Hawaii Day 2

Day two started off great! We headed to the North Shore to check out the beaches and local shopping in Haleiwa. (Hall ee ee vah) I hope I did that right, that is how I would say spell it. They have great shops there and the quaintest beaches I think of the whole island. The North Shore is not really commercialized or over populated. After several hours there we hopped in the car to check out some of the local hot spots with Ban and Lorena. So, off we went to Millilani to Costco and Walmart. No joke, we had to go see how people in Hawaii shop!

I have to say that some of our funnest moments were in the car, I am so glad we got it!
Yes Hawaii LOVES Spam! I could not believe it, they even had Spam hot dogs for only $10.19! I still never tried Spam but it must taste okay right?
Lunch at Costco. I was impressed to find most of the prices were almost the same, except wipies. If you ever go to Hawaii make sure to bring your own wipies!
Then to Walmart for our souvenirs which were literally the same ones we saw in all the little shops including the PCC (Polynesian Cultural Center) but almost half price.

After Walmart we decided to try and fit the Dole Pineapple Plantation in but didn't end up having enough time before our next meeting time. We walked around a little bit but knew we would be back to see the plantation again sometime.

Due to the speed limit (35-45mph) We made it to the Temple visitor center just in time to pick up my cousin Elder Flake and his companion.(who just happened to be from St. George) We took them to dinner at a place called Ted's Bakery which they chose and it was awesome. They are known for their Chocolate Halupia pie which I did not try but it looked yummy. We had such a great time sitting outside and talking to them while smelling the warm Hawaiian breeze. It was so wonderful to see Elder Flake and feel of his wonderful spirit!

When we dropped them off at the temple we decided to look around the visitors center. I absolutely LOVE this picture I got of the temple with the sun rays behind it. It truly radiates the spirit that was felt there this evening.

Ryan enjoyed getting to catch up on his Japanese with the three sisters who were from Japan. He was a little worried about how good his Japanese was, but through out our trip we were told that it was still impeccable. Not a word you hear much from Americans but that was the word they used to describe it.

After the temple we decided to go back to the Sunset on the Beach this time just as spectators and enjoy the community again. We walked on the beach and had fun talking to locals. There is truly such an amazing spirit of the people of Laie. After the party we had the opportunity to go to a Chinese Moon Festival with Ban who works at BYU and is in charge of the Chinese Club there. It was so cool to get introduced to the Chinese culture and learn more about China!