Hawaiian Vacation: Day 5

Thursday was a bit ‘play it by ear.’ While I do an itinerary each year–ok, I must speak to the itinerary for a moment. Several years back, we didn’t have an itinerary. As a result, every day we came out of our hotel went something like this: “Where do you want to eat? I don’t know, where do you want to eat? Do you want to go to Duke’s? I don’t care, do you want to go to Duke’s?” People, this is a true story–heed my warning, don’t let it happen to you! Since then, I have done an itinerary every year. It outlines activities and eateries for every day. It doesn’t have to be followed to the letter but it does serve as a guide.

This year, I inserted a picture from past trips for each day’s activities, had a caricature  drawn for the cover–based on a photo taken at the Mighty Mo, had them printed, bound, wrapped in tissue, covered with beach stickers, secured with a lei, and then mailed one to everyone with a pack of macadamia nuts, a week before we left, to get everyone in the Aloha Spirit. I fear I’ve set the bar too high. But back to Day 5…

We spent the day on the blue line trolley tour. The tour guides were absolutely awesome! Both were Hawaiian natives, born and raised in the islands. We saw the beach where the infamous ‘From Here to Eternity’ beach scene was filmed. A famous blowhole. We stopped by Hanauma Bay and then toured the coastline, absolutely beautiful.

After the 2.5 hour tour, we grabbed a bite to eat at Round Table Pizza (yummy) and then strolled down Kalakaua for the movie on the beach. The night’s viewing was the season 4 premier of Hawaii 5-0 and the cast was there to celebrate. And for the after-show, the Jonas Brothers performed a free concert. Total chaos, but a lot of fun. Seriously, who goes on vacation and then happens to be in town for such a thing? Now, we just have to find out where they’re filming tomorrow so we can be extras in a few shots. We could play tourists!