Hawaii Reunions

I was about to write a year-end wrap-up to catch up on my very delinquent posts this year.  But as I was sorting through photos and refreshing my memory on where I left off here, I realized I didn’t even make it to the halfway point of 2024.  So before I catch up on the remainder of our year, first, a recap of some epic reunions and outdoor adventures we had in Hawaii this summer.

In June, seeking an escape from the traffic and pollution of Jakarta, we headed to Hawaii for some rest and relaxation… and friends and family met us there for some epic reunions.  First stop, Oahu with our Portland friends Meg and Chris.  We got to catch up with them over the course of several days that included a lot of time in the water and walks through the rainforest.

Getting into the aloha spirit at the Marriott's welcome luau preview.

Playing in the waves at one of our favorite beaches on the west coast.

A hike to Manoa Falls...

...followed by a walk around Lyon Arboretum.  While we've been on the hike to the falls before, we'd never stopped at the arboretum nearby.  It was a beautiful, tropical setting.

Lovely views from the arboretum...

...along with all manner of interesting plants.  (Thumbs up for botany nerds everywhere.)

Lots of stuff in bloom made for a beautiful walk.

After our friends headed back to Oregon, Andrew and I spent a few more days on Oahu to take in a few more snorkel spots and hikes… and generally enjoy as much outdoor time as possible.

No trip to Oahu complete without a visit to our favorite tiki bar, the Mariana Sailing Club.

Found some cool murals on a trip to the north shore.

Stars!  It's a super rare night to see stars in Jakarta because of the smog.  Could have spent hours staring at the sky.

Some cool, weird plants in bloom on our hike out to Ka'ena Point.

At Ka'ena Point, on the lookout for Laysan albatross that nest here.  We were a bit late for the season this year, but there were still a few "chicks" around that looked like fluffy turkeys. 

Also saw a few Hawaiian monk seals lounging on the rocks.

This isn't one of Andrew's favorite hikes since it's usually super hot and windy.  But it has spectacular views, so he puts up with me bugging him to do it.

In exchange, I let Andrew choose some hikes too.  This was one of his picks.  I think he liked seeing some eucalyptus trees.

This was another one of Andrew's picks.  Or perhaps it was a murder attempt.  The Koko Crater climb - 1,048 steps made up of abandoned railway ties that were used by the military during World War II to transport supplies to a lookout at the top of the extinct volcano.

I mean, there is a beautiful view at the top.  But you definitely have to work for it.

Going down may have been worse than going up.

From there, it was on to the big island of Hawaii.  My parents joined us there, and we were also able to catch up with some long-time friends from California, the Guilfoyles, who live in Kona now.  (When I say long-time, I mean long-time.  I babysat for them when I was in high school.)

We took several scenic drives around the island, including to Pololu Valley lookout on the north coast.

We also had our share of mai tais, including in Kona with our friends the Gilfoyles.

And did some sightssing at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

We've always managed to find sea turtles lounging on the beach near were we stay in Waikoloa.  This time was no different.

Gathering on the outdoor terrace at the resort to watch the sunset was a regular event.

After two years in Jakarta (at the time), we don’t take for granted the ability to enjoy blue skies and clean water, or to enjoy time with family and long-time friends.  Our somewhat nomadic life definitely affords unique opportunities to experience new places and have new adventures.  But it also makes these chances to catch up with family and long-time friends in familiar places all the more special.