Several months ago, our friends, Jodi and Jolene, invited my mother and I to join them on a trip to Hawaii. When they first asked us, I was in shock...never believing that I could make it happen. In the next few days, and a few visits with my hubby and my mom, we decided to go for it!
Thus began our Journey to Hawaii. We dreamed and planned...and I waited too long to shop for Summer-ish clothes...and we dreamed and planned some more. We went on a day-long shopping trip, where most of our time was spent trying on bathing suits. Yes, that was about as much fun as getting my tooth drilled for a root canal.
About 3 weeks before our departure date, I decided that I had to figure out what to do about clothes for Hawaii. Setting aside my terrible procrastinating nature, I started scouring the clearance racks at Target, Marshalls, Old Navy and TJ Maxx....and low and behold, I found some really great bargains. I think that my traveling partners were a tad jealous that I found white linen Capri's for $9.99, while they spent much more, months earlier.
The night before our trip, around 9:00 p.m., we found out that our flight had been cancelled! It was rather stressful, as Jodi's travel agent (God Bless Her!) came to our rescue and booked us another flight, this one sending us through Denver, instead of San Fransisco.
We boarded our plane early the next morning, and after making our connection in Denver, we took off across the Southwest side of North America, then it was out over the Pacific Ocean for about 5 hours. I know for you World Travelers, that is small potatoes, but for this Ordinary Idaho Girl, that was my first trip over the sea!
We landed at the Honolulu International Airport, and stepped out onto the walkway. I have two words to describe this moment:
1. HUMIDITY!!
2. AROMA!!
At first, I wondered if I would survive for six days in that humidity, but then when the aroma of Hawaii hit my senses, I was convinced that I had arrived in paradise, and I was up for whatever the humidity had to offer!
While still in the airport, Jodi snuck off and purchased gorgeous Plumeria leis for us.
We found our rental car, mapped our course, and headed for Waikiki Beach.
Upon entering the circular drive for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Resort, my breath left me, as that stunning pink hotel came into view!
We drove up to the entrance, stepped out of our car, and were immediately surrounded by doormen, dressed in black pants and pink jackets. They unloaded out luggage, parked the car, draped black wooden leis around our necks, and said, "A'loha Princess, and welcome to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel."
We were escorted to the front desk for check in, and then immediately served Hibiscus & Guava Lemonade in petite glasses.
That was the moment I knew, I was going to LOVE Hawaii!! And we hadn't even seen our room, or the ocean yet!
Stay tuned for more........
Our Hawaiian Home was The Royal Hawaiian Resort. It is referred to as, The Pink Palace of the Pacific. For four girls...I mean, princesses...it was perfect, and it was gorgeous! I found so much beauty every time I walked down a new hall, or went around a different corner.
One of the Verandas
This walk-way to and from the pool area, was a favorite of mine. It is also a favorite backdrop for bridal pictures, and we saw several brides doing just that!
Potted ferns perched on the rooftop.
Beach side Pool area
I fell in love with the copper accents!
The view of our room, from the beach. Our room is the second one down from the top...right in the middle.
Pink Arches
The entry
Our morning view of Diamond Head
Our beautiful suite! The pink, brown and green inspired me!
A beautiful little gift. Banana Macadamia Nut Bread.
