outfitting: pearl harbor memorial

Angie Floral Apron Dress:
- @ Marshalls

Rock Fiji Red Bikini:
- @ Quicksilver

White Wayfarers Sunglasses:
- $4.80 @ Forever 21
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki and Kayak, Snorkel, Luau

Lime Green Elastic Headband (worn around wrist as bracelet):
- Free from LF Store
- See Who's Geoff?

Neon Yellow Plastic Jelly Ring:
- $0.20 @ Linda Vista Multicultural Fair Toy Booth

Roxy Naples Sandals in White:
- Free from Sport Chalet Birthday Gift Card
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki and Kayak, Snorkel, Luau

Waikiki, Oahu - Morning 3

One of the reasons I chose the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach was the free breakfast to-go. I loved that they had miso soup, spam and RICE! Yummy!


Pearl Harbor, Oahu - Day 3

We hopped on a bus and headed to Pearl Harbor right after breakfast to try and beat the crowd. The wait to go on the ferry and over to the USS Arizona Memorial wasn't as long as I anticipated. While we waited we toured the visitor area and caught up on the history of Pearl Harbor with the various books at the gift shop. If you ever make a trip out to Hawaii, this historical landmark is a must-see. Once we got off the ferry and was inside the memorial, the mood became immediately somber yet uplifting at the same time. The memorial was eerily beautiful and I was instantly emotional when I saw oil droplets on the surface of the water. The oil came from the oil tanks still aboard the USS Arizona at the bottom of the ocean and is also referred to as "Black Tears." This was an unforgettable experience for me and I'm really thankful that Emil made sure we visited Pearl Harbor.

Waikiki, Oahu - Evening 3

Back in Waikiki, we strolled through the shops along the street and then we had dinner at the Seaside Bar & Grill.

Fruity drinks are extra delicious in Hawaii!


Waikiki, Oahu - Night 3

A relaxing ending to another great day in Hawaii is watching a movie on the beach as the sun sets.

outfitting: kayak, snorkel, luau

Hollister Brown Ruffle Bikini:
- $31.80 @ Hollister

White Wayfarers Sunglasses:
- $4.80 @ Forever 21
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki

No Boundaries Yellow Leather & Gold Chain Bracelet:
- @ Wal-Mart

1st Choice Hawaiian Print Dress:
- @ Holy Family Christian Closet

Roxy Naples Sandals in White:
- Free from Sport Chalet Birthday Gift Card
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki

Kailua Bay, Oahu - Day 2

We're all suited up and ready to row!

I'm sportin' the latest in kayak couture.

Believe me, paddling ain't no walk in the park!

Kailua Bay

This crab has probably seen better days.

Vacationing in Hawaii rocks!

This isn't a very attractive picture of me, but it perfectly illustrates my enthusiasm and excitement over snorkeling. Fishies galore and even a sea turtle sighting!

Waikiki, Oahu - Night 2

I wanted to attend a real luau (with a whole pig buried in the sand), but they were really expensive and sold out for the night, so we went to a luau-like dinner and Polynesian show at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel instead.

I may be smiling here, but throughout dinner my entire body was excruciatingly sore. I wanted to tear off my limbs! It didn't help that the food was nasty.


Emil shakes his rump with the hula dancers.

This is the real reason we came to Hawaii. Hot damn!

outfitting: aloha! we're in waikiki

Ezekiel Petra Dress in Bright Plum:
- From the Dean

Purple Racerback Tank:
- @ Urban Outfitters

No Boundaries Blue/Rainbow Bikini:
- @ Wal-Mart

White Wayfarers Sunglasses:
- $4.80 @ Forever 21

Hawaiian Purple & Pink Plumeria Small Poly Clay Earrings:
- @ Pacific Islander's Festival in San Diego

H&M Divided Gold Charm Bracelet:
- @ H&M

Yellow Striped Anchor Purse with Rope Handle:
- @ Target

Roxy Naples Sandals in White:
- Free from Sport Chalet Birthday Gift Card

Waikiki, Oahu - Day 1

The Hawaiian Airlines meals weren't entirely disgusting. My red mush was a bit more appetizing than Emil's block-like sandwich.

Airplane window P.O.V.

We only travel in style: exclusive inside look at our '70s deco limo-taxi.


Welcome to our awesome hotel. The moment I saw the pictures of the hotel on Expedia, I knew we had to stay here. I love the urban-Hawaiian beach theme in the lobby (surfboards and all) and the sunburst pool on the deck. Everything about the hotel screams bright, fun, vacation!


This is what it looks like directly across the street from our hotel. I think it's a great scenic section of Waikiki Beach. Literally steps away...


Our room wasn't quite ready yet when we got there, so we strolled around taking pictures and then decided to meet up with Thoeun and David to eat our first official meal in Hawaii.


On our way towards their hotel, we stopped by this shopping center for bathroom break. There were tons of stuff to buy, but I was able to stop myself from shopping for souvenirs already. The women selling leis were just grabbing the orchids right off the plant and stringing them together!


All four of us were pretty hungry by the time we caught up with each other, so we had a delicious meal and fruity drinks at Duke's on the beach.


I love our hotel room's private lanai. It's a great place to lounge, catch some rays, and look at the spectacular views: the ocean is to the left, the mountains to the right, other hotels across the way, and the pool below.


Flat-panel TV, King Bed, and retro Hawaiian bedding. Doesn't this look like a room Elvis or Stitch would be staying in?


Taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean


I just can't get over how beautiful the views are in Hawaii. Clear, blue skies and swaying palm trees are gorgeous.


The sun sets and we end the night listening to tunes from the hotel restaurant, Tiki's Grill & Bar.