Journeying to Hawaii was the realization of a lifelong wish. Let us guide you through our most cherished adventures and essential tourist advice for the islands.
A yearning for Hawaii took root in my childhood heart many years past. I was perched on the living room rug of our family's Montana ranch, the olive drapes drawn tight, shutting out all light.
The only illumination came from a generous rectangular patch on our white popcorn textured ceiling.
It was there that a slide caught my eye.
It marked "slide night" at the Lynn residence, as Dad shared his Navy collection. (He served our country during the Korean War.)
Among all the images he displayed, one single slide stole my breath away.
It captured *a flawless rainbow arching behind a mountain, with a blossoming garden laid out before it.
A rainbow. In Hawaii.
Since that day, the islands have been on my heart.
Fast forward to recently (Wednesday, April 17th around 4:30 pm)… I penned these thoughts:
***
Right now, I am journaling on my lap in the Kahului, Maui airport. Positioned in the open-air breezeway, I inhale the warm tropical scents as palm fronds sway and kites dot the sky. A young woman two seats away strums a ukulele, filling the space with a cheerful island melody.
In sixty minutes, our flight will depart for home.
A wave of gratitude washes over me. It still feels like a dream that I am truly present here!
Today's final day carried a mix of emotions. I am not eager to depart…
***
For our final island experience, we chose lunch at the Hula Grill situated on Kaanapali Beach.
It offers the most vibrant open-air dining where you can actually bury your toes in the sand while enjoying a meal!
We were promptly shown to our beachside table after a surprisingly short wait (a stroke of luck!). As the host guided us to our spot, a **live musician began to sing,
“Somewhere over the rainbow…”
and, true to form, he injected his own style and extra verses into the beloved classic.
As I strolled the shoreline, I caught him belt out,
“Dreams really do come true…”
Immediately, a large knot formed in my throat, and behind my lenses, my eyes filled with tears.
Thinking of my Dad's photograph struck me in that instant...
and how this journey felt like a realization of a lifelong dream.
That morning, while starting the day at Napaili Beach, a rainbow appeared in the clouds, seemingly just for me.
A rainbow appeared in Hawaii.
Sometimes, when a long-held dream materializes, the reality doesn't match the anticipation.
I must acknowledge that this was the case here.
It surpassed expectations...
It was far greater: tremendously so
Each day brought forth precious recollections.
Throughout everything, we perceived divine guidance in orchestrating so many elements...
From the actual opportunity to travel there to the stunning scenery at every turn,
and for the gentle care shown over our path, even after a significant error (details coming later!).
For us, it felt like a sanctuary where worries could 'dissolve like lemondrops!'
***
I plan to temporarily shift away from my usual home decor focus; for my own memory's sake, I want to share our time in Maui (plus one day in Oahu!) here on Bildirimlerim. I have numerous photographs and wish to capture every detail.
Feel free to join me and read all about it...
However, prepare yourself…Bildirimlerim is saying Aloha!!
*My dad's slide is on my desk, as beautiful as I recall. I attempted to scan it, but my scanner was unavailable today…
**We adored this musician and purchased his cd. His name is Da Barefoot Warrior; listen to a clip of his “Over the Rainbow” on the website, though the full song is even better.**
For the remaining posts detailing our Hawaii adventure, utilize the links below:
- The Initial View – Arriving in Kalihuhli
- Exploring Upcountry Maui
- Discovering Big Beach
- Kaanapali Beach and Enjoying Hula Pie
- Snorkel Trip to Molokini Crater and Discovering New Beaches
- Day trip to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach
- The Road to Hana
- Things to Note when Travelling to Hawaii + The Highlight Reel Video
