• {About Me}

Blog Joie de Vivre

~ let it shine, daily.

Blog Joie de Vivre

Tag Archives: outdoors

Week in Waikiki, part one

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by blogjoiedevivre in Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bodyboarding, endangered species, Hawaii, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, nature, Oahu, outdoors, sea turtles, Stand-up Paddleboarding, surfing, The North Shore, Turtle Beach, Waikiki Beach, Waimea Bay, Waimea Falls, Waimea Valley

Is it really already March?  Wait, and I’m hearing some schools start Spring Break next week…say whaaaaaat?!?  OK, It’s been over a month since settling back in on the mainland and I definitely feel it’s time to say “Aloha!” to Hawaii again.  In previous posts I’ve covered my favorite part of the trip (Hanauma Bay) and where to stay (The Pink Palace) but I wanted to complete a more comprehensive post regarding Oahu, much like my guest blogger Kate provided.  My issue is that every time I go to write about our Hawaiian holiday, each little facet of the trip turns into a thousand-word recollection.  Oahu provided such vivid memories and rich experiences and thus, it’s left me LOTS to write about!  Our little winter escape held a new adventure day-after-day and I can’t wait to go back and experience more!

The Island      As friends & family check-in to ask how the trip went, I find my answer always boils down to the notion that Oahu truly has it all.  When conversing with folks who LOVE Hawaii and travel there annually, I’m used to hearing the specifics of what each island is known for…i.e., you go to the Big Island for this but to Maui for that; if you want to go whale watching you need this location, but the best beaches are here, the best snorkeling is there, and the lush gardens lie elsewhere still.  This was my very first trip to Hawaii, so all of it was new, fresh, and altogether wonderful to me.  As I’m learning more about the Hawaiian Islands individually, I see what I’ve heard is true — each island has its own nickname, reputation, and notable features.  That being said, I found that Oahu has everything I could ask for in a genuine Hawaiian vacation.  Snorkeling, hiking, beaches, surfing, Hawaiian culture, world-class dining, better-than-Beverly-Hills shopping…it’s ALL there.

Beaches      We spent most of time on Waikiki Beach, as that is where our hotel was located and where most of the action goes down.  Although the hotel staff was quite welcoming upon check-in, I didn’t feel like I’d truly arrived in paradise until that first glimpse of Waikiki Beach.  It’s quite beautiful with its glistening teal blue water, Diamond Head in the background, and sunsets that command adoration.  Ah, how easy it is to vibe-out with the iconic Hawaiian beach scenes happening on Waikiki:  the friendly & helpful “Waikiki Beach Boys,” the live Hawaiian music pouring out of a neighboring hotel, the shouts of Outrigger Canoe teams passing by, the surfer dudes checking out the girls in bikinis…  No fancy excursions necessary — it was cool to just sit, do nothing, and soak up some sun on legendary Waikiki Beach.  Now I know why the locals seem so chill — that easygoin’ Hawaiian attitude is contagious!  One of my most relaxing afternoons was spent with my cousin, lying on our beach towels in the sand & catching up over Mai Tais.  As for water activities, I particularly enjoyed Stand-up Paddleboarding — it’s a thing I’ve taken up at home and it was neat to experience one of my new favorite activities in a different environment.Me on Waikiki Beach!

Of course, watching the surf along the North Shore MUST be addressed!  We were there in January, so the waves were dangerously high and quite a spectacle to see crash so close to shore.  We made the hour-ish drive up North one morning and it was worth it to witness the mighty power of the sea and the tallest waves I’ve ever encountered.  The surfers were out pretty far, but at our stop at Waimea Bay, I got to gawk up-close at some of the gnarliest bodyboarding in the world.  The epic waves at shorebreak blew my mind with their force…boogieboarders had to be expert-level (and carry a death-wish) to attempt those crashing lips and powerful pockets.IMG_8302

We saw so many wipe-outs and a couple guys actually lose their boards, needing verbal coaching by the lifeguards on loudspeaker to navigate back ashore.  Appropriately, only those surfers with years of experience and all the proper gear were allowed to touch the water that day.  I actually got called-out by a lifeguard for standing too close to the waterline.  Apparently, these waves have been known to swell unexpectedly, fiercely crashing down and pulling unsuspecting beachcombers out to sea.  Scary, but exhilarating to watch from the sand!  We swung by the Pipeline, Shark’s Cove, and Laniakea Beach as well.  Laniakea Beach is also known as “Turtle Beach” because you can get super-close to endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the beach — great photo-op!IMG_8200

To Do     The stop at Waimea Bay led us to stumble upon lush Waimea Valley — an unexpected detour but worthy of the time and $15 pp admission.  This nature preserve and botanical garden is like something out of prehistoric times.  –It’s such a raw & lovely landscape, that’s the best way I can think of now to describe it.  The area is an “ahupua’a” (Hawaiian Land Division that extends from the mountains to the sea) and it’s a breathtaking experience to walk along the along the sunlit trails’ changing environment:  waterfall…to stream…to ocean.  It’s home to endangered plants & animals, too — you’ll definitely get to chronicle flora & fauna you’ve never seen before.  The best part of the park is reaching Waimea Falls, a 45-ft. waterfall at the end of our 2-mi hike through the rainforest.  Being used the chilly Barton Springs here in Austin, I jumped right in and swam straight through the chilly water to the base of the waterfall. It was awesome!IMG_0533…To be continued.  Week in Waikiki, part two, coming soon!

The Pink Palace

05 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by blogjoiedevivre in Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

boutique hotel, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, outdoors, PINK, Stand-up Paddleboarding, SUP, The Pink Palace, The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki Beach

During our time in Hawaii, we snorkeled, hiked, surf-watched, whale-watched, and wholly explored our little hearts out.  Each day, we’d set out in a different direction on a new adventure.  Regardless of how much fun we had while out and about, we’d so relish circling back to our home base at night.  After much research into the various Honolulu hotels, we chose to spend our six days at The Royal Hawaiian, a.k.a. the “Pink Palace of the Pacific.”Image

Do ya see it there, nestled among the more modern high rises that make up the Honolulu skyline?  This historic resort, built in 1927 & a flagship hotel in Hawaiian tourism, has an understated luxury and iconic old Hollywood glamour about it.  The open-air lobby (smelling of sea air & flowers), lush gardens, and proximity to both beach and world-class shopping are definitely brag-worthy.  It’s not every trip that you get to stay in a hotel with such a legendary past, so my second cousin and I partook in the hotel’s history tour.  A rep from the hotel serves as the group’s guide, escorting you to all corners of the resort and sharing behind-the-scenes stories of their most hi-profile guests.  And honey, they’ll dish on everyone from the likes of Marilyn Monroe & Dean Martin to Justin Bieber & a funny “sorry, but we’re booked” aside on Michael Jackson.  It’s rather interesting — I’d recommend it.  As a current hotel guest, hearing about all those famous people sleeping right where you’re sleeping — well, it feels kinda fabulous knowing your leisure time is enjoyed in the same former playground of royalty, dahhhling!Image

Living up to its moniker, the hotel is very VERY pink!  Although, not as pink as it was before the renovation, I hear.  See, the Historic Wing (where we stayed) went through a huge renovation just a few years ago.  Although management kept the intricate hand-carved wooden room doors, the floor-to-ceiling PINK was toned down quite a bit in a complete decor revamp.  Even so, the place still stands as an epitome of Royal Pinkness:  the bellman’s uniforms are pink, the hibiscus juice they offer you at check-in is pink, the ceiling is pink, the bathrobes are pink, and so on.  Contrary to what one might infer, the plethora of pink decor is actually not nauseating or tacky; the hued touches are all quite tastefully & elegantly pretty-in-pink.Image

The beach towels, chairs & umbrellas are pink, too.  The hotel boasts owning a “private beach” but it’s really only a stretch of sand farthest from the water, backing up to the resort.  Um, not exactly what I was picturing in my mind when I read about a private beach.  Preferring a closer view of the Pacific, we had to search for a patch of sand among the crowd at Waikiki Beach, nonetheless.  Even more of a let down:  they charge hotel guests for use of beach chairs & umbrellas.  Daily resort fee is $35, I think, and that’s about right, in accordance to what you’ll see at nice beachfront resorts.  What I’m not used to seeing, however, is a daily resort charge AND requiring rental charges for hotel guests’ use of beach furniture.  If I’m recalling correctly, two lounge chairs & an umbrella was $50 for the day.  That’s a little steep, in my opinion.  Second row from the water line, at that.  Plus, I opted-in on the $30-an-hour Stand Up Paddleboard charge…I would totally expect to fork over a fee for a board rental, though.  –What a delight it was to SUP in clear water & waves instead of the murky, flat Lady Bird Lake back at home!  I paddled out pretty far and although deep, the water was still the most luscious shade of bright teal.  I saw a sea turtle out there, too.  🙂

Image

The first 24 hours were probably the most memorable span of time we spent at the hotel.  I say this because the rest of the vacation we were off swimming in waterfalls and hiking up Diamond Head and everything else under the sun.  Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a welcome lei of strung orchids for ladies and kukui nut necklaces for the gentlemen.  After sitting down for a personal check-in, you’re offered a warm towel and fresh chilled juice.  Our rooms weren’t ready right away, so a girlfriend and I changed in the hotel’s hospitality suite and headed straight to the beach.  That first glimpse of Waikiki Beach was to die for!  We found the perfect al fresco table at Surf Lanai Restaurant which is upscale yet beachside, so it’s exactly the calm cool atmosphere our jet-lagged souls were looking for.  We ordered a variety of menu items, including a ceviche trio, margarita pizza, and salad…um, hate to say it but honestly I didn’t care for the food.  It was one of those menus where you can’t decide what you want, ya know?  Overpriced, too.  What WAS amazing, however:  their original recipe Scratch Mai Tai!  Utilizing fresh squeezed pineapple & orange juices and served in the most picturesque setting, it was the perfect entre’ into vacation.Image

Initially, there was some going back-n-forth on our Honolulu hotel choice.  It was a toss-up between Halekulani, Moana Surfrider, and The Royal Hawaiian.  We ended up going with the Pink Palace due to its boutique atmosphere, its history, and the fact that it’s been around since luxury travel arrived to the Hawaiian islands.  Although we enjoyed the best dining of the trip at Halekulani’s restaurants, the best sunsets & live music at Sheraton’s RumFire, and original-recipe Blue Hawaiians at the Hilton; lodging at the Pink Palace was a no-brainer for that classic Hawaiian experience.  When you’re talking iconic architecture, a legend of hosting royalty/presidents/celebrities, good service and prime location — I’m convinced we made the best choice for my first visit to Hawaii!

Recent Posts

  • Staycation at Sonesta Bee Cave
  • DIY Garage Floor Makeover
  • Staying Healthy (and Sane) in Quarantine
  • Homeschooling Help? Check out Stomp Rocket
  • Natural Defense for Sick Season

Archives

  • December 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • October 2019
  • May 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • October 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • November 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012

Categories

  • ATX Events
  • Au Naturale
  • Austin, Texas
  • Baby Girl A
  • Beauty
  • Charity Events
  • Dapper Dad
  • date night ideas
  • Dining
  • Everyday Joie
  • Faith
  • Fashion
  • Fitness
  • Gatherings
  • Hair Game
  • health & wellness
  • Holidays
  • Home Improvement
  • Infertility
  • Interviews
  • Life[style]
  • Married Life
  • Motherhood
  • Pregnancy
  • Product Reviews
  • Shopping
  • skincare
  • Snacks
  • The Arts
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Blog Joie de Vivre
    • Join 81 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Blog Joie de Vivre
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...