Say Hi to Hawaii

There it is, proudly swaying with the Hawaiian breeze (quite shy behind the acacia tree from my angle), the Philippine flag- and it was there for everyone to see, even us tourists from Seattle.

Hawaii has a gentle Filipino vibe to it. It is a timid state of the USA which is home to 500k+ natives, Pacific islanders & Asians.

Going countryside is like getting a plane ticket to Pinas, the plants and architecture mirror that of my native land's. it was refreshing to see agho, balunggay, Indian mango, iba, Kalachuchi, santan, and few other plants that i would randomly and unappreciatingly pass by anywhere is Pinas.
all the similarities make me wonder how big of an influence the Filipinos have in this US state or if it's the other way around. I am not well read or educated on anthropology or history but I can tell how apart or the same two places are depending on the plants and weeds endemic in them. lol

For the most part though, our stay was mainly spent on the more touristy side of Honolulu, in Kapolei, where most of the popular resorts are.

                                                                  The Marriott Hotel

                               
                                     The beach front area (hubby is blending with nature lol)

The place is pretty laid back and if you are wishing to a more relaxed and quiet stay, Marriott is the place for you.

We also had an opportunity to visit and roam around Disney Aulani. My sister decided to book a room there just because... just because who does not like Disney? lol

 

One of the 2 wings facing the sea   

 

                                                      Same beach landscape as Marriott's

    

For the last 2 remaining days of our Hawaiian invasion, we hopped in the rental van and drove around the island. First on the itinerary was the Dole plantation from where we had a refreshing round of pineapple refreshments and then off we went to every Surfer's haven, Banzai Pipeline, Oahu.

 

The surfing competition was already over when we arrived.

 After a never-ending photo-op, the family decided to head home, this time to a different hotel in Waikiki. Instead of turning around, we journeyed on to the road and took the longer trip around the whole island. The view along the coast is even more breathtaking.

                                  This area must have been the inspiration of Jurassic Park.

There's so much to do in Hawaii, Waikiki Beach at night does not disappoint either and the shopping? Just 3% tax, baby- by the beach, too! :) Oh yeah!  On top of it all, The whole Hawaii experience was made more memorable because of family. Thank God for Ohana.