Hawaii (Part One)

Twelve hours of travel and we finally landed in Hawaii. It was 75 degrees and sunny. Renee picked us up and gifted us with lai's.

'Nae and Nemy at the airport.

We went back to Nae's apartment and settled in while she picked up Dean from work. They made us a spectacular chicken and steak stir fry for dinner. Afterwards, we all went to Waikiki so us Minnesota girls could touch the Pacific ocean.

We weren't used to the waves yet and got a little wet in the ocean. Then we posed for pictures with tiki torches, which are EVERYWHERE.

Nemy, Nae and Lisa at Waikiki beach.

Then we hit the ever popular Duke's for drinks. Duke Kahanamoku is the most famous name in surfing. He was an Olympic swimming champion, Hollywood actor and Hawaiian folk hero, all rolled into one. Two stories about him: He battled a 10 foot eel while training and after a few minutes, finally choked it to death. He was exhausted, but survived, minus his index finger. In 1925 he rescued twelve men from a boating tragedy off of Newport Beach. So you can see why he deserved his own statue, and why it's decorated daily with flowers.

The bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku.

Our trip started off well and it only got better.

Tomorrow, Day/Part Two.