Our Kids are Tired of Hiking

 Manoa Falls 

Monday June 13 

This morning before we checked out of our AirBnB we tried some interesting pastries for breakfast. We ate cinnamon and mango malasadas, which are made of rice flour so they’re chewy like mochi. They were yummy, but the biggest hit with the kids was a pineapple fritter. We rented a small minivan through Turo (the AirBnB of cars) and made our way up to Manoa Falls. It was so different than the Diamond Head hike. The lush green trees made canopies above our heads. We could barely see sky. I felt like we were in the middle of a rainforest. There were flowers, vines, trees, and streams. It was shady and beautiful. Sadly, our family’s attitudes did not match the lovely view. The boys complained about how small the van was. Annabelle complained that her feet hurt (before leaving the parking lot). The kids complained when I asked to take their picture. As parents we were frustrated with the bad attitudes and ingratitude. Suffice it to say, six grumpy people began the 0.7 mile hike to the waterfall. About halfway, we stopped, sat down, had a family meeting and prayed. The rest of the time was a little better. Although Annabelle still had a melt down when we tried to take a family picture in front of the falls and all the kids were upset that we didn’t let them go down into the water. Everyone else was, but we made them follow the posted signs that said not to. Whew! Even in gorgeous Hawaii there are rough days. 

Cinnamon and mango malasadas

Goodbye Waikiki Beach

Getting everyone loaded up

Our MINI minivan

Let the hike begin

The path was slippery and very rocky, but definitely not as steep as Diamond Head. 

Josh can make Liam laugh like nobody else can. It’s the sweetest sound. I love what an amazing big brother he is. 

My hiking buddy 

We made it the falls! I guess it’s dry season because the “fall” was just a trickle. 

These three got a second wind and headed up a different path for more hiking while Josh, Liam and I headed back down. 

Love this star shaped moss 

Everyone getting in the falls behind the “Do Not Enter, Falling Rocks” sign. Our free spirit daughter did not appreciate us making her follow the rule.