We do feel younger and more carefree in Hawaii. From the first sniff of the tuber rose and plumeria leis at the airport, we are enveloped in a magical spirit – the Spirit of Aloha, perhaps - that seems to feed both the body and the soul. And it never lessens, instead, it only gets stronger with each passing year.
It’s a shift in attitude that doesn’t require consumption of coconut juices or alcohol-laced mai tais (although quite yummy); papaya mask facials or yoga. . .the mind simply switches gears in Hawaii.‘Life is Good’, as the tee-shirts proclaim. If you’ve ever been there, you know what I am saying, and if not you should give it a try one day.
Our Waikiki stay will be in the shadow of Diamond Head’s 760-foot punchbowl crater pictured below, at the Aqua Lotus Hotel, (formerly the W Hotel) near Kapi’olani Park on O’ahu’s Gold Coast.
And because we are so close, maybe we’ll finally climb the trail along the top of Diamond Head’s crater this trip. . .
The first ‘big trip’ I ever took was to Honolulu way back in 1979 when a good friend who was living in Guam and I met in Honolulu. I was swept up by Waikiki’s Spirit of Aloha on that trip and unbeknownst to me at the time, Joel and his buddies were making similar discoveries about the same time. As a result, the place just keeps drawing us back.So put on your Aloha shirt or grass hula skirt, grab a tropical drink and join us. . . Hula Babe’s and Beach Boy’s adventures are about to begin . . .Aloha!
So, what about you? Have you visited a place and been caught up in its spirit?
Here is my universal refrain when hearing of people who are going to Hawaii in January. "I can't hear you, I can't hear you, I can't hear you . . . ." Bleah, from somewhere nothing remotely like Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteYou asked, Have you visited a place and been caught up in its spirit? and I was immediately transported to Florence, Italy (not Oregon). I LOVED Florence for its art, food, history, and ease of walking, but mostly for the connection I felt. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie, I mean Hula Babe, by all means make the excursion up Diamond Head. In fact, go the first day. You'll be up early anyway, and I think the gates open at 6:00 a.m. That's the best time. You may even see the sunrise from the summit. It's not *really* a hike. The trail is paved and there are stairs, for goodness sake. It's quiet in the morning. You'll love the spirit of Hawaii even more atop Diamond Head at sunrise. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi Mama, I bet you've perfected that line and I can almost hear you saying it. My line is "Aloha, aloha, aloha. . ."
ReplyDeleteTeresa I am so glad you too have experienced that concept of 'spirit of place' - there is nothing better to my way of thinking.
Aloha Kim, You've convinced me that I have no reason not to do Diamond Head, but did you have to make it sound so simple? I was hoping to work off a lot of calories on 'that climb'; afraid the walk might not burn as many which means one less mai tai!
Thanks to you all for taking the time to comment.