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Aloha!! I hope everyone’s summer is going well. Soon we’ll be back to the back-to-school routine.
As I said a few months ago, we attended our friends’ destination wedding in Hawaii, and I also believe it was a much-needed vacation for the two of us.
Every day was full of extraordinary views, superb experiences, and priceless memories. Come along as I talk about the best parts of my Hawaiian vacation!
Table of Contents
Hawaii Expenses
Flights (2x) + Hotel: $3,728.06
Car rental (roundtrip): $394.54
Mauka Warriors Luau: $243.22
Food and Gifts: $250-$300
Day 1
The Arrival and Setting in
I’ve traveled many times in my life, to say the least. The 10-hour flight from New York to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines was one of the most comfortable flights I’ve ever had. The turbulence sensation was close to none. The service was great. Also, for an airline to offer complimentary wine, that is the cherry on top.
Once we landed, we took a Lyft to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel for $27. Uber wanted to charge $58 for the same destination. Sometimes it makes no sense, but hey, it’s business; you either take it or leave it.
Upon entering the hotel lobby, you can hear the commotion of the crowd, some heading to the beach, waiting on their ride, and some just arriving, just like us.
When we originally booked our room, it was for a king-size bedroom. It was changed to a two-bedroom room. We were too tired and hungry to ask why, so we went along with it.
After settling down, we went for a quick walk in search of a meal, and we ended up stopping at a Mexican Grill restaurant. We had two bowls and draft beer for $44. To me, it was a fair price, if not the same as what we pay for in New York.
Now that we finished eating, it was time to rest our bodies, especially since being 6 hours behind New York added to our fatigue.
Day 2
Exploring the local culture
After getting our freshly brewed coffee, we went for a walk around town. Some parts of the island remind me of Florida, if you ever have been. We stumbled upon the shopping mall, local stores, and many food trucks. Warm smiles welcomed us, and then they said, “Aloha.”
The Aloha spirit means: hello and welcome. It can also be used to show love, peace, and compassion.
That afternoon, I joined the soon-to-be married couples and friends for a picnic on the beach. After all the joking around, taking family pictures, and playing with the kids, I went back to the room and called it a day. The time lag is real.
Day 3
Exploring continues
I woke up with a sore throat. I want to believe it was due to the drizzling rain from the day before. Thinking I’m still young, I played with my friend’s kids by the beach without covering my bald head. But I’m too determined to let it change my journey, especially since tomorrow is the wedding day—the main reason we’re here in Waikiki.
To stay motivated and energized, I decided to take a walk to Leonard’s Bakery, famous for its delicious stuffed donuts. They have some great treats there. If you ever make the trip and are looking for a snack, I highly recommend them.
As for their price range, I got three items for $8. Since I’m not big on sweets, I want to believe it was all worth it. The wife enjoyed it, and that’s good enough for me.
For dinner, we went to Piko’s Kitchen + Bar, also located on the shopping boulevard. We enjoyed their special: a $5 burger and $5 for any draft beer of choice.
The atmosphere was great. I sat facing all the commotion and traffic. The only complaint I had was that the burger was a bit salty. Otherwise, it was a great experience. Additionally, not being charged for beer refills was mind-blowing. I have no clue if it was part of the deal or if the server was kind enough not to charge us.
All in all, our meal cost us $24.64—not bad, right?
Once we were all set, we resumed our walk toward our hotel. Before calling it a day, we sat on a bench on the beach, watching surfers do what they do best, others practicing the hula dance, and some simply taking a nap.
That was it for the day. Time to get our beauty sleep for tomorrow’s celebration.
Day 4
The Wedding Day: A Close Call
The day has arrived. If we had left our room fifteen minutes later, we would’ve missed the whole ceremony.
Here’s what happened. Knowing it would take us 45 minutes to reach Lanikai Beach, we left an hour prior. When our Uber dropped us off at the destination stated on the invitation card, we realized we were in trouble.
We had to order another uber.
For those planning to attend a destination wedding, especially in Hawaii, I suggest getting to know exactly where it will be. It wasn’t until I asked a friend to share his location that we realized we were at the wrong spot.
Lanikai Beach Strip is three miles long, with many corridors between residential homes. The drop-off point given to us on the invitation card was half a mile away from where we were supposed to be. So, make sure you know the correct corridor access number.
After all, we made it fifteen minutes before the ceremony ended. At least we arrived in time to see their first kiss as newlyweds.
As for the ceremony, it was nice and simple. I know we all had a blast.
Overall, it was a great day.
Day 5
Tradition Luau Event
Another beautiful day on Honolulu island.
I’m starting to think my body is adjusting to the local time zone. I find myself waking up at my regular hour to the sound of roosters. This reminds me of my childhood growing up in Haiti.
Anyway, that late afternoon, we went to a party feast and entertainment called Luau. It was a well-organized event that hosted hundreds of people from every corner of the world.
We learned about the various traditions of the indigenous people, including their dances, how the warriors prepare for battle, and the techniques they use to differentiate a friend from a foe. Coconut leaves are used for almost everything in the household, like plates, brooms, jewelry, and more.
If there’s one thing I can suggest to someone planning to go to Hawaii, it’s to make Luau part of your plans. You will not regret it.
PSA: Please bring a sweater with you so you don’t have to buy one of theirs. The Luau entertainments are in the open, and the temperature can drop to the point where you may end up buying one of their sweaters.
Day 6
Relaxation
After days of adventure, the wife wanted to relax before heading back to the mainland. So, we decided not to join our group of friends on the island tour. The tour started at seven and ended at four, and we didn’t feel like spending most of the day on the tour, although I’m pretty sure it would’ve been worth it.
Instead, we spent most of the day in our room, planning what we would do for dinner and reminiscing about how great Luau was and its highlights. We talked about how welcoming the people are on the island and how the lifestyle is similar to any other island.
When the tour was over, our friends said they were starving. After spending such a long day on a tour bus, I wasn’t surprised.
We went to the food court in the shopping center. The food choices were limited, in my opinion, but the menu was good. I guess that’s often the case when you’re hungry.
After we finished eating, the wife and I did what we do best when we find ourselves at the mall—window shopping.
If you’re a fan of homemade crafts, some stores are like candy shops for kids. You’ll find yourself spending lots of time convincing yourself why you need something. That’s how attractive their crafts are.
Day 7
A Bittersweet Farewell
I wasn’t looking forward to heading back to the mainland, but hey, who wouldn’t want to always be on vacation in Hawaii if money wasn’t an issue?
I start my mornings by waking up, gathering all the items around the room, taking a quick walk to the shop, and getting some souvenirs for the kids before heading to the airport.
Things I Did Not Get a Chance to Do
There are so many activities to do on the island that it’s quite impossible to stay bored unless you’re not the outdoor type. However, there are things I didn’t get a chance to experience:
Not visiting other islands.
Not visiting Pearl Harbor feels like a missed a lifetime opportunity.
Go for a hike up Green Mountain. It’s called that because it’s surrounded by lush greenery.
If you’re asking if the long flight is worth it, the answer is yes. The long flight is worth every penny. Unless you have a two-year-old screaming and crying during the flight, preventing you from taking a nap, just like I experienced on our way back.
That’s all, folks! Overall, it was wonderful.
Have you been to Hawaii?
Mahalo!
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