Day 3 in Paradise

This was, by far, our busiest day of the trip. Our first stop was Waikiki to do a little shopping at the International Market. The best part --- lunch at Puka Dog. 

OMG....definitely a must do on our culinary list. This was also the day we got the most rain (or showers as we like to call them in Oregon). But as I posted on facebook..........a rainy day in Waikiki, still a good day !!

We then headed back through the central part of the island (toward the North Shore) and stopped at the Dole Plantation for a tasty treat – pineapple soft-service ice cream with pineapple (for me) and coconut (for Jaime) topping. 

Again.........yummy :-) We did spend a few minutes and walk through the grounds for a look at some of the many pineapple varieties they have from all over the world. 

The most fascinating part – a stop at the koi pond. Seriously. 

They have fish food that you can purchase and feed to the fish. And they are so accustomed to being fed that all you have to do is step up to the railing and they will congregate at your feet. It was actually kind of creepy, like something out of a horror movie.

We then continued north, again through North Shore, Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. I thought Jaime was gonna wet his britches when he realized we were driving through these places, places that he had read about in surf magazines as a kid. And it was beautiful. This was all our on way to our next stop – the LDS temple. 

We only stopped long enough to take a few pictures and yet it was enough time to appreciate its beauty. Later that evening, as we drove back to our condo, we got a glimpse of it all lit up. It is truly beautiful. On a side note, that only members of our church will appreciate.....as we left the temple, we noticed a house directly across from the temple grounds that had a name placard that read “Monsons”. What are the chances ???

Our final destination that day was the Polynesian Culture Center. Unfortunately we didn't arrive until about 3 pm, so we didn't have much time to visit all the different villages. 

But what we did visit was very entertaining. Our tickets included dinner – which was awesome – and the show, “Ha, Breath of Life”. And they definitely saved the best for last. The show was simply amazing. It was full of dancing and singing – what could be better --- a Polynesian musical !! But it truly was an amazing production....so beautiful. We were treated to a taste of all the different polynesian cultures, both in dance and dress. All while they weaved an incredible story. Truly the high point of our evening.