Here it is...our last day in Hawaii already. We've had a blast! Intended to update this daily, but that obviously proved to be less of a priority upon arrival.

Here is a list of the highlights, but hopefully I will get a chance to elaborate on each a bit later.

Arrived in Honolulu greeted by friendly smiles and leis from our good friends, Karen and Paul. Relaxed the first evening with "fancy" pizza and a fantastic view of the city lights from their lanai.

The first morning we were up at 5AM (Hawaii time) and were on a short trek for a quick breakfast at a local coffee shop then on our way (via car) to see Pearl Harbor. Next it was on to the 1.4 (rountrip) hike up to the top of Diamond Head crater and back. After the hike we needed a quick dip in ocean at one of Paul's favorite beaches (just East of Waikiki) and wow... what perfect swimming. The beach had a moderate amount of people and the water temp was cool and refreshing without being cold at all. Perfect!

The afternoon brought us a stop for flavored shaved ice over Azuki Beans. Yup....beans. It's a hawaiian thing. Then we enjoyed a hawaiian lunch with Poke, Poi, Lau Lau and more. Paul and Karen sure know how to show visitors around!

Next we picked up our rental car and were on our way in short time to Kailua by way of a beautiful scenic stop at the Pali Lookout and drive through the mountain tunnel.

Kailua has been wonderful. No time to go into all the details, but we did manage to snorkel, kayak, hike a 1.3 mile trek to swim at a waterful (2.6mi roundtrip), enjoy a Kailua Monkey at Lanikai Juice, hit the Thursday night Farmer's Market and more.

Then there was our journey yesterday up the coast along Kamehameha Hwy to Kahuku for the fresh Garlic Shrip at the Shrimp Trucks, with stops at Pounder's Beach to watch the incredible surf, the Byodo-In Temple just North of Kane'ohe, and more.

This morning we enjoyed our second breakfast at Boots and Kimo with their very tasty Macadamia Nut Banana Pancakes! We stopped for another look at Lanikai Beach and saw the shell from a crab who had shed its skin and then saw the crab on another nearby rock. We're cleaning up now and about to head back to Honolulu, where we hope to work in a dinner with fireworks this evening before our plane takes off.

What fun!! We miss Fender!!! And hope to return with him the next time!