Monday, March 7, 2016

Hawaii Calls



Years ago, my cousin Lee returned from Hawaii for a short visit. Her husband was on his billionth tour of duty in the lovely island state. Her eyes lit up as she described the beauty and impressive sights. Even though it was a long swim from San Diego to Honolulu, I added it to my bucket list as a “Really Must Do!” 
Submarine surfacing near Waikiki



My husband and I did a lot of traveling within the continental US, but Hawaii remained in my dreams until our brother-in-law mentioned he was forming his annual group for a trip – destination Hawaii. An enthusiastic discussion about why we should tag along followed. The picture album lent visual appeal to the verbal description. 


Almost sold on the idea, hubby just about choked when he found out about non-refundable policies. I held my breath for a few short seconds. Finally he agreed it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to visit Waikiki and walk along the sand, even if it meant he couldn’t change his mind without losing dollars.
 
I enjoyed the flight and the opportunity to look down on the Pacific. Giant ocean liners looked like tiny boats in the distance. The wake added to the foam and waves, with sunlight cheerfully glinting from the water. It didn’t seem like such a long distance from San Diego to Oahu, Hawaii’s third largest island. Talk about fantastic weather! We walked out to the benches and enjoyed the sun while waiting for the rest of the group. 


View of Diamond Head by NASA




The indoor and outdoor shopping centers were crowded with locals and tourists searching for everyday items and souvenirs. The impressive beaches and white sand attracted all of us. I couldn’t talk anyone else into hiking with me from the hotel to Diamond Head, so I went myself. The homes were amazing, and the landscaping even more so. An elderly woman was tending to her flowers and invited me into the yard to admire her handiwork. She directed me to the bus stop so I could ride back. That is a long walk!



We participated in paying our respects at the Pear Harbor memorial, attended several luaus, and decided to plan a return trip as soon as possible. We visited other islands each time we returned, and made sure to program a few days in Waikiki. 
Forest and Kim Starr captured beautiful photos of flowers in Hawaii.


Perhaps it’s just this long winter, but I think I hear Hawaii calling my name again. It would be wonderful to visit one more time.

Is there a special place to visit on your bucket list?

19 comments:

  1. I lived in Hawaii for 2 years after I completed my undergrad. It was one of the best times of my life. I dream of breaking the family back with me someday. You've left me nostalgic and wanderlusting :)

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  2. There is no more beautiful place on this earth than Hawaii, in my opinion. It's an island Garden of Eden.

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  3. Beautiful photos! I would love to travel to Hawaii one day and see the absolute beauty like in these pics!

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  4. Someone who goes to our church used to live in Hawaii. They said it's absolutely beautiful, so I would love to visit one day.

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  5. I've only stayed on the big island in an overnight to get to Maui, but love seeing pearl Harbor. I only saw Diamond head from a distance.

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  6. Hawaii is so pretty and my skin looks so good there. I love your photos. My bucket list is to see where Downton Abbey was filmed. My first bucket list was Ireland but since I've gone I need to have another one I think ;)

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  7. I would like to see Hawaii. I am thinking of coming up with a list of places to visit.

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  8. Gosh, your trip sounded so nice. I can see why you want to take another trip down there. I need to go some day.

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  9. I love Hawaii and was born in Honolulu. It's an exotic paradise but being in the U.S. makes it easy to get around and communicate.

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  10. Hawaii is beautiful!
    My husband and I have been there twice and we loved it.

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  11. I have always wanted to go to Hawaii. It is at the top of my bucket list. I am hoping to get there in the next few years.

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  12. Hawaii is on our family bucket list too. All of these pics are making me want to go more

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  13. I loved visiting Hawaii! It's so beautiful and romantic! I can't wait to go back again some day!

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  14. I so want to visit Hawaii some day, I used to want to go there to get married some day but that idea changed over the years. now I would just love to go visit!

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  15. I would love to answer that call. Hawaii is on my bucket list

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  16. I was supposed to go last year and had to cancel. I think my daughter was the most upset, so I do hope to replace. A trip again soon. I would'be walked to Diamond Hea. :)

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  17. I was supposed to go last year and had to cancel. I think my daughter was the most upset, so I do hope to replace. A trip again soon. I would'be walked to Diamond Hea. :)

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  18. A friend of mine went to Hawaii on her honeymoon and I was so jealous! It is so on my bucket list!

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  19. I would love to visit Hawaii someday with my family. It looks so amazing. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

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