It is our last full day in Hawaii. The rest of the family is going to Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, but I’m staying at the hotel to do final shopping and hang out at the beach. Got some reading and swimming to do!

Today is the 181st birthday of Queen Lili’uokalani. Celebrations took place at Iolani Palace yesterday. I’ve been working on her beautiful song, Aloha Oe, on my ukulele and hope to post a video when we get back to the mainland.

Speaking of royalty, when Aria was born we gave her the Hawaiian middle name of Ka’iulani, minus the okina, in honor of the princess known for her intelligence, beauty and determination. Princess Ka’iulani was heir to the throne during Queen Lili’uokalani’s reign. After the monarchy was overthrown by American businessmen, the princess visited the United States, making speeches and appearances in an attempt to restore the kingdom, but Hawaii was eventually annexed by the U.S.

The princess owned an estate in Waikiki — Ainahau — where a bronze statue now resides in a small park named Princess Ka’iulani Triangle. I’m taking Aria down there this afternoon to get some pictures. We’ve also got family portraits scheduled at the hotel when everyone returns.

I’ve promised Aria shave ice after dinner. We had some earlier in our trip, but the place making it didn’t put on enough syrup, so a third of the way through, Aria ran into unflavored ice. We’ll get that rectified tonight!

I always feel a little melancholy on the last night of our trips here, but it means we’ve found a place we love and have to return, just like honu. Aria has taken a real liking to Hawaii, and I hope it becomes a special place to her. There is time now for a bit more reading and people watching on the hotel’s lanai before turning in. Aloha po.

Get caught up on the adventure.