Fillmore 2014

   Last April 2014, sister in-law and her family flew from Texas to Hawaii to attend Rap's graduation. We all had a great time catching up and going around the island. Abbie, my sister-in-law, asked me if I could take their family photos and I said yes, of course. I am not really a photographer but I looooove taking pictures.

   I didn't have a hard time taking photos of my sister-in-law's beautiful family. They were a bit shy at the beginning of shoot and didn't really know how to pose in front of the camera. Nevertheless, we still had a good time. The boys were absolutely adorable and funny. They like funny and wacky poses over formal poses. On the other hand, Abbie and Seth strictly told me that they don't like "cheesy" poses. They look sooooo good together and sooooo in love and that is why "cheesy" poses are not necessary anymore. LOL! I had an amazing time taking their photos. It was a sweet experience to be able to take pictures of this gorgeous family. Here are some of my faves......

Photos Taken at Marriot Ko'olina Hotel, Oahu, Hawaii

Photo by: Michael Hernando; Edited by: Pateet Hernando

Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike 2014

   This is our sequel of our previous post about Makapu'u Lookout. In this post, we will share to you our one of a kind hiking experience. If you know us personally, then you would know that we are not a big fan of hiking. The idea of going up and down makes me already tired and exhausted. LOL! Anyway, last spring break we went hiking for the first time with Rap's sister and her family since they wanted to hike. We chose to hike Makapu'u Lighthouse because its kid friendly.

• Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
• Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline
  Kalanianaole Hwy
• Honolulu, HI 96825

    According to http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=141:

"According to Hawaiian legend, Makapu`u was a supernatural being who, after arriving from Tahiti, took up residence on the point now bearing her name. This being's defining feature was her set of eight bright eyes, which is reflected in her name Makapu`u, Hawaiian for bulging eye. On October 1, 1909, the light from another bright, bulging eye was seen on the rocky point of Makapu`u as the giant lens in the Makapu`u lighthouse was illuminated for the first time."

Left: My brother-in-law Seth with my nephews Brent and Matt
Right: The Makapu'u Lighthouse

   There are many ways to hike the Makapu'u Lighthouse but we chose the one that will not give our nephews a hard time. The pavement saved my life! (LOL) If you're visiting Oahu and you want to go on a hike with your family, especially if you have kids, I strongly encourage you to try the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail because its easy walk and the trail is paved all the way up.

Here are some of my hiking tips:

1. Bring Water - this is an essential need when you're hiking...You don't want to be dehydrated!
2. Wear a Hat - avoid direct heat from the sun
3. Bring a Hiking buddy - during the hike my hiking buddy was my nephew, Matt! I had so much fun talking stories with him and getting to know him
4. Bring your camera - take pictures! Capture memories!
5. Bring a padlock - if you're with your someone special :D bring a padlock with your names on it and lock it on top of the trail! Good way to leave a mark!
6. Wear comfortable clothes
7. Go to the Lighthouse Trail early - the trail gets crowded and so if you want to enjoy more go early. Also, going early will be an advantage for you because the heat of the sun is not that bad. Around 12noon-3pm is the peak of the heat of the sun, try not to get toasted.
8. Bring a handy towel - if you get a little sweaty, wipe it off and walk all the way up!

Success!!! We made it!!

We made it!!!

   We enjoyed the hike! The hike up was totally worth it. The view was magnificent and amazing. We are so grateful to live in this beautiful place. We love Hawaii and we are so blessed to call this our home.

My nephew Matt and I

The Hernando siblings :D

Lovers <3

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

   We had a great opportunity to spend our weekend with the Kimaks, last June 14, 2014. We went to Hanauma Bay to experience the beauty of the sea. Too bad we didn't have an underwater camera, we saw a lot of pretty and beautiful sea creatures. Raphael and I snorkeled our hearts out. YES! We finally learned the art of snorkeling.

• 7455 Kalaniana 'ole Hwy
• Honolulu, HI 96825

   For tourists who are looking for the perfect beach to bring their family for some well-deserved family outing, Hanauma Bay is the place to be. Here are some tips for ya'll:

   1. Go to Hanauama Bay in the morning. Less people, more fun. Also, when the parking space is full, they close the gates. I suggest you come as early as possible.
   2. Bring cash. You will need to pay for your entrance fee. We paid around $7.50 per person. Locals don't pay for anything.
   3. Make sure you listen and watch the video that they will play before you enter. The video you will be watching will help you help preserve the beauty of Hanauma Bay and its living creatures. If you have a lot of things with you I suggest you take the tram. The tram is 2$ per person. The hike going down and up is okay if you don't have a lot of things with you. :)
  4. If you don't have snorkeling gears, do not fret, there is a booth there where you can rent. They also offer some snorkeling activities and lessons.
  5. There is a public restroom and showers.
  6. Bring food if you don't want to spend your money there.
  7. Don't forget your sunscreen and sunblock.
  8. Do not keep your things unguarded.
  9. Enjoy and Have Fun!

   Before we swam, we put on some sunblock and sunscreen. While we were snorkeling, we saw different kind of fishes. One of the many fishes we saw was the Hawaiian Fish. called Humuhumunukunukuapu'a (See picture below).

Picture from google

   Snorkeling is such a fun activity. Raphael and I didn't even notice that we are swimming at the deep side of the bay. We only noticed it was deep because the fishes are swimming waaaaaaay below us. We were so happy to see the fishes. Too bad, we didn't get to see the turtles. Who knows? Next time, we'll swim with one.

   This was far the best snorkeling experience we've ever had. We had so much learning about the history of Hanauma Bay. We saw and learn new things. The best part is we get to spend some quality time together. I love doing fun activities with my husband as it helps strengthen our bond as husband and wife. I encourage you all to visit Hanauma Bay when you go to Oahu, Hawaii! My warmest ALOOOOOOOOOOOHA to you!

Hanauma Bay at its finest!

with Kuya Geoff, Samantha and Thomas

with our little beasty Samantha!

Us :D

With Ate Darryl! :D

AMAZING!