ALOHA!!- Hawaii Day 7

Monday, while Mom went back to work, Maddie was game to try some rainforest hiking with me, and while we never did find the (shorter) trail we were looking for, we had a pretty hearty climb around Makeana Loop, snacking on lilikoi along the way!!

We then went over to Goat Island, which you can walk/wade/swim to from the beach, but there is so much coral and waves, that it was hard not to get a little scraped up! It was a fun and calm little island--like something out of Dr. Dolittle (or Dr. Seuss?), with most of the land roped off for birds to nest in the flat bushy growth.  (No pictures, as the trek would've destroyed my non-waterproof camera!) We swam around there for a bit before going back, and getting packed up for our early flight, and then enjoying one last nice meal with Mom (shrimp curry w/ ulu at Pounders--fabulous!) before the Missionary FHE, where we heard from a young Dr. w/ Sr Missionary advice, and a dear couple that has just been called to be Temple President/Matron in New Zealand, followed by Mom leading her Ukulele group in "Aloha 'Oe" which they play for every departing missionary.  We also got to meet good friends of Dad & Kathy who are serving there.  So many great people, so wonderful to see Mom's mission life upclose, and so special to be with Mom and Maddie in such a beautiful, beautiful place.  The aloha spirit takes the beauty of the area, and really puts it into the hearts of the people! I left feeling MUCH better about where Mom was, and SOOOO grateful for the chance we had to be there with her! She was such a fabulous hostess, to know every good spot to visit and eat, and to give up her schedule and food and car--we simply couldn't have asked for anymore!!

 

Even from all the flying I've done, I've never boarded a little plane with an outdoor ramp like this!