2024 O'ahu Trip to Visit Kylie

June 19-26, 2024

DeNeise and I flew to Hawai'i to visit Kylie and to help her with moving some of her stuff home.  We brought extra luggage for her to fill, as she prepared to move back to Utah, and stay with us for a while.

Most of the time we spent going to her favorite places on O'ahu, as well as just having fun with her.

Wed. 19th

After arriving, Kylie took us to one of her favorite places - Ala Moana Beach Park.

The view from Kylie's condo, looking up to Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park on Round Top Drive:

Thurs. 20th

King Kamehameha welcomed us to our visit to the Iolani Palace.

While DeNeise and Kylie shopped, I enjoyed some time at Kailua and Lanikai beaches.

That evening we ate dinner and watched the sunset at Kapiolani Beach Park.

Fri. 21st

The big day arrived for one of my bucket list items: Skydiving! Kylie joined me as we jumped out of a plane from 13,000 ft up above the North Shore of O'ahu. Before that we stopped at Green World Coffee Farm and the Dole Plantation.

The weather was so cloudy that we had to wait over an hour before it cleared enough for us to go up.

I jumped with Andre, a cool Russian guy with 15 years of experience. He was very friendly and professional. The jump was everything I had hoped it would be and I was not hardly scared - a bit of trepidation as we prepared to jump out, but the rest was so amazing. The best part was the full minute of freefall - felt like I was flying. Easy landing. I loved it!

After lunch in Hale'iwa, Kylie and I went to spend some time at the beach while DeNeise shopped.

A nice, local hula show in downtown Hale'iwa.

Sat. 22nd

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was our first adventure. Been there more than a few times, but always fun.

We later took a drive up Round Top Drive to the Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park for awesome views of Honolulu and nice rainbow shots.

That evening we enjoyed Waikiki, shopping and dining at Dukes on the beach.

Sun. 23rd

Kylie and I got up to spend some time at the Bishop's Museum and enjoyed seeing many Polynesian artifacts. I could have spent a lot more time there, but it was enjoyable. Then, DeNeise and I went to church in the old Honolulu Stake Tabernacle. 

That afternoon we drove up the windward coast and stopped at a few places along the way, including the Poi Factory (for lunch), the Macadamia Nut Farm, and then on to Laie Point.

Mon. 24th

DeNeise and I enjoyed the beautiful Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens while Kylie was at work.

That afternoon we all went on a hike to Manoa Falls, a place I've always wanted to see, but had never done before. Beautiful hike.

Wed 25th

All too soon it was time to return home. Saw 5 of the Hawaiian islands from the air: Moloka'i in the foreground, Lana'i behind that, Kaho'olawe behind that. Maui to the left, with the Big Island in the back.