June 18, 2017 Day #17 Mahalo Aulani!

June 18, 2017 

Happy Father's Day!

This morning we packed up and checked out of the Aulani. Mikey was very sad to leave and wants to return in the near future. Today is the day that Joey and Mikey fly home to California. We made our way to Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki where Russell, Matty, and I will be staying for a night before our flight to Korea.  A slight detour to Leonard's to pick up a dozen Malasadas for the boys' flight.  After checking into the hotel, Joey needed to do some quick souvenir shopping. 

Russell, Matty, and I still had our nonrefundable tickets to California (Korea trip was an afterthought).  We were trying to figure out what we can do with them. Hoping to get bumped, we proceeded to the gate. Unfortunately,  the plane still had empty seats so we had to forfeit our tickets. I was sad to see my two boys board the plane but was happy that they are in good hands with my parents. They are in for a surprise when they land in California that Ethan, Ben, and Co Nhung stayed at my parents to hang out with them. 

We were trying to save money and attempted to take the city bus, which would only cost us $5 in total. After waiting in the warm sun for over 30 mins we gave up and took the $40 taxi instead. Matty was hungry and wanted ramen so after searching on Yelp we ended up at Ramen Nakamura. It was a no frills, cash only establishment. We were lucky that there was no line, probably because it's 4pm. It was really good and we were full. I don't think we have room for dinner tonight. 

Matty wanted to get a fisherman's hook pendant so we went shopping. Matty learned the art of bartering with the help of Mom and Dad.  He ended up with a necklace and pendant that he loves. Only cost him $30!

I wanted to listen to live music under the Banyan Tree at the Moana Surfrider but couldn't find a table. Matty was tired so he went back to the room.  The Royal Hawaiian had upgraded us to a beautiful 1 bedroom suite, 4 times bigger than our room at the Aulani!  

Russ and I had dinner at Yauatcha, a dim sum restaurant on the top floor of the International Market. It was surprisingly good but expensive.  For dessert we tried a Li Hi Mui/Lilikoi macaron which we found too weird for our taste.  We didn't want the night to end since it was our last in Hawaii but we have another trip to prepare for.  

Last but not least, I want to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day!  You have always supported and encouraged me to be my best. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. You are truly my Superhero!