This is the first holiday we had planned and booked ourselves over the internet, from start to finish. In doing so, we figured we saved approximately $1500, which we spent very quickly, on shopping and food etc over in the U.S.
We flew all four flights with Hawaiian Airlines, stayed in Planet Hollywood in Vegas and finally Aqua Pacific Monarch in Waikiki, Oahu.
The first flight from Sydney to Honalulu takes about 10 1/2 hours, then a 5 hour lay over, followed by a further 5 1/2 hours from Honalulu to Vegas. All in all it took almost 24 hours from door to door from to our accomodation in Vegas, Very tiring but we were treated very well by all staff involved.
Part 1: 5 days in Las Vegas
This pic was taken an hour and half into the flight. All the seats had screens with usb charges for your smart phones and offered free games to play or you can simply watch the live info and satellite tracking. Movies and television shows were offered at a cost, but we had our iPads with us which kept us entertained.
This is the view we had on all four flights , because we booked the same 2 seats on all of them.
On our stop over at Honolulu, going to Las Vegas, we had time to burn and found ourselves sitting in the gardens within the airport. We planned to catch a taxi and go to the nearest shopping centre to browse around, but decided it wasn't worth it. These small doves with the stripes on them, are known as "Peaceful Doves" in Australia and sell for about $30 - $40 a pair. however they're as common as sparrows in Hawaii.
A view looking down onto the gardens within the airport.
Our flight to Vegas from the Hawaiian stop over.
We arrived at our hotel at 2:00 am, Las Vegas time and quickly went to bed for a well deserved sleep, but had to get up at 8:00 am for a shower, brekky and get to the meeting place for a walking tour we booked.
We had breakfast included in Vegas, which was provided by Starbucks. You can imagine my surprise when I asked for a large coffee and received this "bucket".
The view to the Aria, across the road from our accommodation with Cathy checking out her brekky.
A little closer.
And this is looking the other way, toward Bellagio and its fountains. This Hotel Casino is nothing short of a staggering example of extravagance.A little later on, you'll see a few photos I took on the tour, of it's foyer area and further on its fountains in action at night.
The main entry to Planet Hollywood and the Miracle Mile.
The view facing south on The Strip.
A copy of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino. As you can see. they don't do things in halves in Vegas.
So here we finally meet with our guide and bus.
This is in Bellagio. The lady is creating a portrait out of fresh flowers imported from Italy. There is running water behind the frame keeping them, alive and growing so the picture changes as the flowers open.One time, they had two life size figures of polar bears, a mother and cub, covered in white flowers. We were told that at first they looked under weight, but as the flowers opened up, they appeared to fatten up.
This is also within the large reception area of Bellagio. They create a different display for each season and this is their Autumn display. It takes 120 staff four days around the clock to change the display. Everything is life size and incredible to see.
These are real pumpkins. The large one at centre was bloody huge.The garden around it is always maintained by the staff, 24/7 with no expense spared.
The Bellagio from out front.
This is the famous, Las Vegas sign.The story goes that an office worker beat some pros at a competition to come up with a design but didn't copyright it so all she got for it was a couple of hundred bucks for her trouble.Later on however, the city did copyright it and may have compensated her, however its not certain.
She made us do it.
That's our guide on the right. She was very good at her job and a good sport too.
This is Fremont Street in down town Las Vegas.It is in the original, older part of Vegas and that roof you see is made up of millions of led's, acting like a huge television screen at night which you'll see a little later on.
The older part of Las Vegas and it's casinos was created by and run by the Mob. To bring it all under control, the government brought in all these new laws so the Mob simply sold up and moved out to the area now known as The Strip, modern Las Vegas.
The police presence is very high. Here I asked these two fellas to pose for a pic. They were happy to oblige when I explained that my oldest boy was a cop back home.
Gondola rides at the Venetian. They are also inside the casino.
These used to dispense news papers however these days they hold advertising for call girls all over the strip, any time of day or night.
This shop claims to be the largest souvenir shop in the area. I like their sense of humour. (If its in stock they have it .... no shit Sherlock)
It's true, there's heaps of wedding chapels all over the strip and inside the casinos themselves.
Here's one made famous in one of the Elvis movies.
Look familiar? This is the famous Gold and Silver Pawn shop that appears in the show "Pawn Stars".
We drove past in a bus and there was a huge queue waiting for their turn to get in, but when we got there later in the afternoon, we were able to simply walk right in to the shop.
No the stars of the show weren't there and hardly ever are.
We didn't buy this car but I did get a shirt.
So this is Fremont Street in old Las Vegas by night.
Wow, if you weigh more than 350 pounds, you get to eat free at this place. It comes with a side of heart disease.
This is where the light show begins on the roof of the street.
On the night we were there, they closed all the cross streets and played a full on Bon Jovi concert on the ceiling of the street. It was bloody awesome and everyone just stopped what they were doing and came out to dance on the street. The atmosphere was unreal.
The sound system was top notch also
.
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Our accommodation by night.
Looking north on the strip by night.
On our 2nd day in Vegas, we booked a day trip to visit the mighty Grand Canyon with Grand Adventure Tours. They limit the group size to just 10 people and the service was excellent.
We shared the tour with only 2 other couples, one from England and the other from Canada.
First stop after brekky at Maccas, which was included along with lunch, was the Hoover Dam.
Looking from behind the dam. This thing is huge and the pics don't do it justice.
Looking back toward the catchment showing the highest water level stain.
Our guide was brilliant, informative and with a good sense of humour.
Crossing from Nevada in to Arizona.
The front of the dam showing off its huge size.
Next stop route 66. Look, we're driving on the wrong side of the road!
Along the way we spot this property with about 3 acres of old collectible cars and trucks. I'd heard about this place, but to actually see it was great.
Apparently all the cars are for sale and none are less than $4000.
This is the town of Seligman on route 66. And we got to meet the famous gentleman by the name of Angel who lobbied the government to save route 66 and succeeded.
The Rusty Bolt store.
This town is a true living museum.
These old cars were in stunning condition and always out in the weather.
I loved this old BSA.
Angel was a barber and in this pic I'm sitting in his barber chair with his son to the right.
Beautiful old cars all over this place.
As we were entering the national park, we stopped to take a pic of this young deer. We saw quite a few actually.
This lodge was a great example of the buildings within the area. It had a restaurant and souvenir shop to cater for the thousands of visitors that walk through it's doors.
This is the view directly behind the lodge and where the canyon walk begins. You can walk down in to the canyon from here and walk back up in the same day, but there is also the option to camp or stay in cabins at the bottom. Well actually it's not the very bottom, because there's another sudden huge drop off beyond the cabins.
Found this little fella coming to say hi to us. The last time I saw one of these squirrels was when I was about 7 years old and on holiday with mum and dad.
Apparently this was his better side.
Oh look, we were there.
Here you can see the trail down in to the canyon that I mentioned earlier. The cabins are nestled among the squiggly line of trees you can see. Then, beyond that, is another huge drop off. where the green area ends.
Here's our group. Brett was our guide in the pale pants and grey shirt. Mike is the guy from England. He's the one in the loud shorts and blue shirt. Bloody cheeky pom, but top bloke.
Here's another spot just away from the lodge. You'll see quite a few shots of the canyon because the view changes so much and it was hard for me to decide which pics to keep and which to discard.
More examples of the area's architecture.
One thing that amazed us was the ability for trees in the area being able to grow in nothing but solid rock. They reminded us of a kind of naturally occurring bonsai.
The colours kept changing throughout the day.
This Jay bird came for a visit while we were having our packed lunch, also provided by our guide.
Brett warned us about tarantulas on the path and we got to see one pretty quickly.
Cathy, enjoying the view from one of the lookouts.
A macro shot of some more vegetation growing from nothing.
More of the canyon, looking back toward the lodge. It's so peaceful when no one is around talking.
Oh here we are again.
And again.
Please help me, I've fallen off !
No really, stop laughing and give me a hand.
Another larger female this time.
The colours became richer as the afternoon went on.
Here's a close up showing her tag on the right wing. They lay their eggs on the most dangerous looking ledges to protect their young from predators and then, when they are ready to take the first flight, they have the up draft from the canyon to assist them. If that doesn't work, well its a long way down.
Here you can see what looks like a river, but then there's a massive drop off beyond it.
Close up.
We were picked up at 6:00 am in the morning for the Grand Canyon tour and arrived back at Planet Hollywood about 9:30 pm. That's over 15 hours of touring but it was a terrific day and never boring. Besides everyone fell asleep on the way back, bar Brett, our driver of course.This was definitely the highlight of our stay in Las Vegas.
The next day was spent walking all the way down to Fremont street from where we stayed, just browsing at the shops and seeing everything there was to see. We had another tour booked, taking a kayak down the Colorado River but it was cancelled due to the US government shut down.
That night, we made our way to Bellagio to see the fountains by night
There we are again.
And so it begins
After 7:00 pm, the fountain displays every 15 minutes to the beat of a song and for the duration of that song.
Each time a different song is chosen.
And each time the fountains change.
We were told the cost of each display and I can't remember the exact amount but it ran in the tens of thousands.
Cathy was dying to pull the handle of an old style slot machine. It still had buttons also and yes it took our money , surprise surprise. Someone told us that as they flew in to Vegas, the captain on the plane came over the intercom and welcomed everyone to "Lost Wages". Clever and true.
This is inside Paris. You really get the impression you're out doors and the clouds seem to move as you walk along.
Once again, the pics don't do it justice, but you get the idea.
Another view of Paris's Eiffel Tower by night.
This is where Hangover 3 was filmed. This bill board was right out front an antique store we visited.
This is the actual view of the scene on the bill board but at a different angle. I was standing right outside the shop. I nearly got run over by a bus load of Japanese tourists for this shot, so I hope you enjoy it.
This shop was full of treasures and plenty of it, all priced very reasonably.
We immediately thought of our mate Pat when we saw these beauties.
All in perfect working order and given the once over by the owner.
This is the shop from the outside. Actually it was more like a series of stalls owned by different people inside. One guy was an ex Vietnam Vet, awarded a purple heart, who was quite an honour to talk to. Another section was ran by a young Aussie fella from Brisbane who was buying up old pinball machines and slot machines and shipping them back to Australia for resale. Making a killing no doubt.
It was finally time to leave Las Vegas and this time I was able to take a couple of pics inside the airport.
You're not seeing things. Here you can keep an eye on your flight times while losing your money on the pokies.
We were told that there are about 2000 poker machines within the airport, unbelievable.
The view outside to the control tower.
Our flight back to Honolulu.
Flying over toward the west coast, you're met with this type of landscape which goes on and on.
This section of the mountain range was capped with snow, yet it looks so dry from the air.
We arrived in Honolulu early Friday afternoon after a 5 1/2 hour flight from Vegas. The transfers that I had pre booked on line were there to greet us at the gate and lead us to pick our bags and load them on the shuttle.They were very polite and gave perfect service at a reasonable price.
We returned to the Aqua Pacific Monarch, (previously Aston Pacific Monarch) where we had stayed previously with our friends Merv and Julie 3 years earlier. It is a self contained block of units only 2 short blocks from the shores of Waikiki Beach and central to transport, shopping and dining and also has high speed wireless internet included and kitchens within if you choose to cook for yourself , yeah like that's gonna happen.
In typical Cathy and Charlie fashion, we dumped our bags, got changed and hit the pavement for a look around and returned to the hotel to ask who they recommend to hire a car from for the Sunday. They have AAA rating with Hertz so we were able to secure a Mustang convertible for just $85 plus $25 insurance which covered, as they put it, all bumps scratches and bruises which for us meant that there was no pre inspection required and also meant that we weren't constantly worried that we were going to be charged for some minor ding or something.
So this is the car we had from 7:30 am till 7:00 pm that night. You can click HERE for the map of the route we took that day.
Very mean looking thing and looks the part but actually not that quick off the mark but it was alot of fun to tour the island with the top down and wind in our hair. (well Cathy's hair anyway)
This is taken just east of Waikiki.
The coastline around most of Oahu is picture perfect as you'll see. I just couldn't delete alot of the pics because, although they're similar, they were just so nice to see.
A lot of the coastline is very rocky rather than sandy which makes it uncomfortable for swimmers, so you get alot of empty coastline to quietly picnic on. They have a lot of clean, pleasant parks to sit by the water in though.
These homes in the background are worth tens of millions of dollars.
Here's Cathy looking very pleased with herself.
Great scenery like this wasn't hard to find.
There are pockets of houses like this on the hillsides where ever they're able to build. Hawaii is very rocky and volcanic so apart from the coastline, it can be difficult to build elsewhere.
Looking down toward Koko Marina where we catch a boat out to the harbour to do para sailing a couple of days later.
This sort of landscape is all over the islands.
Here's a great example of the volcanic landscape meeting the ocean. Notice the lack of swimmers.
Looking down to Hanauma Bay Beach. Entry to this beach is $7:50 but in return you get paradise.
Moving right along, we stopped briefly to Halona Blow hole. This is a popular tourist stop so there were hundreds of Japanese tourists clicking away as expected.
The blow hole wasn't blowing due to the lack of swell but it is also a great diving spot for the locals.
Overlooking Malaekahana from the look out. There's a walk out to the point but we passed on this one.
Malaekahana look out. Hi again Cath.
Oahu's coastline just doesn't give up.
I can't be sure, but I believe this was Goat Island. Can't see any goats though, Oh there's one sitting in the car! ..... I'm gonna pay for that one.
Close up.
Looking back from the beach toward the light house.
What a handsome young fella. Hang on that's me.
I zoomed in on this more traditional looking catamaran moored in the bay.
Told ya, sand equals swimmers.
Further north we came across a superb green park. he mountains make a top back drop.
These road legal monster trucks are everywhere and this one was parked right near us. The young dood even gave us the "hang loose" sign with his hand for the picture.
These old ruins were on private property and there was no sign explaining what they were but they make for a good pic. There's more coming up on our second road trip.
Here we have arrived to the north coast and to its famous road side shrimp vans. his is the most well known, Giovannis in Kahaku.
They look poverty stricken but don't be fooled, they're making a fortune from tourists.
Not much to look at but they make great fried shrimp.
There was a half hour wait for your order.
No points for guessing I had the Hot and spicy shrimp. Cathy went for the Lemon butter.
A smoothie and shaved ice van in the same spot.
Hmmm too much choice.
These road side stalls are worth stopping for a look. We bought fresh pineapple and a fruit salad from this one at very reasonable prices.
Waimea Valley is an area of Hawaiian culture where you can swim under a waterfall.
We didn't stay but took a few pics while we were there.
As you can see, the place is kept perfectly and very peaceful.
This tree was awesome, and provided some welcome shade from the heat.
On the way back, we stopped by this boat harbour in the afternoon.
Hawaiian's lives revolve around the sea, whether they're surfing, swimming or fishing.
Some of the locals basking under a tree.
Americans don't do things by halves. Check out the size of these boat ramps.
This view just beside the boat ramps, looking east toward Pear Harbour.
This is Ewa Beach in the island's south.
Across the road from the beach.
We stayed at Ewa Beach long enough to catch the sunset.
I looked away from the sunset to capture this row of coconut trees before we left to return the car.
The next morning we decided to visit the famous Diamond Head. We walked about 45 minutes from our hotel to the entry point, then did the walk up the crater and back down, then walked back to our hotel completely spent.
Along the way, I decided to take this photo of a stair case outside the park entry just to show the volcanic rock used to build it like so many other walls etc around the place. Makes sense since there's so much of it in Hawaii.
Note the size of the drink we bought that Cathy is holding. It went down well on a steamy day.
I didn't realise at first, but the sign seems to be pointing at Cathy's bum.
This tunnel cuts through the side of the crater to allow access for vehicles.
Cath led the way because I'm scared of the dark.
Waiting patiently while I take yet another picture of the inside of the crater.
Tickets for pedestrians were just $1:00 each, but be warned, NO REFUNDS. hehehe
This is how it got its name. Dumb westerners.
Would you believe Diamond Head was a military base. It's still used on a smaller scale today.
I suppose an extinct volcano is a good place to hide a military base.
Interesting read.
This is the beginning of the path leading up to the peak of the crater.
The path winds all the way to the top. You can just see the old military shelter.
Close up.
Show em how it's done Cath.
Oh great, more tourists.
This is the view from a lookout about 2/3 of the way up.Here you can see down in to the crater.
Oh look, we were there too.
Near the top, we pass through this walk through tunnel leading to the shelter.
Bloody slow poke tourists. There's 2 things that get on Cath's nerves, people that hold her up and people taking her food.
The final ascent to the top.
And this is the view you get for your efforts, looking down to Diamond Head road and it's well to do homes.
Here's a couple of other shelters a little lower and off the path.
They were also dug into the side of the crater.
Looking down to the eastern most section of Waikiki.
Looking out from the shelter in the hillside.
This spiral staircase led right down from the top but was closed off at the bottom.
The Diamond Head Light House.
Looking directly west to Waikiki and yet another shelter.
Close up of Waikiki from the top of Diamond Head.
This gives you an idea of the size of the Diamond Head crater, with the military base to the left and the tunnel we came through up the middle.
This is the famous Waikiki International Market Place, which is being cleared to make way for something else, we were told.
Yes that tree is real and very cool to be under.
The fish pond complete with water fall.
It was fascinating to stand and watch this fella carve such detailed figures from chunks of timber.
So much for OHS.
As you can see it's a very colourful and pleasant place to browse but unfortunately everyone sells the same clothes or jewellery.
This is the Hotel where we stayed, on the 9th floor in the left corner.
Pleasant enough and close to everything.
The buses are excellent in Oahu and you can catch them to just about anywhere in the island for $2:50.
Today we were visiting the City of Honolulu.
One of their government buildings.
The courthouse with the king's statue out front.
The regular court room, with the supreme court up stairs.
Yes Cath, you be the judge.
Peeky boo.
This lady was selling home made fruit ice creams and we just had to have one.
Outside the old Royal Palace.
These are the barracks situated beside the palace.
All around the city, you'll find these lunch wagons selling their freshly cooked food.
Just a couple of drinks for us, and a bag of chips.
Like I've mentioned before, these peaceful doves are everywhere.
Another lunch truck. It must get bloody hot in there with all those gas burners.
I can't get over how cheap alcohol is in the States. Much cheaper than even our duty free shops.
Imagine walking into a sports store and seeing all this hardware for sale over the counter.
We chose this little red wagon to have our lunch and the lady did a top job, very tasty.
She was easy on the eye I might add. Almost as nice as Cath.
So this evening we decided to have a dinner with a cultural touch.
Complete with hula dancers.
And fire dancing type men too.
One thing that really surprised us about Oahu is the amount of homeless people.
This unfortunate soul stayed sitting in the same spot the whole 8 days we were there and we really felt for her. The day before we left, we bought her a bag of snacks and a drink.
Today we try our hand at para sailing with these people.
This lovely lady took us out to the para sail boat.
Cathy looking very nervous but excited.
There's that "hang loose" sign again.
This is that boat we saw a couple of days ago. She told us that it's a recreation of the same sort of boat the Polynesians used yonks ago. These days they are recreating the same journeys and they were currently preparing for their next trip.
As we ventured out to the middle of the bay, we saw these two having a ball.
Finally we are on board.
I even mastered the art of the "hang loose" sign. Cooool Bro.
Up we go. and the video is HERE.
Now I'm hanging doubly loose.
Here I think Cathy is doing some sort of hula gesture with her hands. And I'm still hanging loose,
At this time. we're wondering, why are we losing altitude?
Bastard !!
Ok ok we're wet. The water is real warm as a matter of fact.
At this point, we're about 700 ft high.
And back down again.Woo hoo, we're both hanging loose dood.
Double Bastard !!!!
Well that was fun....even if I did get my fur coat wet.
After the parasail we went shopping nearby at our favourite store, "Ross Best For Less". This chain of stores is like our own "Trade Secret" but on a bigger scale and much better value. We found 4 stores in Oahu and 2 in Las Vegas. Their stock varies from store to store so it's well worth visiting all the ones you find. In this pic, Cathy is showing off 2 "Guess" hand bags she bought for just $90:00. (about a 1/3 of the price)
Don't you love the traditional looking school buses?
These following pics we took on one of our walks. Here we are looking upward to the top of Diamond Head From Diamond Head Road.
A close up of the shelter from the road below.
Diamond Head light house from ground level.
We walked past this arrangement several times , only to find out it's a traditional stone burial.
Looking down at the beach from Diamond Head road.
There are 2 parks on the beach in this area. Here's a view from one of their shelters.
We never get sick of these scenes.
Behind the row of plush homes along this stretch, is this public walkway we stumbled across. Very well kept secret.
Must be nice to be rich.
Back toward Waikiki there is this fountain with Diamond Head sitting in the back ground. This fountain is continually used for Japanese couple's wedding photos. Very nice but all their photos must look the bloody same don't you think?
Before we return to our hotel. we take a dip in this quiet corner of Waikiki.
It's about 10 minutes away from the main beach.
How nice is the water ?
Arty farty pic for you.
We decided to get another car for a day out for a second time but this time we opted for a little Corolla. You can click HERE for the route we took.
The beaches to the south Coast are so inviting.
The homeless sometimes live on the beach, just like this.
You could once drive right around the island but rain washed a section away in the far west. In our map you can see how we had to double back to go around. It looked like 4 wheel drives could still get around.
The end before the washed out section.
And this around the northern end of the washed out road. This area gets windy, hence the wind generators.
A typical U.S. letter box. Just like the tv shows, they lift the flag up when there's mail.
The mail man hasn't been.
Hawaii's huge Dole pineapple plantation.
113 years old.
Bet you didn't know there were so many different types.
We weren't that far away after all. (just over 8000 km)
The man who started it all.
More Koi carp.
These guys were very hungry.
Acres of pineapple.
A lovely scene on the way back to Waikiki.
I don't have a clue what this island was called, but it was very photogenic.
We stopped once again at the old ruins we photographed days earlier to get some more. This mountain towers above them.
The Corolla posing in front.
These ruins looked so interesting. Wish I knew what they are.
Which way home Cath?
A rider with his Hawaiian safety gear on. That is, invisible helmet and safety thongs. Nice bike though.
On our last night, I was determined on capturing a sunset.
This girl added to the atmosphere, on her paddle board.
You can hire anything water sports on the beach.
Back to the sunset.
This really sets the seen.
I wasn't the only one enjoying the sunset as you can tell.
This lady needed a closer look obviously.
Is that a selfy she's taking?
These ABC shops are everywhere and very handy to shop at.
We had our final dinner here.
This was our entre of crab and mushroom dip. Absolutely delish.
Sadly all good holidays come to an end and this was our flight home.
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