our trip

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: Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. It's been crazy since we got home. We had a very busy trip, so I won't bore you with all the details. I'll try to keep it to the highlights. We stayed at the Turtle Bay Hilton in Oahu from November 2-7. The outside of the hotel has just been renovated and is gorgeous. The rooms have not been renovated and do not live up to the Hilton name by any means. But, they were adequate and clean, and the view makes up for it. The drive around the island took longer than expected, and if we go again we would probably stay in Waikiki because of it. The highlights of our Oahu stay were Diamond Head (what a glorious view), swimming with the stingrays at Sea Life Park (reasonably priced and a blast), Pearl Harbor (of course), and the Byodo-In Temple (peaceful, relaxing and gorgeous). We were disappointed in the PCC (fun but RUSHED) and the Dole Pineapple Plantation. We also ate dinner at Alan Wong's one night. The food was delicious and different, but very pricey. : On the Big Island, we stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa, the Disneyland of Resorts. This place is amazing! We would definitely recommend it! Our only objection was that we didn't have enough time at the hotel itself. We were too busy! The highlight of this island was without a doubt the volcano! We went down to the new observation point on Hwy. 130 and got to see amazing views of the lava flowing into the ocean. We got there right at sunset. WOW!!! We also did the Mauna Kea Summit Adventure. My husband got altitude sickness, and let me tell you, this is not good!! I on the other hand was euphoric! We were surprised by our reactions, so I'm would be wary of recommending this to just anyone. Akaka Falls was beautiful, and well worth a stop. We were there from the 7th-11th. : On the 11th, we flew to Kauai, the island of tropical paradise! I have to admit that this was by far our favorite island! We are already talking about when we are going back. Hanalei Bay Resorts is marvelous - quiet, peaceful and stunningly beautiful. We would have no qualms about recommending this one to anyone! There is no valet parking, but little golf carts are available day or night to take you around the complex. We took a Na Pali boat tour with Blue Dolphin Charters. The people were marvelous, but when you read stronger waves in winter, translate this to mean BIG WAVES, boat crashing through them! I was scared senseless. I don't ride rides, and this was a roller coaster. My husband loved every minute of it! We ate at Tidepools at the Hyatt Regency, which was marvelous. (Moonfish yum-yum!). I would also whole-heartedly recommend Bubba Burgers (awesome hamburgers!). Waimea Canyon is breathtakingly gorgeous, and doesn't seem real. It looks like a painting! : Overall our trip was superb. We also renewed our vows and I'm going to post a separate message about the company we used. Jim and I loved Hawaii. Kauai was our favorite island, with the Big Island running second (I don't think we were prepared for the devastation on the Big Island). We will definitely be back!

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