Hawaii – Day 7 – Snorkels, Sails, and Sea Turtles

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Snorkel cruise day!

AJ and I got up early, lathered on the sunscreen, and suited up in our long-sleeve rash guards before heading downstairs to greet the day and the resort’s flamingos, of course.

We met the family in the lobby at 7:00 AM, then made our way to the rendezvous point with the rest of the folks joining us on the cruise.

We were greeted by an enthusiastic first mate named Zack, who walked us through safety tips and the itinerary before leading us down to the shore. There, we lined up in two rows and took turns sprinting into the crashing waves to climb the ladder onto the boat, which was moored just offshore.

Once aboard, AJ and I, with our faces slathered in zinc and determination, found a seat next to Lynn and Andi as the boat journeyed out to sea. Almost immediately, we spotted a massive pod of spinner dolphins (at least 500 !! of them the captain mentioned) dancing through the waves.

Andi seized the moment to strike a pose for a photo while the crew passed out warm cinnamon rolls and orange slices.

Our first stop was Honolua Bay. The captain took roll call, handed out anti-fog solution for our masks and Vaseline for the bearded snorkelers. AJ and I were among the first in the water, following Elizabeth and the kids, and we made our way toward the cliffs and coral reef below.

The water was alive with color.. blue, purple, orange, and shimmering fish everywhere. Ava proudly announced she’d counted five sea turtles, though there’s a good chance it was the same turtle popping up over and over, but we let her have the win. Jon and Andi spotted a gnarly-looking eel, and someone even saw a shark.

Next up was Oneloa Bay. AJ and I swam out to the cliffs, where we admired lobsters hiding in crevices and sea urchins quietly contemplating having lobster for lunch. A fantastic photographer offered to capture a shot of AJ and me diving underwater, and just as we did, a turtle happened to glide by right in front of us. Pure magic.

Meanwhile, our first mate Zack got Ford up on his surfboard and taught him some poses, which Ford nailed like a pro.

After soaking up every minute in the water, AJ and I climbed back onto the boat, satisfied with our adventure. The crew hoisted the sails, and with wind and ocean spray in our faces, we enjoyed a lunch of huli huli chicken, salad, and coconut sticky rice. After a few drinks, we rode the wind gracefully back along the coast toward our starting point.

Back at the Westin, Lynn had reserved a pool cabana for the afternoon. The kids immediately jumped into the pool, and Elizabeth and I decided to join them, which meant testing out one of the two waterslides in the resort’s sprawling network of nine pools.

Later, AJ and I walked over to the market for a build-your-own pizza, thanks to a rave review from Jon. It did not disappoint! We returned to the cabana to relax for a bit longer before heading up to freshen up for dinner.

We met the family in the lobby and made our way to Leilani’s on the Beach at Whalers Village. Ford snapped some photos of me while we waited.

Finally seated, we all agreed that we scored the perfect table, slightly elevated, with a flawless view of the setting sun. Ava sat studiously finishing her activity book like it was being graded, which was adorable.

Lynn and I shared a fantastic bottle of Pinot Noir that paired beautifully with my ribs, AJ’s steak (yes, I stole a few bites), and the coconut cake Lynn ordered for dessert.

After another wonderful meal, we strolled back to the Westin. AJ and I turned in early to prepare for another hike the next day, while Lynn and the kids hit the resort arcade. Ford conquered the Jurassic Park game, Ava won a grape squishie from the claw machine, and Andi had the time of her life playing the Frozen game.

Another day in paradise, full of saltwater, sunsets, and more memories than we could count.