Recap
First off, I must preface this with, I am not social traveler. I’m not packing fancy clothes/shoes to go out to clubs and snobby malls to impress anyone. Don’t get me wrong, I still go out to dinner and malls, I just don’t care what others think when I show up in shorts and a cat shirt 😹 I also do very little makeup on vacation because that’s what I’m vacationing from. I’m only dressing to impress myself lol. I did get a few looks from other vacationers when I was checking into the Outrigger on the Big Island. It was the classic, whispering, lifting the sunglasses and looking down the bridge of their nose. I just stared back and they turned away. Lol, I hope I made them feel a little uncomfortable but I doubt it.
I do have to say that the staff was very nice and treated me with respect. The Valet guys always remembered my name, “Miss Fox”😄 and I got a good table at the restaurant even though it was for a for party of one. Not once was I directed to the bar.
This trip I tested a theory on flying and germs. Typically I end up catching the flu, cold or something on the flight. So, right before I got to the airport I used the saline spray that I use for my allergies. It’s just plain saline, but it coats your nasal passages and doesn’t allow pollen to stick. I figured it was worth a try and….drum roll….I did not get sick in either direction! Maybe it was a fluke but I will definitely be doing this in the future.
Favorite islands:
#1
Big Island or Island of Hawaii will remain my favorite Hawaiian island. Easy to drive around and not super crowded. When I go back I think I’ll stay on the Hilo side. I missed seeing the volcano, Kilauea and Akaka Falls. I guess I need a return flight lol.
#2
Kauai is next on my list. Laid back, a lot of swimmable beaches and also easy to drive. Favorite hike was the Sleeping Giant. There is really only one main road to drive north and south which can become quite clogged with traffic. I suggest visiting all that’s around where you’re staying first. If you run out of things to do then go north or south.
#3
Maui
A mix between Oahu and Big Island. It’s easy to drive but it has the shopping with a closer feel of Oahu without the busy freeways. I love Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock for snorkeling. If you stay there it’s very walkable to restaurants and shops. The last time I was there was just before the fires. So many mixed messages on whether to visit or not. I do want to go back someday.
#4
Molokai
This island is primitive. The vibe is slow and laid back. There are no big shopping centers and most locals fly to another island to stock up on essentials. The local grocery store is expensive but you’re not there to cook a gourmet meal lol. I bought peanut butter, bread, honey, apple bananas and frozen hamburgers which is pretty much what I eat at home lol. It was all around $80 dollars. The only thing I ate out was shave ice. The beaches were empty and there weren’t any crowds of tourists. I was there during a holiday so none of the tours were available. I definitely want to go back.
#5
Oahu
In places it was very busy with tourists and driving was comparable to a big city with five lane freeways. Waikiki is walkable if you wear the right shoes.
If you are just looking for the beach and a quiet hotel I would definitely stay at the Circle Hotel. Located right across the street from the beach and in the heart of Waikiki, it was perfect.
I love the North Shore and the hikes I went on while staying in Honolulu. My favorite hike was Koko Head Crater with 1048 stair steps to the top and from there you can see everything.
#6
Lanai
I havent stayed on this island. Way too expensive. I did take a ferry from Maui to see the cat sanctuary. It was awesome. Over 650 cats living at the rescue, some are adoptable. They are divided by age and health. I stayed for a couple of hours and fed them cat treats and petted them.
I do want to go back to see other parts of the island.
Where to stay:
I enjoyed the kitchen and washer/ dryer of an Airbnb but I also liked the convenience of a hotel with the restaurant, pool and valet parking lol.
What I forgot:
Small tripod (it would have come I handy on Mauna Kea)
Trail/running shoes
Packing:
Less than a week:
Carry on and a backpack.
More than a week:
Medium suitcase and pack a small duffle inside, check the suitcase on the way to the destination and check both on the way back.
Backpack for the airplane:
Ipad
Headphones
1 bar battery
Cord
Car food
Waterbottle
Travel size pillow (for my back) and blanket
Shorts and slippers to change into upon arrival
Note:
Do not stuff your backpack so full it weighs 100 lbs lol
Clothes for Hawaii:
3 pairs of shorts
Belt
4 shirts/tank tops
2 swimsuits & swimshorts
1 lightweight sweatshirt
Slippers
Water shoes
Trail shoes
Wear on plane:
Pocket jacket
Yoga pants
Tshirt
Trail running shoes
Compression socks
Best time to go:
May: the rainy season has passed, it’s not super hot and most kids are still in school (but I need to see the sun in January lol)
Upon landing:
Immediately go to grocery store/Costco so you start out with food and car food.
Check out local thrift stores for extra clothes to wash and wear if you have access to laundry.
Flights
The red-eye back was cheap and noone sat next to me but six hours in a tiny seat was not good on my back. I only slept part of it and that was probably because I was delirious lol. So unless you are in first class I don’t think it’s worth it.
Lastly,
I love Hawaii. I always try to respect the culture and read up on how to not look and act like a tourist.
Being adopted, I took a DNA test. When I got my results back there was a hit from Honolulu. The biggest one lol. It was less than 1% but it would make sense. The beaches, the sun and the ocean have always called to me. That’s not the same as the Oregon coast. I don’t consider that the beach, the water is cold and black. Maybe someday a closer relative will add their DNA but until then I will visit as much as I can. 🌅🐠🌴 yolo 🤙🏽
foxpartyofone 