When trying to decide where my new Husband and I would spend our first official vacation together as a married couple, there was no argument, Hawaii was our only choice. We could think of no better place to spend our first married days together than the paradise everyone dreams of.
After a whirlwind wedding weekend, we arrived in Hawaii after what seemed a quick flight. I guess I was so excited to finally be in Hawaii, the flight flew by…literally! From the moment I stepped into the airport terminal, I knew Hawaii was going to be a one of a kind trip. Even the airport was relaxing and comfortable, which is hard to find in airports these days. There seemed to be no doors or windows blocking the constant warm breeze, a stark difference from our new hometown Chicago.
Driving to our hotel was breathtaking. Everywhere we turned there were luscious greens and views I had never seen before, even when driving around other beach towns in the US. I could tell that Hawaii was going to live up to the expectations I have had of a dream vacation destination. The people were so friendly, helpful, laid back, and genuine. Our room was fantastic, with views of the ocean and mountains. Being a midwesterner my whole life, it is not often I see mountains, or mountains covered in an amazing shade green. My Husband and I kept commenting that the view from our room did not seem real because it was so vibrant.
Even though we decided to take advantage of the many activities the island had waiting for us, we also wanted down time to relax. Hawaii has the perfect balance of everything. Amazing food, breathtaking beaches, friendly faces, tons of activities to do, plenty of sights to see, and of course, relaxation is an island must. From the moment you step onto the island, you just feel as though stress is lifted away and you are able to enjoy yourself completely. Even while we were hiking 4 miles up a steep mountain, it was the most relaxing thing I had done in months. Taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the moment.
I am not really a boat person due to a bad case of motion sickness, so we were not able to take advantage of these excursions but just as well to sit on the beach or watch sea turtles land themselves on rocks while we swam 10 feet from them. Instead of water, we went to the air for one of our adventures. Probably not the best idea with my motion sickness, but it has been a dream of mine to do a world-famous helicopter tour of Hawaii. So that is what we did, with conflicting outcomes. Although I did not feel my best, it was still one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. To be that close to Mother Nature’s most amazing work and to see sights I have only seen in the movies, I was glad to have done the tour, sickness and all.
Before we left for what I thought was a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii, I figured we would not be able to make it back to Hawaii. How many people can duplicate the kind of trip we had? But after the vacation, we wanted to make it a priority to return one day, and we are very soon! The activities of daily life get in the way of taking wonderful vacations that are relaxing and fun, but it should be a priority to get you back on track. My Husband and I are returning to Hawaii sooner than expected and could not be more thrilled. Hopefully, on this trip, we will not only duplicate the previous trip but make it even more spectacular and memorable. I think Hawaii is up to the challenge!