One week ago Wilson and I were on a plane leaving one of the most beautiful islands on the planet! This vacation was absolutely amazing, and I am sad that it has come and gone. However, I have so many new pictures left to share! A couple of days ago, I shared Part One from our trip, and today, I am sharing Part Two.

I am going to start this post with Wilson and I’s trip to Pearl Harbor-the Hawaiian naval base that was the site of the Japanese air attack on December 7, 1941, that catapulted the United States into World War Two.

For many, including Wilson and I, a trip to Oahu, is not complete without visiting Pearl Harbor. In fact, this site is easily Hawaii’s top tourist destination, with millions of people visiting each and every year to soak in a bit of history and pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial.

When we were visiting, the USS Arizona Memorial was closed due to renovation; however, the boat tour, run by the United States Navy, took us up close, so we still got some great shots.

TRAVEL TIP: Pearl Harbor makes for a great day trip out of Honolulu, but, there are certain things you should know and be aware of before you go. These tips are to go early, and, do not take a purse or backpack.

There are multiple attractions at Pearl Harbor, each of which require a separate ticket; Wilson and I chose to see the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Bowfin submarine.

The USS Bowfin submarine, shown below, was dubbed “the Pearl Harbor Avenger,” and was launched a year to the date after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The Bowfin would go on to sink forty-four enemy ships during the course of her nine war patrols.

After Wilson and I’s morning visit to Pearl Harbor, we spent the afternoon getting ready, eventually heading to Kahana for photographs. Kahana Valley is a tucked away gem as you are heading north along Oahu’s east coast-one of the best photography locations I have ever experienced.

Saturday morning, we got up early again in order to drive about an hour to hike Diamond Head State Monument. Diamond Head is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaii, and, for a good reason. It is one of the best ways to get breathtaking, 360-degree views of Oahu.

Looking down, you can see the crater that was made over three hundred thousand years ago from a single volcanic eruption. Looking out as the coastline becomes the ocean, you can see the color change before your eyes, from green to turquoise to blue. You also see sweeping views of Honolulu.

After Wilson and I hiked Diamond Head, we made our way to Dole Pineapple Plantation on the North Shore of Oahu. The Dole Food Company is the world’s largest producer of fruit and vegetables. Mr. James Dole opened the first pineapple plantation on the island of Oahu in 1901. And, no trip to the Plantation is complete without some Dole Pineapple Whip!

xoxo, rebecca