My Trip to Hawaii

I was lucky enough to have gone to Hawaii not too long ago. Left on the 3rd of January and was there for 10 days. It was amazing!!! Only way I was really able to afford it was Lar's mom lives in Hawaii and it was 6 years since they saw each other. So we decided to take the trip.
The picture to the left, Lar's actually took. It was like being in a postcard. The travel to get there was pure straight out of hell, but it was well worth it. We had a 6 hour layover there in Settle, and 8 hour layover in San Diego. Way back sucked more since I had gotten a Hawaiian cold. ARG!!!
But off to the fun details!!! The first day we got there, we talked for a little bit with his mom and his grandmom. But it was late and we traveled for so long so mostly we were pleasant but we needed sleep!!!
Second day comes, and we go see with his mom to this beach that is known to mostly always have turtles. The water was rather wild apparently though so they didn't come in that day. :( After that, we went to get some pizza and took a nice road trip around the island. Didn't go all the way loop around, but did make it far and did see a lot. Nice beginning to a nice vacation.



Third day and I totally don't remember the timeline really. So I'll put the best parts in. We went to Aulani, a Disney resort. It was totally killer awesome. Spent a night there with his mom. It had a really nice beach with a lagoon. Lars and me swam a lot in it and played around. For someone who doesn't really know how to swim (me), with flippers, I swam rather well and rather far. Lars had to work to keep up with me. LoL! Plus, for those who don't know, Lars was an amfib in the Marine Corp. Which means, REALLY good swimmer.


Than, there was a private beach within walking distance of his mom and grandmom's place. It was amazing. We went there every single day we were there. Every time we went there, there wasn't more than one or 2 different groups of people. It had straw cabana umbrellas with wooden beach chairs. It was like living in a Corona commercial. Heh!





Another fine memory was just simply playing backgammon at his moms place. We would play backgammon rather often since it was outside all the time and no smoking inside. So backgammon was common. I also love that playing it was free, heh! I do enjoy free things quite a bit. Lars and his grandmom would play everyday and everyday she would lose. Than the last day comes, and she finally wins the last game. It was perfect. His grandmom is truly a wonderful person. Just so very sweet and kind.



We also went to a Buddhist Temple. Can't remember why exactly, I had my cold than and couldn't keep up with everything that was going on. However, it was gorgeous!!! Just truly a sight to see. Simply so divine that there aren't words for it. You would have to be there to see it for what it really was. Words can't explain.


Lars would kill me if I didn't put in one of his favorite moments, lol. Since I'm not good at telling stories or anything like that, I'll just spit it out and not try and do a story thingy. Blah!!! We went to Waimea Valley, had a bit of an early hike, just the two of us. Lars mom had to work and his grandmom can't walk for long distances and we knew there would be a bit of a hike. Hike there was, and mostly uphill until the destination. But it was well worth it for the destination of a waterfall into a swimming hole that was 35ft deep. Since it was so early, it was just Lars and me there (with lifeguards) for at least an hour. It was truly beautiful and I loved it. Don't think I've ever been in a swimming hole with a waterfall before. Don't think I've been in a good swimming hole, with or without a waterfall, ever before. I can't wait to see it again!!!






The last day was a rather sad day. I didn't want to go back. Who really wants to go back after being on a vacation? Return to a life of bills, responsibilities, chores, and normal life? Who doesn't want to stay in paradise? But we tried to keep it upbeat, so we went to see if the turtles would be out again. And the day we left, was the day we got to see the turtles. I love animals a lot, and to see sea turtles and hang out with them was a blessing. We made a bit of a picnic beforehand, with fresh pineapple and soda. If you've never had fresh pineapple (from WalMart or stores on the mainlands don't count), than your missing out. I loved it. Loved it all.

The best part, above everything, is that we're going back!!! We're thinking of either for Thanksgiving or for my birthday. Lars can't go for his, otherwise he totally would. I miss Hawaii sooo much already!!! The luau's, the ocean, the trees, the smells, the relaxation, everything. It was nice to unplug from screens and be away from life and have fun!
It was also my first vacation for over 2 decades. I think my first (and really only) was when I was around 7 or 8 and we traveled around Pennsylvania for 2 weeks or so. It was fun, and I know my parents tried their hardest to provide us with a good life. For the most part, when I was young, they did a great job. Changed over time, issues came up and problems started, but when I was young, my parents where my heroes.
Anyways... Some final pictures of a great vacation....