April 27-May 7, 2018: First ever trip to HAWAII!

When my twin sister, Cathy, invited me and Mike to join her and her husband Howard Lemmon on a trip to Hawaii this spring, I hesitated when thinking about more traveling and more spending this year. But once we decided to take the plunge, we were totally on board! I told Cathy to go ahead and plan the trip (she did it through her AAA insurance), and that we would pay for half of everything. We went to the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and to the big island of Hawaii.

It was surreal when the week finally arrived for our Hawaii trip! While in Los Angeles for our connecting flight to Hawaii, we found the Lemmon's at the gate and had a happy reunion. We were excited to fly together to the islands!

We had the BEST time and loved hanging out with Cathy and Howard during our 12-day vacaion. It was the first time for all of us to see Hawaii AND to travel together. Our first stop was in beautiful, lush Kauai, the "garden island,"where we stayed for a few days at a lovely condo with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The condo is owned by friends of the Lemmon's, who offered us to stay for free, but Cathy still paid them $300, and we bought new paper goods to restock their bathrooms and kitchen. 

Hawaii was truly a magical place to visit. The weather was ideal, even with the humidity. We loved how green and tropical Kauai was, and we were happy for the clouds during our visit. We checked out the flooded beaches and enjoyed our little walks along the shore. The highlight in Kauai for us was taking a helicopter ride over the mountains and waterfalls! 

April 27th: Middle-aged twins ready for an exciting adventure!

This airport is TINY, and everything is outdoors 

Craving some beach time on Hanalei Bay

Cathy and Howard Lemmon

Some of Kauai's damaged shore lines after strong storms hit the area (weeks before we arrived)

Lush greenery and landscapes we enjoyed

One of the many waterfalls

My lovely sister Cathy and her husband Howard

Beautiful rooster

Our rental van in Kauai. Suck it in Mike!

We loved all the waterfalls in the Waimea Canyon

Prettier than the Grand Canyon

The islanders use volcanic rock for walls and borders on every island

Chickens and their babies on Hanalei Bay

Is this GORGEOUS or what?

Cathy and Howard made this jewelry vendor VERY happy!

A real MANGO tree!

I LOVED these colorful, exotic flowers

And I love this honey of mine, who also loves flowers

This particular flower grows on TREES, and you find them in leis and tucked behind the ear

A never ending array of bright colored flowers in Hanalei Bay

Mike's face says it all--this place was amazing!

Cathy and Howard in front of the yummiest shaved ice!

This cool looking tree in Hanalei Bay

Flowering trees and shrubs 

Vegetation among old lava flows and rocks

Our awesome two-bedroom condo in Kauai

Our fun ritual in the evenings--playing Quirkle and Canasta

Check out this guy doing maintenance up in the palm tree!

The beautiful grounds at the condo where we stayed in Kauai