02.27.20 | Lihue, Hawaii | 22:37

Today was another beautiful day with my family (the last one, unfortunately)! I woke up early enough to do one more load of laundry- I had plenty of time because most of the family didn’t rise very soon. 

First, I want to tell you about Mali. Mali is a cat who has been hanging out at our house last night and this morning. He/She has even made it into the house a few times. Much to Melanie’s dismay, since she is allergic to the creature. I, on the other hand, would have happily let it stay over for the night and would have even shared my bed. Alas, my family wasn’t on board. 

When I woke this morning, it was still outside, meowing and meowing. I went out and picked it up (I’m not sure if it’s a male or a female, but will assume it is male from here-on-out.). Melanie gave me some leftover pepperoni to feed to him. He liked it but didn’t finish all of it. 

I chose the names Mali, because the Hawaiian word for “Stranger,” according to the internet, is “Malihini.” I took him over to some neighbors to see if they recognized him, but they didn’t. When I was walking back to the house, he squirmed around, signaling that he wanted me to put him down. When I did so, he ran back to the neighbors house. Oh well- Mali is their problem now.  

Once my family was up and ready, most of us headed over to see the lighthouse at Kilauea Point. It was beautiful, but we couldn’t get closer without paying an entry fee. No thanks. 

We made the drive down to see some waterfall that boasts a higher fall than Niagara Falls. That may be the case, but it isn’t anywhere as large or as breathtaking as Niagara falls.  It was beautiful to see it from above, however. 

We stopped for lunch in the town of Koloa, then grabbed a double scoop of some tasty ice cream. I don’t remember the flavor I picked, but it was definitely Hawaiian and definitely yummy! 

We drive down to walk across a swinging bridge- it felt good to stretch out legs for awhile. 

Dinner was barbecued chicken from a restaurant called “Chicken in a Barrel” (I think). It was another great meal. Perfect for our last meal together as a family! 

23:10

I just boarded the first of two flights. I’m not looking forward to going home, but I am looking forward to what comes next. I’m sad to be leaving my parents, siblings, and their spouses. I certainly won’t miss how expensive Hawaii is! Bittersweet feelings, for sure.