So for the past month, Zach has been singing this song he created about Hawaii. It is now etched in my brain for fricking ever... not sure that is a good thing. Perhaps someday I'll miss his songs... NOT!
"Getting in our car... going to the airport... getting on a plane. Hawai'i, Coconuts and pineapples all day, Hawai'i, surfing by the bay." (Contact me if you are interested in record deals.)
So, yes, amid COVID lockdowns we made the choice that seeing family (and maybe also warm beaches) was of the utmost importance. (I'm sure the employees of United Airlines agree!)
We got our negative COVID tests, took our sweet dog Tabor to the kennel, and boarded a plane for Hawai'i!
I was so nervous about all the paperwork and rigmarole that is involved now with flying to the Hawaiian Islands. I heard the horror stories of people getting kicked off flights or finding out they took the wrong COVID test and had to come home. I was a nervous wreck about this trip.
Lucky for us, travel was painless and easy. The airport was a breeze with no lines and United streamlined the COVID paperwork so we could walk off the plane in Honolulu and enjoy our vacation instantly.
Ah, the warm, humid, salty air is quite something to experience after living in the semi-arid high plains of Colorado. We were nothing short of elated when we got outside and took our masks off to breath in the salty, pungent tropical plumeria scented air.
And just in a blink of the eye...ten days was way too short of vacation. I'll keep the details brief as to not make you all too jealous.
We (or just me, fantastically solo) started our days with sunrise walks on Waimanalo Beach (my in-laws live just minutes (maybe 60 steps) from the most beautiful beach in Hawaii - photo).
We would round the rest of the day with a hike, a bit of lizard chasing, tidal pool observing, lei making and fresh coconut eating- picked right in the backyard. The evenings were equally enjoyable with great conversations, homemade meals, liquid Aloha, and family bonding over Scrabble games and binge watching Schitt'$ Creek!
Traveling is truly homeschool at its finest. New experiences are the best teaching tools invented. Mom could relax as learning opportunities were everywhere. And Grandma Cindy was eager to use her art teaching skills to keep the kids busy with soap making and other creative projects.
In addition, we spent our days relaxing on the beach, observing crabs and tidal pool creatures, learning from the beach fisherman, immersing ourselves in the aromas and sights of the tropical plants and flowers at the Botanical Garden. Polynesian culture, food and "Ohana" was all around. And yes we did get to experience the deliciousness of Malasadas - fresh, hot, amazing doughnuts. (If you remember from a previous post, we tried making these at home for our Hawaii themed learning unit.)
If you just puked in your mouth with envy, I'll let you know that not everything was perfect. Zach and Lauren got stung by bees. I lost my handmade moonstone ankle bracelet, the first day on the beach. It rained cats and dogs for two entire days. Spam Sushi (Masubi) tastes like cat food, cockroaches are as big as your thumb, and the fine silky sand sticks to every body part. (I know I brought some home regrettably.)
Many things were still wonky due to COVID, like the Polynesian Cultural Center was closed , Pearl Harbor Tours were limited and dining with more than 5 people is just not possible, even if you all live together.
Hands down... the best part of our trip was staying with our in-laws and meeting our Hawaiian cousins. Natives to Oahu, they introduced us to Poke, Shaved Ice, surfing culture and lessons, and instant, everlasting friendships Zach (9) and Lauren (8) loved playing games. swimming and building sand castles with their new found cousins Alana (5) and Lily (8).
Mahalo and Aloha Hawaii!
