My mom arrived on Thursday and since then we have been taking her all over the island doing as many things as possible! I picked her up on Thursday and in complete tourist fashion, got her a beautiful lei from Chinatown! We then stopped by the apartment before heading to the Kailua Farmers’ Market where we met Josh for dinner. After that, we headed home and called it a night!

Lei from Chinatown.

So happy she’s here!

On Friday, we stopped by Spitting Caves, hiked to Makapuʻu Lighthouse and then headed to Serg’s for fish tacos. It started raining so we headed back to Honolulu and wandered through Chinatown for a bit. For dinner, we were touristy and had dinner at Duke’s in Waikiki. They are famous for their Mai Tais and we decided my mom needed to try one! Dinner was delicious and was a perfect way to end a busy first day!

My mom at Spitting Caves. Super happy to be there!

My mom and I at the top of Makapuʻu Lighthouse trail.

Josh and I at Duke’s.

Crab Wontons…our delicious appetizer!

My mom and I split fish. So good!

Josh had ahi..also amazing!

Saturday, we headed to the North Shore for some shrimp, açai bowls and shave ice. Our first stop was Giovanni’s. We had corn and shrimp (so good). After enjoying a fantastic lunch, we headed to Haleiwa for dessert. First, we all split an açai bowl (my mom’s first one) then headed across the street for Matsumoto’s famous shave ice. We all picked one flavor and split (mom: tangerine, Josh: coconut creme, me: cherry). Delicious! After our tour of food, we went off-roading on the trail to Kaena Point. It was an extremely bumpy ride with a beautiful rewards at the end. We wandered around Kaena Point and took pictures of the incredible scenery and the endangered birds (albatrosses and shearwaters). We then made our way back to Honolulu for my mom’s first experience of Shabu Shabu!

Our buddy hanging out with us while we enjoy our açai bowl.

Shave Ice!

Me napping on Josh on our way to Kaena Point. I was tired!

My mom and I and Josh’s car on our way to Kaena Point.

My mom and I at Kaena Point.

Vegetable Shabu Shabu. So good!

On Sunday, we hiked Mariner’s Ridge. It was cloudy and rainy but we still had a decent view at the top! After that, we went to Kailua to have lunch at Kalapawai Cafe and then Josh gave my mom a tour of base. We ended the day with dinner at home and some time enjoying the hot tub! First few days of her trip have been a blast :).

Josh and I hiking to the top of Mariner’s Ridge.

Josh at the top of Mariner’s Ridge enjoying the view.

My mom and I at the top of Mariner’s Ridge.