I wandered again...
DAY 1
Alright kids. And adults. For Spring Break 2019 I spent 5 days in HAWAII!
I am in Oahu! On Oahu? But I’ll tell you what I’m not over Oahu ;)
My mother has this thing about Hawaii. She loves it a lot. She doesn’t understand why people would want to go anywhere else on vacation. I think she loves it more than she loves me. (Jk mom, but you seriously might love this place too much). The reason I tell you this is to preface: this is my 4th time being here 😂
I definitely love Hawaii too! I’ve only ever been to Oahu. The previous 3 trips have all been with the fam- in December- and we stayed at the same hotel. This time I came alone, but am staying with my cousin and her fam!
I landed in Honolulu yesterday- April 1st. The day of April Fools. I was a little surprised Jana didn’t have something up her sleeve. Jana is my cousin and for those of you who have not heard whispers of her name- she started the infamous Gunderson Water Fight of ‘99 (was it ‘99?). She had all the aunts locking themselves in their respective family vans hiding in terror. She unleashed the terrifying power of the rest of us vengeful Gundersons- where the only thought was to soak or be soaked. *shudder shudder*
(guys our family reunions are the best! #cantwaitforthisyearslipsynchbattle!!)
Luckily, Jana did not lay such destruction yesterday. But I’m not so nïave as to think I’m safe...there’s always next year...
Where was I? Oh yes. I haven’t started 😂
I rented a car this trip. I’m getting poshyer and poshyer as I travel. At least, I was, until I said ‘poshyer and poshyer’.
I chose the cheapest rental car place and it turned out to be the furthest from the airport and their internet was down so it was kind of a mess :/
But the guy who drove the shuttle was nice- he gave me some tips about places to visit on the island and then we talked about Mexico. I also met a couple of fellow Utah teachers escaping to Hawaii for spring break.
After a figuring out the rental car shtuff I treated myself to a happy meal- and then I drove to Krista’s house☺️ Krista is 1 of 2 cousins who I spent the most time with growing up. Oh the embarrassing make-believe games we used to play! We have a plethora of shared childhood memories. I’m feeling really nostalgic right now
So Krista’s oldest son is a genius. He’s 4 and knows how to read. And that’s not even the most astonishing part. (Today he read the word ‘truthful’ impressive right?)
He was really excited to show me his map. I’m super glad he doesn’t remember how much he despised me from last reunion 😅 guys this kid understands latitude and longitude! My 7th graders struggle with that. He checked out a book from the library about multiplication! He gets super excited about learning. It’s adorable.
My mother has this thing about Hawaii. She loves it a lot. She doesn’t understand why people would want to go anywhere else on vacation. I think she loves it more than she loves me. (Jk mom, but you seriously might love this place too much). The reason I tell you this is to preface: this is my 4th time being here 😂
I definitely love Hawaii too! I’ve only ever been to Oahu. The previous 3 trips have all been with the fam- in December- and we stayed at the same hotel. This time I came alone, but am staying with my cousin and her fam!
I landed in Honolulu yesterday- April 1st. The day of April Fools. I was a little surprised Jana didn’t have something up her sleeve. Jana is my cousin and for those of you who have not heard whispers of her name- she started the infamous Gunderson Water Fight of ‘99 (was it ‘99?). She had all the aunts locking themselves in their respective family vans hiding in terror. She unleashed the terrifying power of the rest of us vengeful Gundersons- where the only thought was to soak or be soaked. *shudder shudder*
(guys our family reunions are the best! #cantwaitforthisyearslipsynchbattle!!)
Luckily, Jana did not lay such destruction yesterday. But I’m not so nïave as to think I’m safe...there’s always next year...
Where was I? Oh yes. I haven’t started 😂
I rented a car this trip. I’m getting poshyer and poshyer as I travel. At least, I was, until I said ‘poshyer and poshyer’.
I chose the cheapest rental car place and it turned out to be the furthest from the airport and their internet was down so it was kind of a mess :/
But the guy who drove the shuttle was nice- he gave me some tips about places to visit on the island and then we talked about Mexico. I also met a couple of fellow Utah teachers escaping to Hawaii for spring break.
After a figuring out the rental car shtuff I treated myself to a happy meal- and then I drove to Krista’s house☺️ Krista is 1 of 2 cousins who I spent the most time with growing up. Oh the embarrassing make-believe games we used to play! We have a plethora of shared childhood memories. I’m feeling really nostalgic right now
So Krista’s oldest son is a genius. He’s 4 and knows how to read. And that’s not even the most astonishing part. (Today he read the word ‘truthful’ impressive right?)
He was really excited to show me his map. I’m super glad he doesn’t remember how much he despised me from last reunion 😅 guys this kid understands latitude and longitude! My 7th graders struggle with that. He checked out a book from the library about multiplication! He gets super excited about learning. It’s adorable.
So I hung out with Krista and her fam and then she used her military-ID-carrying privileges to get us into this cool restaurant on the military base here. I didn’t really take any pictures but we ate dinner and watched the sunset.
After dinner we walked along the empty beach and talked. That’s when I took a picture
After dinner we walked along the empty beach and talked. That’s when I took a picture
The ‘check tire pressure’ light came on in my car and we decided to stop by a gas station on the way home. Neither of us really know anything about cars but I can check the tire pressure if I have a gauge and a manual telling me how much pressure the tire needs? Plus, I argued ‘we are strong, resourceful, independent women’. We get to the gas station, walk around the car a couple of times, and then decide to go home and ask Krista’s husband to help us 😂
we may be 💪🏼 strong, independent, and resourceful women, but sometimes we need a man! And Krista pointed out- we’re smart enough to admit when we need help 😉
we may be 💪🏼 strong, independent, and resourceful women, but sometimes we need a man! And Krista pointed out- we’re smart enough to admit when we need help 😉
DAY 2
Hawaii is 4 hours behind Utah time. So I wake up at like 4:00am Hawaii time. Which gives me plenty of time to plan what I’m going to do for sunrise.
I headed to Lanikai beach to watch the sunrise slowly over the ocean with palm trees in the distance. I’m trying to make you jealous :)
I headed to Lanikai beach to watch the sunrise slowly over the ocean with palm trees in the distance. I’m trying to make you jealous :)
After hunting down a car charger I went to breakfast at this old coffee shop- which as it turns out is right next to a wildlife sanctuary. I had a real delicious blueberry waffle as a couple of barefoot old men shuffled in and ordered ‘the usual’.
There are a bunch of Pillbox hikes all around the island. During WWII a bunch of small concrete buildings were built at the top of mountains as lookouts. Now they’re all covered in colorful paint. It was kinda steep but the morning was the best time! Here are some #picsoritdidnthappen
The drive back to Honolulu was GORGEOUS. The H3 highway cuts through towering green lush mountains. And then “Paradise” by Coldplay came on. I feel like you all need to know my playlist for these important moments. Because the lyrics of the song fit right in.
I met up with Krista and kids and we headed to Turtle Bay which we heard would be good for snorkeling. We had to park and walk for a ways and Char let me hold his hand 😍
The part of Turtle Bay that we found wasn’t all that great for snorkeling but we hung out for a bit and played in the sand.
I met up with Krista and kids and we headed to Turtle Bay which we heard would be good for snorkeling. We had to park and walk for a ways and Char let me hold his hand 😍
The part of Turtle Bay that we found wasn’t all that great for snorkeling but we hung out for a bit and played in the sand.
After the beach we tried the Hawaiian version of ‘Seven Brothers’ (they have one in Provo). Good burgers. They even had fry sauce! I still have no idea how fry sauce hasn’t taken the world by storm. After lunch the boys were emotionally done and ready to go home. Their cuteness comes with a cost 😂
When Jana got home we all headed to an organic farm and café that was pretty delish. It was a very environmentally conscious and health conscious type of place. And as millennials we three fit right in! We chatted as the sun went down and it was a pretty perfect ending to the day.
DAY 3
I found a bakery on the west side
that opens at 4:30am #blessed.
It’s called Mike’s Bakery and for some reason I expected this tough looking biker dude to be in the back baking. It was not the case. I was met by a very sweet older lady who told me I should get a hot dog pastry because I said I was going hiking. So I did. Along with an apple turnover. Then she told me I shouldn’t hike alone. #toolate
I couldn’t find the pillbox hike in time for the sunrise so I found a beach and walked through the sand singing to myself instead. #inevergrewoutofthatkindofstuff
As I was driving to the next location Whitney Houston’s “Run to You” came on (#whitneygetsit) and I thought ‘I could spend my life driving through gorgeous landscapes and listening to good music.’
that opens at 4:30am #blessed.
It’s called Mike’s Bakery and for some reason I expected this tough looking biker dude to be in the back baking. It was not the case. I was met by a very sweet older lady who told me I should get a hot dog pastry because I said I was going hiking. So I did. Along with an apple turnover. Then she told me I shouldn’t hike alone. #toolate
I couldn’t find the pillbox hike in time for the sunrise so I found a beach and walked through the sand singing to myself instead. #inevergrewoutofthatkindofstuff
As I was driving to the next location Whitney Houston’s “Run to You” came on (#whitneygetsit) and I thought ‘I could spend my life driving through gorgeous landscapes and listening to good music.’
I also was surprised at the amount of people who are homeless- especially on the west side of the island. It’s pretty awful that there are humans that have to sleep next to a public bathroom. It really hit me hard this morning and I was trying to think of something I could do that wouldn’t seem so contrived.
I then walked the Ka’ena Point Trail. I kept stopping to take pictures and videos but they just didn’t do the view justice. The whole walk was right on the ocean and the whole way was black rock cliffs and big waves crashing against them. Pretty fantastic way to start a day.
I decided to stop by the famous flea market they have at Aloha stadium. I got some fruit but didn’t stay too long. I’m kinda over the touristy souvenir thing.
I drove up to the north shore to try and find a good snorkeling beach- Shark’s Cove turned out to be pretty good! I’m pretty sure I’ve been there before. The cove was really shallow- but there were a ton of big colorful fish.
I drove up to the north shore to try and find a good snorkeling beach- Shark’s Cove turned out to be pretty good! I’m pretty sure I’ve been there before. The cove was really shallow- but there were a ton of big colorful fish.
I went to Waimea Valley which, after I got there, I realized I have done the falls hike before with the fam. So I ate a tuna melt and then left. #imacheaptraveler
![Picture](/uploads/4/9/8/9/49893023/p84-1_orig.png)
I’ve been stopping at every cool looking beach along the coast. Grabbed a doughnut from Ted’s Bakery #singlehandedlykeepingbakeriesalive and now I’m sitting on the beach typing this. Life is so chill here- I love it
DAY 4
Today is April 4th. Today I turn 28 and 1/2. I also figured out that this year on the 4th of July I’ll be 28 and 3/4 which is a big deal #Justlikecornelius. April 4th also happens to be Robert Downey Jr.’s birthday. If that’s not a sign I don’t know what is 😂. Day 4 started out a little crazy. Maybe my trips always need to have a little stress. I was pretty stressed this morn’. I was debating telling the story on my blog- I don’t think I’m going to recount the story here. But it involved me getting lost in the Hawaiian jungle 🌺 don’t worry- I got out.
After escaping from the forest I treated myself to DOUGHNUTS because nothing says ‘I’m happy to be alive’ like eating doughnuts (I didn’t come close to dying I was just overly frightened by the circumstances in the moment. Phone fell in water. Homeless guy sleeping)
after doughnuts I headed to Waikiki. Hunauma Bay was closed so I snorkeled a little at Queen’s beach. There were a ton of fish there- which was surprising considering it’s a pretty busy beach.
I had lunch and then headed to another beach with Krista, Jana, and the kids
In fact as I’m writing this Char and I have been taking turns writing stories on my phone. I think we’re best friends now. Tomorrow is the LAST DAY HERE!
DAY 5
The conclusion. I drove out to the east side of the island again today. I love the Kailua area. I had a really good breakfast. Thick eggy French toast (not soggy eggy- cooked buttery eggy) with a crisp cinnamon crust served with strawberries and orange crème fraîche 🍊 and a sprig of mint. It was so so good.
And here is a picture of the brunch place if you ever find yourself hungry in the neighborhood of Kailua:
And here is a picture of the brunch place if you ever find yourself hungry in the neighborhood of Kailua:
the rest of the morning I went on a hike with Krista and the boys to the Makapu’u Light house on the east coast. I don’t understand how the water and beaches on every side of the island can be so beautiful. I could sit and watch the ocean for hours. It’s like a living-breathing thing that is so majestic and powerful it’s hard to comprehend.
Hawaii is beautiful and sunny and green and I’m going to be sad to go back to real life.
Aaaaaand I'm feeling a little nostalgic so here are some old Hawaii memories...
Aaaaaand I'm feeling a little nostalgic so here are some old Hawaii memories...
FAMILY TRIP 2008
FAMILY TRIP 2010
FAMILY TRIP 2014
Sometimes I wonder if the reason I love solo traveling so much is because going with a large family is a little hectic. But I love being with my family. Look how cool we are. Just look. I'm glad I got to spend time with my cousins this trip- it was the perfect mix of alone adventures and family time. Goodbye everybody. I hope you all had a chance to break this spring in with a VACATION!