Hawaii (Oahu) - April 14 - 22, 2008

Another long lull in blog writing must mean I have fabulous things to say about my vacation to Hawaii. Well, I do. It was everything I hoped for and so much more . . . why wouldn't it be? It's paradise!

My friends and I combined over 500 pictures, which would be difficult to include in this blog. I decided it was best to link 98 of those photos to my blog, instead of posting them in here. Photos include fabulous commentary from yours truly. http://picasaweb.google.com/tahleaj/Hawaii?authkey=yoOmocXyW_4

Flight Cancellation

After graduating from BYUH six years ago, a reunion was a necessity. Yet, this reunion almost didn't happen. A week before we were flying to Hawaii, ATA (our flight carrier) went bankrupt and immediately canceled all flights. What chaos! They left people stranded in Hawaii (like that's a bad thing), while others scrambled for last minute flights.

Fortunately, we received a full refund, but ticket prices began to soar. Our cheap $295 tickets were quickly becoming $1000. Oh, it seemed hopeless:-( Yet, I have great faith that remarkable blessings can come in times of desperation. Like getting to Hawaii of course!! A few days later, my dad came across a very reasonably priced ticket. It was the last seat available (according to travelocity). The downside was that I would have to spend 8 days, instead of 5 days in Hawaii (Bummer).

A bright note to my trip was running into my old Bishop from BYUH in my layover city - SLC. Of all places to run into someone, it would be the airport. Yes, my trip down memory lane was just beginning:-)

4 nights in Honolulu

The first 4 days were spent in Honolulu with my friends Jackie, Jen, Jon, and Kristen (I know a lot of J' people - good people:-) We did the wonderful touristy things including Pearl Harbor and the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Bring good walking shoes, cash, sunblock and patience a' plenty (Lines can get long at Pearl Harbor. Plus, you're in Hawaii - everything's slow). *Note on the Swap Meet - Buy everything here! Don't give into the lil' gift shops in Waikiki. You'll find greater selection and pricing at the Swap Meet (only open Wed. and Sat.)

Don't miss another important spot on the map - the Polynesian Cultural Center. Right next to BYUH and employed by BYUH students. The center highlight six polynesian cultures through dance, shows, food, etc. Highlights include village performances and the exceptional night show!

Learn to greet people in six different languages: Bula (Fijian), Aloha (Hawaiian), Talofa (Samoan), Kia Ora (Aotearoa), Iaorana (Tahitian), Malo e Lelei (Tongan). Additional local Hawaiin Pidgin phrasing would say "Was' up, brah?" or "Whaddsdascoops?!"

Every Hawaiian vacation needs a local language lesson to blend in with the surfers! Ha! Or just to get some good laughs at the attempt. A little surf lingo: "Da kine wave, brah. Jus carve up or slam the lid, or be pitched like there no tomorrow!"

Now that your language lesson is complete, you're ready to explore the north shore! Head to Sunset Beach, view Pipeline, snorkel at Shark's Cove, swim at Waimea Bay, then head to Haliewa to enjoy the popular Matsumoto's (shaved ice) experience.

Pineapple addicts everywhere flock to the Dole Plantation to savor the great flavor, view baby pineapple, and get lost in the pineapple maze.

4 Nights in Ka'a'ava

Due to my longer then expected stay on Oahu (again, woe is me), I needed a place to stay. My amazing friend, Shana, hooked me up with a great guest house in Ka'a'ava where some of her family lives. Amazing people and amazing abode that overlooked the ocean. Perfect way to enjoy the second-half of my vacation.

My quality, alone time was spent hiking Diamond Head, wandering different beaches, visiting the Laie Temple, and spending quality time at BYUH. I even wandered down to the Kokua Festival put on by Jack Johnson - just didn't get to see Jack.

Traveling alone gave me the opportunity to interact more with other tourists and locals. I forgot how sincere and kind people can be in Hawaii. Of course, not everyone's that way - like the rental car lady that tried to get this haole girl lost when I asked for directions (good thing i knew she was wrong). Or the short-tempered, grumbly clerks at a few stores in Haliewa. Yet, those little experiences can't compete with the warm aloha spirit many locals carry with them.

Overall, an amazing experience that leaves me longing for more time (and money) to go back. Another six years would be way too long. I need an annual trip (at the very least). Or if anyone needs a tour guide, I suppose I'd be willing to sacrifice the time and energy to go with you. Fo' Real! Good excuse to go back:-)