Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Aloha…we’re going to Hawaii!

I cannot wait and I am beyond excited. Geof and I have been discussing this potential trip for at least 3 months and finally flipped the switch over the weekend and booked it. We aren’t necessarily rolling in dough right now, but we just came to the decision that with rates still low (but slowly creeping up) and the fact that we don’t have anything tying us down right now, it’s the perfect time.

We leave in mid-September and we’re staying on Oahu in Waikiki at The Royal Hawaiian, otherwise known as “The Pink Palace” (how fitting, right?). The hotel is absolutely gorgeous and with all of Geof’s travel for work, we were able to cash in some free nights to offset the cost of the entire trip. We will be there really close to our 1st anniversary and plan on celebrating while there.

I have lots of research to do, but I am asking you my trusted blog lovelies; Have you been to any of the Hawaiian Islands and if so, what is a must see/do while we’re there?

Here are some photos of our hotel:

59 comments:

yours truly... said...

AHHHHHHH!! This looks amazing!! you will have so much fun! I'm insanely jealous!!

Anonymous said...

Yay, have so much fun! I have wanted to go forever!!

The Queen of Clearance said...

HAve fun! It will be a blast..my parents went for their 25th anniversary and they didnt want to come home!

Gwen said...

Oh you are going to love Hawaii!!! We didn't stay at the Pink Palace but we did visit and it's gorgeous!!! Definitely walk the strip at night to see all of the entertainers!!! It's so much fun!!! Do lots of beach time, visit the Dole pineapple plantation, get some shrimp from one of the shrimp wagons on the north shore, go see China Man's Hat for sure (makes for great photos), visit the Pearl Harbor memorial, hit up the swap meet at the stadium (they have the best/cheapest stuff there) and definitely hike Diamond Head.

Okay...so I don't know how long you are staying but we were there for a week when my sister lived there and used her as a tour guide but we jammed so much fun into that 7 days!!! You will have a blast!!!

XOXO

Linda said...

So lucky. Looks amazing. I'm jealous!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

JEALOUS!! You are going to have a blast!!

Anonymous said...

omg Jules! that looks so incredible :-) Have a wonderful time!!!

Mrs EyeCanSee said...

eek! I know exactly where you're staying and it.is.gorgeous!! I've only been to Oahu, and though not the most secluded of the islands, I still thought it was amazing! You really MUST hike Diamondhead (I'm so not in shape and I could handle it) the view from the top is incredible. And you MUST take a day trip up to the North Shore. It's much more "islandy" and "local" up there!

Unknown said...

I am jealous...yeah, I said it! ;-) I haven't been to Hawaii since we moved (from Honolulu) in 1986. I was fortunate enough to be born there and live there until I was 8. I miss it so much! I still have family on Oahu, though.

I think you need to visit Sea Life Park, Chinatown, Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, the Dole pineapple plantation...I can always email my cousin for some good suggestions!

Sara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sara said...

The great thing about Hawaii is all the beaches (except military bases) are public. Lanikai in Kailua is great for kayaking (and it's where all the rich people live) and Turtle Bay is great for snorkeling. Also, be sure to go up to the North Shore to watch some surfers and get a shave ice. It's the best you'll ever have. I promise!

And, of course you have to go to Pearl Harbor. Oh! And, the Hale Koa has the BEST Luau. And Mai Tais! Yum! I want to go back now!

Bonnie said...

Can I come too!? j/k ;)

I hope ya'll have a blast at the Pink Palace!

Poolside with the Girls said...

I've been to the big Island. I don't think you can go wrong where you are heading.

Have a GREAT time!!!!

Carlito86 said...

Oh wow I'm so excited for you! x

Kate said...

I was sold as soon as I saw the water slide ;)

Brittany Ann said...

Oh, I am so so jealous, but happy y'all can go! I've never been, so I can't wait to hear how your trip goes!

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

yaaay that is sooo exciting!!! we've never been so i have no info but oh my goodness you are going to have so much fun=)!!

Taryn said...

You lucky, lucky girl! I'm insanely jealous...but I know you will have a blast!! I can't wait to see your pictures so I can live vicariously through you. :)gogo

The Pink Chick said...

I am so jealous! Have fun!!! Oh and if you have a little room in your luggage-take me!!! :)

Southern Champagne Wishes said...

That hotel looks so incredible! Hawaii is on my list of places to go - you are going to have so much fun there! Could it be any more beautiful?

Prissy Southern Prep said...

I can't wait to hear all about the trip when you return. I want to go to Hawaii someday, but I just wouldn't even know where to start with the planning!! So glad I can learn some things from you.

Kim said...

OMG!!! Amazing - that looks fabulous!! You will have the best time ever!!!

KAC said...

Those pictures are amazing you're going to have the BEST time!!

Shoshanah said...

I've always wanted to go to Hawaii but have never been. I hope you guys have a blast

Nat said...

That looks AMAZING!!!!! It's going to be awesome!! I haven't ever been to Hawaii but my parents went and loved Maui, they said it was there favorite island!!

Sydney Carver Snyder said...

oh wow that looks like heaven!!! that is so exciting!!!

TracyZLesh @ Then I Got To Thinking said...

Oh my gosh... I am SO jealous!!!! It is so beautiful there! Have so much fun!

Amy Lynn said...

I went to Hawaii when I was about 8, and I still carry great memories from it! I'm sure you will have an AWESOME time!!!!! You must go to Pearl Harbor! It's a sad, but moving, and amazing experience. ENJOY!

Melissa said...

OMG it looks gorgeous! You're going to have so much fun!

EmilyB said...

That's AWESOME!!! How fun to have a great trip to look forward to. Can't wait to hear how you plan for it.....it's just so exciting!!!

Under this Umbrella said...

I am beyond jealous...WOW, you will have such an amazing time. Your hotel looks fantastic and I am closing my eyes and dreaming that I am sitting under one of those palm trees.

Keep us posted as you research and plan. YAY for you!

Megan said...

I am SO jealous and SO happy for you! You're going to have such an amazing time!!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so jealous!! :). Hope you have a beyond fabulous time!!

Anonymous said...

lucky! Sounds like soo much fun :)

Unknown said...

That looks awesome!

Anonymous said...

oh WoW!!! :D

Kassie said...

How exciting!! I stayed at the hotel with my family when I was little...it was gorgeous!

Posh Peach said...

Oh how fun!! Hawaii is soo beautiful. Definitely hike Diamond Head volcano. There are great views at the top. My favorite thing I did when I was there was take a surf lesson. It was awesome and so much fun!

Elizabeth said...

That is SO exciting!! I'm jealous. It looks BEAUTIFUL!

PinkSass said...

Seriously the pink palace...what a perfect place! You guys are going to have so much fun! I've never been to Hawaii and P and I both want to go.

Lindsey said...

Wow!! It looks gorgeous! I am uber jealous! We stayed on Kauai for our honeymoon and if you get the chance, island hop over there. It's gorgeous!

Beth Dunn said...

OMG that looks gorgeous. Have so much fun. I'm already jealous. xo

CIP said...

Holy crap, JEALOUS!!!! It looks so beautiful. I've never been...how long will your day of travel to get there be?

Headbands and Hand Bags said...

How fun! What a great trip to look forward too!

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

OHHHHH....so very jealous!!!! :D

Me in Memphis said...

I was out there for a conference, stayed at the Sheraton next door. But a bunch of coworkers stayed there instead, and loved it. I think they've even done more renovations since then (this was probably 6 years ago...) Have fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Ahh you will have so much fun! Definitely rent a car for a day (a convertible in my preference) and drive to the North Shore. The drive is fabulous and their are great little shops and sights to see.

HRH COLLECTION said...

Oh wow! The Royal Hawaiian is a fabulous old world charm yet modern hotel! Ive stayed there many times, its def one of my favorite hotels in the world. Actually, i recently did a post on it :) Have a great trip!!!! xx

Unknown said...

Ohh that looks amazing! You'll have such a great time!

Lis said...

Ahhhh!! OMG!!! I'm soooo excited for y'all!!!! You are going to have a blast! The pictures look amazing!!!

I sadly don't have any advice since I've never been!! But I do hope to go one day!!! :)

Miss Sweet Tea said...

How AWESOME! This sounds like the best trip and a great getaway!!!

BLC :o said...

Oh la la!!!! You will have SOOOO much fun. Enjoy! Xoxo-BLC

Megan said...

It looks wonderful! I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Mrs. McB said...

Looks amazing!!!! I am so jealous! Some day!!! :)

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

WOW! You're going to have a great time--congrats!

Jill said...

How EXCITING!!!! Y'all are going to have the best time.

Tasha said...

Awesome! We went to Oahu for our honeymoon and you guys are going to LOVE it!!! For a nice anniversary dinner, think about Hy's steakhouse near Waikiki Beach. Delicious and romantic atmosphere!

My suggestions:
1. Rent a car to drive up to the North Shore to watch a sunset on Sunset Beach.
2. Pearl Harbor (get there early- the lines are ridiculously long).
3. The huge maze at the Dole Pineapple plantation is silly and fun (get the pineapple sherbet- yum!)
4. Hike Diamond Head for an amazing view of Waikiki Beach.
5. The International Marketplace on Waikiki is a huge outdoor shopping area with tons of unique souveniers.

A casual place to eat with good food, drinks, and a view of Waikiki Beach is called Tiki's. It was one of our favorite places.

Have so much fun!!!

nanny said...

Went to Oahu years ago,,since then have been to Maui,,,,don't think you can go wrong anywhere called "Hawaii"!!! Just go outside, take a deep breath and enjoy heaven.

Lola Cupcake said...

How fun! We are going to Hawaii too. It's so fun just knowing that it's ahead of us. You guys are going to have a blast!