We were told 8 days would be enough to see at least two of the main Hawaiian islands but we discovered that it wasn't even enough to see one, so we'll just have to come back... and boy are we excited at the prospect!

Hawaii was at the top of K's list when we were planning our trip... Reading about the beautiful diverse islands, listening to friends speak about their experiences and watching way too much Hawaii 5.0 meant that K's expectations were high... very high! But its safe to say that they were exceeded beyond belief. S had no expectations about Hawaii, in fact she had reservations about visiting a commercial touristy spot but she was equally mesmerised by the beauty of the people, non existence of mosquitoes, flowery shirts, the landscape, the sunsets and total laid back relaxed nature of Oahu.

We based ourselves in Waikiki, Honolulu at a great place called the Waikiki Gateway Hotel. Totally chuffed with the bargain deal we got on this place (60% off promotion when we booked online) and then the comps just kept on coming... Getting the staff wifi code so we weren't charged for our usage, free buffet breakfast on our penultimate morning, beautiful ocean view room for our last two nights and if that wasn't enough being upgraded to the Penthouse suite (oh yeah!) for 4 nights... Thank you Endrico, you are a star.

So what kept us so occupied in Oahu... Well...

Waikiki beach - a long glorious stretch of coast with shady palm trees, crystal clear water, blankets of hot sun and the most beautiful sunsets we've ever witnessed. A very kind Australian family gave us some lilo's as they were leaving so we spent a lot of time in the water 'trying' to get onto these pesky things... lots of falling off and laughter ensured.

On one of the sunset evenings we saw a lady, dressed in a traditional Hawaiian hula skirt, dancing because it was the blue moon festival, as we later learnt from her. She was absorbed in the moment with a big smile on her face so we couldn't help but stop and watch her. S even joined in for some hulaing!

Hanauma Bay - for K's first proper snorkelling experience which can only be described as 'Magical'. The reefs were so close to the shoreline so there was an amazing array of fish to witness, from black and white polka dots to rainbow stripes.

North shore - where the big waves are in winter. 2.5 hour bus journey with two bus changes to get to Wai'anae beach & the Sacred Valley. From there it was a not so scenic walk (think the equivalent of the UK's M25) to Sandy beach and Turtle Bay.

Pearl Harbour - was a very sobering experience. The US Blowfin Sub museum and the US Arizona Memorial on Ford Island.

Downtown Honolulu - for the Iolani Palace (Queen Liliʻuokalani's home). The iconic Hawaii 5.0 shot of the statue of King Kamehameha in front of Aliʻiolani Hale, the Hawaii Supreme Court Building.

Diamond Head crater - tunnels and steep steps to the top of the crater, but great views of Honolulu at the top, and the crater itself. We met a couple, from Wellington NZ, who gave us their business card and invited us to come and stay when we get to Wellington all within 5 mins of meeting them. We did warn them that we could be axe murderers and maybe they shouldn't be so generous but they just smiled!

Honolulu Army museum - interesting history lesson by a French war veteran who has written numerous books on WWII. The treatment of Japanese Americans during and after the war was very interesting.

Hawaii conveniently overlapped with K's birthday (it wasn't planned that way... promise) and what a memorable one it was thanks to S and the lovely surprises she had planned. Started the day face-timing with lovely family, complementary breakfast and some beautiful cards and messages from beautiful panjees. Then a gorgeous pamper morning and beach filled afternoon for some more lilo fun. With newly bought red lipsticks on and Hawaiian Jasmine flowers in our hair we had dinner at the very popular Cheesecake Factory... The desserts were as expected, spectacular. Final walk along the beach and back to hotel for final lovely surprise of beautiful Lai and cake with balloons. A very happy and blessed girl (well maybe not girl anymore!)

Hawaii has been a surprise... We were both so reluctant and sad to be saying goodbye but we'll surly be back and we have so many more adventures to look forward too in the meantime... Fiji here we come.