Lanterns hang from tree limbs at the Four Seasons Resort along the shore on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi.
As you might know from reading our Hawaiʻi 2023 trip report, we went for a walk every evening of our stay at the Disney resort of Aulani. On our very first night there, we walked past the Four Seasons Resort, which was right next door in the Ko Olina resort area. These lanterns were hanging in a tree near the path, and of course I could not resist taking a photo.
Previously in the Hawaiʻi trip report from June 2023, we had gotten a bonus night in Hawaiʻi thanks to a canceled flight. Do we ever make it home? Read on! And if you have not done so already, you might want to read the previous part.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 After a somewhat restless night of sleep, we got up around 9:00 AM. There had been some noises from the adjacent rooms that had woken us up at various times in the earlier morning hours, but I had usually been able to go back to sleep relatively quickly after those.
The steam locomotive Jupiter of the Santa Cruz Railroad is on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.
As we were wandering through the museum, Laura and I both saw the Jupiter at the same time. Laura said, “Did you know they have a train in here?” I did not, because if I had known, we would have gone to find it earlier in our visit. We just happened upon it, and I was glad that we did.
The Hawaiʻi trip in June 2023 continues with us exploring the Waikīkī area before attempting to start for home. If you have not done so already, you might want to read the previous part.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 For one last time, we followed our morning routine of getting up at 7:00 and eating breakfast on the Riedels’ balcony. We finished off all that we could of what we had bought for breakfast, which meant an extra glass of pineapple cranberry juice for me. I also had an extra granola bar, but I slipped it in my backpack just in case I needed a snack at an airport or somewhere else along the way. And I tried my best to enjoy the balcony view as much as I could for this last time. Of course, we would still have plenty of times to sit and talk with the Riedels once we got back home, so at least that part did not have to end with the trip.
A lifeguard station on the beach at Kaʻena Point State Park on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi, as seen during our June 2023 Hawaiʻi Trip.
During our visit to Kaʻena Point, we happened to walk by the lifeguard station, which looked to me to be a good photo opportunity. For whatever reason, lifeguard stations are interesting to me, such as this one at Cocoa Beach, Florida and this one on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi. In fact, the Kauaʻi station linked above looks very similar to this one, which would make sense as they are both part of the Hawaiʻi parks system.
The Hawaiʻi trip in June 2023 continues with a hike up Diamond Head and another great sunset. If you have not done so already, you might want to read the previous part.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 As was our custom by this point, we started off the day much like every other day. Up at 7:00 AM, breakfast on the Riedels’ balcony. It had been a good routine. But beyond that, things were starting to change. We knew this was to be our last full day at Aulani, so our morning routine would not last much longer. And besides that, we had plans for the day that were a little different from the previous days.
The view from Makapuʻu Point on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi, as seen during our June 2023 Hawaiʻi Trip.
During our trip, we had hiked up the trail to see the Makapuʻu Lighthouse. But before we climbed, I was not quite expecting to see the view that we found there.
The exterior of the Lincoln Memorial, built to honor the memory of Abraham Lincoln, in Washington, DC.
During our July 2023 visit to Washington, I wanted to be sure to see the Lincoln Memorial. I have long admired our 16th President. His way of thinking, his sense of humor, and his compassion are always admirable to me. Perhaps you remember how we found a Lincoln site in Tolono, Illinois, or our visit to one of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate sites. That made the Lincoln Memorial a “must see” stop during our visit to Washington, as I am certain it is for so many people.
The Hawaiʻi trip in June 2023 continues with a visit to a North Shore beach and some night photos. If you have not done so already, you might want to read the previous part.
Monday, June 19, 2023 By now, if you have been reading the trip report, you know our usual routine. This day started like the others. No complaints at all. Great company, great scenery, a great place. It was all great, as you might have guessed.
The sun sets past the lagoon and ocean near the Disney resort of Aulani on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi, as seen during our June 2023 visit.
As you may know from reading the trip report, we went for a walk just about every evening that we were there. Part of that was to work off some of the calories we had eaten (do vacation calories even count?), part of that was to unwind from the day (not that we were stressed, but it is always good to relax at the end of the day), and part of that was to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sunsets. And as you might imagine, photos were taken on most of those nights, too. Not quite every night, but most of them.
