Aloha!

It has been almost three years since we've been on a major vacation. Last time, I was the one who was especially spoiled as we celebrated my 50th birthday in Europe. This trip was going to be Steve's turn. As a young enlisted man in the early 70's, he was one of a very lucky group of three who were ordered to serve in Hawaii while the rest of his platoon was sent to Vietnam. With top secret clearance, Steve spent his days in a hidden bunker decoding secret messages between the States and Vietnam. You would typically find him on Waikiki Beach during off hours. I couldn't wait to see his old stomping grounds. In fact, it's been on my bucket list (#54) for decades.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Our flight left Nashville at 6:00 am. Although we landed in Honolulu at 2:00 pm, it was a long day of travel given a four hour time change. The Ritz Carlton, with its impeccable service, served as our home for the next five nights. What a treat! Keely had arranged for a patriotic welcome including a charcuterie tray and treats upon arrival. Her planning skills are such a blessing! We got settled in our room and then enjoyed a casual dinner by the infinity resort pool. As Waikiki Beach's highest pool, we had a magnificent view of the ocean as we relaxed in the adjacent hot tub afterwards. 

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Our hotel was a very short walk to the beach. We spent all morning and most of the afternoon enjoying the perfect weather with no other definitive plans for the day. So relaxing!

For dinner, Keely had made us reservations to Sky Waikiki, a roof top restaurant and lounge offering amazing views of the city as well as live music. It was the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Friday, November 11, 2016 (Veterans Day)

Seeing Pearl Harbor on Veterans Day was at the top of our list for this trip. Such a moving experience. We first watched a documentary film on the history of Pearl Harbor, then boarded a shuttle boat to see the USS Arizona Memorial. I didn't realize it was built over the actual sunken battleship. Knowing that the remains of over 1000 crewmen were directly below us was very emotional. This was where World War II began for the US 75 years ago, and the country became very united for the cause. How I wish for a more united country these days.

Afterwards, we got tickets to watch Kansas play Indiana in the Armed Forces Classic at the University of Hawaii. That's right. We went to Hawaii to unexpectedly watch a basketball game. Steve was in heaven and actually there wasn't a better way we could have spoiled or honored him on this day.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Keely and I began the day hiking to the top of Diamond Head. Such breathtaking views! 

This was another perfect day of no plans other than the three of us enjoying the beach. While Keely and I enjoyed lounging by the pool afterwards, she learned about Orchids serving afternoon tea. This was one of our favorite experiences in London, so we capitalized on the opportunity. Ready and out the door in minutes, we treated ourselves to a variety of petite sandwiches, scones, and pastries. What a wonderful surprise!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Our last day on the island. Make it count. What better way than to go zip lining where Jurassic Park was filmed! This was a first for all of us and definitely one of the highlights of our trip. 

Afterwards, we enjoyed the "best brunch on the island" at Orchids, the same place we had afternoon tea the day before. Typically needing reservations months in advance, Keely took care of this detail, too. What a perfect meal. 

Next up: continue the spoiling with a spa treatment. I sure could get used to this. Our last night was spent around the outdoor fire table watching the sunset with a casual meal poolside then topped off with a viewing of the closest and brightest supermoon in 68 years. Seriously? As if it was meant to be.

Monday, November 14, 2016
We prepared for a full day of travel as we left Honolulu at 8:00 am and landed in Nashville at 11:00 pm. Before we left on this trip, I said more than once it would likely be my one and only trip to Hawaii. After this experience, though, it will be hard to never return. Aloha!