ALOHA

Poke, Pareos and Poi; Maui Nō Ka ʻOi

/ Trips and Salsa / 1 Comment

… jk about poi tho.

I sometimes forget this was intended to be a travel/adventure blog since it turned into a bit of a cancer journal. Well, I finally have a trip to report on and have been putting it off, mostly because I’ve felt like crap lately. Let’s dive in…   

As soon as I got vaccinated and received doctor’s approval to travel, I hopped on a plane to Maui. I had the whole row to myself which felt a bit like winning the lottery. After hugging my sis and nephews, I immediately went to Tamura’s for a poke bowl and then hopped in the ocean. Priorities. 

I stayed at the Royal Lahaina since my parent’s house is being rented, which was sweet because it felt more like a relaxing vacation. I read a lot of books, laid in the sun, swam in the ocean, and adventured as much as my body allowed. I hopped over to Oahu for a few days to see one of my college roommates and eat Hula Pie.

Two of my girlfriends flew in for a couple days and I got to show them some of my favorite secret spots on the island. We watched an epic sunset from a catamaran, walked through a magical forest, spent the day in my favorite waterfall, ate more poke and watched lots of Friends. 

One of the main reasons we flew out to Maui was to celebrate my nephew’s 10th birthday. First his big brother surprised him, then I flew in a few days later and then my parents flew in a couple days after that. After the year we all just had, it was so lovely to just be together as a family. We ate pizza, swam, and spoiled the birthday boy with alllll the Legos. 

The island seems like it’s not ready for tourists quite yet, or at least it wasn’t when I was there. Restaurant reservations are all booked up, rental cars were going for as much as $900/day and people were renting U-Hauls, places ran out of food, and they’re not able to let guests in full capacity until more locals get vaccinated. So just do your research before you book a trip and don’t expect as much aloha as you may have experienced pre-pandemic. 

I actually felt like crap the first bit of my trip because I was on my monthly steroids but I truly believe the Hawaiian waters are healing. 

There were several situations where I was like I’m not sure I’ll be able to do something but I’m still going to try, and I surprised myself with what I was able to do.  I had to take a tiny plane to and from Oahu and wasn’t sure I’d be able to get up the sketchy ladder stairs by myself, but I just went for it and was totally fine. 

I was also worried about getting in and out of my favorite waterfall but that sure didn’t keep me from trying. I wouldn’t have been able to on my own so thank God for good friends. If that isn’t a metaphor for life, then idk what is. 

Hawaii is pure magic. 

This was a perfect first trip post pandemic/cancer diagnosis. I could adventure a little and relax a lot. I can’t wait until I’m able to travel like I used to but for now Hawaii will do.

Also, my freckles are back. 🙂

alooooha

Tropical Fits

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Typically this time of year, I’d be in Hawaii. I’ve never gone this long without a trip “home”, yes I still consider Hawaii home, and it’s major bumming me out. So I put together this little board of wearable tropical vibes / aloha print goodies to feel a little closer to the Aloha State.

I tried to touch on every article of clothing I could think of to offer a wide variety of tropical goodness. I couldn’t find any good shoes so if you have any recs send them my way.

This took way too long to compile because it’s the dead of winter… but worth it.

1. Free People Aloha One Piece – It even has aloha in the name.

2. Anthropologie Arielle Sleep Maxi Dress – I actually got my mum this for Christmas and she wears it all the time.

3. Aloha Collection Mid Lei Lei Pouch in Orchid – I have a tote and a few of their pouches and LOVE them. The pouch bags are perfect for wet bikinis, cosmetics or organizing the inside of a larger bag. Who doesn’t love bags in bags?

4. Billabong Wetsuit in Iris – We unfortunately need to wear wetsuits to swim in the ocean in California… why not do it in style?

5. Tropical Face Mask – because that’s the world we live in right now.

6. Gigi Pip 2020 Sloan Straw Hat – Now that I rock a wig, I also love to throw on a hat to make it look a little less wiggy.

7. Slowtide Tarovine Towel – This towel looks like pure sunshine. I dig the tassels.

8. Wa’ahia Future is Wahine Tee – Preach.

9. Beach Riot Cara Legging & Bowie Top in Taupe Vintage Tropical – Workout gear in aloha print? Yes, please.

10. Misha Hawaii Tahitian Pearl Bangle – Every coconut girl needs this staple in their jewelry box.

11. L*SPACE Skyler Pant & Hayes Pullover – Our national wardrobe is now matching sweatsuits (not complaining at all) and how cute is this print?

12. Show Me Your Mumu Say Jay Ruffle Dress in Bright Blooms – Mumu is one of my favorite brands because they always have such fun bright prints and this dress is e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

13. Jams World Print Top in Floral Breeze – This one seems a little cheesy but I actually love Jams World. Paired with some cut off jeans and a flower in your hair and voila!

14. Stone Fox Swim Lele Top in Jungle Iris – Now that I’ve lost weight (thanks cancer), I might actually be able to rock a kini like this. Maybe.

15. Coco Moon Hibiscus Kiss Pareo – This is actually a baby company but they came out with pareos and this hibiscus print gives me hella heart eyes.

Now I’m going to go curl up into a ball and cry about how much I miss Hawaii. Jk… kinda.

aloha