Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Welcome to Paradise
My boyfriend’s dream vacation since childhood has always been Hawaii. And this year, we made that childhood dream come true.
After my horrendous trip to Beijing, I desperately needed some rest and relaxation. I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this before, but I’m rather high strung and especially when it involves work. As an overachiever and inheriting the worrywart gene from my mother, I have this constant, massive knot in my right shoulder blade. It’s been there for so long, it’s even got a name, “Bumpy”. Bumpy and I go waaaay back. It took two days in Hawaii to get rid of Bumpy. Unfortunately, he’s reappeared, but man, those Bumpy free days were glorious.
We began our journey to paradise with the lovely island of Oahu. The Sheraton Moana Surfrider on Waikiki was our home while on Oahu. Although a tad crowded and rather touristy, we enjoyed the hustle and bustle environment quite a bit. We rented a car and decided to take a road trip up the East coast [Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay] to the famed surfing paradise of North shore. It’s one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen in my life. Now, I’m only 28, so I am hoping it will not be the most beautiful thing I will see in my entire life…but if it is, I can live with that.
We visited a few high traffic tourist sights such as Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl Crater and Nuuanu Pali Lookout. The wait for the ferry to the Arizona memorial was horrendous so we opted to take photos from afar and peruse the Bowfin Museum next door. I got up close and personal with a Kaiten - one man Japanese suicide torpedo!
Punchbowl Crater, known by early Hawaiians as Puowaina or "Hill of Sacrifice", is the burial ground for 35,000 victims of three wars - World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Many of the unmarked graves are dated Dec. 7, 1941. To see so many grave markers, all of fallen soldier, was awe inspiring.
The Nuuanu Pali is a rocky, near-vertical cliff covered by thick vegetation that rises about 2,000 feet from the level ground on the windward side of the island of Oahu. We visited on a windy day and all I can say is I am amazed I was not blown off the cliff. Despite the cold, bone-chilling wind, the view hold you in awe and we could not help but stand and stare at the majestic beauty of nature before us.
Our next stop involved a short plane ride from Oahu to the Garden Island - Kauai. 
While Oahu possessed the rugged cliffs, seemingly untamed mountain ranges and enough greenery to make you believe you were in a lost world, the creature comforts of a modern metropolis was still available. Kauai - not so much. We purchased a travel book at the airport and was rewarded with the location of the only Wal-Mart on the island. This was where we stocked up on bottled water, snacks, bug repellent [very important], snorkeling gear and various other knick knacks. Once you leave Lihue, there is nothing! And nothing seems to cost three times as much as usual.
Instead of heading straight to our hotel on Poipu Beach, we opted to check out Wailua Falls. Waterfalls impress me to no end and I have no idea why. 
We even attempted to hike to the bottom of the falls, but didn't quite make it. I personally blame the mesquitos who decided that I would make a perfect lunch. The couple coming back up also informed us that it was nearly impossible to cross the other side of the stream to walk to the waterfall pool. Kauai contains the wettest spot on earth - Wai'ale'ale mountain. It's been an especially rainy winter so all the water ways were flowing full force!
Although Hawaiian culture is evident around Oahu, it was much more pervasive on Kauai. We took in a Luau and witnesses a spectacular show exhibiting the traditional dances of the Pacific Islanders - including the breath taking Samoan Fire Dance. 
We definately could have used more time on Kauai. There is so much to do and see with so little time. Again, we rented a car and decided to roam about the island beginning with the sights on the south shore near Poipu and head east up the coast. The next time around, we will be sure to take the helicopter tours and perhaps a guided canoe trip along the Napali coast.
This was, by far, the best vacation of my life...next up either the Greek Isles or the Amalfi Coast. What can I say, I work to live and live to play.
