Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning during sunrise - overlooking Diamond Head while the sky is mixed with pink. The air is fresh and the beach is calm. It is the most peaceful time of day. You can feel the waves from your hotel sheets. You want to relish in the moment of waking up 4,500 miles away from home.
Moments later, the sun peaks in through the linen curtains as a gentle reminder that it is time to get out of bed. Time to see what the big island has to offer.
Well that was my first morning in Honolulu. I was open to learning new things about myself, and taking a break.
The first thing I wanted to do was hit Waikiki Beach.
I heard of this stunning beach before, but never had I imagined water that blue and felt sand so soft. I thought I was in a music video. I admired my surroundings - so I allowed myself to be fully present in that moment.
Also, let us not forget to protect our skin. Black people can get sunburned too. Although melanin protects against a percentage of UV rays, we are still susceptible to sun damage. The most effective sunscreens have a SPF of 30.
When it comes to Hawaiian foods, there is no particular dish. Popular foods in Hawaii are poke, manapua, spam musubi, fish tacos, huli huli chicken, garlic shrimp, loco moco, and shaved ice.
One day for lunch, I got lost along the beach and discovered this Hawaiian fare restaurant called Shorefyre. They had a huli-huli chicken plate that excited me. It was a bit sticky and sweet. The smokey finish sealed the deal. I personally love a good grilled piece of meat. I also learned that huli is the Hawaiian word for “turn” and huli huli chicken is constantly turned while it is cooked.
To top off lunch, I ordered a Mai Tai. This popular Hawaiian cocktail is made of rum, Curaçao liquor, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. Yummy!
Now as far as physical activities, I got you covered.
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is exercise. I love a good work out. Especially after eating and drinking delicious Hawaiian food nonstop. My sister and I decided to hike up Diamond Head Mountain early one morning. It was the ultimate guide to breathtaking views of the big island.
It generally takes the average visitor around 45 minutes to reach the top of the trail. I highly recommend hiking early to avoid larger crowds and the heat.
Making it to the top of Diamond Head was rewarding.
The final stretch was challenging. I remember climbing upward through a tunnel as I dripped in sweat. It felt like the longest few minutes of my day. I remember having to slow down multiple times to take breaths. My sister is a regular hiker so she was far beyond me. All I could think about in that moment was a shower and gulping down some water.
However, observing these views were worth every bead of sweat. I probably would do it again.
After a morning of hiking around a mountain, I took the rest of the day to relax with a bottle of prosecco.
Slowing down while on vacation has become my thing. I used to love the grind of traveling and hopping from place to place, but this trip felt different. There was a calming peace that surrounded me. I honored it with stillness.
Pool Day
A pool day is required on every beach trip.
What is better than sipping a margarita and eating fish tacos poolside?
My point exactly!
I love to create vibes at the pool so I curated a summer beach themed playlist on Tidal. My favorite genre of music is hip hop and R&B with a splash of reggaeton. Ja Rule back in 2002 still has me in a chokehold. That was probably my favorite part. Relaxing at the pool and jamming to some of our favorites.
Time For Dinner
For dinner one night, we stumbled upon this chic Italian restaurant called Arancino di Mare.
This restaurant is a casual stop for sea urchin & jumbo pasta plates. I ordered spaghetti ai ricci di mare with pizza margherita. It sounds like a lot, but I managed to clear my plates after hours of conversation and drinks with my sister.
Beach Day
After flying in a helicopter through choppy winds and a thunderstorm - I wanted to spend a day at the beach.
The thing I loved most about the beach was the the chill. Parents were surfing with their children, professional athletes were playing volleyball, and locals were grilling while dancing to Afrobeats.
The balmy days of spring filled the air with excitement and tranquility. I felt at peace and for a moment I had a thought of moving to Hawaii and chilling forever. People actually slowed down there. No one was in a rush. It was the stillness I needed after the busy holiday season.
My visit to Honolulu planted a special place in my heart. This was the island that reminded me to slow down and breathe. I get consumed with life, and sometimes I forget how short life is.
Lately, we have consumed a ton of tragedy on our screens. It can take us to dark places. I have experienced dark times in my recent years of adulthood. Traveling has always been my psychological healer. I become closer to myself every-time I leave far away from home. It challenges me to break the norm and allow myself the opportunity to rest.
Hawaii felt like home to me.I felt like I discovered a new part of me there.
If you can go, go now!