Hawaii 2022
At the beginning of May 2022, my mom, sister, and I went on a trip to Hawaii. The 3 of us sat together on Southwest and had a great flight. Southwest Airlines is very helpful for those of us with a disability. We are allowed to preboard and since I use a “rollator” (walker that converts to a wheelchair), they stored it for us during the flight. We can sit close to the front which helps so much and our flight attendants were kind and helpful. On this trip, my sister also had some physical challenges as she had torn her ACL and meniscus while playing indoor soccer just a few weeks before. She was wearing a brace and had crutches. Her surgery was planned for after we returned from our vacation. We were definitely a motley crew. She powered through and still had an awesome time! The 3 of us chatted and then watched 5 episodes of the Netflix show ‘Selling Sunset’. When we got to Oahu, Hawaii we picked up our rental car and drove to our hotel, the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. It was actually quite crowded for check-in but then we found our room, unpacked a little, and got somewhat settled. We walked around the grounds of the hotel, checking out the pool locations, restaurants, and beach area. We had booked a Sunset Cruise right off the beach in front of the hotel for this first evening and my mom had verified that it was accessible for me. There were some wind issues, so when we checked in for the cruise they informed us that they had to land at a different dock and wouldn’t be able to get me off the boat since they had to end the cruise at a special location due to higher winds and shuttle everyone back to the hotel. This alternative dock is not ADA compliant so it would not work for us. It was very disappointing. They gave us a refund and said we could check the weather to rebook another evening. My mom and my sister went across the street to get us takeaway food at CJ's New York Style Deli and brought it back to the room. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and relaxed and watched a fun cooking competition show, Beat Bobby Flay. (Bobby won :0)
Day 2 was a planned pool day but first, we went to Starbucks for breakfast. My sister and mom got Honey Almond Milk Flat Whites and sous vide egg bites. I got a Skinny Vanilla Latte and a Spinach Feta Wrap, my go-to savory breakfast at Starbucks. We took our breakfast to the pool to find chairs to enjoy a relaxing meal in a beautiful setting. My sister and I did some reading - Shannon was reading The Woman in the Window and I was reading The Last Thing He Told Me. I always read Kindle versions with the “whispersync” option that I get through my Audible subscription. It was so fun sitting by the pool. The weather was nice and we really enjoyed the location. We took a break from our reading with lunch from Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market to eat by the pool. We love to share entrees and treats so we get to try more things. We shared authentic Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and grilled Mahi Mahi with rice and side salads. It was all delicious! We continued to relax by the pool and read even though it rained a bit while we were out there. My mom and sister worked out at the gym later that afternoon. My mom used her Peloton app to do some of the exercises so she could follow along and my sister adapted her workout due to her injury. When they finished in the gym, we got ready for dinner at The Kahala Hotel and Resort for apps and drinks at The Veranda. This hotel was recommended to us by a friend - they have a beautiful indoor area with live music that looks like a fancy living room as well as an adjacent large deck area that overlooks the grounds, pool, and beach. We opted for the deck so we could hear the music and have a gorgeous view. I ordered the “Peachy Keen” mocktail (I don’t drink much alcohol) which was a yummy blend of juices: pineapple, grenadine, peach, and coconut, Shannon had the “Diamond Head Mule” - a tropical take on a Moscow mule with rum, lime juice, ginger syrup, splash of pineapple juice and club soda, and my mom got a “Waimea Spritz” - a refreshing blend of Barsol Pisco, Aperol, Cocci American and Rosé. The appetizers were delicious. We always share on a girl’s trip so we shared the Crispy Brussels Sprouts and a Chopped Salad. We also got a Crab California Roll and ended up ordering a second roll as it was so good!!! We walked around this gorgeous hotel and thought it would be a wonderful place to stay; however, it was expensive. It is on the beach but away from the busy, touristy areas and has a Dolphin Quest experience where you can swim with and learn about Dolphins. Sounds very fun to me!
Day 3 we went to Kualoa Ranch where they filmed Jurassic World. We did the “UTV” tour. My mom drove the UTV and I was in the back and Shannon was in the passenger seat. We made some stops so I stayed in the vehicle to look at the pretty views. It was very bumpy, dusty, and dirty so we had to wear protective glasses and helmets. I wore my regular prescription glasses under the goggles since I need them all the time so I can see far away. Some of the stops were at Jurassic World film locations. The road was super bumpy and we were laughing so much. We were covered with dirt and dust when the tour was over, but it was so fun. When we home from Kualoa Ranch, we took showers as soon as possible since we were so dirty from the tour. For dinner, we went back to the Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market but sat outside to enjoy the fabulous weather. We shopped around a little bit looking for souvenirs for our family back at home (and ourselves….). My sister secretly bought a gorgeous pearl necklace as a surprise for my mom for her birthday and Mother’s Day. It has a fine gold chain and a single large white pearl. (P. S.: She LOVED it when we gave it to her and wears it often!)
Day 4, and it was my Birthday and Mother’s Day. We went to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the classic pink hotel right on Waikiki Beach) for their famous Royal Hawaiian Signature Pink Palace Pancakes at the Surf Lanai right next to the beach. I was the only one who got the pancakes (of course I gave them a bite or two) with a side of scrambled eggs ($7 extra lol!). Shannon and my mom split an omelet along with enjoying their morning coffees. I got some amazingly delicious hot cmn,o hocolate. It was so much fun; my mom and sister sang Happy Birthday to me and I couldn’t think of a better way to start celebrating! After breakfast, we went back to the hotel to get ready for a pool day. When we got down to the pool and got our chairs, we read briefly. Then we played the Monopoly Deal card game. I love this game - you should try it if you haven’t! It’s very portable for trips and we play at the airport, by the pool, and on the plane! Shannon went across the street to get me ice cream from Leppert's Hawaii Ice Cream & Coffee. I got ‘Campfire S’mores’ in a waffle bowl, Shannon got a blondie cookie bar and bought Mom some Carrot Cake because it’s one of her favorite kinds of cake. When she got back she told my Mom they gave a free scoop of ice cream for all mothers on Mother’s Day so of course my mom went over to get a scoop! She got “Kauai Pie” flavor which had Kona Coffee ice cream with coconut flakes, dark chocolate fudge, Hamakua macadamia nuts, and vanilla cake crunch. She thought it was so good. Later that afternoon, we went back up to the room to get ready for my birthday dinner at Duke's Waikiki located right on the beach in the Outrigger Hotel. My mom made the reservations months ahead and requested a view table so we could watch the sunset. The hostesses are super helpful so you can make your reservation during the right time so you don’t miss the beautiful sky. When we got into the restaurant we were so happy to enjoy our cocktails and the gorgeous sunset! I got my favorite rosé wine Coppola "Sofia", Shannon got a ‘Lava Flow’, and Mom got a ‘Duke’s Mai Tai’. The atmosphere at this restaurant is very special, as is the food. We ordered Crispy Coconut Shrimp to start. Shannon and Mom got Duke’s Famous Salad Bar which is incredible with so many choices! For our entrées, we split Sautéed Macadamia Nut & Herb Crusted Fresh Fish and the Teriyaki Sirloin. For dessert, we absolutely had to share a Kimo’s Original Hula Pie to celebrate my birthday! It was so delicious and very iconic to get at Duke’s. The servers put a candle in the ice cream pie to make this dessert extra special to complete my special day. On our way out to get our car, we happened upon a motorcycle show with all kinds of fancy motorcycles, lots of people, and loud, raging music. I remember my sister Shazammed one of the songs she liked so much by Lana Del Rey.
On Day 5 we were moving to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. Aulani is a gorgeous resort in Kapolei located on wonderful lagoons. We had been there once before and couldn’t wait to return. The resort has just a “touch” of Disney that makes it magical but was designed with the local culture and history at the forefront. Before we left Honolulu, we went to Starbucks for breakfast, Shannon checked us out of the hotel while I went with my mom to get the car. We couldn’t wait to get to Aulani. We checked in when we got there, but our room wasn’t ready so we drove to a nearby Target to get some food and coffee creamer. Our room was a studio which had a small kitchen with a fridge and a microwave. When we got back to the hotel our room was ready so we went up to our room to unpack our suitcases. Our room was fantastic with a view of the pool gardens and the Lazy River. We walked around the resort and then went across the street to Monkeypod Kitchen for happy hour. My mom ordered a Monkeypod Mai Tai which they are known for (and she said it lived up to the hype), I got a Virgin Monkeypod Mai Tai, and Shannon got an “Ai'ono” (bourbon, pineapple, and cinnamon syrup). We shared several apps which included Roasted Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork & Pineapple pizza (⅓ of it with no cheese for Shannon), and the Waipoli Farm Mixed Greens salad. Everything was delicious. Since we were celebrating not only my birthday week but also my mom’s, we were each treated to a complimentary piece of pie. I picked Chocolate Cream Pie and my mom picked Strawberry Cream Pie. I thought the Chocolate Cream Pie was super delicious and rated it a 10/10 and would highly recommend getting this pie. Afterward, we went shopping around the shopping center where Monkeypod Kitchen was located. Back at Aulani, we bought refillable cups for drinks during our time at Aulani. They were $25 each but then you get unlimited refills of coffee, soda, and sparkling waters all day throughout your entire stay! We thought that was a pretty good deal and we made great use of the cups!
Day 6 was a pool day (we tried to stay at the resort as much as possible while we were staying at the Aulani to enjoy the amenities). We got up early because you have to get your lounge chairs right away to be in a good spot and with an umbrella since the sun can be so strong. When we got to our chairs, we read a little and went into the pool. They have several pools but there is one with two parallel bars on the stairs to enter the pool. They have bars like this at physical therapy to help with my walking. My mom could go in front of me and Shannon got behind me so I would not fall. To get to the other side of the pool, I walked with Shannon and my mom on either side of me like crutches. There was a great place where I could sit and still enjoy the water which was so much easier. When we were done in the pool we went back to our chairs to dry off and sit for a while, played cards and Monopoly Deal. (My favorite card game!) After we finished our games, we went back to the room and Shannon and my mom got ready for the gym. After they came back from the gym they went to pick up some pizza and Caesar salad at Ulu Cafe for dinner. They always have a “deal” on a specific kind of pizza, it is always delicious, and they are so helpful about ⅓ of it with no cheese! We had a relaxing evening in our room. We could hear the fun music from the ‘Ōlelo Room and just chilled.
The next day we went to Ulu Cafe for breakfast and got takeaway eggs and a coffee cake. Reasonable for the 3 of us, and very good. Of course, we filled up our refillable mugs with coffee! Then we went down to go to the pool, read some of our books, and went in the pool. After the pool, Shannon and my mom went to the gym again. For dinner, we went to The 'Ōlelo Room for apps and drinks and to listen to the live music. For drinks, Shannon got a Domaine Ste. Michelle sparkling white wine, my mom got a Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, and I got a Non-Alcoholic drink, a Passion Colada. The food that we shared was Pork Tonkatsu and bacon-cheese Burger Sliders, (one with no cheese for Shannon). After we split the 2 appetizers, we were still hungry! So we got a California Roll while we played cards including more Monopoly Deal which was so fun (I won again, lol). We love the ‘Ōlelo Room. When we were here on our last trip, we went there almost every evening to play cards, have some drinks, and listen to live music. The music varies in genre but it has always been great.
The next day was our Spa day at the Laniwai Spa at the Aulani. We again enjoyed some coffee cake, scrambled eggs, and coffee before we left for the spa. We all got the same treatment which was the Lomilomi massage with stones. First, when you walk in, they have you pick a stone with a word engraved on it to throw in a small indoor water pond. Shannon and I got “Listen” and my mom got “Dream”. They showed us around the spa, the different types of flavored waters available such as cucumber and citrus, healthy snacks, dressing rooms and showers, and all the other amenities. Shannon and I were in the suite because we had our massages at the same time and my mom had hers by herself. The LomiLomi massage was amazing! You get to choose the fragrance of lotion that you want and the stones make it extra special. They give you some scrub to use in the shower after you get home to remember the special day. After our treatments, we went out to the amazing water garden. There are many comfortable, padded lounge chairs surrounded by tropical plants and trees. They have different temperature pools (hot, warm, and icy cold!) and different types of showers to enjoy. Some are rain showers, some are soft and some have a firm spray. When we got out there we went to the hot tub for 15 minutes (then you had to get out). I got out but Shannon and Mom went straight into the ice bath pool! I didn’t go in the ice bath because I am a little sensitive; especially my feet with my FA. We enjoyed some fresh fruit, muffins, and flavored iced waters while we relaxed on the lounges. After the pools, Shannon and my mom went to the steam room for a little bit. After we were done in the Spa we showered and browsed around at the beautiful items in the gift shop such as lotions, robes, etc. Then we went to the pool and floated on the lazy river more than twice around. After we went back to our room, Shannon and my mom went to the gym. When they came back to the room we had leftover pizza and they picked up Caesar salad for dinner.
Day 9: Pool day. As always we got out there early to find pool lounge chairs in a good location. Shannon finished her book and I worked on Shannon's fun activity book. We also went back to the Waikolohe Stream also known as the Lazy River. We went around twice then returned to our seats where we ordered drinks poolside, I got a yummy non-alcoholic drink called the Strawberry-Guava Island Cooler; Mom and Shannon got Skinny-Ritas. We also played another game of Monopoly Deal. My mom enjoyed the water slides and then snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef (which is stocked with beautiful fish) and then snorkeling again in the ocean. She had a great time. Shannon and my mom shared a paddle board and I watched from our chairs that overlooked the ocean. We shared a fun Mickey Shave Ice by the pool and also went in the hot tub for a little while. The adult hot tub is right above the beach and the lagoons and it is beautiful.
Day 10 and it’s MOM’S BIRTHDAY!! We spent time by the pool for a little bit and went in the big pool with the nice ADA pool bars. We also played Monopoly Deal which I won! When my mom and Shannon went down to the beach they brought back up from Little ‘Opihi's a Pineapple and Watermelon swirl Dole Whip in a waffle bowl with a white chocolate Minnie with sprinkles for me and they brought themselves back White Chocolate Dipped Pineapple Quarters with toasted coconut shavings and basically, this was our fun lunch. So for my mom's birthday dinner, we went to a special dinner at Makahiki which is 3 courses and we sat outside on the lanai by the waterfalls and fountains. For our first course (starter) Shannon and my mom got a Caesar Salad and I got a Caprese Salad which was delish. For our entreés, Shannon got a New York Steak with potato purée, grilled asparagus, baby radish, with lemon-chive butter, and a Bourbon BBQ sauce (she had her choice of Hawaiian Chili-Pepper Chimichurri or Bourbon Barbeque sauce), my mom got Rib Eye Steak with potato purée, broccolini, ali’i mushrooms with the Hawaiian Chili-Pepper Chimichurri and I ordered Shrimp and Fettucine that included garlic shrimp, cremini mushrooms, asparagus, and a garlic tomato cream sauce with Parmigiano Reggiano. For our dessert, I got Kona Coffee Cheesecake with an Oreo cookie crust, whipped cream, and toffee sauce; Shannon got Waialua Chocolate Toffee Brownie that included a chocolate fudge brownie, toffee brownie brittle, and dulce de leche ice cream and my mom got Roasted Pineapple Cobbler with a macadamia nut cinnamon streusel, haupia gelato. We shared all 3 which was super fun. My favorite was the Kona Coffee Cheesecake. It was so good that we asked the chef if he would share the recipe. He said he would think about it and so mom gave him her phone number - fingers crossed he decides to share because it was amazing……P. S. We sadly never heard from the Executive Chef……
On our last full day in Hawaii, we went on the lazy river one last time, two times around. Then we enjoyed the pool but as we were coming back to our seats we felt a drop of rain. So we laid down on our chairs but suddenly it just started pouring rain so we were all huddling under the umbrella but still got drenched. When there was a little break in the downpour we decided to go back to the room. We ate our leftovers from Makahiki restaurant for lunch. We also played Monopoly Deal again on our balcony which was fun with the rain coming down! I won so it was now 2 mom- 3 Shannon- 3 Kelly. When we were on our balcony, it dumped rain again so we were glad we were in the room. The rain smelled so nice and we were so fortunate that we had great weather for most of our trip. We did a little browsing in the gift shops after we finished our games. Shannon and my mom took a day off of the gym so they went to Ulu Cafe to get pizza and Caesar salad for Dinner. The pizza was Philly Cheesesteak which was delish. We finished our packing and chilled in our room before crashing off to sleep.
All too soon it was departure day. We enjoyed our usual breakfast at Ulu Cafe of some scrambled eggs and a coffee cake. After we finished breakfast we went to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to take our flight home. On the plane, Shannon and my mom read their books. Shannon was reading a new book, The Paper Palace, on her iPad Pro. I also worked on Shannon's activity book and of course, we played Monopoly Deal which I won. It was now Shannon 3- Mom 2 -and Kelly 4. When we came home we went straight to bed exhausted but dreaming of our fantastic time in Hawaii. We had so much fun and made amazing memories. Please let me know if you have any questions about our activities! We can’t wait to go back to the Islands….
