Monday, March 28, 2011

The Lodge at Koele

The Lodge at Koele
Last weekend we decided to check out the beautiful island of Lanai. We all LOVED it. One of the best things we've done since we've been here. Lanai is a privately owned island that boasts 2 Four Seasons hotels, a very small little quaint town, and a local population of only 3000 people, most of whom work in the hotels. So it is just open, beautiful, untouched land for miles around. We chose to stay at the Lodge at Koele. The grounds were seriously gorgeous. It was a very quiet hotel with English Manor decor. It was so cool for us because it was SO different than the beach and pool activities that we are used to everyday. We played lawn bowling, croquet, putting course, horse back riding, etc. The game room had old school games like shuffleboard, chess, billiards, foosball,... There was also a skeet and rifle shooting range and archery center there, but we didn't have time to fit that in.




Lawn Bowling was a family favorite. I will concede that Geoff won the majority of the time, but we all had our turns beating him, including Crew!

This in the 18 hole putting course. It looked like a full golf course, just miniature sized. SO much fun!
The kids had so much fun at the horse stables. We went with our friends, the Jeppsons, who were such a blast!






Caden and Rugger at Dinner

Liz and I

We walked everywhere. Open fields ALL over. I love this picture of Geoff and Crew. He loves his daddy!

Roasting marshmallows at night by the campfire. It was a full 10 degrees cooler at the Lodge than down by the ocean. The Grand Hall had 2 wood burning fireplaces and served hot chocolate for high tea. Not what you would expect from a Hawaii resort!

Monroe Trail Hike

The hike starts by passing through the gorgeous golf course at Koele. I can't wait to play it when the boys get a little older.

The hike was 5 miles round trip and Crew kept up with us the entire time! There were 20 markers along the way which kept him excited to forge ahead. He always wanted to be the first one to find the markers and my sweet older boys let him find every one!


The views at the top were breath-taking. On a clear day, you can see 5 of the other Hawaiian island. This day, we could see 3. Still so cool!


Hike to Sweetheart Rock






Lanai Dolphins

Swimming with Dolphins!

While in Lanai, we were able to swim with a pod of about 100 dolphins at Manele Bay. Bar none, one of the coolest things I have ever done! Excuse my overly excited voice in the video (posted above) but I was really stoked. So excited to be able to be a part of this experience, and even more excited that I have three adventurous boys who just soak up all these opportunities.



This excited dolphin was jumping all around Caden about 4 or 5 times. It was so cute. I think they were buddies ;)

Chase swimming underwater

My 4 boys with all the dolphins in the background. This was NOT a boat excursion. You literally just walk in from the beach and swim out about 400 yards to the dolphins. They generally come to Manele Bay 3 times a week and they stay for about an hour. We swam with them for a little over an hour. My boys were such troopers swimming and treading water the whole time. Crew was the only one with a floatation belt.

Caden (left) Geoff with Crew on his back (right)

My cute little aqua man!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Field Day

Thursday was field day at the boys school. What a fun day of hawaiian warrior themed events. Now we have spring break for 11 days! Party!