My love for Hawaii is a running joke in our family. When my kids whine about not getting something they want, my stock reply has been for well over a decade, “Well, I want to go to Hawaii!” They’re pretty sick of me saying it.
Well, finally, it happened: I went! When I started the beGwen blog years ago I began with two blogs about Hawaii. The first line of my first blog said, “I want to start my blog with one word, ‘Hawaii.’” That word – or all that it represents – pretty much embodies perfection for me (along with my husband*). After 21 years of dreaming, my hubby and I went to Waikiki this summer and it was perfect. It was such a treat to go back!
There is something amazing about getting away to Aloha. Being truly warm and wearing a swimsuit and cover up all day with flip-flops is so nice. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect getaway vacation. So here is why Hawaii is the ultimate dream vacation:
-The water temperature won’t let you stop swimming.
-The palm trees are big and beautiful.
-The ocean waves are a blast to play in (Surfing, however, is harder than you can ever believe, so don’t do that).
-The smooth sand is warm and light.
-“Aloha” is great.
-From a mainlander perspective, you really feel like you are a long way from home which makes mowing the lawn on vacation even harder to do.
-Sea turtles!
-Starbucks is there waiting.
If you go here are some #traveltips: #1 Get the Alaska Airlines credit card so you can nearly fly 2 for the price of one. #2 If you really have to try surfing get a lesson. #3 Buy snorkel gear and boogie board at the ABC store. #4 Take the local bus and go hiking up Diamond Head. #5 The hotels don't own the ocean and the lower beach (tidelands). You can enjoy the beach in front of almost any hotel just walk there. You don't have to pay the extra to stay at at waterfront hotel. Just walk there and use the beach if you stay inland. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Waikiki and it was only 5 blocks to the beach.
As I write this sitting at home, I can smell my coconut scented candle. Having a touch of tropical vibe here back home is fresh. All in all, going to Hawaii is about taking time away from busy life and relaxing – even in the busy Waikiki, it’s simply delightful. It is like cranking up the fire in the winter – peaceful and comfortable. It is spending time with dear ones and accessing their world. Worshipping the Creator. It is intentionally living and loving and relaxing. Moving away from materialistic striving and moving toward flip-flop beach-life simplicity. All of this surrounds us as we play in the waves, relax on the beach, and enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer. Remembering the turtles helps us to forget so much and focus on the grace that surrounds us each and every day.
Oh, Dearest Hawaii. I hope that it won’t be another 20+ years before I see you again. Although, even if it isn’t too soon, the memories are good enough for 15 years of happy – though I’d gladly go back sooner than that! But when my kids complain about not getting something, I’ll probably still say, “Well, I’d like to go to Hawaii!” Hang loose forever!
*My husband is my editor and he inserted this statement. Though, to be fair, the statement in the blog is true.
Here is a picture of my previous Hawaii trip 21 years ago:
