Hawaii 2009

Hawaii is where perfection meets paradise. Like no other place on Earth, Hawaii offers a unique setting with its palm trees, sounds, sights, waves, and bustle of city life. A culture all its own where there's diversity among its people and its cuisine. Its waters offer a spectrum of waves to satisfy every level of surfer. The same goes for the hiker looking for a stroll among the vegetation to a challenging hike. And to top it off, the sun shineth almost all year-round.

My in-laws live on the island of Oahu in Honolulu. They retired and moved there over 10 years ago. Entering as Haoles (non-residents), but now living full-time as Kamaainas (residents), our visits there are always enjoyable. Our parents plan day-to-day activities. There's never an opportunity when we're looking at one another bored.
We have two daughters, ages 7 and 9. They're very familiar with Hawaii and have visited there enough times to know the ways of the land such as hiking, surfing, and snorkeling.

They're not afraid of the North Shore shoreline, although we don't allow them any further than their ankles into the water. They know the Hawaiian names, not the English, of the major tropical fish they see while snorkeling the water at Hanauma Bay.

This vacation the girls took surfing lessons for the first time at Waikiki beach. The waves are low and gentle there, the perfect place to begin. With their father at the beginning of each wave and grandpa at the tail-end of each wave, the girls caught wave after wave, standing up and balancing themselves with arms spread to the side.
As Kamaainas, it would only be natural for my in-laws to want their granddaughters to learn hula. A friend was kind enough to squeeze in several private lessons during our 2 week visit. The girls performed beautifully in front of close friends, bringing tears of joy to my eyes and pride into my heart. How fast the babies you love with all your heart grow up into these children you love even more with all your heart and inspire you with such awe.

Hawaii for some is the honeymoon or the one-time vacation of a lifetime. For us, it's where our family lives, our memories are made and our family memories will forever remain. And for this reason, we will be forever be indebted to the islands of Hawaii.