Aloha…
I still dream of Hawaii and all its beauty. We were blessed to be able to go to Oahu in early June for the trip of a lifetime for our family. Sabrina and Celeste tried out for The Varsity Spirit of Hawaii parade, and both were chosen to participate. We were beyond excited about this opportunity.
We had just finished the busiest year of our lives, so we were ready to take a much-needed vacation. We stayed for almost two weeks and spent our entire time on Oahu. It really is the most beautiful place on earth.
We arrived four days early so that we could spend some time enjoying the island and sightseeing. We were also fortunate to be able to bring Preston and Jalyn, as well as Darrell and Cheryl too. It had been many years since my parents had been to the Hawaiian Islands.
We had a wonderful time exploring the island with our family. Our goal was to have an adventure but to also chill and get into the island’s mode of relaxation.
I love what traveling is. Stepping out of your own world and exploring how life works in other parts of the world. I also believe that traveling builds empathy.
We also loved getting to understand the culture, trying their cuisine and getting to know the people. Nothing but joy and kindness fill the spirit of such a beautiful place. How can you not be joyful living in tropical paradise?
The days prior to starting the Varsity Spirit of Hawaii week were amazing. On the first day, we rented a van and drove the family around the entire island. We wanted to show them everything and the views were breathtaking.
So incredible to see it all and then to put our toes into the sand of some of the most beautiful beaches on earth.
The next day we decided we needed an adventure and to explore so we ended up hiking Diamond Head (Le’ahi)trail. This sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. It is Hawaii’s most recognized landmark, known for its historical hiking trail, stunning coastal views and its military history.
Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced. In the late 1800s to early 1900s.
The trail of the summit was built in 1908 as a part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. The hike from trailhead to summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head.
We made it to the top and views took your breath away.
We also decided we wanted to see the animals that existed on the island, so we did check out Honolulu Zoo, as well as the aquarium. We saw some very cool exotic animals on an adventure to the zoo.
Our stay was literally one block from the ocean on Waikiki beach. The Marriott was a beautiful property, and we were blessed with a room that had a balcony and our view was the ocean and Diamond Head every morning.
We had so much fun eating out and trying all the different cuisines that exist on the island.
We hooked up with the Parade tour on Tuesday, and the girls began to meet others from across the country, to practice and perfect their routine. They loved meeting so many others and made some lifelong memories.
As a part of the tour, we also had a few excursions with the group. The second day, we took a greyhound bus to the other side of the island for a full day.
We started at Kualoa Ranch. It is a 4000-acre private nature reserve, working cattle ranch and popular filming location. Some of the Famous movies that have been filmed there are Jurassic Park and Lost(The TV Series), as well as Lilo and Stitch and Jumanji just to name a few. Over 150 films have been shot in the exact spot.
Such a cool feeling to be in this area of the island with it’s breathtaking views.
When we finished there, they took us to Secret Beach. It was private and reserved just for us. They served us a traditional Hawaiian lunch and then it was time for some beach adventures.
They had kayaks, paddleboards and hammocks so you could do whatever you wanted for the afternoon. So much fun trying out all the different activities.
The next day we had to do more exploring ourselves. The evening was our night for a Luau with the Varsity spirit group. This was the kids’ first time going to one and what a memorable experience.
To taste the food and to hear stories of the island told through hula dances was very special.
The parade that the girls marched in was a four-mile route through downtown Honolulu. The celebration was to honor King Kamehameha. We were honoring Hawaii’s first king with a vibrant cultural celebration.
On December 22, $0.18 D 1. The king proclaimed a national holiday to honor and celebrate his grandfather and the father of the Hawaiian kingdom. Originally, the people of Hawaii wanted to mark the legacy of Lot Kapuaiwa On his birthday.
Being the humble chief that he was, he opted to honor his grandfather instead and pushed the holiday as far away from his birthday as possible. June 11th, 1872, was the first Kamehameha Day holiday ever celebrated.
The parade featured floral floats, massive lei-draped ceremonies and family descendants of the late King. King Kamehamaha first unified the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom in 1810.
The Kingdom of Hawaii is a combination of the Hawaiian Islands of Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui and Hawaii.
This was a parade like I have never seen before. So beautiful and rich in culture and traditions.
As we said goodbye to a lifetime of memories made as a family in one of the most beautiful places in the world, we were extremely grateful to have had this opportunity. Our family means everything to us and to be able to experience this together was extraordinary.
As they say in Hawaii, Aloha!
Mahalo (Thank You) for letting me share our story with you.
