Where to, Lesley Ann?: Hawaii, pt 1

Aloha!

My time in paradise is behind me now but I can’t erase the natural beauty and experiences! I love to travel and especially to places I've never been to before but Hawaii has never been a place I've actually wanted to explore. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?! I had a vision of it already in my mind and therefore didn't pay much attention to it. I have to say, when you hear people say Hawaii is paradise, BELIEVE IT! Every place I've been to has its special spark that makes the city/state/country what it is. Hawaii has a combination and culture of its own.

I hear all the time you can't have an itinerary otherwise it's not a vacation anymore or at least that's what Jase said in Duck Dynasty on their trip to Hawaii. I would have to say that's false. It might be a little crazy to have plans by the hour but it's a good idea to have top attractions, activities, and restaurants incorporated somehow. Without an itinerary 1. I would be lost 2. I don't like to waste time so I always need a plan! So with the three planned stops in Hawaii I had three themes planned:

tranquility, diversity, and adventure

You can approach a vacation of two ways: starting with a bang or ending with a bang! For this vacation we wanted to end it with a bang! :) I met a social worker from D.C. in Wailea, Maui who was doing the opposite and from our conversation, it sounded great!

Our first stop was in Ko Olina, Oahu where there is nothing but beauty, private beaches, and tranquility. The resort was beyond grand and very luxurious if you ask me. But I will say we had the best view of the whole resort. We had the landscape to our left and the perfect view of the sunset directly in front of us. Apparently during the Pro Bowl, the football players stay at the same resort.

What I really liked about the resort is it has a walking path of 1.5 miles from the end of the resort to the end of the coast. It was great for running (I actually ran it in the mornings - yay me!), checking out the neighboring resorts, and definitely the views. As mentioned in the previous post, I snorkeled for the first time and it was hard for me to stop the panicking/ heavy breathing but after I got the hang of it, I was able to enjoy seeing the exotic fish. The other "snokelers" said there were three sea turtles near by but I was scared I was going to drown so I didn't swim any further haha :(

This part of the island is/was very quiet. It was a great start to build on the tan and just relax to the tropical drinks. It was a little of the couples resort but I mean.. Couples Retreat is my favorite movie!!!

Our second stop was the island of Maui in beautiful Wailea! After an hour delay we made it just in time for the sunset. I absolutely love sunsets and I wish I had a view to the sunset everyday in Chicago! The resort also had a walking/running path which lead to residential housing and the view of Target Island. Target Island has no residence living there but the U.S. Navy used to test bombs there. I believe since 1992-3 they have stopped and since then have been cleaning it.

The resort we stayed was probably the most Americanized of them all but nonetheless, exotic. The resort was so big I actually carried a map with me every time I left the room, haha. It had two pool areas but the most popular one was the infinity pool. I've never been in one so I was pretty stoked to be able to swim in one and have a great view of the Pacific.

The hotel had various shops on the resorts and restaurants with celebrities who ate there. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, they had a few activities: create your own lei, hula classes, fundraisers, and the year-round luau! I was so amazed by the food and especially the ability the performer was able to handle fire like it was water. After the hula dancing event, a 9 yr old boy, hula dancer came up to me and gave me a lei! It's so pretty I wish I was able to bring it home. He made it himself and I love the pop of the yellow. Absolutely stunning!!