Wahines on Tour - Hawaii and peek at Aulani! LAST DAY IN THE SUNSHINE UPDATE 8/6

[CRdisMom]

Im taking the plunge and writing about my trips and the planning....join me

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2940765

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Im taking the plunge and writing about my trips and the planning....join me

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2940765

Thanks! I'm there!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Well, I might've been forced to seek shelter with the beach bunnies...

Oh, I know that would be terrible for you.

 

[glennbo123]

I wondered what your chapter title could possibly mean! Makes sense though. Glad you got to enjoy some beach time. I think you made the right choice on how to spend your morning.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I wondered what your chapter title could possibly mean! Makes sense though. Glad you got to enjoy some beach time. I think you made the right choice on how to spend your morning.

Ha! Made you look! I was really happy about my choice, too.

 

[laura74]

Friday dawned Sunny and a little tropical misty. I think that would make a good weather term! "Today will be partly sunny with a chance of tropical misty."

Ugh! Misty is the worst! Hair-day-wise anyway.

Michelle sweetly asked if I would join them and she would have me back by 11 for some beach time. Even though I love shopping, I knew that this would be a mistake.

Good choice. How often do you get to relax on a Hawaiian beach?

What a beautiful way to start your day! This is the view from the patio

Beautiful!

I slathered on the sunscreen, donned my hat and shades, settled in with my book and......
Yep. It clouded over and started to drizzle. I grabbed my towel and book and moved back under a shelter a few feet away - and the sun came out again!

Back to the chair, settle in - start to read -
and it clouds over and starts to drizzle!

At least you're getting some exercise.

Have you seen Army Wives????

Are they anything like the real housewives?


Nice update Tammie!

 

[kmedina]

Just found your thread. I have not read anything yet, but I am saying hello and subscribing. We are hoping to go to Aulani in the not too near or not too distant future. You started the thread on my birthday, so it is meant for me to read this.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Just found your thread. I have not read anything yet, but I am saying hello and subscribing. We are hoping to go to Aulani in the not too near or not too distant future. You started the thread on my birthday, so it is meant for me to read this.

Welcome! Thanks for joining in, I hope you enjoy! I hope you can make Aulani happen! It is amazing! We have decided to switch our 2 bedroom plus studio to 3 studios next Summer at WDW with our kids, and that will leave us enough points left over for a week at Aulani the next year!

 

[dizneeat]

Tammie, may I ask which airlines you recommend to go to Hawaii to from California?
I tried out Lufthansa (Star Alliance) and they are taking MORE than an arm and a leg to fly me over there - so I need to look at another carrier. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Tammie, may I ask which airlines you recommend to go to Hawaii to from California?
I tried out Lufthansa (Star Alliance) and they are taking MORE than an arm and a leg to fly me over there - so I need to look at another carrier. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I got a very good rate from here on United.com, which is also continental. It was $534 and this is a very out of the way place - it had previously been quoted as $800, so I was thrilled.

Looking at CheapOAir, which I use alot - I see you can do LAX to HNL for $594 on US Airways. for $20 more each, you can take Alaska Airlines. I have always found Alaska to be much more comfortable. Sometimes traveling Tues or Wed is cheaper than Sun or Mon or Fri because of business travelers, so if you mark "Flexible dates" when you search, you might save a little.

I hope this helps. Do you have the Aulani bug?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Saturday evening, (oops it was Saturday above, not Friday) we had a group ressie for a Luau at Paradise Cove. The Major had one of the guys arrange it for us at a great military discount. There were lots of military discounts and honoring of military all over the island. It was very welcoming! I guess with the history they share, it is probably a natural relationship.

Anyway, our group traveled with Tabby and her Major in the Suburban from the base so Jim could be our DD. We drove over near Aulani again - Paradise Cove is right next door. We got our tickets - they had entertainment at the entrance - sorry for the foggy pics - my camera was adjusting to the heat

They put a lei on us and directed us to the table for our welcome drink - either a Mai Tai or Fruit Punch

Michelle enjoying her Drink

We got in line for an entrance photo with a very cute couple - she WAS wearing a coconut bra AND a grass skirt and he was wearing his grass skirt and NO bra! They posed on each side of us - I forgot I was writing and packed up the photo when we moved out - sorry.

We headed on in and found our table.

Then explored the grounds

So Beautiful!

We soon learned that there were all kinds of free activities to enjoy while waiting for the Huki Lau to be ready!

Canoe Rides

Rope spinning lessons and hula lessons

Wristlet making (just a tip basket involved)

Palm Frond Crowns (tip here, too)

We were in line for one of our drinks - we could have a drink coupon, and upgrade it to a large premium Mai Tai in a "keeper glass" for an extra $6, so I got the upgrade - (pic to follow) - We heard an announcement that we should "look up"

This is what we were looking at

This guy climbed right up the tree with his bare feet, and cut down some coconuts

Then everything went South for Jim - I was standing there talking to him, enjoying my drink upgrade, and a very pretty Hawaiin came up and put her arms around him - Um, hello? I am standing right here!

He looked down at her a little shocked - only to find out she was tying a grass skirt around HIM! She then proceeds to tell him that one of his friends in the crowd has nominated him to be a part of tonight's pre-dinner performance! He agreed to be a good sport, and then At that point, he took off to try to find the culprit

The guy right next to him in the Blue T-shirt confessed to us a few days later:

Jim was given the opportunity to also nominate someone, so he chose Wayne, who, of course was a big Chicken and very adamantly told the nice lady to buzz off - here is Jim giving him the What for

I was invited to come with Jim back to the practice area. These guys were first taken through the moves with their shirts on to get comfortable with the idea, then told to remove their shirts - not a fav of Jim's He actually runs several miles a day, lifts weights, diets and rides his bike to work every day, but his metabolism and genetics just gets the better of him (like alot of us, I think)

NEXT - MORE GRASS SKIRTS!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I was sure the coconut Bras were coming out next!

Umm, no comment on what these moves are about

Umm, no comment on what these moves are about

A little Hula Action

Then it was time for the performance - they called EVERYONE down to the beach to watch the traditional pulling in of the nets so they can start the BBQ

A little wishful thinking, I think.

A little performance conference?

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Part 3

Then it was time to pose for some group photos

I almost expected them to break into "Nothin' like a Dame" from South Pacific

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy-fVA83gu8

When Jim got ready to do his individual shot, a big wave came up and hit him in the butt - cracked him up!

With all that excitement over, I joined the table to get a crown made before dinner - my instructor was such a sweet, gentle man

Tabby joined me - I don't think she was unhappy, just thinking

Happy Girl!

Oh! Oh! Getting a little breezy

More poses to be had, if you chose

Group Photo! Everyone look at me and smile - except Wayne, Of course - can you see what Jim is thinking?

Let's take each other's pictures!

Then we were dismissed by sections for the buffet

They served Poki (kind of a tuna ceviche in salt), actual squid ceviche, salads and fruits, breads, pulled pork and teriyaki chicken, of course macaroni salad and lots of desserts! We all enjoyed our meal and there were seconds available - so it was pretty much all you can eat!

Our tables were in the sand, and the buffet line was outside - alot of us took off our shoes and enjoyed the sand between our toes - such a cool feeling. The sunset was beautiful, I think. I planned to get back and take some pics, but by the time we finished eating, it was dark. Oh well, another reason to go back!

Next up - Hula Show!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

With Dinner finished, it was time for the show! We really enjoyed the show - it was beautiful, and the fire dancers were a big hit! All in all, I think it was very good - much better than the Luau at the Poly in WDW - I apologize for the blurry pics - my PAS doesn't do night shots too well

They had alot of fun recognizing newlyweds and birthdays and anniversaries, etc.

Tabby is somewhere in this group doing the Hula

CONT NEXT POST

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Part 4

More show pics

And then it started to rain - just a light shower

The show continued

Hawaiin wedding song and dance

They invited couples to come up and dance in the aisles - very sweet - Tabby and Major Micah took a turn around the sand

Some fire action

Some CMs came out in the audience to choose dance partners for a competition - Michelle got chosen

You can sort of see her shakin it - look for the dress

Wayne had the nerve to make fun of her after he wouldn't participate

We ended our evening by lining up to purchase our photos. They were nice enough to offer a military discount - 15% without us even asking for it. I so wanted to scan those in for you, but they are packed - I guess you've probably seen enough anyway!

Next: THE ONE IN WHICH I LOSE MY TOP

 

[dizneeat]

Thanks for the airline help! I had no idea where to start, so that will be a huge help. I still have two years to plan and I so WANT to go to Hawaii.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the photos - looks such a fun evening and Jim is such a good sport to take part in all the fun!
I for one, would be too scared to do it.

 

[kmedina]

I decided to start with the current stuff and catch up on the older stuff when we get back from our trip (not to Aulani). It looks like an awesome day. How nice to hear they have great military offers there. Please thank your friends and family members for their service from me.

It looks like everyone really had an awesome time. Jim was such a good sport! I honestly doubt my DH would have been willing. They even got all of them to take their shirts off as well, which I know DH would never do. I so wish they put them in coconut bikini tops. That would have been hilarious.

The luau looks like a lot of fun. How cool for your friend Michelle to get selected for that too. It seems like your group had a lot of particpiation (other than the first guy Jim selected of course). I think the food sounds great too, so I am glad everyone enjoyed it. So far, I am loving what I am reading. Seems like you had a great time. Cannot wait to read the new posts and catch up on the old ones.

 

[glennbo123]

Wishful thinking, huh? If they had the um, guts, to dance in a grass skirt, I'm sure that's not true. And yes, anyone who doesn't dance doesn't have any right to criticize.

Ooo, the next chapter oughtta be good.

 

[eandesmom]

What a fun fun update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poor Jim but what a great memory

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks for the airline help! I had no idea where to start, so that will be a huge help. I still have two years to plan and I so WANT to go to Hawaii.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the photos - looks such a fun evening and Jim is such a good sport to take part in all the fun!
I for one, would be too scared to do it.

You are quite welcome! Ask again when it gets closer and I'll find out what I can from here!

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! I was proud of Jim for playing along - he doesn't usually do that sort of thing. I think he knew his troops would enjoy it. Yeah, I kind of freeze up when I know someone is watching, so I wouldn't be a good entertainer, either.

I decided to start with the current stuff and catch up on the older stuff when we get back from our trip (not to Aulani). It looks like an awesome day. How nice to hear they have great military offers there. Please thank your friends and family members for their service from me.

It looks like everyone really had an awesome time. Jim was such a good sport! I honestly doubt my DH would have been willing. They even got all of them to take their shirts off as well, which I know DH would never do. I so wish they put them in coconut bikini tops. That would have been hilarious.

The luau looks like a lot of fun. How cool for your friend Michelle to get selected for that too. It seems like your group had a lot of particpiation (other than the first guy Jim selected of course). I think the food sounds great too, so I am glad everyone enjoyed it. So far, I am loving what I am reading. Seems like you had a great time. Cannot wait to read the new posts and catch up on the old ones.

Well, thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great trip!

The luau was way more fun than I expected it to be! I would definitely do that one again!

Wishful thinking, huh? If they had the um, guts, to dance in a grass skirt, I'm sure that's not true. And yes, anyone who doesn't dance doesn't have any right to criticize.

Ooo, the next chapter oughtta be good.

Good point, Glenn!

What a fun fun update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poor Jim but what a great memory

Thank you! It was fun - for me! At the closing party, he got a hula girl award for Best Hula and they have all the pics locked and loaded for his retirement party!