Months ago we were asked by our brother-in-law if we could fly to Hawaii to celebrate Matt’s older sister’s 40th birthday with them! Of course we said yes. Matt was in charge of planning the activities and our brother-in-law was in charge of getting us a car and place to stay. I was on vacation and just did what I was told! And the birthday girl could do whatever she wanted. We really only had two full-days to spend in Kona, Hawaii and we spent them well.

Day 1

Day 2

A co-worker told Matt, “It was really smart of you to marry a Hawaiian.”  Any excuse we can find to go to Hawaii, we will take.  With my younger sister in Hawaii and recently having twins who would be blessed in our church, that was the excuse we needed to leave our own children for a few days and spend time in Hawaii.  And the bonus was that Matt’s brother was also going to school there and I hadn’t seen him in over 2 years!

The twins: Derek & Keith

My sister's family and us

Our brother recently returned from a mission in the Philippines

Enjoying Matsumoto shaved ice with ice cream in Haleiwa

Numerous waterfalls from all of the rain

The weather wasn’t great while were there.  It rained everyday and flooded in some areas.  So, we never put on our swimsuits or went to the beach since it was too dangerous to swim.  But, we enjoyed our time being together with our family.  I guess we will just need to go back again…I’m sure we can come up with another excuse!

Yes we just got back from Europe, but when my brother decided to get married in Hawaii, we needed to make that sacrifice and get on a plane and spend time in Hawaii to support him!

They are the reason why we went to Hawaii

We had a super fun week. My aunt and uncle joined us and celebrated their 20th anniversary. And then my uncle’s brother and wife asked to tag along to celebrate their 20th anniversary as well. We are Hawaiian and everyone is part of our Ohana…so of course it was great to have more people join in the celebration.

Tuesday: Fly in, eat, find our house and the beach

This beach was 100 yards from our rental house

Wednesday: hike to the lighthouse with Cheryl, swap meet & Pearl Harbor and attend a bridal shower

My college roommate's mother-in-law...and my friend. I've known her for 12 years and she finally met ALL of my family

Great way to get some exercise...walking to Makapu'u light house

Visiting the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor

Thursday: Spend the morning with Cheryl going on a hike, visiting a lava tube, spitting cave, Dog the Bounty Hunter’s house, pick up Matt at airport and surf

All of us that hiked to the top of the ridge above Hawaii Kai

Tom Selleck's home for "Magnum P.I." that we saw on our hike

We walked through a lava tube and found ourselves here with the ocean at our feet

They got soaked at Spitting Cave

I think Dog is a fan of himself with this mural on the gate of his home

Surfing in Waikiki

Friday: Temple wedding & Polynesian Culture Center

I love to see the temple...especially when a sibling is being married (sealed) inside

I love my sisters and that we could all be together on the temple grounds

And I love my brother and my NEW sister

Learning about the island of Fiji as a family

The groom was able to take part in the Tongan village show...after being married for 5 hours

Saturday: hike to Maunawili Falls and wedding reception

Prom photo while on our way to Maunawili falls

The wedding reception was really nice. The bride sang and had friends perform songs. And the food was AMAZING! I love Hawaiian food. It was wonderful to see the 2 families together and how easily it was to work with each other.

Sunday: church, visit Punchbowl Cemetery & family get together

Memorial weekend at Punchbowl Cemetery

Sitting around "talking story"

Monday: drive around the island and fly home

Since our flight didn’t leave until the evening, we had some time to kill. So, we drove around the island. Up to North Shore and back towards the airport. We stopped at the Dole Plantation and Iolani Palace and tried to remember the beauty of the island.

Did you know this is how pineapples grew?

More Hawaii vacation photos

We were a small group, but that just meant more food for us!