Babymoon!

When I returned from our trip to the mainland Jake surprised me with a hotel reservation in Waikiki for a couple nights.  Our first ever babymoon, even though this is our 4th baby.  It was all so fun and romantic to get a couple days away on our own.  The hotel room had an amazing view and we did a history/art tour of Honolulu. 

City view from our hotel room

Ocean view

Our first day we went to check out Iolani Palace.  It has such an interesting history and it tells the sad story about how the United States forced their way into control of Hawaii.    I loved the gowns that included European and Hawaiian influence.  I would have loved to see it with the original grounds.  That night we relaxed in the pool and enjoyed a walk along the beach.

This gown is decorated with peacock feathers!

Throne room/ Ball room

Queen Lili'uokalani made this quilt while she was held prisoner in a wing of the castle while the US was taking over.

Kulia i Kanu'u -  motto of Queen Kapi'olani means strive to the summit.

Another feathered gown

Views from Waikiki beach

The second day we did a tour of parts of the Honolulu Art Museum and then toured Doris Duke's Shangri La.  Her estate is entirely decorated in Islamic art.  It is so unique and beautiful.  It really felt like a hidden gem, where you could hideaway and be completely content.  Then we headed to The Pipeline Bakeshop to see if all the hype was true about their malasadas.  And we can confirm that their malasadas are as good if not better than Leonard's Bakery.  Although what really blew us away was their monster cookie.  We laughed at first because it was a $6 cookie, but we would buy it again in a heart beat.  That night we headed to Roy's.  We go there every anniversary so it just felt like the right place to celebrate.  Love the food every time.

Our tour guide suggested we take this profile picture, and I do think it's pretty cool

This piece is considered the most impressive of all her collection.  She out bid the metropolitan museum of art to obtain it!  It was from a shrine in the middle east, but I can't remember exactly where.

Thanks Roy's for helping us celebrate :)