Aloha and E Komo Mai! Lisa and I have been home a few days and it is still soaking in what a wonderful trip to Hawaii it was! Lisa had been several times with her family while growing up. But for me, this was the end of a long emotional and historical journey to finally see this magnificent place. I'll save you the suspense...it was more than worth the wait.

The trip just fell into place. A not-so-great day at work last spring followed by a well-timed Hawaii newsletter in my e-mail was all the inspiration it took to decide I was done talking about going some day...and was going to do it now. One phone call to Lisa and it was settled. We were going in the fall!

We owe a big thank you to Rene at Ambassador Travel in Eugene who put together an excellent, affordable package for our visit to Oahu. You couldn't have done a better job. Mahalo.

And a big thank you to a very good friend from my Newport days, Tracy, who lived and worked on Oahu for 20 years. We spent quite a bit of time planning this trip and your insight and advice were much appreciated. May this remind you and Cindy of home.

And with that, Hawaii calls! Let's get to the pictures and for those of you who are interested, a brief history of the Hawaiian Islands. Fascinating place. From royalty to Pearl Harbor. Grab a map we found here and follow along on the adventure! Our hope is that you enjoy the photos and stories and that it reminds you of your own time in Paradise...wherever that might be.

--Clarke & Lisa, September 2004