 1 sock done, and the other started. It’s pretty exciting. Hawaii looks beautiful. Maybe we can get together soon and catch up.
So glad you had fun!
One sock finished(pictures coming soon…) and one still to go! I had lots of tricky moments and the toe looks hideous – it just didn’t come out right – but I’m looking forward to learning from my mistakes on the next one.
I’ve cast on, I just need to keep knitting away.
One thing I’ve learned – I should have used the needle size the pattern called for. At the bottom, there was a note: use one size larger for a slightly larger sock. Well, the sock is more than slightly larger than my foot!
Sounds like a great trip. We just moved back to the “mainland” from O’ahu this past July.
On the socks…ALMOST FINISHED…should finish today!
PHEW.
[...] We had a great time tasting many different wines, and came home with several bottles for future consumption. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. In the evening, my youngest sister, Sarah came over to spend the night. She and our cousin just returned from a 10-day trip visiting our middle sister, Mimi, in Hawaii. Sarah brought back some jewelry for me, from a favorite boutique I discovered when I was in Oahu last fall (Global Village in Kailua, for my Aloha Knitter friends.) She also brought back this for me… fresh from the Honolulu Swap Meet. [...]