Aloha

Lots of people go on their honeymoon a year and four months later, right? When we got married last May, we were a little busy with school and work, so our honeymoon vacation was pushed to summer of 2009. We've been planning our trip for the last couple of months, and couldn't wait til August came so we could actually go! We spent one whole week in Hawaii and had an absolutely amazing time. Here were a selection of some of our favorite pictures....

When we first arrived in Oahu, we had to drop all of our bags in our little studio apartment and head on down to the beach for a romantic walk... Chad was very excited to be there!

This was a blue bubble we found on our first little walk, the beach was covered with the nasty little things. Apparently if you step on them, it's kind of an unpleasant experience.

When we arrived, our landlady had left us a bag full of freshly picked avocados. They were delicious! We pretty much just cut them open and ate them with a spoon.

On our first morning, Chad wanted to eat breakfast outside, looking at the ocean. That was until the cats started to swarm. They just loved Chad.

Here are just a couple of pictures of the studio apartment where we stayed. It was an awesome little place and we'd stay there again if we ever find ourselves in Laie again. Private lanai sundeck:

Happy Honeymoon!

On Sunday, we headed over to Honolulu to explore Pearl Harbor and check out the local swap meet.

Memorial for those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor.

Chad was dying to try a coconut with a straw... turns out its not really all that good. We're more accustomed to sugary drink than we thought.

On Sunday, we also went over to the temple in Laie. Even though under construction, it's still a beautiful temple.

Individual shots.

... and then together!

This is Shark's Cove. It's an awesome place for snorkeling.

Turtle.

One of our favorite activities was stopping at the side-of-the-road fruit stands to test out the local fruits. Absolutely delicious.

Star Fruit.

Chad wanted to try all of the local grub. Giovanni's shrimp truck was a must-do. Chad said it was absolutely delicious.

Monday we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the day.

Making fish out of leaves!

... they were kissing fish.

We had to get our Polynesian tattoos, they were pretty sweet.

One of the funniest things I've ever seen: Asian man trying to imitate the Samoan. Alright Japan, say it with me now: "Are you ready" in Japanese. Japanese man, "Are you ready in Japanese!"

Time for the luau, Chad had been waiting all day.

Bringing out the pig.

Chad's plate was overflowing, and that's only the first one.

Waimea Bay.

Jumping off the rock, it was awesome.

Matsumoto's Shaved Ice. As good as everyone says it is.

Driving around the island, I loved this house.

Hike to Maunawille Falls. I've never seen so much mud in one place before.

The beginning of our shark adventure, the harbor was so peaceful at 7:00 a.m.

The boat.

The cage.

Sharks!

Dole Pineapple Plantation.

Turtle Sighting!

Hiking with my Uncle Marc, oh yeah, he brought his machette...

... we all took turns clearing the trail.

Hanauma Bay

One of the best mangoes I've ever eaten.

Our last day on the beach.

Saying goodbye to the wonderful beach and Hawaii. Don't worry, both our lei's came back.

Due to some unintended flight drama, we spent quite a bit of time playing Phase 10 in the airport. All sorts of fun.

After a week of relaxation, we had to go back to school, back to reality. We can't wait for our next vacation.