You sound so excited and so ready for this vacation. And so so so so organized. Wooohoooo! Sounds fun to have all that Hawaii paraphanelia out during the planning and brainstorming stages of the trip. Puts people in the right mood. Cool! I am going to use that idea next time we go somewhere big with the family.

I was asking the ages of the kids so I could give you ideas on what would interest them. Most older aged teens tend to get bored on Kauai but love Oahu. 14, 11 and 7.........there is Tubing in the mountains. I heard that trip is pretty mellow. And for a more adventurous group there is Zip Lining........heard that one is a blast. I recently a few weeks ago went to the Botanical Gardens for my first time ever...........it was neat! A zodiac ride on the Na Pali Coast is fun fun fun.........i loved it! If any of you have bad backs, or other health issues, a better way to see the Na Pali Coast would be by Catamaran. It's a wonderful day trip.........snorkeling, lunch and beach...........so so so so awesome. And of course a luau is a wonderful family dinner and show.....a great way to experience all of our ethnic Hawaiian foods........okay, maybe for you.....you could just taste. Maybe even ask for a childs price and show them your WLS card when booking the reservation.

I was born in California and moved here when I was 6. My dad was born and raised here. I live about 11 miles from the Hyatt. In fact, up until February, i worked at the resort right next door to the Hyatt for many years. One of my good friends works at the front desk at the Hyatt. Her name is Norma. Kauai is a VERY wonderful place to live, Beautiful, small, lots of different people........basically a melting pot. Only downfall........it's super expensive to live here. Take a peek at a gallon of milk if you guys make it into a grocery store......oh gosh! $8.59 when it's not on sale.

Let me know if you need any ideas, info or recommendations.

aloha,

michelle

Congrats on your surgery and weight loss so far. You' are doing so good. If I were you, I would pack protein powder with you in little individual snack pack ziploc bags. Foods and specialty items such as protein mixes are so dang expensive here!

I live on Kauai. The Hyatt rooms don't have kitchens, neither does the suite. As far as getting your protein in, if you order a smoothie from the bar near their awesome pool, bring one of those little baggies down to the bartender and ask him to whip that right into your smoothie for you. Bring single serve Crystal Lite packets with you(they are much cheaper to purchase where you live).......and just keep bottled water with you in your hotel room to mix it into a wonderful SF drink. You may also want to use the unflavored protein powder and carry it in your purse with you so you can sprinkle some in your foods through out the day. I know how hard it is to concentrate on getting in all your protein when traveling.

How great you and the whole fam get to experience this together!! How old are the grandkids?

aloha,

michelle 

I will be visiting Hawaii from June 11-25 and was trying to decide whether or not to bring my own protein or if I should buy it there so I don't take up space in my suitcase.  I will be 6 months out from my RNY and looking forward to enjoying your beautiful state.  The last time I was there - I was very slim ( about 27 yrs ago) and didn't worry  about getting in all my protein! LOL!   But this time I don't know what I will be eating and plan to have some protien bars and a few powdered protein packs to supplement just in case.  I am eating almost everything, but have a few issues with some foods that give me an occassional problem, so I don't want to be without something on hand.  Could you suggest some places to pick up protein items, powders, bars etc.  On Oahu we will be at the JW Marriote, on Kauai the Hyatt Regency and Maui - the Hyatt as well.  My son, daughter, their spouses, my 3 granddaughters and DH are taking this long awaited and planned vacation together. My son-in-law, and the grandkids have not been in Hawaii before so it should be very exciting for them to see it for the first time.  I have been taking the stairs and riding a bike to get in shape for the hike to Diamondhead and the trip down Haleakuela.  It will be a great trip and can't wait to get there.  Would love to meet some WLS while on the islands!