I didn’t have a chance to do a “TBT” this week, so how about a Sentimental Sunday? Here’s an easy recap/flashback to some of the best parts of my trip to Oahu in 2012!

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin – this place is worth mentioning on it’s own… because it is THAT good.

Best Tonkatsu I’ve had!

Hanuma Bay – a spectacular spot to snorkel with a wide variety of sea life and shallow water… Not to mention a great view!

Pearl Harbor – I do like to spend my time learning about history and WWII is of particular interest. So I had to stop by the Pearl Harbor site.

Paradise Cove Luau – What is Hawaii without a Luau? This wasn’t our first, but it was still fun!

Traditional ceremony where the man gets a coconut from the tree and then showers the people below with flower pedals.

Another ceremony where a woman casts a fishing net

Food wasn’t bad, but who doesn’t like some good ol fried chicken?

Dinner and a sunset… what else could you ask for?

A Fire Show!

Swimming with Dolphins – This was one of the most interesting and exhilarating moments of the trip. We were so close to this pod of dolphins that contained about 30-40, resting in a cove. You could hear them talking and something about the way they move through the water is so majestic.

And we also saw Crush (finding Nemo anyone?)

And me holding a sea urchin

Bonus – Food!

Breakfast @ Cafe Kaila was amazing

Ono Hawaiian Foods had a good taste of authentic food

Murakame Udon was awesome – the tempura was to die for!

Ailana Shave Ice is a great little gem. I think we ate there 4 times in 3 days?!

And our favorite snack of the trip! Iyasume Musubi’s!

But in reality, it was the poke… which I don’t have a picture of.