Hawaii Recap :: Oahu

From Maui, we took a short flight to the island of Oahu. I decided to stay in Waikiki because we didn't have a rental car. Parking can be super expensive and challenging in Waikiki. We took a doors-off helicoper ride over Oahu. A bucket list item for sure. To see the island from the air was awe inspiring. The experience was a thrill of a lifetime. That was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. We were able to squeeze some of most popular tourist attractions in 3 days. All in all, we love Hawaii. It was my 2nd time being in Hawaii. My husband and Madelyn's first time. Such a beautiful state. We'll be back for sure.

Locations/points of interest/companies we have used:

🏨 Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach

👨‍🏭 Pearl Harbor National Memorial

🚁 Magnum Helicopters

🦐 Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - OMG! Mouth watering

⛰️ Diamond Head State Monument

🐠 Shark's Cove in North Shore - Absolutely amazing!

🐠 Hanauma Bay - This is the #1 spot for snorkeling in Oahu. You need a reservation in advance. If you cannot get a reservation, try Shark's Cove. It's just as amazing.

🌺 Toa Luau - Recommend to book in advance

🛍️ Ala Moana shopping center

🚘 Used Turo for one-day car rental to visit North Shore

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Hawaii Recap :: Oahu

Hawaii Recap :: Maui

Sharing our trip to Hawaii back in June. It's probably one of our top 3 favorite destinations we've visited. Such a beautiful state with lots of stuff to see and do. We started our trip in Maui. We rented an Airbnb in Kihei. It's a little dated but the location is amazing! The condo is located steps away from Kamaoke beach. It's walking distance to everything. Also, it has an in unit washer/dryer which I love. I intended to do laundry before we take off for the 2nd part of the trip. Those who know me know that I never check a bag when I fly. No matter how far/long I travel, I always travel with a carry on. To be able to do laundry during the trip was definitely a plus. We rented a Jeep Willys and it was so much fun to drive.

Locations/points of interest/companies we used:

📍Airbnb in Kihei

📍 Napili Beach

🧑‍🍳 Mama's Fish House - Need a reservation in advance. It is a fine dining restaurant, so it is on the higher end for pricing, but well worth it.

📍Twin Falls - Mile Marker 2

📍 Waikamoi Ridge Trail - Mile Marker 10

🍞 Aunty Sandy's banana bread - Mile Marker 10 - Recommended by Gordon Ramsey

📍 Honokalani Black Sand Beach - Mile Marker 32. Maui's famous black sand beach. It was created hundreds of years ago from the flowing lava of volcanoes

📍 Ho'okipa beach - It was amazing to see massive sea turtles sunbathing

🍧 Ululani's - We got fish tacos and shaved ice to end a beautiful day in Maui

🚙 White Glove car rental - It's a small business. Highly recommend

🌊 Maui Waveriders for surfing lessons

⛰️ Skyline Hawaii for zipline adventure

While in Maui, Madelyn took a surfing lesson. She did so well. The next day, we drove to Napili beach. Hawaii beaches have some of the softest sand I've been experienced. It's unreal! Ended night 2 at Mama's Fish House. I made a reservation 6 months in advance. Such a beautiful setting with the best food, service and ambiance!

We woke up early on day 3 and start the famous Road To Hana drive. It's such a long and beautiful drive that features incredible signs and stops. The last day in Maui, we went zip-lining before taking a short flight to Oahu. This is one thing I probably would have skipped. I've done it several times in other countries so this particular one didn't wow me. If I could plan this trip all over again, I'd include Haleakala Crater Trail but there's always next time. Stay tuned for part 2 of our trip in Oahu! 🌺

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Hawaii Recap :: Maui

First Day Of School 2024 📚

Summer flew by fast!! Just like that, the girls are back to school. We officially have a 7th grader and a sophomore in college. We had a really fulfilling summer, got to do lots of fun things. I am ready to get back into a productive routine after summer break. Her outfit is so cute! I'll link the pieces here if you're interested. Madelyn's outfit details: Jeans | Top | Shoes

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First Day Of School 2024 📚

Trip Recap :: Jamaica

Sharing a few photos from our trip to Jamaica back in March. It was our first time in Jamaica. We were there for a family wedding. Jamaica is just a short flight from FL. The flight was less than 2 hours from FLL to Montego Bay. It was a jam-packed weekend celebrating my brother-in-law and his beautiful wife. After landed, we took a road trip starting from the North side to the South side of the island. That in itself was an experience. We then settled into a gorgeous villa at the Kotch Villa. It's a 6-villa property located in Treasure Beach. Just steps away from a secluded sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and gentle morning strolls. We had so much Jamaican food from street vendors to fancy meals. Didn't have enough time to explore what Jamaica has to offer but we will definitely come back another time.

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Trip Recap :: Jamaica

A long weekend in Seattle

Madelyn had a long weekend back in February. We decided to take a quick trip to Seattle. The first day, we explored Pike Place Market, experienced the Gum Wall and visited the original Starbucks location. It was a jam-packed day. Then we headed to Forks, WA to explore the West side of Olympic National Park. It was on my list for quite some time. Hoh Rain Forest feels like a scene right out of the Twilight move. It's one of the largest temperate rain forests in the US. The age and size of the trees were impressive, with some being over 1000 years old and over 250 ft tall. It was pure magic! Next, we headed to Second Beach which is connected to the Pacific ocean. The beach was magnificent, even on a cloudy day. While in Forks, we opted for a tiny home. What a fun experience! Madelyn loved it.  The one we stayed at is less than 600 sf and it has everything we need. Travel is all about experience new thing.

On the last day of our trip, we took a short hike to explore Marymere Falls. Unfortunately, Sol Duc Falls is closed for the season. It's one of the most beautiful falls inside Olympic National Park. We stopped by the crystal-clear Lake Cresent. Headed back to Seattle and made a stop by Snoqualmie Falls. As outdoor enthusiasts, this trip did wonders for our souls. Sharing some pictures from our trip below. Until next time!

Where we visited:

• Pike Place Market
• The Gum Wall
• The first Starbucks location
• The Space Needle
• Hoh Rain Forest (Olympic National Park - West Side)
• Second Beach
• Marymere Falls
• Lake Crescent
• Snoqualmie Falls

Where we stayed:

• Japandi-Style Studio in Seattle
• Tiny Elk House in Forks
• Emerald Valley Inn in Port Angeles
• Lux Stays and Yacht Rental's (walking distance to Pike Place Market)

Where we ate: (I forgot some places)

• Pho Bac
• Granny's Cafe
• Macrina Bakery

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A long weekend in Seattle