On July 24th, 1978 I came squalling into this world at 3PM eastern standard time. The story (or joke) goes that my uncle was the first to meet me (aside from my mother, I presume) and everyone thought he was the dad since he was carrying cigars and balloons (as an aside, my dad was rushing to the hospital from work). Now, 40 years later, my aunt and that same uncle are some of my favorite people to travel and “adult” with and my uncle was like a second father to me growing up. Not shocking. In keeping with family humor, my father, on the occasion of my 40th birthday, left me a singing voicemail “happy birthday to youuuuu. blah blah you know the rest” (yes, we’re like that) and I received phone calls, texts, emojis and Facebook well wishes from all the most important people in my life. But what, you might ask, was I actually doing when all this happened? Well, I was standing on the front of a speeding boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, inhaling fresh air, getting splashed by salty sea spray, rum-heavy Mai Tai in hand, having just finished snorkeling with the fishes and swimming with the turtles off Molokini crater, near the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii, the bf by my side. Bring me to the water (which is, let’s face it, my happy place), give me rum and a sea breeze in the sun. It’s a simple formula, but it’s the very best. Not a bad way to spend a banner birthday week (because, yes, it’s a process as I age, an all-week event, not just a day) and these fast 5 days were filled with amazing food (of course), toes-in-the-surf walks, waterfalls, swimming, black sand beaches, hiking, Hana, craters, helicopter rides, and sleeping with the sound of the waves as my lullaby. Celebrate with me as I begin my next decade which, I am determined, will be the best yet.
So many Hawaii trips to be had, so little time. Find your favorite island ahead of time by heading over to Lonely Planet and research their guide books! I still love buying or downloading guide books because I feel like they have sooooo many options in just one place!
sunset from our lanai
Ka’anapali Beach
SUP
Kapalua Bay and the lava rocks
endless rum-filled drinkies
Black Sand Beach
Wailua and St. Gabriel’s Mission Coral Miracle Church
waterfalls on the Road to Hana
Kahanu Garden and Piilanihale Temple
Views from the Air Maui helicopter ride to Moloka’i
Flora and Fauna of Maui
Honoapiilani Highway beach spot
Rainbow outside Makawao
Fresh Coconut!
Sunset from Mama’s Fish House, North Shore Maui (and site of my Birthday dinner!)
