AFS HAWAII EXPEDITION

Saturday

April 8, 2011 Snorkeling, Diamond Head and Luau

OH MY GOSH! OUR LAST FULL DAY IN HAWAII!!!

As always our breakfast is super. The fruit bowl was a favorite! And of course always drank plenty of coffee.

Today we had the two activities we did the other day. Some of us went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and the others went on a hike up Diamond Head! The day started out overcast and even rainy! We were so scared our last day here would be "ruined' by the rain. Once we got to Hanauma Bay the sky started to clear up and it turned out to be a beautiful day in Hawaii! We got to the beach and put our snorkel gear on and headed out to look for fish and sea turtles. The water was perfect and don't worry, we put some sunscreen on! Some of us lucky students got to see sea turtles coming to the reef to eat! It was seriously a perfect day!

For those students that went to Diamond Head we headed out a little bit after the snorkel group left. We made our way out of Waikiki up to the old volcano crater. It was quite the walk, but it's a good thing because it feels like all we do is eat! It's true. Once we crossed through the tunnel to get into the crater we could see the building at the tip top of the mountain, our final destination. So off we headed up the trail and up the steps. The weather was so warm that by the time we got up to the top we were exhausted! But what a beautiful view! We could see all of Waikiki, the pacific ocean and the surrounding area from the top! We could even spot our little hotel! We got a group picture up top and enjoyed the breeze before heading back down. It was a good day of beauty.

Once we got back to the hotel we had a bit of free time to grab some food and get ready for our evening luau! The girls dressed up very Hawaiian wearing leis and having flowers in their hair. Once we got to Paradise Cove we were greeted with a fruit punch and a shell lei. We had free time to walk around and do a few activities. We got tattoos (don't worry, they were fake!), we made lei bracelets, got to throw spears and watch the dancers perform for us. We also watched a short ceremony of the "pua'a" pig getting taken out of the ground where it had been cooking all day! Then it was time for dinner and our show! We had a lot of food at the buffet and we all sat around and enjoyed good conversation and food!

The show was so good! All the dancers were so talented! They performed different styles of hula and different cultural dances from different Polynesian islands. The fire dancer was amazing too! Once the show was about to end it started raining so they had to cut the show a little short. We were sad to go but we enjoyed our time at Paradise Cove. Then it was time to get back on our buses and go back to the hotel. We finished the movie 50 first dates on the way home! Arriving at the hotel meant it was the last time we would see our bus drivers so we said goodbye. We met in the lobby and talked about our trip with Carleigh, Makena and Francesa. We had some time to be together and exchange information before heading to bed after a long exhausting week in Hawaii!

Thank you Belo USA for the amazing time we had in Hawaii!! We are all now BFFE's (Best Friends Forever Ever)

Thursday

March 7 2011 - Pearl Harbor and Waimanalo Beach

Hello beautiful people!

The beach is fun, but it is also nice to have a day of learning. That was today for us because we went to Pearl Harbor!

At 7 in the morning, all 100 of us arrived in the restaurant to eat the yummy breakfast at Lulu's… The we left in the bus to Pu'u Honua ("Pearl Harbor")! First, we went to the USS Missouri (a battleship!) where we volunteered our time by doing a social project on the ship. We liked the battleship a lot. It was amazing to see it because it was HUGE and it was like a small town… Over 1000 people lived on that ship when it went out to sea. It was really nice to be able to help them keep it clean now that it is a museum. After we worked there, they gave us a tour and so we got to see some cool areas of the ship, like the command center! We also saw the huge missiles on the ship and the deck where the Japanese signed their surrender to the Allied Forces at the end of World War Two.

We left and went to another area. The USS Arizona was totally different. It was really nice to go there and learn about what happened because some of us didn't know anything about the event at all. The memorial is great because it gives people a way to remember what happened and to remember and mourn the people who died that day. We first watched a video about the attack and then we went to the memorial. We could see parts of the ship because the memorial was a white building that is directly above the ship. The back room has a wall full of the names of the people who died… 1177 men died in the minutes that the ship was bombed and sank. That was crazy to think about.

Then after we left Pearl Harbor, we needed to relax, so we went to the east side of the island and took a beautiful drive along the coast. The deep blue water contrasts so well with the red volcanic soil and green plants and trees. This is one of the things that makes Hawaii so beautiful…

We stopped at the Blowhole, where we saw water shoot into the air and make rainbows. Some of us saw a whale out in the water!!! Then we continued on to Waimanalo (3 miles of sandy beach) where we had time to play soccer and volleyball and also swim and play in the waves! It was so much fun!!!

Then… Dinner! The food was great and the best part was dessert: three different types of it! Yum Yum Yum! And then we had time to go shopping in Waikiki to buy souvenirs and go back to Forever 21!

The day was great like always… So many emotions and atmospheres in one day! We can't believe that the trip is almost over. One more long day tomorrow! We can't wait :)

Aloha everyone and mahalo for reading!

Rachel- Spain

Marcela- Brazil

Carlos- Mexico

Waimanalo Beach

Nice waves...

Group at the "Blow hole".

Arizona Memorial.

View of the battleship USS Missouri.

Inside the Arizona Memorial.

Volunteers at the USS Missouri.

Commander's room at the USS Arizona.

Norman (Chile) and Darya (Russia)

March 6 2011 - Snorkeling and Diamond Head!

Hello everyone :)

Today we split into two groups and did different, but awesome activities.

The first group left at 9am and went to Hanauma Bay to go snorkeling! We arrived there and walked to the entrance where there is the most amazing view. It was so awesome to be there. We looked down into the crater/ bay and we could see the reef from the top of the mountain. It was so gorgeous, even though it was cloudy. We watched a video about conserving the bay. Then we walked down the hill to the bay (with a snorkel buddy) and the walk down was awesome. We could see the reef from there and it looked so clear and clean and just beautiful. Then we got down to the beach, which was big and sandy. The sand was nice because we didn't have to step on any rocks getting into the water. We put on our snorkel, mask and flippers and went into the water to swim around the reef. We got to see many colorful fish, and some of us even saw sea turtles! Then after three hours, we packed up and walked back up the steep hill (some of us were lazy and paid to take the tram ;p) and we all went back to the hotel for some free time and lunch… and to meet up with our friends in the other group and hear about their day....

All of us in the other group had a little bit more time to sleep and then ate breakfast at Lulu's. Raphael and Francesca (the coordinator and chaperone) took us on a hiking trip. We started the day with some stretching and warm ups. Then we started our hour-long walk to Diamond Head State Park. We took a break to take pictures at a beautiful lookout and then went inside the crater of the volcano. When we got inside, we filled up our water bottles and started our climb to the top of the crater. Some crazy people ran up and down the whole thing, but we didn't want to rush it, so we took our time and took lots of pictures along the way. Our calves were sore by the time we got to the top, but the view at the top was totally worth it! It was breathtaking….We could see all of Waikiki Beach, our hotel, and Honolulu, as well as the mountains. Some of us picked our future houses ;) To some of us, it was one of the most beautiful views we have ever seen. After all of our photos, we had to go back down. At the bottom, shave ice (or son cones) were waiting for us. The pineapple flavor was delicious! Then Raphael offered for us to go back by bus or walking-- we enjoyed the hike, so we decided to extend our time walking together and went on foot back to the hotel to meet our friends from the other group.

We all ate lunch, hung out, shopped, went to the pool. Some people went to Duke's, which is Adam Sandler's favorite restaurant in Hawaii. This place has an awesome buffet, and the best french fries ever! Everyone should eat there when they come to Oahu! There was even a band playing, and they sang happy birthday to Sunny :)

After lunch, we got ready to go to Ala Moana Shopping Center. This open mall is huge and really nice. They had everything from Chanel and Gucci to Forever 21 and PacSun. After a few hours of shopping, we went to eat at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and it was fantastic! There was shrimp scampi, fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, and… hamburgers! We got to play games, like a quiz about the movie. The ones who answered correctly got prizes. We also celebrated Sunny's birthday as a group-- Happy 18th, Sunny!

Today was another extraordinary day, which broadened our horizons (literally and figuratively)… We can't wait for tomorrow, when we will get to discover more about what happened in the US during World War Two.

Thanks for reading! Alohaaaaa!

Jon- Spain

Max- Belgium

Miguel- Spain

On the trail...

Top of Diamond Head Mountain

Sunni's birthday (Norway - wearing light blue shirt).

Wednesday

March 5, 2011 - Pali Lookout and Kailua Beach

Aloha guys!

First we woke up and had an awesome breakfast… The fresh pineapple juice and the view of the ocean are so nice to wake up to :) Then we took the bus to the Nu'uanu Pali (Cool and breezy Cliff) Lookout. Not only was there a gorgeous view, but the site is important for Hawaiian history. The last battle to unite the Hawaiian islands was fought on this cliff… It was pretty cool there, but the wind wasn't too strong, so that made it easier to take good pictures since our hair wasn't flying around. We also saw some wild chickens which roam around the island and are protected by the Hawaiian government. They were funny to watch.

After we took our group picture, we got back in the bus and rode to Kailua ("Two Waters") to go to the beautiful beach there. We took some nice jumping pictures, swam and then most of us began our kayaking adventure! We got into pairs on each kayak and we set out with Hollister models as our guides! Yay! We were headed for Mokulua- a bird sanctuary island made of volcanic rock. People flipped over in their kayaks on the way, which was funny. The water was beautiful turquoise and clear. It was difficult to get onto the island because the waves were huge! It was scary, but it was awesome! Definitely an adrenaline rush…

We got onto the island and we ate our lunches while we enjoyed the view of the beach :) We took photos, went in the water and played in the waves and then we went on a hike around the island. We went to a certain area where there was a natural pool, which we could jump into and swim in! It was crazy cool. The waves were so big that they splashed over the rocks onto us while we were on the island!

Finally we left the island on our kayaks and went over to a beach called Lanikai (Heavenly Waters) where we had a bit of time to go for a swim and take pictures. The beach was wonderful. We had fun and cooled off and then headed back to Kailua Beach to meet up with the few people who didn't go with us. They were on the beach all day swimming, eating lunch and just relaxing in a beautiful place.

We lelft Kailua and went back to the hotel to shower and get ready for dinner and shopping in Waikiki. We ate at California Pizza Kitchen. We got to have Hawaiian pizza in Hawaii!!! It was the best! We also had ONO-licious (ono = delicious) brownies! Then we had free time to go shopping around Waikiki.

We really enjoyed the day, but we also like the idea of going to sleep soon! It was another amazing day in Hawaii!

We are excited about tomorrow's adventures!

Aloha po! (local way to say goodnight)

Tilda- Sweden

Torfey- Iceland

Kayak...

Group at the Mokolua Island. Our stop with a nice splash on the back.

Eating our lunch and checking out the great view.

Lunch time!

Jumping pictures. Who was better?

Kayak lessons, before departure.

Michael (Germany) getting ready for some exercise.

Ready?

Group on top of Pali Lookout...

Hi :-)

All smiles.

Tuesday

March 4, 2011 - City Tour, Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, Sunset Beach and Polynesian Cultural Center... BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!

ALOOHHAAA!!!

Today was our second day in Hawaii! The first thing we did, as usual was eat breakfast! YUM! We love breakfast at Lulu's. It is "ono" meaning delicious! Once we were full we headed out to a quick city tour. We saw the capital building and a palace. We got to see a few statues of the past king and queen of Hawaii. Of course we took a big group picture and started our video for the trip. After that we went to the Dole pineapple plantation. We had the best pineapple whip and fresh pineapple. I wish you could have tried it because it was amazing!! OMG if you come here you need to try it!!

Our next stop was Haleiwa town. Guess what we got to have for lunch!? A delecious burger with a slice of pineapple on top! Kaua Aina burger has the best burgers, sandwiches and french fries! We all stuffed our faces in the deliciousness that they serve. We also did some light shopping for souvinours and gifts for you all and of course for ourselves. We were headed to the North Shore next and on our way we passed a few famous beaches where the surfing competitions are held. We got out at Sunset beach and got to check out the area. Just saying, you would be jealous. It was so gorgeous! The waves were huge and we got to see some surfers out on the waves! Last year on the North Shore they were filming the movie Pirates of the Carribean there!

Then we were headed to our final stop of the day, the Polynesian Cultural Center. There were saw many things about the Polynesian islands. We learned to hula dance! We all got to line up and get a beautiful lesson accompanied by a ukeleili! At Tonga we watched a drum demonstration and Raphael got up on stage and was a brave participant! It was so funny to see everyone participate on stage. At Samoa we got to see a guy make fire out of a branch and the outside of a coconut. Once we were all worn out we headed to dinner at the PCC. We had a huge buffett of food to devour.

The last activity of our evening was a show Ha, Breath of life. The theather is an open theater with a backdrop of lots of trees, a volano and waterfalls. The show was filled with dances from all the 7 Polynesian islands. The show is a story that follows the life of a boy through his teenage years and becoming a man. They show a typical wedding and ceremony, which were both very beautiful! At one point there was a fire dancer that showed off his skills. The show was amazing.

Our day was so good. We are all very tired! Hawaii weather is perfect and we don't want to go home! I don't think this feeling will ever go away.

Thank you mom and dad for letting us come here!!!

Norman- Chile

Dasha- Russia