Our very first full day in Hawaii was Easter Sunday — and what an Easter it turned out to be! It was unlike any Easter we had ever experienced, blending faith, family, and a vibrant taste of Hawaiian culture all in one day.
A Joyful Easter Mass with Friends
We started the morning by attending Easter Mass at the military chapel with friends who had once been stationed with us back in Bremerton. It was so special to reconnect and to celebrate such an important day together. The chapel was beautiful, filled with a spirit of joy and reverence.
One of the most touching parts of the Mass was seeing our daughter Bella sing in the choir alongside her friend Livi. Hearing their voices lift up in song made the day even more memorable. After Mass, we stayed for a lovely breakfast — I grabbed a little bit of everything: bagels with cream cheese, fresh fruit, and possibly some sausage (I can’t quite remember!). It was simple, but full of love and good conversation. As a sweet bonus, we received our very first leis (they were shell leis) right at church, marking the beginning of our Hawaiian adventure.
Exploring Waikiki’s International Market
Later that afternoon, while our kids cooled off in the rooftop pool at our condo, I took a short walk over to the Waikiki International Market. It was just two blocks away and such a neat spot to explore! The outdoor mall was full of vibrant shops, unique finds, and lots of ideas for souvenirs and gifts. It was a fun, peaceful moment before the evening’s festivities
A Luau to Remember at Paradise Cove
By late afternoon, we made our way to Paradise Cove for the luau — something we had been looking forward to for months! Our friends had recommended it, and we chose the Orchid Package, which included beautiful fresh flower leis that we received upon arrival.
The luau grounds were right by the ocean, filled with fun activities. Although my kids opted out of most of the games, we still had a blast getting our pictures taken with a bird perched on our arms and making flower lei bracelets.
One of the highlights was witnessing the traditional IMU ceremony, where they unearthed the pig that had been roasting underground all day. It was fascinating to see, and that same pig became part of the delicious buffet dinner. I decided to enjoy the experience without stressing about my food plan — I stuck mostly to on-plan foods but treated myself to a dessert, too. It was worth it!
The show afterward was absolutely incredible — the dancing, the music, the storytelling all reflected the beauty of Hawaiian culture. Although the sensory experience was a little overwhelming for Gigi at times, we were able to help her by taking short walks by the ocean. Bella and my husband took turns helping her so I could sit and enjoy the show. I was so grateful for that.
A Day of Joy, Gratitude, and Memories
By the time we returned to our condo that night, jet lag had definitely set in, but our hearts were full. Easter 2025 was not only a celebration of our faith but also a beautiful day of family, friendship, and new cultural experiences. It’s a memory we’ll carry with us forever — the perfect start to our Hawaiian adventure.
Our Easter Sunday in Hawaii was filled with joy, celebration, and unforgettable memories — a beautiful beginning to our island adventure. The next day took a more reflective turn as we visited one of the most historic and humbling sites in Hawaii: Pearl Harbor.
I’ll be sharing about that powerful experience in the next part of our series — I hope you’ll join me as we continue this journey together.
Coach Christina
