Almost Sunrise & Almost Sunset

 

Fantastic view to end what was a fantastic day

The first planned activity of the day was to catch the sunrise on the summit of Diamond Head National Park. We made the reservation online as soon as it was available. We had set our alarm. We had bought our coffee. But somehow at 0557, we were still in an uber...We got off at 0610 and started the uphill hike at 0611. Sunrise was at 0626. Fortunately the temperature was still a cool 23 degrees and the incline was not as bad as we expected. Somehow, we got to top just after the sun had risen past the horizon. Oh well, close enough is good enough! We still blame the uber driver for circling around our hotel unnecessarily for 2 minutes...

Start of the trail. 0611. Let's go. Surely walking the hills of Pymble and Gordon is good preparation!?

Clouds changing colours...gotta hurry

We overtook many but had to slow down here...there was no way to pass!

Sunrise! Almost!

At this point, I have to admit that we overlooked crossing the international dateline. Like newbies, we assumed that an overnight flight from Japan on the 10th would see us arriving at our destination on the 11th. Well not if you were going east! Luckily this was picked up early enough to book a hotel hence our single night at Waikiki Beach. We had to return to the airport to pick up our rental car which we got for a bargain because we booked it so early (AUD115 for 2 day hire!) Surprise surprise out shuttle did not turn up. Fortunately we had learnt our lesson and contacted them after 15 minutes at which point they agreed to refund us and called us a cab. 

Our pick up at Hertz turned out to be Mal's highlight of the day. Being a gold member, we managed to skip the long lines and had our pick of cars! The red Dodge it was! It was off to Aulani for some spa time at Laniwai and fancy dining at the newly reopened Ama Ama. Laniwai was expensive...I initially had reservations but today's experience was just amazing. They had beautiful spaces and facilities that we could use pre and post treatment, including a sauna, steam room, and outdoor pools/rain showers. However, as we had the last time slot for the day, we did all our relaxing pre-massage. The massage bed (heated) was also the most comfortable we've ever been on! 

And thus we found ourselves late for...sunset. We had booked dinner at a time to catch the sunset but once again only just managed to get there after the sun had dipped below the horizon. The view was still magical and the food was amazing. The menu is now a four course price-fixe and we both enjoyed every dish. 

Breakfast at our balcony

Go faster red!

Disney's Aulani at Ko Olina

Our studio

The sight of this never gets old!

The most giant dole whip we've ever had and a poke bowl for lunch. It was enough to fill both of us

Seriously one of the best spa experiences we've had

Outdoor rain showers and hot tubs

Relaxing outdoor spaces

Inside waiting area and refreshment staiton

The showers and changerooms had everything that you needed, including bags for wet swimmers

Sunset...almost!

The view from our table

Venison tartare with black garlic and truffle. Superb

Octopus with miso and parmesan risotto. Surprisingly light!

Scallop and shrimp ravioli topped with lobster and yuzu cream

One of the more unusual and delicious dessert I've had recently. Passionfruit ganache, white chocolate pistachio crunch, kalamansi curd and gingersnap tuile. The last was super tasty!