An overnight flight from Australia via Auckland to Hawaii was of course too long & uncomfortable leaving us both happy that a room was ready when we checked in to the Imperial Hotel mid morning. Renovations & drilling in the room next door meant we couldn't have a sleep so headed out for a stroll around the shops & tasty brunch in the lovely warm weather. A late afternoon rest was followed by a swim in the sea which was also perfect temperature. Anoth...

After a night at an airport hotel in Seattle we flew to Maui in Hawaii for a few days of sunshine, swimming, snorkeling & just catching up after our hectic time. The resort area is on the dry western side of the island & isn't as lush & green as we expected.The Sheraton hotel grounds were green with palm trees, frangipani etc & our room was great - ocean view in a quiet section far away from the central core. Watched the flare lighting & cliff...

Spent most of the day at the Pearl Harbor Memorials which was one of the main reasons for a stopover here. After a very early start & pickup at 5.45 we were in the queue for the first tour of the day at 7.30am and spent 9 hours there. Starting with a short film & a boat trip to the Arizona Memorial everyone paid a quiet tribute to the lives that were lost when this ship was bombed & sunk on 7th Dec 1941. The ship sits mostly under the water right wher...

After a long day & night of traveling we arrived in Hawaii on the same morning that we left - a bonus Mother's Day. Walked on the sand & into the water of Waikiki beach & have been pleasantly surprised by how lovely it is here. Our last visit was 14 years ago & everything seems more prosperous & well maintained now - there's a Singapore feel to it without the humidity. Dinner at Bills Sydney (Bill Granger) was delightful & had a cocktail t...