Our second day in Hawaii we decided to hit the road again to check out a swap meet at the Aloha Stadium. It’s something neither of us had ever done (Zach gets annoyed that I’ve been to Hawaii twice before meeting him and that I did IT ALL with my dad on those visits so there isn’t a whole lot in Oahu I haven’t already experienced ha!) and we love deals and haggling so we figured it’d be right up our ally.
Can’t beat a rainbow view on our drive!
Aloha Stadium!
Dress is Zulily
Who doesn’t want a Summer Jams 2016 cd?!?!
We got all the kids goodies and had fun looking at all the different venders. And Zach totally saved a bunch of people’s lives when one of the metal tents blew apart in a large gust of wind. It was a legit scary moment! Tall guys come in handy 😉
More beautiful views on our way to North Shore!
It worked out great b/c we got to North Shore about 15 minutes before a super popular restaurant spot opened for the day (Haleiwa Joe’s) so we waited to be seated once they opened and it meant we got top pick on a seat with a view!
This ended up being my favorite meal of the trip! I’m SO GLAD I branched out and tried something a bit outside of my comfort zone. The rolls and BBQ were phenomenal!
GET IN MY BELLY.
Our main goal for the afternoon was to visit Turtle Beach. I read that it’s a free public beach where sea turtles tend to gather. Basically between 11 am and 2 pm each day you’re practically guaranteed to see a sea turtle it’s in natural environment.
When I went to Hawaii the first time (1999) Dad and I snorkeled near our resort and were able to swim with sea turtles! No tour or anything, we just got lucky. Zach and I haven’t seen any together and I was pumped for this opportunity!
Sure enough we spotted one!
People. Are. So. Dumb.
Gorgeous Beach too! We just were there for the quick sea turtle sighting then we headed back 😉
Made a stop in Haleiwa and omg CUTEST TOWN!
All about the freebies 😉 I think I embarrass Zach a little but my Moto when it comes to deals and discounts is that it never hurts to ask. Usually people LIKE to hook you up!
Omg y’all the Hawaiian Shaved Ice is PHENOMENAL
YUM
As Tess loves to say “What color is my tongue?”
Gorgeous drive back!
Layout of Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. It’s MASSIVE
Yup. Our travel routine is to chill in the afternoons 😉
That evening we attended our only Aflac related event on the trip. Zach’s state coordinator put together a gathering for all the Georgia South people so we went by to visit and I’m so glad we did. Several years ago in Jamaica we made friends with another couple who are very much like us (non-drinkers are hard to find among the Aflac crew ha!) and we hit it off right away. It was SO GOOD to catch up with them!
After our little meet up we headed to Tiki’s Bar and Grill to have dinner with Larissa and her precious family. Larissa and I went to school together and her husband, Matt, has been stationed in Hawaii (yes, I AM JEALOUS). We had THE BEST time at dinner. Their girls are PRECIOUS and so well behaved and I’m so excited for her third baby girl to join their family soon. It was a wonderful night and it’s always so comforting for me to spend time with friends from my childhood. There is something special about those bonds that just feels like home. So thankful for friendships that have spanned decades!
Zach was slightly obsessed with “Chelsi” haha
Back at the resort we hit up some ice cream for a treat before bed!
A great 2nd day in one of my favorite places! If I could live anywhere in the world Hawaii would be IT. I love the whole vibe. The culture. The people. The landscape. The weather. It’s just ME!