Hawaiian fourth of July

Last week we visited Kailua beach, near Lanikai beach (which was ranked #1 beach in the world a few years ago)! I can understand why as it was breathtaking. It felt almost as though it was so beautiful it was a painting or some fiction land because of how gorgeous. There were amazing views of the mountains, soft white sand that stretched for over two miles, and a lagoon that formed right off the ocean that people utilized for swimming and other fun water activities! Kailua beach also had a giant sand mountain that kids would rid down head first on their boogie boards... not quite as fun as sledding but close, haha!

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In typical Mark and Jen fashion a few days before the 4th we decided at about 4:55pm that we spontaneously wanted to climb the Makapuu Lighthouse. The hike itself wasn't too bad (but for sure still a workout-50 minutes up and 45 down)...but the only problem we decided to do the hike both very thirsty before we even started only with half a bottle of diet coke and not having eaten for 7 hours. Not to mention that I was wearing slippers (flip flops). Typical us to make something easy a little more complicated. Time and weather was on our side at least because it was very cloudy late in the day which helped keep the sun away, as this trail normally has very little shade. As we were nearing the top starving and very thirsty Mark said that we had to keep going until he reached the top and that he was in 'camel mode' (That had me laughing so hard for 10+ minutes during our hike). Haha, we also joked that we could break open a cactus if we got desperate enough. (Nearing the top of the hike there were dozens of different kinds of cactus plants). Thank goodness we have such a great sense of humor in our marriage.. it makes even the most stressful situations laughable with one another!

I love that this is a thing now. We first saw it on lovers bridge in Paris and now it's everywhere!

Mark touching Molokai!

In winter months this hike is excellent to see humpback whales near the shore breaching...we will definitely be back to see this sight come winter months. There are a few really beautiful spots we plan on bringing a lunch and enjoy our meal with a beautiful view of Koko head and the ocean. As we were hiking up we saw Molokai in the distance very clear and took a few fun photos showcasing it's beauty! Once you arrive at the very top you are able to see a few bunkers from WWII.. interesting but still a strange reminder of Hawaii's history. You hike a little farther and are able to climb about 15 stairs and you have a beautiful view of the lighthouse, Koko Head, and the beautiful view of the coastline that seems like it goes on forever.

Our first 4th of July Hawaiian style was amazing! After I was done working we went to the fireworks at Ala Moana Beach Park (One of the largest in the U.S.)! It was heaven for firework lovers like us! We sat in the sand right next to the ocean watching the largest fireworks we've ever seen right near us. One thing I love about Hawaii (particularly Waikiki/Honolulu) is the weekly Aloha Friday fireworks! Since we moved to Hawaii almost 3 months ago we haven't missed one week of the fireworks that are shot off from the Hilton near our house or this past week on the fourth. It's a weekly celebration of the weekend, which always is something fun to look forward to! Saturday the 5th early in the morning we walked about 15 minutes to the God's Ohana Day parade down Kalakaua Avenue. It's one of the main roads leading down Waikiki with all the resorts, fancy shops, and of course famous Waikiki beach... basically where all the action is all the time! It was an entire parade dedicated to Jesus with music, floats, and marching! It was such a cool way for people to come together for one cause! Mark was seeing how many people would give him the shaka and behold every single person gave one back (most looking beyond excited while doing it) haha.

Mark seeing how many shakas he can get from the parade goers!

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This past week the filming of the new Hawaii 5-0 started much of it with filming on Kalakaua Avenue. Every season they do a blessing for the stars and production crews, and this year we woke up at 6:30am and watched it live from our phones. It's pretty exciting it takes place where we spend a lot of our time... just not necessarily when you are on your way to work and it takes an extra 15minutes to get through Waikiki. I guess we can't complain though.

Sunday the 6th we celebrated my (Jennie) 26th birthday. We started the day with church and breakfast then we went to Sea Life Park where we enjoyed dolphins, Sea lions and hand fed Honus. It was our second time there (first time with my mom) and enjoyed it so much we decided to buy a season pass. Plus they have dole whip so that is a major reason to go often ;). We then spent some time at beaches in Kahala, ate a birthday cupcake and enjoyed a ling hing mui margarita which was Ono (tasty) at a little mom and pop place called Jose's. One of my coworkers recommended it and it weirdly enough reminded us of Jose's blue sombrero back home, only the Hawaiian version. We finished the night watching the sunset... doesn't get better than that! It was a great 3-day weekend spend celebrating, relaxing and enjoying life and each other!

My workplace!

Dragonfruit! Imagine the texture of a kiwi,, with almost the taste of a pomegranate! So yummy and healthy!

Our first cherry tomatoes!

 

It's crazy to think we are approaching our one year wedding anniversary and soon our one year anniversary contemplating up and moving to Hawaii. It's funny how life works sometimes. This journey has been such a sacrifice leaving our friends and family which we think about daily. But it's so good for both of us to every day experience something new, see new things, and to have already met some really amazing people who have helped make this journey even better. Every day we are more and more starting to feel like Kama'aina (Hawaii local residents). It has been so amazing seeing views from all over the world on our blog (Lithuania, France, Ireland, UK, Germany, Russia Canada, Italy...)! To think traveling and the pursuit of happiness can bring everyone together no matter your backgrounds, views, etc. is so amazing! You can also find us on facebook... here and here. We are also on twitter where you can follow us! @jenben0610 and @markkoala7. We look forward to talking with you soon!!

Shoots then!
(see ya later)

XOXO,
Jen & Mark