Waikiki Aquarium

Letting Noah run around before our next stop

Checking out a hermit crab

Dragon Eel

Nemo

We took the red-eye flight from HNL to SFO on Monday. Since our flight didn't leave until 11:00 P.M. we had LOTS of time to kill. We spent the majority of our vacation on the North Shore and the Windward side of the island. So we decided to spend Monday in Waikiki. We ate lunch at Puka Dog, shopped at the small, Hawaiian vendors, and went to the Waikiki Aquarium.

We spent the morning exploring the Waikiki Aquarium. The small aquarium features exhibits, programs, and research focused on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. There are over 3,000 marine animals in the exhibits that represent more than 500 species of aquatic animals and plants. We all had a great time learning about the local aquatic life.

After the aquarium we headed over to the Waikiki Town Center for lunch. We ate at a small hot dog stand called Puka Dog. (Puka Dog was featured on Anthony Bourdain's show No Reservations) It's menu consists of Polish Dogs or Vegetarian Dogs and Lemonade. At Puka Dogs they bake a bun-sized loaf of bread and pierce a "puka" from one end and toast through most of the length of the bun. (Puka means hole) They then pour in unique Hawaiian relishes and sauces. I had a vegetarian dog with spicy chili pepper garlic sauce and pineapple relish. It was DELICIOUS! Since only part of our travel party was vegetarian, it was a great spot for lunch.

After lunch we perused the Hawaiian vendors. Zoe was in her glory since she has been saving her money since February to buy souvenirs in Hawaii. Some of the treasures she purchased while we in Hawaii were: a hibiscus flower bracelet, a ukelele, a flower clip for her hair, an adorable Hawaiian dress with green hibiscus flowers, a purse (with hibiscus flower fabric...of course), a necklace, seashells, postcards, a pencil, a "magic" towel, a hula girl Christmas ornament, books, a pinwheel, and a Matsumoto T-Shirt. Granny helped pay for a couple of things, but for the most part Zoe picked out and purchased all the items herself. She even returned with $10.00.