Life, Love & My Pursuit of Happiness: Aloha, Hawaii!

I'm back from paradise. Had an amazing time. I'm currently in the process of trying to figure out a way for me to move there and live permanently. I'm not kidding. I've never been so happy in my life than when I was there. Though it was just a vacation, I saw myself living there for life.

As we were descending into Honolulu, I had butterflies in my stomach. Not just from the turbulence but with the anticipation of what the next 10 days were going to bring. As they opened the door to the jet way, the intoxicating smell of rain and tropical flowers filled my senses. My friend greeted me in Hawaiian fashion with the most beautiful lei. I instantly felt at home.

My plan was to have no plans and just take each day as it came. My friend wasn't able to take as much time off as she hoped for but was gracious enough to offer me her car. Oahu is surprisingly easy to get around in. There didn't seem to be road rage either, in fact people are SO accommodating of merging traffic. Not so much in Minneapolis. One thing I noticed about traffic is the speed limit is about 10 miles less there but people manage to go over by 15 mph. Go figure. I only got lost twice but thanks to GPS I found my way.

Here is how I spent my days in Hawaii:

Monday: It rained but still was a beautiful day. I went to Pearl Harbor. It was difficult to hear the stories and see pictures not to mention the remains of that horrific day. Went to Hickam Air Force Base and watched the sunset as the rain cleared out by the end of the day.

Tuesday: Went to Ko'Olina Lagoon in Kopolei which is about 30 minutes West of Honolulu. SO BEAUTIFUL. I laid out and soaked up the sun.

Wednesday: Went to the weekly Flea market at Aloha Stadium. It was your cheap Hawaiian trinket paradise. This is where I picked up a majority of my gifts for family and my boy. :) Spent the afternoon at the pool.

Thursday: My friend Amie was able to take one day off and she took me around the entire Island. I saw my first Whale Breach on this day too! Also experienced my first shaved ice. So yummy. We also visited Dole Plantation. Did you know that it takes 2 years for one Pineapple to grow?! Crazy. Went to North Shore scoped out all of the big surf beaches and even saw Sea Turtles!! It was an awesome day!

Friday: Went back to Ko'Olina and beached it again.

Saturday: Went Whale watching. The best $60 I've ever spent. I saw about 20 breaches. The most incredible thing I've ever experienced.

Sunday: Toured the Island again. H3 Scenic drive. Went to Chinaman's Hat, Kualoa Ranch and hit up a Burger place on the way home. Fun fact is Kualoa ranch is where a TON of movies have been filmed (Jurassic Park, 50 first Dates etc...). Spent the afternoon at the pool again.

Monday: I was hoping to do a Shark Dive but it didn't work out. One thing about Hawaii is there isn't a sense of urgency when it comes to calling people back or confirming anything. It's a VERY laid back place. Hang Loose is a way of life. I was bummed about the shark dive but this just means I need to go back! I spent Monday back at North Shore and went to Waimea Falls. It was so lush, so green, so beautiful. It was a bit overcast this day with a few showers but still the surroundings were SO beautiful. We went back to Hickam Air Force Base and watched another sunset.

Tuesday: Went back to Ko'Olina for my last minute sun. I loved Ko'Olina and would recommend ANYONE to vacation at their resorts. Though pricey, it is so beautiful. The weather is perfect, everyday. That part of the Island has is very dessert like and has sun everyday and very few clouds. Plus the ocean is just so beautiful. Crashing waves and Mountains in the distance. Perfection. Tuesday night I was able to capture my first and only Rainbow. It was Hawaii's way to saying goodbye and to come back, soon!

It was wonderful trip. I saw everything I wanted to see and felt I had a true Hawaiian experience. I will be back to visit and if my dreams come true, to stay for good.

I took over 500 pictures. I edited them down to 220. Below are some of my favorite shots. Enjoy!