Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hawaii Trip – Day 1

We got up at 4am for a full travel day. First, we took a two hour flight to Chicago and had a slight layover, then flew directly to Hawaii. All of our flights were on time, without issues, so that was a very good thing. The flight to Hawaii was 9 hours. I have to say that it wasn’t as bad as I originally thought it would be. Once we landed, we went to claim our bags and there was a lady with a cart of fresh flower leis. We bought two because I always wanted one, just like you see in the movies. It was full of fresh orchids and smelled lovely. Next, we got our rent a car which is a Chrysler Sebring Convertible. I think it will be so fun to explore the island in with the top down.

We arrived at the hotel around 3:30pm Hawaii time. Check-in went smoothly. They greeted us with their signature drink called an Elixir and a cold washcloth to cool down. They refer to this hotel as the pink palace and that it is. The staff wears pink, pink is in all of the décor and even the room keys are pink. It was done in a very tasteful way. We came up to our room and I just love it. It ultimately reminds me of what I would want my bedroom to look like at home.


Our room. I heart the wallpaper.


Our fresh flower leis

We got ready to head out and explore a bit to familiarize ourselves with the area. From the beach we have the most magnificent view of Diamond Head. I can’t wait to hike it! The ocean is also so clear and blue. It really is like nothing I have seen before. The best way to describe it is a cross between Miami and Mexico, but so unique and beautiful.


View of the beach and Diamond Head from the beach. This photo doesn't do it justice.


The pool. I can't wait to layout in one of these chairs

Next, we went to The Royal Hawaiian Shops and had a cheap date night dinner at the food court. It was about 5pm here at that point, which meant that it was 11pm at home. Needless to say, I wasn’t that hungry. We ate at a place called Maui Taco and I had a salad and a chicken taco. It was decent. The shops in the mall are high-end and there is a Kate Spade shop that I must visit. We went to the ABC shop and this place has everything that we will ever need for the entire trip. We bought some rafts for the water and had them blown up there with the air machine. It was funny carrying them back to the hotel.

We came up to our room and got into our swimsuits. By this time, it was around sunset. We decided not to get into the ocean and went to the pool instead. It was around this time that vacation mode fully set in. I looked around and knew I was in paradise. All of the tiki torches were lit, the palm trees were swaying and the sky looked like it was a postcard. Geof and I laughed, talked, swam and just enjoyed the night. Before we were about to get out, we took a dip in the hot tub. It was just what I needed after a long travel day. Once we got out, we took a walk on the beach and then came to our room and called it a night.


Geof splashing around!

Early sunset

Late sunset from the pool.

I loved my lei
Fresh banana bread when we came back to our room

36 comments:

Sandra said...

Looks like nothing short of Paradise! :-)

Shoshanah said...

I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, and your picture make me want to go even more. I'm pretty much amazed by how beautiful your leis look!

Modern Maven said...

EVERYTHING looks AMAZING! I would LOVE to go to HI!

Lis said...

Oh my goodness these pictures are amazing!! Looks like y'all are having an amazing time - it looks like total Heaven!! I love the leis - so pretty!! Your room is awesome - and the banana bread looks to die for! I can't wait to see more about your trip!!! :)

KAC said...

The pictures are AMAZING!! Glad you're having a fabulous time!

The Queen of Clearance said...

Im so jealous! looks like you are having a great time! everything is so pretty there...that wallpaper is killer!

Nat said...

It looks gorgeous!!! I want to go to the pink palace- I can't wait to see how the whole trip goes I hope it's fun and relaxing!

Taryn said...

Jules, you are so so so lucky! It looks absolutely breathtaking!! Love the flower leis...I would definitely have bought one too. :)

P.S. I broke down and took a quick peek at my Target registry. I'm so weak!!! *sigh*

Loving Life said...

SOOOOO PRETTY!!! Looks like you are having a fabulous time!

Shannon said...

I <3 the wallpaper too! I love Hawaii, hope you and the hubby have a great time!

Mrs EyeCanSee said...

Oh I'm so jealous!! I wish I was back! I know exaclty which hotel you're at...it's gorgeous! Aren't the ABC stores amazing! It's where I did most of my shopping, haha. There's literally one on EVERY CORNER! It's insane.

Have a blast, can't wait to hear all about! That hike up Diamondhead is a climp, but totally worth it.

Perpetual Prep said...

Looks like a fab time! I can't wait for my hubby and I to take a tropical vacay together :)

Krista said...

Beautiful!! Have a great week! I look forward to reading your updates! My hubbs and I leave for Maui a week from tomorrow!! Can't wait!

Melissa said...

Everything looks gorgeous! I love the pink hotel room decor and your leis! Glad you're having fun!

Megan said...

Your trip is sounding wonderful!

Katie @ Loves of Life said...

That wallpaper looks JUST like your background on blogger--SO WEIRD! I am also insanely jealous! yummm banana bread. Ugh! I want to be there!

Brittany Ann said...

The Pink Palace! How perfect for you! Glad you're having fun!

Southern Champagne Wishes said...

I heart that wallpaper, too! Oh, my gosh it looks so beautiful there. I am sooo jealous!

I love it when places have lounge chairs that are actually in the pool - how great is that?

Also, the beach looks absolutely gorgeous. What a perfect time to go on vacation - you get to extend your summer a little bit longer. I cannot wait to see more photos!

And you must visit the Kate Spade store if you have time in Paradise - I would love to see what they have.

Shannon Dew said...

looks gorgeous!!! i'm totally jealous!

The Queen of Clearance said...

I know your on vacation....BUT.....YOU WON!!!!!!!!!! you won my yoplait delight giveaway! Yippy! I will need your full name, email address, blog url, and home address sent to my email at emcclana@gmail.com and I will forward it on to the lady who handles sending your package out to you! Congrats!

Poolside with the Girls said...

Paradise indeed!

That banana bread looks amazing. So does everything else.

Enjoy!

Kate said...

That bedroom is gorgeous! Glad to hear you are having an amazing trip :)

Jill said...

What an amazing beginning to your trip!

I think you are staying in the perfect place... The Pink Palace. Love it, Love the room... so you.

Christina said...

That looks like a fabulous trip so far! I'm so happy for you! :)

nanny said...

oh those sunsets!!!! when you said tiki torches came on i just shivered.....so awesome...a feeling you will never forget...

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

oh it looks beautiful! and the pink palace, love it! glad you're having a great trip so far!

Katy said...

Sounds like fun!

Unknown said...

I miss Hawaii dearly...can't wait to read more & see more pics! Have fun, Jules!!

Annie said...

looks amazing!
i want to go, now...please!? ;)

Tasha said...

Those leis are so pretty and your room is awesome! I loved Hawaii when I was there for our honeymoon! I look forward to reading more about your trip! My favorite thing about Hawaii was that every time you step outside, you can smell fresh flowers. The air is definitely sweeter there! Aloha Jules! Have so much fun!

The Pink Chick said...

Beautiful pictures! The room is absolutely gorgeous!

Wearing Mascara said...

Ooooo beautiful!!!!!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Can I tell you how jealous I am??? It looks incredible!

The Queen of Clearance said...

Hey! This really suck but I have to turn in the winners infor on my giveaway by friday. So It I dont hear from you by thursday, I have to pick another winner! I know you are on vacation and this really makes me feel crappy....so I hope you get my comments before thursday!

Unknown said...

Looks like a beautiful trip! I always love when there are little snacks left in the room.

Katie said...

make sure you go to the Hula Grill and order the homemade ice cream sandwich, and go to Duke's its delicious!!