Day 3: Portlock Spitting Cave

Portlock Spitting Cave
Originally uploaded by tarakay827.

After driving through a little neighborhood and walking down a short but treacherous path, we landed at the Spitting Cave of Portlock. The waves weren't big enough for the cave to "spit" but it was really very cool. The water was such a deep blue. The layers represent different volcanic explosions and it is just an awesome spot.

Day 3: Pu'u Ualaka'a State Wayside Park

Pu'u Ualaka'a State Wayside Park
Originally uploaded by tarakay827.

This was just one of the cool little side stops that we made. And just one example of the really bizarre Hawaii names! Try to say Pu'u Ualaka'a fast 5 times...

It was an incredible view over Honolulu with Diamond Head.

Day 3: Tantalus Road

Tantalus Road
Originally uploaded by tarakay827.

Day three was a complete blast. We were all over that island! We rented a car starting on Day 3 and began the adventure of trying to figure out the most confusing road system. I swear they name the roads so similar just to see tourist confused and running in circles. We also had to wander around the mall for bit to find hats. Dan's scalp was starting to burn and my part for my bangs was burning so we didn't want to have the top up on a convertible because we forgot to pack hats. And yes, I bought my first piece of Cubs paraphernalia in Hawaii.

Tantalus Road was a very cool drive... very twisty and jungle-esque!

Drinking mai tais by the pool

hotel pool
Originally uploaded by tarakay827.

The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting by the pool drinking mai tais (our drink for the vacation) and mojitos. And while, yes I swear we had on sun block- we did start to burn a little on day 2...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarakay827/tags/oahuday2/

Day 2: Diamond Head & Pool

Diamond Head Road Lookout
Originally uploaded by tarakay827.

For day 2, we woke up bright and early to snag the free bikes that the hotel had. Needless to say, free rental bikes are exactly that and after we road up and down the same road a couple of times getting confused with the fact that it only led to the highway, we gave up and road over to Diamond Head Crater. Which had a few more hills that we bargained for! But it was great views and we burned off our breakfast. On the way back to the hotel my bike broke of course, I am just glad it was within a 10 minute walk back! I seem to have a knack for picking the bikes that are on the verge of breaking when on vacation.

Oahu Day 1: Beach at hotel and Waikiki

Resort Beach
Originally uploaded by tarakay827.

So we then spent the rest of day 1 hanging out on the beach and in the hammocks and went into Waikiki to check that out. I am so glad that we didn't stay in Waikiki as it was a bit too tourist trap for me :)

This picture is the Kahala beach in the morning. It was such a peaceful beach and just beautiful. We completely recommend this hotel. Here are the pictures for day one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarakay827/tags/oahuday1/

Dan pops the question in Oahu

So as this all happened 3 months ago, most of you have heard about our vacation and of course heard the "big news" of the engagement. But I thought I would just add a few post about our vacation to Oahu.

Back in February as we were complaining of the cold it occured to us that with all the travel for work we had enough frequent flier miles to get us to Hawaii. Then we did a lot of research on hotels in Oahu and finally settled on staying at The Kahala once we found a special internet rate for this very posh resort. So for the next month we made sure to make it to the gym and save our extra pennies (for mai tais of course).

After a very long day of traveling we landed in Honolulu at around 11pm and promptly passed out (after being very excited for the upgrade from a garden view to a mountian view room which would be way outside of our budget). The next morning was completely surreal to wake up in Hawaii of all places. So we went down to the breakfast place that was steps from the beach and enjoyed the absolutely best breakfast ever- I will probably use the word amazing alot about this vacation but the breakfast was seriously amazing.

Then we decided to walk out on a little pennisula like stretch by the beach and sat down on a bench under some palm trees to enjoy the breathtaking morning view. And that is when Dan decided that after nearly 7 years (it was 2 weeks to our anniversary of meeting each other) to ask me to marry him. Of course, as you know, I said yes. He completely surprised me! The entire week it just felt so strange- to one be in Hawaii and two to be engaged!