Day 3 in Hawaii - Christmas Eve

Amber was off to the Chiropractor this morning. I think she was really lucky to find one open on Christmas Eve and also one that had an opening! While she and Andy were gone we went into Kailua with Tyler to buy him an early Christmas present. He needed a new mask for diving and there was a nice little dive shop just a few blocks away. From town we headed for Kailua Beach Park but once we walked out to the beach we decided it was far too windy to stay for more than a quick look around. We got back in the car and drove down to Lani Kai beach which was a little better though still pretty windy. I guess that's why they call this the "Windward" side of the island. We only stayed an hour or so and then went back to the house for lunch. Amber was back from the chiropractor with a little relief but not much. She just kept using ice and Advil and tried to make the best of it. Considering the pain she was in she was a real trooper. After lunch we drove north on the coastal road to the Polynesian Cultural Center for our Christmas Eve Luau. On the way up we stopped at Chinaman's Hat for some pictures. I thought the view toward the ocean was fabulous until I turned around and started walking toward the car and saw this! Once at the Polynesian Cultural Center we walked around looking at all the different villages. Each village had a demonstration of things that were special to their culture and region. We also viewed an IMAX movie called Coral Reefs. You felt like you were really diving down there and the part with the sharks was a little scary, I'll admit! After the movie it was time to head to the Luau. We received our very beautiful leis and headed to our table. They had entertainment during dinner and even a dance for newlyweds or couples celebrating their anniversaries. Andy and Amber got up to dance. Dinner was good, chicken, roast pork they had just pulled out of the ground and even poi. We all tried it though I don't think anyone could say they really liked it. It was the consistency of glue and a light purple color with no real flavor. The purple poi rolls were yummy though.
When the luau was over we headed to the Horizon's show where 7 islands or regions were represented in dance. Most of it was entertaining but I think we would all agree the fire dancers were the best.

It was certainly a different way to celebrate Christmas Eve but we all had a great time!