Aloha Nick (this actually means "hello" and "goodbye" in Hawaiian),
Parker, Elle and Brandt have been busy with school and their activities but we managed to get around a bit this week. For instance, we went to Diamond Head State Monument (see link below for some really cool information on the crater). It worked out well because Parker and Brandt both have soccer practice right at the base of the mountain at a park called Kapiolani Park (pronounced: "ka-pee-o-la-knee"). Not only is the park right next to this dormant crater (formed 300,000 years ago!) but it is right next to the Honolulu Zoo and famous Waikiki Beach as well. Waikiki Beach sure has a lot of hotels and tourists, seems like a fun place to vacation.
After the Monument, we also went to Diamond Head lookout. As you can see in the pictures, it's an awesome view of the beaches and what seems like endless waves. Uncle Todd said the lookout is a great place to spot humpback whales (called "kohola" in Hawaiian) that are migrating from Alaska. From January to early April, these huge animals travel 3,000 miles to breed and give birth in Hawaii's warm waters. On any given day, he said you could probably see between 10-25 whales swimming. That's awesome!
With all these fun things we've been doing and seeing, I've noticed that the Hawaiian language is still used throughout. It's been a little hard to read, and even harder to pronounce some of the signs and streets that I have seen. For instance, we passed "Kaualio Place" (pronounced: "cow-a-leo") the other day. Uncle Todd said the Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters (vs. the English alphabet which has 26 letters); this explains why I am seeing a lot of what appears to be the same name. Parker, Elle and Brandt say that after a little while I'll get the hang of it....it sure seems confusing now though.
Well, gotta run, but will check in again soon. (By the way, Hawaii time is 5 hours behind Eastern standard time.......so while you are having lunch, we're just about having breakfast).
Aloha hui hou,
ROBERT
Diamond Head State Park
Oh and nick Robert is having the time of his life circling the world!:) and =)
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Caroline