When creating my 2015 vision board and goals, travel was front and center.
Living life with joy and intention means not waiting to DO and enjoy what matters most.
Much of May 2015 I was in Atlanta, GA to visit my 75 year old Great Uncle. We had a wonderful visit along with short trips in between to see other family and friends.
Imagine my surprise upon returning home, after a quick email check-in there it was a note confirming Alaska Airlines tickets to Honolulu, Hawaii. What!!
Hubby had gifted a visit to Hawaii in celebration of our 10 year wedding anniversary. We did agree this year was to be special, though Hawaii was not at all on my radar. Was it time to get excited?
Once my pounding heart calmed from the excitement I quickly began putting things in place to depart. Our flight was to depart in the next 2 weeks. I found myself, placing mute on my internal banter. "What about the kids?" "Can we afford this, the water bill." The usual reasons life adventures get put on the backburner. Well this time we threw caution to the wind and took a trip of a lifetime. Aloooooohaaaaa!
With tremendous help from family and hubby we were off to the big island. But, not before dropping kids to Manteca, CA and Monterey, CA for care by relatives. This trip was worth the trouble of adding long commutes prior to departure.
When I travel, it's all about simplicity. I get a kick out of seeing how little I can pack. I've become an expert in the art of minimalist travel packing. Do you REALLY need all that stuff? Usually just a few essentials is plenty.
In addition, airline checked bag fees now range from $25 to upwards of $100.00 depending on luggage weight. Why bust the travel budget? I prefer to save those funds for souvenirs or meals.
Air travel via Alaska Airlines was really nice. I compare them to Jet blue, which right now is my favorite airline. The
#1 benefit of flying Alaska Airlines is the legroom, newer planes, intuitive check-in kiosks at the airport and accomodating staff. These folks make travel a bit less painful. Mahalo!
When arriving at the airport there was plenty help getting to baggage claim, ground transportation, and moving around the airport with ease. The Hawaii way is one of warmth and adopting all visitors as family.
The term Aloha means, love, hello, and goodbye. Nice!!!
During our 5 night 6 day stay we made a home away from home at the Embassy Suites Beach Walk Waikiki.
This location was central to restaurants, shops and provided easy access to the beach. Simply divine!!
Though the area is known for traffic congestion we made it to the hotel in about 20 mins. Pickup wait was 15 mins…not bad for such a busy time. And we were able to set up our return bus ride for one easy price of $50.00. The Lions Association Convention brought in 30,000 attendees from all over the world, it was BUSY though still an enjoyable visit.
The hotel Guest Services Manager greeted us with a Passion Fruit/Guava drink and quickly checked us into our room. #queenforaday
We were very pleased to be checked into our room upon arrival though being 2.5 hours early. Mahalo Embassy Suites Waikiki, A++ hospitality score. Now we could ease right into enjoying our vacation.
Our first night was spent catching up on sleep. Being 3 hrs behind Pacific Standard timezone MADE us relax. No stress zone here.
After some much needed rest we headed out to find some eats. A PF Changs restaurant served up the goods and allowed me to taste a yummy Moscato. Can you believe I forgot to ask what I was drinking. Oh well, I am hoping we will meet again!
While, dining a kind student on holiday visiting from London asked if we wanted a picture. He was snapping photos of guests and convinced us to buy one as our 1st Souvenir. The pics were stuffed into cute PF Chang paper frames. Paparazzi already I could get used to the island life.
As our trip progressed we enjoyed eats and sites that were nothing less than amazing. Here is a quick list of some things you may want to add to your to do list when visiting the area.
Things to Do & See…
1) Chief's Luau – A smaller luau experience providing up close views and interaction with dancers and Chief.
2) Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise – Wonderful views and great entertainment provided while overlooking the ocean
2) Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise – Wonderful views and great entertainment provided while overlooking the ocean
3) Pearl Harbor Memorial – This can be a 1/2 day or full day excursion. Bring you own water and lunch.
Things to Eat and Drink…
1) Pulled pork at the Chief's Luau or any other restaurant is a MUST. So good if you like pork.
2) Food truck eats were right outside the Embassy Suites.
3) Cheeseburger Waikiki has a great vibe, yummy drinks and a great staff serving up the goods.
Things to NOT Do…
1) Stress over the costs of things. It's an island so EVERYTHING is shipped. Shipping is not cheap and its reflected in the costs of food, souvenirs and entertainment
2) Leave sunscreen at home and you'll be very unhappy with the sunburn your sure to get. Lots of sun so protect your skin.
3) Forgetting the camera or chargers for things means less pictures, come prepared to take lots of photos. The views are breathtaking.
What island should we visit on our next trip and why?
I so could have stayed through September…one can dream right?
Best wishes and enjoy the rest of summer!!
Jenelle
What a great way to celebrate your 10th anniversary! We are going to Maui in October to celebrate my birthday–your post got me in the mood all over again.
I so could have stayed Heidi!! Thanks for stopping by…