Bella Vida

Married for 6 years. Trying to have a baby almost as long. Living a Beautiful Life.

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Location: Maryland, United States

Married & Trying to have a baby for almost 4 years. Dealing with MF (male factor infertility).

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Thoughts on Hawaii


From top of Diamond Head Crater

What to say...the vacay was ok. As most of my vacays are. I'm beginning to realize I'm simply not happy no matter where in the world I am. My real life problems seep in. The whole first week I was in Hawaii I was completely stressed and worried about my life and problems at home. Finally I was able to loosen up a little and breathe the sweet air at the beginning of week-2. By Thursday I was not sleeping again. Already anticipating the return home. Crazy, huh? Plus my husband was there to work, so I was alone during the day with only my thoughts. I can't tell you how much I looked forward to him coming in every night just so we could have dinner.

Anyway, not to sound ungrateful--it was beautiful. The beaches and mountains especially. The rest reminded me of Ft. Lauderdale in the '80s. You remember growing up hearing that Hawaii was the place to be. Everyone wanted to honeymoon there and vacation there--but it was expensive. Well, it's still expensive, but also still looks like it's the '80s. Lots of renovation and updating needed. Graffiti is everywhere and crime is a problem. There is also a big homeless problem. However, I can only speak for Oahu. Maybe some of the less developed islands are different.

In case anyone ever goes to Waikiki, here are some notes and just my opinions:
--Stay at the Hilton Prince Kuhio, not the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The Prince Kuhio is only 1-city block from beach and is really in the heart of everything. It's also been renovated, is cheaper and the (minimal) gym is free.
--Hamburger in Paradise is hot (not in a good way) and the burgers are not good. Skip it!
--Moose McGillicuddy's on Lewers has the best happy hour (any drink $3) and really good food. Try the fried ono on all-u-can-eat-fish-and-chips-Friday for $11.95. Don't got between 7-9pm b/c there are no drink specials.
--Diamond Head is a bitch of a hike. Don't let anyone tell you different. Definitely doable, but it's not an easy hike.
--Lanikai is the best beach--hands down. Kailua is nice too but more crowded. At Lanikai it's possible to find a little beach just for you. It is behind homes in a residential neighborhood, but the beach is public. Earlier is better b/c of erosion.
--La Pizza Rina is so good and it's cheap. Check out the Cheap Places to Eat in Oahu food blog. Full of great info.
--My new favorite wine is Volcano Macadamia Nut Honey. OMG. Totally sucks it's not sold on the mainland. Cheapest at Walmart or the ABC stores. Around $15/bottle.
--You can use bus transfers for a roundtrip.
--Traffic sucks and is a major problem. Worse of course at rushhour.
--Take the time to smell a plumeria blossom. Wow. Next to Lily of the Valley, it's the most beautifully fragrant flower I know.
--Check out the Marriott's Kuhio Beach Grill buffet early bird special on the weekend. Its $26/pp, but so damn good. Better on weekends.
--Ughhh to the Da Big Kahuna on Kuhio. Drinks seemed sooo watered down it's not even funny. Even the shots.
--If you're walking down Kalakaua, walk down the beach side and you won't be attacked by the flyer brigade.

I guess that's it. I tried to take moments to soak-in where I was and realize I'd probably never be there again. The Hubbs is still there until Friday. Can't wait for him to return!


Hanauma Bay


Waikiki Sunset


Hubbs and Me on Lanikai beach. Just us :)

8 Comments:

Blogger Amy said...

Hey D! Glad you had some time to relax a little. I've been to Hawaii 2x and I can't stand Oahu. Maui and even the Big Island are much better. Less congested and built up. You can actually order the Volcano wine from their website...just goo.gle Volcano winery and you should find it. They have AWESOME wines. DH and I stopped at the winery when we were on the Big Island in 2005...very nice.

9:33 AM  
Blogger Sunny said...

You guys look so good!

11:01 AM  
Blogger Tara said...

Looking good, you two!

8:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would so love to go to a gorgeous beach right now! You two look adorable!

3:10 PM  
Blogger Leah said...

You guys look great. Those pictures look like you scanned in a postcard -- just beautiful!

Sorry that you didn't find your mind and ensuing troubles enjoying an escape to paradise. It is hard to leave it all behind, so hopefully you did enjoy the few days in the middle that you described.

7:31 PM  
Blogger Lisa said...

What beautiful pictures. You should write a travel book, I liked reading your advice!

11:12 AM  
Blogger Deathstar said...

Girl, are you actually a sister or are you just really tanned? Hey, you're back on my list of blogs to read, so post ok? Nice to see you enjoying the beach!

1:16 PM  
Blogger Esperanza said...

WOW - you have been very busy. Glad to hear the flooding and your father in law are OK.

Also, Hawaii! Those photos are magnificient.

About feeling like an outsider, well you aren't alone. Feel free to email if you want to chat about it...missed you.

9:49 AM  

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