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Mahalo Hawaii ♥

Alas, it was time to say goodbye. Was not particularly looking forward to leaving, but it was time to get back to the grind! Did I mention I sorta bumped into Sharon, of EliSharon?! Crazy coincidence but I saw her at Ala Moana shopping center, while she was in town for the weekend. Already planning future trips to Maui! Can't wait for that girl! You truly live in paradise.

Thought I would end the series with some of my favorite snaps from the trip. I had such a wonderful time with a much needed family reunion. Speaking of reunions, I ended up flying to the motherland after Hawaii for some more family time. More on that later!

A Cultural Feast ♥


So to be honest, the Polynesian Cultural Center at first.. didn't quite seem like my cup of tea. But this place grew on me. The HA! Breath of Life show was simply amazing, but the luau? Maybe not so much. Food was mediocre, Hawaiian fare. But I figured we weren't really here for the food anyways. However, it was definitely an educational, interactive and fun way to learn about the rich Hawaiian culture. I have to add.. the male performers also had a great sense of humor. (And well, not to mention.. good looking too.)

What I especially appreciated about the staff/employees aside from their genuine and warm welcomes, is that they're actually students at BYU-Hawaii. The profits from the PCC fund these students' education and provide scholarship programs, which is so awesome! Our tour guide was from Samoa, and he was studying to be an engineer I believe.



My grandma especially loved the shows. From the cultural dances, to the engaging and interactive performances, she probably enjoyed this place the most. As for me, I enjoyed visiting the different villages (Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa - New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga and the Marquesas Islands), and learning about the differences between them, and their history/influence on Hawaii. Although I would recommend checking this place out, once is more than enough for me. Have you guys been to the PCC? If so, what are some of your favorite moments?

Postcards from the North Shore ♥

Upon recommendation from Pablo, we made our way to the quaint little surf town of Hale'iwa. I believe it was about an hour's drive from Waikiki? But to be honest I didn't keep track of time as I was happily snapping away! Another field day for the camera. Not knowing what to expect really, we just drove along the Kamehameha Highway, and made pit stops that caught our eye. Best way to explore right?

We soon stumbled upon a beautiful, almost private beach just off the highway. Nestled on the North Shore of Oahu, is the picturesque Laniakea Beach aka Turtle beach! A little secluded and less of a crowd.. it is the place where the turtles come to bask in the sun! Now our quick stopover only gave me a few minutes to photograph.. but boy it was worth it. Maybe not so much the dashing across the road and almost getting killed part though. Super bummed I didn't see any wild turtles, but it only gives me a reason to come back again. Hawaii.. you sure are nothing short of amazing.

After a "quick" run to the local supermarket for lunch (where my mum and aunts ended up with bags and bags of food), we then found ourselves at Turtle Bay resort. I wished I had stayed here, but I didn't.. so I'll just pretend I had the luxury of staying here. Lets just say it definitely felt more like a remote getaway for couples.. but I did enjoy taking shelter from a random guy's umbrella hut to avoid getting torrential rained on. Great way to meet a new guy friend. Perhaps more on that later.

We left shortly after as we had to make our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the luau and Breath of Life show! It was a refreshingly entertaining and enriching experience. Until next time :)

Let's be adventurers ♥

With all the traveling as of late, sometimes it's just nice to kick it in your own city. And I feel truly blessed to be able to say that I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. (Slightly biased, I know.) My cousin and I decided to play tourist in our own city today, and boy were we in for a wonderful surprise. Just so in awe of His creation.

Collection of History ♥


Pearl Harbor, as we all know is a big part of America's history, as well as the world's. It is now a beautiful memorial site that is a must-see for all visitors to Hawaii. A place that once landed in the hands of destruction and death.. is also a place where great heroism took place.

It was pretty cool to visit the site I've only learned and written papers about in my History class. (Yay for History 12!) We actually met some survivors and witnesses as well, and managed to hear them share about that unfortunate day in history. Definitely a wonderful way to learn more about WWII in the Pacific and to remember and honor those who served during that war.

Some tips! Reserve tickets online to make your life a little easier. Or head there a little earlier to reserve them as they only give out a certain number of entry passes per day. Leave your bags in the car or not bring them at all as they're quite strict with what you bring in. Cameras and small clutches are permitted. I would highly recommend this stop during your trip! A great learning experience. Definitely one to remember. Up next.. my favorite beach snaps!

 

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