The main reason for the trip was to see Nigel and Arliene get married in Hawaii, but obviously we extended that to catch some rays, swim in the ocean and check out the sites. After a remarkable easy flight, we dropped into LA for a couple of nights and caught up with the majority of Abbys friends for their 'Taco Tuesday' tradition. Down to the local Mexican restaurant for some a taco and a beer - we were sitting on the roof. The weather caught everyone off guard as it was quite cold but we grabbed some thick table cloths and used them as blankets. Few brews later we were stumbling home to get ready for the flight to Hawaii the next day.

We were all staying in the same hotel as the bride and groom, so it was easy for us all to catch up in the morning at breakfast or on the beach. First couple of days we just hung out on the gorgeous beach, some people surfing, others just lapping up the sunshine but all sucking up the cocktails.

Nigel and Arliene's wedding day was ideal, sunshine and a cloudless sky. It took part in the local catholic church on the beach, and was a simple and quick wedding. I was a basic affair and I think most were keen to get back to the hotel for the reception. The food and booze flowed easily. The reception was outside in a court yard, surrounded on three sides by the hotel and on the fourth by the beach/ocean. As night feel they lite candles on each table giving us a little light - but people started to return from the beach and retire to their hotel rooms with darkness. What they didn't realize was that we could all see straight inside, so every time someone naked came near their window - a cheer would go up from the now rowdy crowd.

Over the next couple of days, we did the touristy things as required! Pearl Harbour was interesting, it is very over the top american as you could imagine. Red white and blue everywhere, flags etc. But the trip over the sunken boats was interesting and it was good to see some history to break up the lazing on the beach. Next was the Dole Pineapple Planation, and views over the coffee and banana fields.

More site seeing took in various movie/tv sets and beaches. Extinct volcanoes and sea blow holes. I really did enjoy Hawaii, as it is just what it says on the package, relaxing and calming. Afterwards, we flew back to LA to catch up with Nick and Jade before flying back to London.