I had the strangest feeling leaving Adelaide airport to fly to Sydney, then Honolulu. Although I knew I was leaving for 6 months, it only felt like I was going away for a weekend - I don't think it's actually sunk in that I'm staying away for as long as I am! After some shuffling around of my luggage to keep to the weight restrictions, I was off. There was snow visible on the ground as we were flying into Sydney which was pretty cool - so far the closest to snow that I've ever been!
After a 4 hour wait at Sydney airport, it was off to Honolulu. The flight wasn't so bad - I fit in a good 5 episodes of GoT, and managed some small broken sleeps. Couldn't expect any more from an international flight really.
As soon as I walked out of the airport I could feel the warmth in the air. It was amazing. There also seems to be this feeling in the air that stops you from stressing or rushing around; it could be just that it's so hot, no body worries about stressing. Either way, Honolulu is a very calming place. After catching a taxi to firstly the wrong hostel (Hostelling International has a place at Wakkkiki beach and Honolulu - I went to the Wakkiki one first by accident), I was able to check in straight away. Where I am staying is a little bit out of the main tourist part, but that's good - more quiet, less people, and cheaper places to eat!
I took a bus trip into Wakkiki to check out the beach, and I was very impressed. Although there's tourists everywhere, and things are twice as expensive, the beach was fantastic. I could have stayed there all afternoon if it wasn't for the fact I only realised when I got there I hadn't put sunscreen on at all, so I didn't want to get (too) burnt.
After a quick browse of some markets I came back to the hostel - this evening is about rest, as tomorrow is the full day Pearl Harbour tour, and I want to be alert for that!
