Raising Anna Claire: Hawaii Vacation Day Five

We had the Morning and afternoon to explore the island as individual families. Then later, at night, come back together for a dinner cruise.

Our morning was wonderful. We started out eating breakfast at the best breakfast restaurant in Kona: Island Lava Java. I had the Island Eggs Benedict served up on a croissant. Croissants and all breads and pastries are made on site. They have a bakery within. Larry had the Big Island Breakfast, and once again the bread was a standout. His was a wheat toast (with generous amounts of butter. Anna Claire had their yogurt and fruit plate and Madeline had fun trying everyone's food.

After our tummies were full we headed to an open air market we spotted next door and some of the nearby souvenir shops. I'd say that the number of souvenirs we al wanted is indicative of how much we have all loved Hawaii and want to remember it!

Anna Claire picked out a little solar powered hula girl who wiggles her hips, a hawaii tshirt, a Hawaiian dress, a ukelele, a little notebook, and a flower clip for her hair.

I picked out a Shiono Sushi shirt (best sushi ever...sea candy!) I also have a shirt from swimming with dolphins and won a free shirt from paradise helicopter that they are mailing to me! Mom found Hawaiian Christmas ornaments for both girls, got Madeline a Hawaiian dress and tshirt and a few other trinkets (necklace, coffee cup, keychain). I suppose Kona coffee and Kona sea salt count as mementoes as well?

We laughed that when you vacation in Destin you might get a shirt or a visor, but when you go to hawaii you want as many as possible because it's a trip of a lifetime you never want to forget!

I got Larry a Hawaii lighter that was really slick looking but he had to surrender it at the airport. He did find a beautiful ring with abalone inlays to remember his trip.

After our retail fun we kept our promise to Anna Claire and found her a beach so she could play in the water. Our beach was called Kahulu Beach and is known for having sea turtles and being family friendly. We did get to see a sea turtle and Anna Claire was the one to spot it. There was also a food truck which made for best day ever in the eyes of our little snacker. We shared cheeseburger, sprite and fudge bar. I really think everything tastes better by the water!

After some fun beach time, we headed back home to get ready for our dinner cruise.

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The dinner cruise was beautiful. Despite one fussing baby and one sea sick baby, we were able to enjoy delicious food, beautiful scenery, ocean sunset, not to mention the dancing talent of Manny Doss. I do believe he charmed everyone on the ship. Love Manny!