Aloha, America!

We love visiting other countries, learning their culture, learning (some) of the language, seeing how locals do things, checking out their food  (Vegemite aside; I'll NEVER get over that experience!), but there's just something about hitting your country's soil that is special. And that's how I felt when we hit Hawaii. You're in MY country now! (Aussies make up the majority of the ship's population.) However, Hawaii still feels a bit foreign with their Hang Loose attitudes. Guess it's a good way to ease us back into America!

Three days ago we pulled into Honolulu. Nice of them to light the Aloha Tower up all pretty for us.

The ship was overnight there and then moved on to Maui for one day. We've been to both islands several times, so there wasn't a need to go see Pearl Harbor or Diamond Head or the like. Nope, this time we could just Hang Loose!

The first day was beautiful with lots of sunshine as we headed to Waikiki Beach. We rode the public bus for $2.00/all day pass. A LOT cheaper than taking any excursion off the ship! Beautiful beach. Beautiful water. Aaahhhh Oh, hello, Diamond Head!

The water was a bit too cold for me though. Dora, too, I guess.

Unfortunately, the next two days weren't quite as nice. We did a little shopping at the Ala Moana Center and then just went back to hang out (ahem, sleep) at the pool. (Sidenote: I never wanted to be THAT person asleep at the pool, mouth hanging open, drooling, but I'm afraid I was that day. LOL) 

Same cloudy conditions in Maui, so shopping it was! They have a lot of art galleries along their shopping row and I did fall in love with some very unusual pieces, but I resisted. We had intended to go snorkeling, but I need it to be warm and sunny! Besides, I want to keep the South Pacific snorkeling experience alive in my mind as long as possible!

Next stop - Seattle!