Thursday, November 30, 2017

Flight and arrival in Hawaii Day 1

Our flight to Hawaii was relatively painless. Our Economy class seats however were a tight fit if you wanted to eat or sleep. 


The family in front of us reclined their seating for sleep and nearly cut off circulation to our legs. Jacqueline waged a Cold War with her counterpart in front and won by firm locking of knees and making it uncomfortable. Still trying to decide if they were pretending to be in 1st class or the dentist with their lying flat.  Sadly being seated in the second last row on the aircraft meant that we were served almost last. At breakfast our options were reduced because they had run out of certain food options. Food was ok on the whole. 

The crew did their best to make all comfortable. Entertainment was flight system provided extensive options. We managed to get 3-4 hours sleep. 


Arrival in Hawaii went smoothly through immigration and customs. Although the change of building via shuttle bus was a surprise. The US officials were polite and business like. We were lucky several times in the immigration queue by being at the right place at the right times as they split the line. We were slowed down by baggage collection but bag arrival was still fairly quick. 

Once bags arrived, we made our way out to a shuttle bus service (Roberts Hawaii Express shuttle) which provided excellent service with tourist information. 


We found out about various local eating establishment and points of local interest. 

 

Our Hotel (the Moana Surfrider) is a grand Hotel with a very rich history. Our room was what we expected, 5 star with views of the beach to die for. 


From our balcony room we can watch the world go by. Toughest issue now is to keep moving at 12:51pm local time (8:50am Qld time) especially for the youngest of our party.

Eventually after short stop, we headed out on a recon on the local surroundings. Beach, Hotels and shop dominate the area. Locals are very friendly and happy to sell you everything a tourist might wish. The climate is what you would expect, very pleasant at 24-26 degrees C.


We enjoyed a late lunch at “The Street” where you buy a party pass which allows you 7 1/2 plate samples for $5 each. The food was very good. 


We also had opportunity to try one of the local beers..(Mauri) . no bad. It was a bitter dark ale with fruity after taste. I think an enquired taste for particular type of beer drinker.

Jacqueline did some make-up shopping for Charlotte then we returned to our Hotel.


Wednesday, November 29, 2017

New adventure to Hawaii 

Today we start our journey to Hawaii. It is part of Jacqueline’s schoolies, except we get to go with her. Poor Charlotte unfortunately can’t come due to work, but at least we have someone living in the house while we are away.

Our day started with a flight to Sydney that we almost missed. Oops. We didn’t factor in that the local Airport was doing all connections to the USA. Thank you kind, ground team at Welcamp.

Flight was fast and the ground crew at Sydney were fantastic.


Our flight is in the evening (7:30pm) from the international terminal, so we traveled 20 minutes to East Gardens Shopping Centre to kill time. A typical shopping centre, similar to our Grand Central in Toowoomba. It did its job and we returned to the Airport. Our driver though friendly, was a adventurist in his driving skills. (Eg. parking over a rail crossing or sitting in busy 6 lane intersection. 

We progressed through the airport with little issue. 

After clearing security etc we ventured into duty free. Hmm, nice single malt scotch.


The entry to the gate however was more or less stressful, with huge queues of people. Joy! With Americans and Aussie travelers doing what they are famous for.😕



Sadly a delayed flight, 8pm instead of 7:35pm. We just want to get going.


We boarded to find overselves in row 59 of 60 rows. On positive note, we have entertainment.