By Narelle Atkins
Last weekend I arrived home from a fabulous and long awaited 18 day family vacation in the USA. My husband and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year (see my post from last month) and this trip is a big part of our anniversary celebrations.
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu.
Our first stop was a 5 night stay in Waikiki. Hawaii is a 9-10 hour flight from Sydney, and a popular tourist destination for Aussie travellers.
The US and Australia share many cultural similarities. I grew up watching American tv shows and movies, reading American literature, and dining at US fast food chains. American culture is familiar to most Aussies, and I feel at home when I visit the US.
The pretty view of Diamond Head from our hotel.
I spent time teaching my children about the subtle differences between our two countries. We’re not used to tipping in Australia, and we have right hand drive cars. It’s a bit disorientating at first to be travelling on the other side of the road. We naturally walk on the left hand side of the pavement rather than the right. When crossing the road we look the opposite way, and we need to remember that the traffic is coming from the left instead of the right. Our money is brightly coloured plastic bank notes, and we have to examine the US notes to determine the denomination. Quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies are different to our coins that range from $2 down to 5 cents.
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
We toured Pearl Harbor and my children gained a WW2 history lesson from a USA perspective. I first visited Pearl Harbor 21 years ago and learned many new details about the significance and extent of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and remembering how many lives were lost on December 7, 1941 is a sobering experience.
Watching sea turtles with my daughter at Haleiwa.
We also enjoyed a guided tour of Oahu and loved seeing the natural beauty of Hawaii. We saw sea turtles, mongoose and a variety of bird life.
At Sunset Beach with my son.
The surf was up at the famous Sunset Beach on the north shore.
La’ie Point, Oahu.
We learned about the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands, including the Battle of Nu’uana that united the islands in the late 1700’s.
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, Oahu.
The spectacular coastline on the north and south shores is different to Australia. We walked on the familiar Aussie sand that Hawaii imported many years ago from North Queensland.
Halona Blowhole, Oahu.
We loved our short time in Hawaii and can’t wait to return.
Hanauma Bay, Oahu.
Next month I’ll share the final leg of our USA trip in Oregon. Have you visited Hawaii? Do you have a favourite place in Hawaii that you’d like to visit? I’d love to have an opportunity to tour the other islands and see more of the stunning scenery. Any travel tips are appreciated.
A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
Thanks for sharing the photos from your trip, Narelle. I’ve never been to Hawaii, but I’d love to see Pearl Harbor and the sea turtles. What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary.
Jill, you’re very welcome. Pearl Harbor is a must-see, imho. The turtles we spotted swimming in the ocean were cute :)
Love reading your story. I have been 3 times, twice were short visits on the way to or from the states and Canada. The other time I had 13 days and loved it. Did a day tour of each of the other 3 main Islands. I saw the sea turtles on The Big Island. I loved Kauai best of the islands. Its the garden Island and had so many interesting areas to see on the day trip. (worst part was the trip back as my flight got changed then canceled and finally got on one that arrived about 3 hours later than it should have. After a 5 am start arriving back at 10 pm makes a long day).
I found Pearl Harbor very educational and learnt information that also related to Japan trying to invade Australia through Darwin where my father was a machine gunner. One place I would recommend is going to the Culture Centre. It was a good day of learning about the different cultures that make up the islanders.
I am so glad you got out of Waikiki as Hawaii is so much more than that area. Many Aussies do not venture further and then complain its like the Gold Coast. I got the visitor books that have vouchers and info and found a place where I could make my own lea. It was a ribbon one and I had a lot of fun doing it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s always nice to see how much alike we all are, yet there are cultural differences that are easy to point out. I have never visited Hawaii but I hope one day I will be able to. Figuring out the coins was my biggest thing when I moved to the US from Jamaica. It took me a while to get the money right?. I never drove in JA because I was too young so that wasn’t hard to get use to, what was hard is thinking the driver side was the passenger side. It’s always a great experience learning other difference.
Hawaii is on my dream visit list :) one of these days I’ll make it. When my hubby was in the Army, we had orders for Hawaii. But they got changed and we ended up in South Carolina instead. Thanks for sharing your pictures!
Your pictures were gorgeous. I’d love to visit Hawaii some day. My husband went once before we met and got burned severely on his feet. So. ..when I mention Hawaii, he has painful memories!
How fun! I didn’t know the sand was imported. Now I know what Australian sand is like. :) I’ve been to oahu, and Maui. However my dh and I went over 20 years ago and I imagine there have been some changes. :)
Hi Narelle,
The only time I’ve been to Hawaii was when I was on my way to Japan. We made a stop over and I couldn’t get off the plane. So I just looked out the window. I didn’t think I wanted to go there, but lately my mind has changed. I think it would be a nice calming place.
I’m looking forward to hear about and see photos of your trip to Oregon since that’s where I live.
I’ve only had a layover in Hawaii on my way to Taiwan, but I have been to Oregon! Your pictures are beautiful. =)
What a fabulous trip! Thanks for sharing some of your photos and memories. I’m so thankful you were able to go and enjoy Hawaii with your family…and may the anniversary celebrations continue! Jim and I honeymooned in Hawaii (Oahu), and we’d love to return and visit some of the other islands. It’s on our horizon as our “dream” anniversary trip in the next few years. We’re trying to find a cruise that visits all the islands to combine two of our travel “loves.” Blessings!
Narelle, thanks for sharing your trip. I visited Hawaii probably 20 years ago. I’d like to go back, but there are so many places in the world to see that I want to go somewhere I haven’t been before like Australia.
Thanks for sharing about your trip! Beautiful pictures! I have been in Hawaii, but without ever setting my feet on actual ground there. :) I went on a mission trip to the Philippines in 2000 and our plane had to stop in Hawaii for a short period of time to refuel. No one was allowed off the plane because it was such a quick thing. I would love to actually be able to go vacation there and especially to visit Pearl Harbor.
Sounds like a fun visit! I haven’t ever been to Hawaii. Maybe someday. But now I’m looking forward to reading a book or two of yours set in Hawaii. That was the reason for the trip, right? ;)
Congrats on 20 years! Great pictures. I have never been to Hawaii, but my friend lives in Maui and is a chef. Someday I would love to visit her!
Hawaii is one of several places on my bucket list to visit before I “kick the bucket”. Everyone on my list is in the U.S. I have no desire to travel outside at this time. We’re planning an RV road trip this summer to Key West, another place on my list. Unfortunately we can’t travel in our RV to Hawaii
Thanks for sharing your pictures!
I have not been to Hawaii, but my husband went several times during his time in the Navy in the late sixties. My father was a Marine and was at Pearl the day it was bombed.Your pictures of Hawaii are beautiful.
Your pictures are fabulous. Make me want to go back. I went to Hawaii a few years ago. I loved the Polynesian Culture Center. We spent a whole day there and stayed for dinner and the performance. It was wonderful. They also had a boat parade of the different cultures. Another fun thing we did was climb Diamond Head. The view was great. Of course, we had to stop and get some Hawaiian Ice every day!
I’ve never been to Hawaii but would love to go.
Happy anniversary! The farthest west I have traveled is Spokane, Washington. My husband and I have never flown but we would like to take the train on a long trip someday and possibly a ship. Happy travels to you!
Next time adopt me as one of your own and take me too!! That’s my someday destination!
Hey, what part of Oregon are you visiting? I live on the coast :-)
Hi Jenny, Wow, a 13 day stay in Hawaii sounds amazing! I’m so glad you had a chance to visit the other islands and make your own lea. Waikiki is similar to the Gold Coast and we enjoyed seeing more of Oahu. The info on the Darwin bombing was interesting. My great uncle was based in Darwin around that time.
Hi Colleen, I agree, the coins can be confusing. I mix up quarters and nickels, and receive strange looks when I’m trying to decipher the denominations on the coins. I also walk to the wrong side of the car, and it takes me a few days to adjust to the differences. It’s the roundabouts I find the most confusing because I’m driving around them in the opposite direction. I hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit Hawaii :)
Hi Elizabeth, I hope you’ll have a chance to visit Hawaii :) It would be nice to live in Hawaii, although the Honolulu traffic wouldn’t be fun to deal with every day.
Hi Diana, Ouch, sunburned feet are definitely not fun! Interestingly, the weather in Hawaii was cooler than the weather we’d left a home (an unusual early March heat wave extended our hot summer). Maybe a visit during winter would appeal to him? :)
Hi Kimberly, My kids recognised the Aussie sand, lol. Yes, Waikiki in particular is different to what I remembered from 20 years ago. It’s busier and more built up. I hope you’ll have a chance to return. :)
Hi Marylin, It’s a shame you weren’t able to look around the island during your stop over. It’s definitely a calming place, especially when you’re on the beach or by the pool or touring the island. I loved visiting Oregon and you live in a beautiful part of the world :)
Hi Katy, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos :) I’ve done a few layovers in Honolulu going to and from writing conferences in the US.
Hi JoAnn, We had a wonderful time and it was great to have our kids with us. Hawaii would be a lovely honeymoon destination. A cruise around the islands sounds like a fabulous way to celebrate your anniversary – I hope you can make it happen! :)
Hi Merrillee, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit Australia! Hawaii could be a nice stopover on your way here from mainland USA. :) The airfares to Australia or New Zealand can be cheaper via Hawaii, too, depending on what deals are available from the airlines.
Hi Julie, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to set foot on Hawaiian soil :) Pearl Harbor is a special place to visit.
Hi Valerie, You know me too well, lol :) Writers can’t help but do research when we travel.
Hi Beth, I hope you’ll have a chance to visit your friend. Maui is on my travel wish list, too :)
Hi Gail, I hope you’ll be able to tick off many places on your travel bucket list soon, including Hawaii. I also have a travel wish list with places to visit in Australia. We live in big countries and there’s plenty to see at home. Enjoy your RV trip to Key West. :)
Hi Carol, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos :) It wasn’t until I visited Hawaii that I learned about the large military population that’s based there. It’s hard to imagine what it would have been like to witness the beautiful and serene harbor being bombed and see so many lives lost.
Hi Winnie, I’d love to visit the Polynesian Culture Centre and see more of Diamond Head. My husband went out running early in the morning (so not my thing, lol) and chatted with people who raved about Diamond Head. I have hazy memories of the cultural centre from my first visit to Hawaii, and it’s on our list for next time. The Hawaiian Ice – so delicious :)
Hi Linda, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit Hawaii :)
Hi Beth, I’ve travelled through Spokane on the Empire Builder train. In 2013 I went from Seattle to Chicago on the train, on route to the ACFW conference in Indy. I loved the train trip, and at the top of my train travelling wish list for the US is to travel the West Coast route from LA to Washington. :)
Hi Trixi, I hope you’ll make it to Hawaii someday. :) This time I visited the central Oregon coast – absolutely gorgeous! In 2013 I visited the northern coast, travelling from Seaside through to Tillamook.
You can tell the Aussie and Japanese tourist by the side of the footpath they walk. I also confused the money and often asked which was which. (I like how ours is in size from smallest to largest)
I hope to make it to Hawaii someday.. it looks wonderful! Glad you got to go :)
Happy Anniversary! I have never visited Hawaii but is on my bucket list. Your photos gave me something to dream about.
Hi DK, I hope you’ll make it to Hawaii soon :)
Hi Shiela, I’m glad my photos have inspired you. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit Hawaii and see all the gorgeous scenery soon. :)