2022 Oahu Adventure DAY 4

 Today we kind of took it easy.  After the breakneck pace of Day 3 we wanted to just kind of take it easy, since we knew the next 2 days were going to be intense.

Today we went to the ALOHA STADIUM SWAPMEET & MARKETPLACE

 Every  Wednesday and Saturday from 8a,-3pm 

Every Sunday  from 630am-3pm

From their website:  Since 1979, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet has become Hawaii’s premier outdoor market, featuring over 400 vendors, crafters, artists from all over the world, a true melting pot of Aloha.

At the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace, you can find discounts on a wide selection of high quality products from clothing, accessories, Hawaiian souvenirs, pre-packaged ethnic foods, fine jewelry and vintage antiques. Beautifully handcrafts products and exclusive art pieces are made and sold by the artist themselves, which truly make great gifts for yourself or that special someone.

Cost of Admission: 1$ per person

We head over to Aloha Stadium , ready to spend some money!!  I had a list of things I was looking for and Finn had it in his head he wanted some kind of tiki or totem mask (carved). We knew we had to get our Aloha Shirts and maybe see what else they had.

We made the mistake of thinking there would be more shade available than what there actually was, so I wasnt super vigilant about applying my sunscreen like I should have.   The tops of my feet are no longer speaking to me. 

We were able to get our aloha shirts, I  got some delicious fresh fruit and Finn FINALLY got his dragon mask.

After a few hours at the swap meet we had one of my favorite lunches of the trip in downtown Honolulu in Chinatown.

We went to a place called LAMS KITCHEN.    These next 2 photos are not mine, they are from trip advisor and other online sources.

It was so authentic (and not to worry, it even had pictures for us mainlanders who didnt really know what they were doing.)  But if you are looking for Generals Chicken and Sweet and Sour pork and other such "chinese food"...you will find NONE of that here.  This is the real deal and it was AMAZING!  The lady helping us was SO NICE!!  She knew we were fish out of water and kind of guided us in the right direction.   The restaurant was crowded and full of mostly locals, but I think they appreciated us trying new things and enjoying their hospitality and their freaking delicious food. I also think that they enjoyed us ordering whatever they told us to order.  Shumai?? bring it on. I should get beef with that? OK.  I need to add this on too?  Whatever you think.  Even with all the add ons and stuff it was STILL one of the cheapest meals in Hawaii. And it was wonderful!  If you have a chance, check it out, you wont be disappointed. And dont be scared to try new things, you will be glad you did.  

After lunch we decided to head down to Waikiki.  I am sorry if you love Waikiki, but I hate it.  It is SO CROWDED and just such a tourist spot.  It is like the Myrtle Beach of Oahu.  Seriously.  It is where most of the beach hotels are, the traffic is horrendous and it is so commercialized. The cost of everything is sky high in Waikiki.  I think it is the most famous because people know it from Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum PI and other "a very special Hawaii episode" from every sitcom ever made.  It is NOT the real Hawaii, and if thats all you do on your vacation then you are truly missing out. 

We went to the aquarium to kind of finish off the afternoon. The aquarium in Waikiki has an interesting history.  It has been there since 1904 and is nestled in right at the base of Diamondhead Crater.  It is the second oldest public aquarium in the United states.  Back then it was known as the Honolulu Aquarium. It was build partly as a way to get people to ride the newly built trolley line all the way to the end in Kapi'olani park.

The aquarium is small...dont expect to spend more than an hour here to be honest.  But that being said, a lot of the exhibits were closed due to their fairly restrictive Covid mandates.  They do however, take good care of their animals and what they did have available was cool.  It was 12$ per adult admission.

After a full day of sun and walking I was beat!  When we got back to the BnB it was dinner time.  I ended up staying home as I think I had gotten just a little too much sun.  Charles and Finn went out for hamburgers .

We went to bed fairly early because the next day was a LONG and jam packed day.