Spring Break in Hawaii!!

Ko'olina (West side of Oahu)

Our First Stop!

Our first few nights we stayed in Ko'olina on the west side of Oahu. After a long (but direct 8 hour) flight, we were ready to get the party started! Our vacation started out with the Alamo rental bus taking off with Emily and Stephanie and half of our luggage! Travelling with 4 kids is no easy feat when you account for all the luggage, carry on's, stroller, car seat and surfboard that must travel as well. We found the bus that was to take us to our rental car and Mike directed Emily and Stephanie onto the bus and began loading the luggage. Meanwhile I was trying to navigate the rest of the luggage and remaining kids to the bus. I finally got to the bus and just as we were starting to load more luggage, the bus LEFT! With Emily and Stephanie! We pounded on the door to get the driver to stop..but he did not stop. We were trying to catch a cab or bus or anything to follow the bus...but we couldnt get anything! Meanwhile, Emily borrowed a phone and called us in tears! We quickly caught the next bus and were reunited with 2 very frightened and sad girls! Oh the tears! It took a lot of hugs to stop the tears from flowing! But we were together and all was fine. The rest of the vacation was a breeze and we managed to not lose any more kids!

We stayed at the JW Marriott and the girls were so excited because they got to stay in a girls room with just cousins! What fun that was for the kids! Apparently their daily maid service was not impressed, but they had a ball! We could see into their room from our balcony and they were having a party! So fun for them!

The girls remembered well from last year the breakfast buffets! It was truly a hilight and they can talk for hours about all the delicious food! Once again we were spoiled with a daily breakfast buffet! It was hilarious to watch all the kids and their food choices!

Stephanie and her pancake sundae! Yummy! My favorite was the mini waffles with coconut syrup, fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream and shredded coconut on top! A perfect breakfast in paradise!!

After breakfast it was always straight to the beach. We love the lagoons at Ko'olina because they are perfect for swimming, splashing and snorkelling!


This cove is called secret beach and there was amazing snorkelling here. Complete with sea turtles! It was amazing to swim with them.

Rock climbing and exploring for sea creatures was popular..but you had to be so careful..that rock is sharp!

Playing in the sand and designing castles and swimming holes also entertained for hours. We bought a bunch of sand toys to entertain James, but the other kids took them and would send him away if he came near. Apparently he was more into the destroying rather than creating!


Poppa and Nonna out for a snorkel with the turtles at secret beach!


James was a pure delight to have along! He is the most easy going traveller and enjoyed every moment! He loved the beach and running from the waves! I could watch him play and explore for hours. Everything is such an adventure and delight for him!

I love watching Mike with James! Always having fun together!