We're here!!! The adventure begins!!! :)

[bobogator]

We arrived today (Tuesday evening)!!! Walked into the lobby as the sun was just about done setting, but I got a great photo from the patio off the lobby before it had completely set. It's so awesome to be here!

http://imgur.com/a/Bja4G

12th floor in Ewa, with ocean/pool views...beautiful! Tomorrow is a resort day, going to check out the place and enjoy the lagoon, pools, lazy river, food and drinks...and just relax.

Regarding the Manoa Falls and Waimea Valley hikes, these are doable on our own and not with an excursion, right? We have a rental car, so we can park and do these hikes, right?

Thanks! I'll try to post more stuff during our trip.

 

[cgattis]

Aloha!! Hope you have an awesome trip!! Looking forward to more pics when you have time!

 

[alohamom]

Waimea and Manoa hikes are definitely doable on your own, Waimea especially because it is a paved path all the way to the falls. Take some time when you go to Waimea to check out some of the great North Shore surfing spots and eat at Ted Bakery just about 10 mins up the highway from Waimea Falls. It is a hole in the wall type of place but really great plate lunches, lots of barefoot surfers lining up with you and the price is right http://www.tedsbakery.com/

 

[Rabb it]

Alooooooooooooooooha!

 

[Looptyloo]

You might have already gone, but yes, those waterfall hikes are definitely doable on your own.
Waimea Valley does have an entrance fee, so be aware of that ahead of time.
Also, we paid for parking near Manoa Falls, I believe it was $5? So maybe bring a bit of cash for that. I'm not sure if they would accept cards there.