Turkeys in Paradise: Fun Fun Fun

I promise you, Mr. Turkey and I did not just eat our way through Hawaii...we actually saw some stuff too!

As I mentioned way back when, we're not just the "beaching" type and require activities intermingled throughout our vacations with fairly regular frequency. This was extremely clear in our morning activity choice after waking up at 4am on honeymoon day #1.

Could we have sat on the beach? Sure.

Yes, we did this - dorky and proud of it

Could we have gone shopping? Yup.

At 4am, not too much is open, though.

Could we walk ~3 miles and then hike in the blazing sun? Now THAT sounds like fun.

Walking the streets to Diamond Head

Hiking Diamond Head (Oahu)

The Turkeys highly recommend taking the trip to Diamond Head. It's only a 1.5 mile hike and you get some spectacular views of the island. We do not, however, recommend walking from Waikiki to the crater. Besides adding another 3 miles to your journey, it's not a very scenic route. Drive or take a cab!

We really enjoyed the "panorama" setting on our camera

Waikiki from above

Snorkeling in Hulopoe Bay (Lana'i)

We were told that the snorkeling was fantastic (among the best in all Hawaii) on Lana'i and it did not disappoint. It was pretty convenient as well, since the bay was just steps from our hotel and the snorkel equipment was free!

View of the bay from our hotel's pool area 

I look like an expert, don't I?

Some colorful coral and fish - just a few yards off shore!

Drums of the Pacific Luau (Maui)
One of our favorite activities I could have also filed under food...because there was a LOT of it that came with this experience.

I spy: pineapple, poi and...PORK

Enjoying Mai Tais in our VIP seating

The Drums of the Pacific Luau was recommended to us by Friend K (better known as the MOB Fairy) for their Mai Tais and entertainment. Although I have attended other luaus before, I can't recall the Mai Tai comparison, but can say I was much more impressed with the food and show. It was high energy with numerous costume changes, multiple styles of dance and even some audience participation.

From Top L: the show's host, hula dancers, flashing the shaka, brightly colored costumes

If the pictures didn't entice you, here's a short video (52 seconds):

The best part was the fire - knife dancer, but unless you want to watch a 5 minute video of his entire act, you'll just have to trust me!

Outrigger Canoe Experience (Maui)

This particular activity required a little more elbow grease.

Rocking our Outrigger Canoe shirts (what?)

Our guides were very knowledgeable and besides learning a little something about the history of the canoe in Hawaii, we made some new friends!

This guy swam up right next to us!

Hike Maui (duh)
Mr. Turkey's favorite activity of the entire trip actually came from another recommendation - this time from a coworker who visited the island in December. Hike Maui took us to the waterfalls and trails on the eastern side of the island (towards Hana). It was nearly a full day, but definitely saw and did things we wouldn't have without this excursion.

We look like we know what we're doing

We learned about many different types of plants (and how most of them are not native to Hawaii)

Mr. Turkey leaps off a waterfall

My jump doesn't look as cool 

Air Maui (again, duh)
My Aunt J & Uncle L very generously gifted us with a helicopter trip on Maui prior to the wedding.

Despite not being the biggest fan of heights, Mr. Turkey was game for this experience and, in the end, enjoyed it. Although he was happy to be back on solid ground at the end!

Rockin' some headphones and fanny pack life jackets

Certain views of the islands are only possible by air, so if you're looking for anything like the images below - a helicopter ride might be the way to go (we were able to see Moloka'i).

We're in the clouds!

Turtle Rock

Super long waterfall (seen in Jurassic Park movies)

Pearl Harbor & USS Missouri (Oahu)
If it wasn't for Pearl Harbor, Mr. Turkey and I probably would not have flown in and out of Oahu. However, with a history buff for a husband, this was a "must see". So, with an 11pm flight out of Honolulu, we spent our final day in Hawaii touring the sites. Fitting, too, since it was Memorial Day weekend.

We chose the Battleships of WWII Tour through Discover Hawaii. The choice was driven by the transportation from our hotel and the ability to visit both the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri Battleship (fun fact - it was featured in the new movie, Battleship).

View of the USS Arizona Memorial from the boat

Mr. Turkey the captain

We definitely enjoyed our tour and were glad to have time to visit the sites (without being rushed), but the tour duration probably could have been cut by at least 45 minutes, in our opinion. We were done with the Missouri with time to spare. Oh, and then our bus broke down - oops!

Can't have a vacation without a little adventure / hiccup!

So, there you have it - a sampling of our "fun" in Hawaii!

And just as with my prior post, if you have any questions about activities on the islands of Oahu, Lana'i and Maui...ask away!

What types of activities did you (are are you planning to) do on your honeymoon?

Miss a recap?

Honeymoon by the numbers

Food, Glorious Food!