It’s Friday in Fredericksburg but this week we are visiting Hawaii!! So first let me say, Aloha Friday!!! As a military spouse we have had the pleasure of living in many different places and Hawaii was one of them! We were blessed to be stationed on Oahu, not once but twice! Both times were filled with struggles and truly amazing experiences at the same time. I remember crying the first time we left the island and feeling as if I was going home the second time we arrived. When we left the second time I really wasn’t sure if I would have the chance to visit the island again. Nine long years later the smell of my tuberose lei and the sand between my toes once again felt like home! Come. Join me. Let me show your Our Beautiful Hawaii!
“You can Shake the Sand from Your Shoes, But it Will Never Leave Your Soul!”
First Stop! Aloha wear! One of our favorite stores is Tommy Bahama! We don’t purchase things there too often, but we do love roaming their store. It smells absolutely delicious every time we enter the store. Even on the mainland when we take that first step inside the smell transports us right back to Hawaii. Wish there was some way to bring that smell home!
Ok, now that we are all geared up Hawaiian Style, lets visit what feels like home! Our beloved Windward side of the island. The Marine Corps Base is located on this side of the island. The Windward side is also home to Kaneohe, Kailua and Lanikai! There are more little towns but those are our favorite “go to” places! We love Kaneohe Bay, especially on a clear day as we cruise out the sandbar on a pontoon boat. The shades of blue on the bay are truly a site to see!
If it’s a beach day we want then there is no place like Kailua Beach Park!
Soft sandy beaches, paddle boards, kayaks, kite surfing, outriggers… you name it! Around the corner is beautiful Lanikai beach with it’s beautiful views of the Mokolua Islands. If you have the time I’d highly recommend walking the entire length of the beach, take a kayak ride out to The Mokes, or for a bird’s eye view try the Pillbox hike on a clear day! You won’t be disappointed! When you’ve had enough of the beach head back into Kailua Town for some shopping and enjoy a refreshing Acai Extravaganza bowl from Lanikai Juice. It’s is our top pick for an after beach treat!
Most of my trip was very overcast, as I’m sure you could tell from the previous pictures. In Hawaii that simply means you go rainbow chasing! I did see an amazing rainbow! Unfortunately it was in my rear view mirror as I was about to go through the mountain tunnel. You know if I wasn’t driving I would have climbed the seats to get a shot! LOL! Instead I took pictures of the rainbow of flowers the island always has to offer!
Another thing about cloudy days on the island is they don’t happen everywhere. So just because it’s raining in Kailua doesn’t mean it isn’t clear blue skies on Sandy Beach! A little drive around the island and most of the time you’ll be able to find some sunshine!
Let’s not forget the famous North Shore! Where the big waves live!
Now if you want to see those monster waves please, Please don’t visit Hawaii in the summer. You will arrive at Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach and wonder “what’s the big deal?”, because the ocean will most likely be more calm and smooth. However, between the months of November and February you may find yourself taking a step backwards on the beach as those huge waves can swell to 30 feet or more! So enjoy a stroll along the beach or building castles in the sand but I’d recommend leaving the surfing to the pros! After you’re finished wave watching make sure you stop at a shrimp truck on your way into Haleiwa. Fumi’s makes a great afternoon stop. Try their butter garlic or spicy garlic shrimp. They seem to be the favorites! Just be sure you save room for some rainbow shave ice!
Go get some Girl!! 
Now I can’t end this post without one last mention of another place we love to spend time! Visiting Waikiki is a must! We love the quieter sides of Hawaii but now and then a visit to Waikiki can be fun! Our favorite place to eat and spend time on the beach is at Duke’s Waikiki! We love to sit in their barefoot bar. We usually share an order of Waikiki Hot Wings, two of Duke’s Famous Tossed Caesar Salads, a couple of Lava Flows and a one slice of Hula Pie to share! Now if it’s dinner time that’s a whole other menu! And oh so Ono (delicious)!
Mahalo for allowing me to share our beautiful Hawaii with you! If you have the chance to go, don’t hesitate, but be prepared to fall in love! Here is wishing you will always have a shell in your pocket and sand in your shoes!
