Aloha! It's been 3 days so far and I am not sure it it's too soon to say I am in love. To be honest, I actually hadn't even touched down on Hawaiian soil before I felt in love.
We left Edmonton on Friday morning at 7.30am and flew over the mountains to Vancouver. This was the first time for me where it was clear enough to actually see the mountains. Stunning!
Vancouver airport... convoluted and not my favourite airport. But we were only there briefly before we got on our plane to Honolulu, Hawaii. And what can I say, the approach to Oahu was one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. Simply stunning. And to approach the airport in Honolulu, you fly right along Waikiki so there were spectacular views of Koko Head, Diamond Head, Waikiki and Honolulu. Made me giddy and so in love.
Once we got off the plane and through the airport, we got in our car and I drove into Waikiki. Beautiful. Got my first experience of Honolulu traffic but it wasn't too bad.
We were staying at the Waikiki Beach Marriott and it was spectacular. In all the reviews and books I read before coming here, everyone said Waikiki is over-crowded and tacky. Well, I disagree. It wasn't too bad and the views just can't be beat (including buff surfer boys!). The hotel was amazing and the walk along Waikiki was great.
To celebrate my 29th birthday, we went to Halekulani Hotel for drinks and dinner. We started out at "House without a key", a beach side bar with a local band and hula dancer. It was stunning. I had 2 mai tai's that probably had about a bottle's worth of rum in them... my kind of drink! We saw a group from a tiny island in Japan do a hula dance and then enjoyed the locals. Very relaxing and a spectacular place to watch the sunset.
Then we went across the grass to "Orchids" for dinner. Orchids is voted one of the best places to eat in Honolulu and I was not disappointed. I had Ohana "Orchids Style" and it was amazing. And to finish off, I had my birthday cake - a coconut cake that was like eating a coconut cloud! Unbelieveably light and tasty! Heavenly!
To finish off my birthday, we walked along Waikiki beach back to the hotel with the tide coming in and splashing us. Fun and wet (and all the booze made me very giddy!)
All in all, a great way to celebrate my birthday!
The next day we went to Pearl Harbor and I have to say, they have done a wonderful job displaying information in a respectful way. My favourite part would have been going out to the USS Arizona Memorial. It was so powerful to be out there and to honor those lost. Very emotional.
Then we went back to the hotel for our transfer to the cruise boat. It took a while to checkin but once we were on board, we were ready to relax. I spent the evening dancing to the band (and I was the only one... I hope that doesn't continue each night!).
Our first full day on the boat we docked in Kahalui, Maui. We got off in the morning for our shuttle to Lahaina where we did the Atlantis Submarine tour. What an incredible way to experience the reefs without getting into dive gear. And our captain was hilarious and entertaining. Overall, I highly recommend doing this. Then we went to "Kimo's" for lunch - I had fish tacos and we shared a Hula Pie, what Lahaina and Kimo's is famous for. Delicious and the view looking out over the ocean, cannot be beat! I also bought a black and white pearl ring and pendant - my big splurge!
And now, I sit poolside with a bottle of wine (just for me!), soaking up the sun and coming to terms with being in love! It feels like I may be rushing into things but I have to follow my heart. I love Hawaii: the people are so friendly, the scenery is jaw-dropping and you can't beat the weather! It feels great knowing that I have another 6 days in Hawaii! I am one lucky girl!
Aloha and Mahalo! - Love, Lisa
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