Island Fever. Island Peace.
Whenever I can't sleep I think about walking through the crystal clear water along the beach with a warm gentle tropical breeze blowing through my hair. It is a memory specific to my trip to Moorea, but I extend it to being on any island in general.
Even when I am visiting the San Juan Islands which are far less warm and tropical I still feel at peace and I attribute that to island life, to island peace.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Opinions are always my own and I’ll never promote something I don’t use or believe in. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In less than ten days I am heading to Hawaii. It is the first [non-business] solo trip I have taken in over 15 years. [I am heading to Seattle for an AFAR Experience next week, but the weekend is a group trip, so even though Mr. Misadventures is not joining me, it is hardly solo.]
The islands of Hawaii have so much to offer, for every type of personality. I am looking forward to exploring the islands of Hawaii and Maui. I also look forward to a little relaxation and self-exploration as well. There is nothing like a beautiful island to help you think!
It has been some time since I was last in Hawaii, and I have only been twice. The first time was in 2000 for a week-long global sales meeting on the island of Hawaii. That was in a 30-year body that could still sport a bikini. I did not see much of the island except for a stolen afternoon in Hilo and my fondest memory is of Roy's molten lava dessert!
The second trip was in 2008 when Mr. Misadventures and I went to Maui for a week. It was during a two-week break I had between jobs, it was the week of 4th of July so it was a bit crowded. My fondest memory was a daily trip to the local grocery store to pick up whatever the fresh poke of the day was.
After that, I started my job at Dolby and launched Misadventures with Andi, so that trip combined with the creative writing class I enrolled in, motivated me to start blogging.
I have lots of planned activities that I am going to mix in with relaxing and (yes!) blog catch-up. I see it as an exercise in my journey to refine my energy and efforts. I am going to soak in the beauty of the islands.
Whether it is the ocean, the sunrises, and sunsets, or the local surfers and boarders, I know it will be amazing. Watching the boarders is about as active as I am going to be in the water. I can no longer pull off a swimsuit the way I used to!
You know there are going to be lots of foodie adventures! I will be seeking out some of the local food trucks along with some of the smaller restaurants. Or maybe I will try to get into Vintage Cave, the executive chef Chris Kajioka was just nominated by the Beard Foundation for Rising Star Chef!
I don't think I will be packing my fancy clothes though, so I might have to stick to some of the dozens of really great spots I've researched in Hawaii and Maui (trust me I have a list of 25 already!). Or there is always Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon's new spot Migrant Maui. In addition, one of my favorite foodies, Food Gal was in Hawaii last year and has plenty of recommendations!
I would LOVE any recommendations that you may have.
Hawaii is a perfect destination for Island adventurer specially for the giant wave surfing, anyway I would like you to invite to visit the Philippines, we have also a perfect surfing destination there, that’s the Siargao located at southern Philippines, if you want to enjoy with the pure white sand like a sugar cane, just visit the Boracay island it’s located at central Philippines or visit Palawan the last frontier or paradise Island..
How exciting going on a solo trip like this!! I can’t wait to see your highlights.
that shrimp look so good
wow, it’s a paradise
Love, love, love any island getaway! Your pics are absolutely gorgeous!
Almost 20 years ago, hubby and I honeymooned at Kauaii. We had some great food at a food buffet at a hotel ….rooms and rooms of food!! Have fun!
I have never gone on an exotic trip and would love to go. We are planning a big trip next year and Hawaii is definitely on the list.
Wow the pictures are amazing! Enjoy your trip! And get lots of R&R on those beautiful beaches 🙂
Wow I want to be there so badly now. I have snow outside. I would love to go someday.
I haven’t been to Maui or the big island, but I’ve been to Oahu twice and Kauai once. I’m just gonna post a bunch of shameless links to my blog (and yes, I tried the shrimp from the vans on Oahu’s North Shore — delish!)
Shrimp Vans: http://www.domestiphobia.net/2010/05/10/do-you-like-seafood/
Mac 24/7 (If you make it here, I would LOVE it if you could find out whether Jose is still working there: http://www.domestiphobia.net/2010/05/12/pancakes-with-a-side-of-kidney/
Skydiving: http://www.domestiphobia.net/2010/05/15/free-fallin/
Kauai Part 1: http://www.domestiphobia.net/2013/02/06/the-right-way-to-do-a-road-trip-on-the-island-of-kauai-part-1/
Kauai Part 2: http://www.domestiphobia.net/2013/02/09/the-right-way-to-do-a-road-trip-on-the-island-of-kauai-part-2/
I also hear Kauai has tubing tours through old sugarcane(?) canals, which sounds pretty phenomenal. I’d really love to get to Moloka’i one day, which is where they used to send lepers into exile in the early 1900’s. If you’re into historical fiction, I highly recommend the book, Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. Okay enough. I love Hawaii and can’t wait to read your posts!
your pics are amazing! what kind of camera do you use?
Love Hawaii. I frequent Oahu in December as often as I can. If all goes well December 2014 will be my 4th.
Roy’s is a delicious experience and their sushi is some of the best I’ve had. Try the deadly pineapple martini – it’s their signature and will set you on the right path at the beginning of the evening.
If you have a chance, try DK Kodama’s Sansei Restaurant. There are locations on Oahu in Waikiki and in Kihei on Maui. The Dungeness Crab Ramen with Asian Truffle Broth is OUTSTANDING!
what a beautiful island
OMG!! I want to go there so so so so badly. I am from Michigan and it is so so so so COLD and we still have TONS of snow and I HATE HATE HATE SNOW. And it looks absolutely gorgeous there!!
awesome photos..
I am so jealous! I want to go to Hawaii so bad!
Have a wonderful, relaxing and refreshing time in Hawaii. You will come back feeling like a million bucks! I can’t wait to try Vintage Cave and Migrant, myself. 😉
This looks so amazing! I feel like I’m there!
I suggest you try some traditional hawaiian food: laulau, lomi salmon, poke, poi, etc. And no trip to Hawai’i is complete without trying Leonard’s malasadas. Leonard’s Bakery is located on the island of Oahu, unfortunately I am not familiar with the eateries on Maui and the Big Island. Enjoy your trip!!
@M.Clark, thanks so much for the recommendations! I really want to try the malasadas because their origins are Portuguese and I had a great-Aunt from Portugal who made killer ones, I’ve got that memory in my head and want to get some of them!
These photos you have posted here are beautiful! Have fun on your trip! I am in need of a beach vacation soon too .. sigh.
Would love to enjoy and travel here
I would love to go to Hawaii. I’d probably never want to leave lol