Oh, hey guys. Sorry I bailed on you last night. Five "top ten" items in, and I was done. Vacation posting is almost as much work as vacationing, right?
Here's the rest of the top five for you...
#5 Surfing... (or more accurately titled: trying to surf) We rented surfboards in Waikiki on a hot afternoon. Every other tourist on the island had the same idea. Basically you could not go two feet without hopping off your board because someone was in your way. That was where I turned into a five year old and started crying and pouting because people wouldn't get out of my way so I could get up on the board. It's a tough life, ain't it?Here's the rest of the top five for you...
#4 Body Boarding One of my very favorite days was when Greg and I and Brett and Kylee all competed with the body boards. We had two boards between the four of us. Two people would race and whoever got the furthest on the shore kept going. The winner got to stay on, the loser had to give their board to a new challenger. It kept us entertained for hours and I liked it mounds better than real surfing. No skills required- of course I'm gonna love it!
#3 Hike of Death AKA Maunawili Falls I did this hike seven years ago and remember it being easy peasy lemon squeezy. I told everyone it was the easiest hike ever, would only take half an hour, and even a little baby could handle its intensity. Turns out it was 6 miles, ridiculously muddy (three out of the five of us took serious falls) and took so long that we were hiking out in the dark. It was slightly terrifying and I apologized a million times for not having remembered the hike better- I guess it's something we won't forget, eh?
All that being said, the hike is absolutely stunning and it leads to a fresh waterfall that you can jump into at the end. Can't say no to that, can you?
#2 Waimea Bay This is my favorite beach on all of Oahu. I demanded we hit it up at least one day. It was an hour from our hotel, but so totally worth it. The waves are big and just a little scary- none of that Waikiki weaksauce stuff. The day we went was cloudy and rainy and we swam in great big waves in the pouring rain and it was one of those moments where you are positively certain that everything is right in the world. If I had it my way I'd spend a week every year on this beach. I haven't met a beach yet that comes close to comparing.
#1... THE PEOPLE We did some great stuff, yes, but no "thing" can compare to the people we were with. I was so delighted to share Hawaii with my husband and to spend the week with his parents and brother and wife. Everyone was so chill and relaxed- a relaxing week in the sun with just the right amount of adventure. No place, no beach, no activity is worth anything if you're not sharing it with the people you love. Amen and amen!
FUN FUN FUN! So jealous of your trip. there I said it. ahhhh waimea. truly heaven on earth. I sure hope you got an acai bowl while you were there too!??!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing vacation, that hike looks intense....but the scenery is stunning!
ReplyDeleteCarly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
I went to BYU-Hawaii and it made me miss all those places! Looks like so much fun :)
ReplyDeletexo
Lauren
Just read your post on Because of Jackie.. Loved it! Thanks for the tips :)
ReplyDeletewe hiked maunawili falls too! everyone i talked to about it had never heard of it. so i'm glad someone else has! it was muddy when we went too, but not til the last third of it probably. and i was in flip flops haha. it was a little rough. but it's a pretty hike still! and the waterfall is nice to stop and rest at. and yes - haunama bay. the waves were ridiculously high while we were there and almost no one could even get in the water. but it was sure cool to watch!
ReplyDeleteand by haunama, i totally meant waimea haha. my bad!
DeleteMy parents went to Hawaii a couple years ago for an anniversary. However, they spent most of the time indulging in my Dad's favorite pasttime: geo-caching.
ReplyDeletemorrellfairytale.blogspot.com
1st, you're smokin hot and I'm so over it.
ReplyDelete2nd. I'm jealous, as this weird cold front come to our town (and taken up summer residence)
3rd. glad it's awesome. All is right with the world, so stay buoyant
Girl I love that coral bathing suit you have! I've always wanted to try playing with body boards. Major jealy. Every time I see a small child with one on the beach I question if I'm evil enough to steal it.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Maunawili Falls. But man, it is a tough hike, especially when it's muddy!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so fun! I would love to try to surf! But I agree, that would be annoying with everyone in the way? How much does it cost to rent out the whole island? Kidding..kinda.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Hawaii!! Wish I could go every year!
ReplyDeleteJust wondering, did you finish the happiness project? I'm finishing it up today and I'd love a review post from you to hear your final thoughts on it.
Looks like SUCH a fun trip! Glad you could enjoy some Hawaii time!
ReplyDeleteDeidre || Love, The Skinnys
i had been waiting for this post after the great previous post, sounds like you had a great time :)
ReplyDeleteLeyla xx
mythoughtsandboredom.blogspot.co.uk
Its so hard to post about vacation because you do so much! I love the top 10 idea though! Your pictures look great! Looks like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Bonnie! I lived in Hawaii for three years. I remember the hot, hot seats and the hula dancers and the trip home on a cruise liner. Fun times. I haven't been back as an adult. Would love, love, love to spend a couple of weeks there (just to enjoy and say I did - LOL!). I love that you shared your memories on twitter. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the lovely photos Hawaii does look like a lovely place
ReplyDeletei want to go back to Hawaii!! (specifically Maui!!) love your cte lil surfing pic...you totally rock the surfing betty look!! and the water fall looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post and I just had to comment and say that Waimea Bay is my favorite beach too. When my family lived there we would go at least every other week! (:
ReplyDeleteI lived in Hawaii for 6 years and enjoyed every minute of it! So glad you enjoyed yourself and I have loved reading all the posts about your trip!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
I've always wanted to try surfing - but I'm pretty sure I would die.
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