Hawaii, Day Four

No one was flying today, so we had a whole day planned: snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and a  genuine, not to be missed, Hawaiian Luau.

If you ever go to Hawaii, you must go to Hanauma Bay.  Get there early and walk down the beach to avoid the crowd.  Why do so many people get to the beach and set up camp on the open space they see?

Backing up, when you first get to Hanauma Bay, there is an amazing overlook.  

Sarah and Jodi, two amazing fellow Air Force wives.

I believe the bay is $12, active duty military got in free (but not spouses).  It's worth it because they do a lot of nature preservation in the bay, as well as having two bathroom facilities on the beach.  Oh yeah, and life guards.  

Before you can go down to the beach, you watch a safety video that reminds you not to touch the coral or the sea life.  Then you can walk down or take a tram.  Rob and I took the tram, everyone else walked.  

Just like Shark Cove, the snorkeling here was top notch.  So much sea life, including brain coral and a million fish.  Also, hardly any sea urchins.  I am very much a rule follower and it bothered me that you couldn't avoid touching the coral.  The tide kept pushing you into it.  And not that anyone asked me, but I don't think they should allow people to wear flippers.  The water isn't deep and I think a lot of damage was done by people kicking the coral with flippers.  End Rant.

This was Dave's first time snorkeling. Unfortunately, he got the worst sunburn known to man while doing it.

Selfies and hats, two things we Schneiders love.

The Tices had trouble getting into the parking lot because of capacity. But they persevered and said it was worth the wait.

Another great view from the top! The Tices aren't in this picture because they left early to feed the kids.

After snorkeling, guess what? We were hungry! Luckily the Kona Brewing Company was on our way back to the hotel.  Rob and Dave said the beer was good.  The pizza was awesome, as was the guacamole.  

If you've been reading along on this trip report, I'm sure you know what's coming next.  Showers and naps.  We had a big night planned at Germaine's Luau.  

Germaine's is located about an hour outside of Waikiki in an industrial park.  We thought it was an odd place for a luau but a great place to dump a body.  Or maybe I just watch too much tv.  Oh yes, our arrival at the luau was delayed because we needed to find some pain relief for poor Dave's sunburn.

Very traditional luau. I highly recommend it!

Over by the water was a great place to take photos! See that tiki cup? That's the racket they are running at the luau. Your meal comes with one drink, which they put in a tiny cup. Unless you buy a souvenir mug. Then your same drink ticket gets you twice as much drink.

Typical luau food, including pork that they cooked all day in the ground. Actually, I think that was yesterday's pig because they had a ceremony where we saw them pull out the pig and then 5 minutes later the buffet was open.

The show was entertaining and ended with some fire dancing. He didn't swallow the fire though, he must have had heart burn. Hahaha.

The luau ended around 9:30, and it was a long drive back to the hotel.  This was probably the latest night of the whole trip.