On our way to the Swap Meet, we stopped at the Dole Cannery because the GPS said that there was an ATM there and we needed cash for the Swap Meet. It took us a while to find the ATM because the place was still closed, but we eventually found it. Then we stopped at the Costco Gas Station to fill up the car. It was still early and there were not any lines. We had half a tank, but decided to just top it off since we were right there. We continued on to the Swap Meet, where I forgot to take a single picture! It was HUGE and circled the entire stadium parking lot. We did the entire loop two and a half times searching out the perfect Hawaiian Dresses (Made in Hawaii, Machine washable). I got confused and thought I saw a dress in a blue and white pattern with bloomers, after two laps trying to find the store that had it, we realized that I saw two different dresses. We bought both and headed to the car. It was hot, humid and miserable. About twenty minutes North was the Dole Plantation. Lauren fell asleep in the car on the way there, so I waited with her for a while in the car before getting her out.
She stayed asleep until we got inside to watch a pineapple cutting demonstration.
We decided to have lunch at the cafeteria style Plantation Grille. The prices were very reasonable. Justin had a Teriyaki Burger and Fries and I had a Cheeseburger and Fries. Lauren had fruit and turkey roll ups from home.
After lunch, we went out to the car to put the high chair away and then headed to the Plantation Express Train to get a little tour of the Dole Plantation. It is not a working plantation any more, but the tour was fun and we learned a few things along the way.
Lauren's favorite part of the train ride was the screws on the train bench in front of us.
After our train ride, we checked out some pineapple plants up close.
After our delicious treats, we headed back to the car for a diaper change and then drove to the North Shore. The drive was beautiful!
We could not figure out where "North Shore" was. That was not fun. We made a right turn instead of a left turn and missed it, but we did see some big waves, but nothing like the ones they have in the winter time.
We decided to head East from North Shore and just drive the coast around the island. About an hour past North Shore, Lauren was getting restless and was in need of a diaper change, so we pulled in to Kahaha Valley State Park to get out and play in the water and do the much needed diaper change. It was SO beautiful.
Justin had sneakers on, so he was in charge of taking the pictures. This next picture might be my favorite picture from the whole trip. Lauren and my footprints walking to the water. I admit, I cried a little when I saw it the first time.
Lauren really loved playing in the water. She thought that the waves crashing on her feet was the coolest thing ever and she would laugh and squeal and then chase the tide back out to the sea.
I showed her how to use a stick to draw in the sand.
While I was drying my feet off, Lauren decided it was time to go back in the water and Justin had to quickly stop her.
We drove some more, and about fourty five minutes later, Lauren started to get restless, but she had been SO good in the car with all the driving, that we decided to take the 61 (inland) back to Honolulu instead of continuing along the shore past Diamond Head. The scenery was beautiful and the mountains looked like a movie.
We made it to the top of the mountain and we saw a sign for the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, so we made a quick right, and headed up this narrow, winding driveway.
There were wild chickens in the parking lot. Lauren really liked them.
It was a short walk from the parking lot to the lookout and it was SOO windy up there, but the views were amazing and worth the $3 parking fee.
Lauren did not want to hold my hand, so while we were on the grass, I let go...and the wind knocked her over.
She did not want to head back to the car...and she did not want to hold my hand on the sidewalk.
Finally, Daddy came and scooped her up and they did spins, all the way to the car...and once we made it to the car, we realized that all the spinning made her throw up a little on her jacket. oops.
As we were continuing back towards Honolulu, I had a feeling we were near the Punchbowl National Cemetery and heard it had great views of the city. Since we did not hike to the top of Diamond Head, we decided to make a small detour and drive to the top.
When we got back to the hotel, we all ate Costco leftovers. Our room had a refrigerator and microwave and it was so nice. Lauren made herself a little nest and snuggled in to eat her dinner on the bed.
Before showers, I wanted to try the new dresses we bought on Lauren. She was tired, so she was not much of a model, but they sure looked cute on her.
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