Last month my family and I traveled to Hawaii. This was our first airplane trip since COVID began.
We live on the West Coast, and our direct flight took a little over five hours to reach our destination.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, the wave of warm air hit me, and it was instant relaxation. It
was just what I needed. For most vacations, it is not until I get to my destination that I truly realize how
important it is to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
For this trip to Hawaii, we chose the Big Island, and we stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village near Kona. The resort had everything on its extended campus: pools, a lagoon, restaurants, lodging, a tram, a water taxi, grounds
for their popular luau, and it even had dolphins. It was perfect for children. We spent most of our days
in the water, alternating our time between the swimming pool and the lagoon. We were able to snorkel
on the property, and if desired, there was the option to rent various water-crafts.
Every night, our family went to sleep exhausted. And, every morning, we woke up, put on swimsuits,
and relaxed outdoors.
Hawaii is a parents’ dream for vacation. There are plenty of activities to keep children thoroughly
entertained. For toddlers, if they run ahead of you, there aren’t speeding cars to worry about. Just about
all activities are outside, so for those concerned about COVID exposure, it’s quite minimal, other than
time spent in the airports. And, then there’s the weather. Even on an overcast day, the temperature is
perfect outside, and it doesn’t slow down activities.
Each island of Hawaii has a different vibe. Maui has a ton of beaches, Kauai has a rainforest-like feeling,
and Oahu is more metropolitan. I love the Big Island for its peace. Dried lava engulfs much of the Island,
and as you drive the highway, the blackened earth surrounds you. There are beaches and surf, but not
as many as that of the other Islands. From what I have been told, the locals keep the best beaches on
the down-low. But, even the ones advertised to the tourists are quite nice.
One thing my husband truly enjoyed was deep sea fishing. Just off the coast of the Big Island, the water
level plummets to 15,000 feet. According to the local fisherman, the best deep sea fishing occurs off of
Kona, on the Big Island.
What is missing on mainland life can be found here in Hawaii: an easy-going pace, an outdoor lifestyle, and peace and quiet.
Hawaii ticks all of these boxes. The only thing that can be difficult is the price: Hawaii is expensive. I
recommend lodging at a location that has a kitchen to help cut costs. Or, just be mentally and financially
prepared when you travel that everything will cost a pretty penny.
It’s easy to push off a destination vacation. But once you are on that plane, and your body begins to unwind and starts to breathe, and the mind clears, it feels so good.
Hawaii is a beautiful magical place, and everyone should have a chance to experience it.

Laura D