Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies a cluster of volcanic islands known for their breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality – the Hawaii Islands. Maui, Lanai, the island of Hawaii, and Oahu hold a special place in Joe’s and my hearts. Maui, where we exchanged vows and have revisited numerous times, holds a unique significance for us.
Our honeymoon took us to the island of Hawaii, specifically to the Kona region, where we cherished unforgettable moments. Lanai is another cherished getaway spot, offering tranquility and natural beauty. Meanwhile, Oahu is filled with memories of friendship and laughter. Join us as we reflect on our favorite spots and share recommendations for exploring these enchanting islands.
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Our Aloha Adventures | Oahu, Hawaii
Our most recent adventure to Hawaii was truly one for the books! We enjoyed staying with our dear friends in the tranquil haven of Lanikai, nestled along the eastern shores of Oahu, just a scenic 30-minute drive from bustling Honolulu. From the moment we arrived, we were swept away by this slice of paradise’s sheer beauty and tranquility. Don’t tell anybody, but we loved Lanikai so much that we got a realtor and considered getting another home!
Lanikai’s beaches are nothing short of breathtaking, with their powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Every day we uncovered something new and created lasting memories, enveloped in paradise’s serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
Drinks and Dining Adventures | Kailua
Kailua, a larger town nearby, with a bustling commercial center offers a wider range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and grocery stores. So naturally, we often found ourselves in Kailua for meals and nights out while staying in Lanikai. We have some fun drinks and dining recommendations to share!
You can bet we’re sipping on the classic Mai Tai cocktail whenever we’re in Oahu. This beloved tropical drink is famous for its refreshing and fruity taste, crafted from a blend of rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and a hint of grenadine or orgeat syrup.
Gaslamp, an exciting speakeasy bar discreetly nestled behind a concealed door within the confines of the Kailua Town Pub and Grill eatery, has quickly become a cherished spot for us! We had the perfect meal including steak and caviar while the jazz singer played on the balcony. Naturally, the cocktails were exceptional, making it an ideal setting for a lively evening with friends (Don’t forget you need a password to enter)!
Beach and Pool Adventures | Lanikai
In Lanikai, we savored sunny days with beach and pool fun – surrounded by beautiful blue views and good friends, plus delicious drinks to top it all off! The pristine beaches, with their fine white sands and crystal-clear waters, provided the perfect backdrop for soaking up the sun or taking leisurely strolls along the shoreline. Lanikai doesn’t allow hotels, which makes it less touristy and more peaceful.
There were days we just relaxed in the pool looking over the Mokulua islands (aka the Moks) on the horizon. We joked they looked like kahunas…if you know what I mean.
Shopping adventures | Honolulu
We began our shopping journey by traveling the scenic route from Lanikai to Honolulu, soaking in the breathtaking views along the way. It’s the perfect distance to shop, eat, and bar hop. Upon arriving in Honolulu, we found ourselves immersed in a shopper’s paradise, with an array of options to suit every taste and preference. Even the guys were digging the Valentino store!
We immersed ourselves in some serious retail therapy, visiting iconic stores like Valentino and Hermes. I treated myself to a pair of stylish Valentino sandals and a couple of beautiful Hermes twilly scarves. The rep in the store was flabbergasted to just see one Himalayan Birkin bag in person, let alone TWO!
Our Aloha Adventures | Maui, Hawaii
As I mentioned, Maui holds a special place in Joe’s and my hearts because it’s where we tied the knot. I can’t believe it’s already been TEN years! We’ve returned countless times for anniversaries, making it one of our favorite destinations in the world to go together. Over the years, we’ve gathered countless highlights, one of which included spotting two whales breaching while we were flying in a private helicopter— we took this as a good omen for our love!
Aloha Adventures | Lanai, Hawaii
Lanai, the ultimate getaway destination, is conveniently accessible via a short ferry or private plane from Maui. On our recent anniversary trip, we stayed at the Four Seasons Resort on the island. We have some great places and activities to share in case you find yourself in Lanai!
Dining and Drinks | Lanai
Nobu at the Four Seasons remains one of our top dinner destinations! We’ve dined there on multiple occasions, indulging in their exquisite sushi offerings. And nothing complements our meal better than a glass of Opus wine!
Fun Adventures | Lanai
From hiking to lounging on the beach, Lanai is undeniably breathtaking. We savored every moment, immersing ourselves in the beauty of its natural wonders. We took this hike every morning and if you are afraid of heights like Joe, don’t get too close to the edge!
We were fortunate to experience the beauty of Lanai from an aerial perspective as well. On our final day, we embarked on an incredible private helicopter tour, where we were treated to breathtaking views and even had the privilege of spotting whales from above.
Our Aloha Adventures | Island of Hawaii
Our honeymoon was a dream come true on the wonderful Island of Hawaii, where we indulged in the luxury of the Four Seasons in the Kona region. We would go on daily walks in the Billionaire’s Row neighborhood, and we walked by and said “Hi” to Jeff Bezos!
My Hawaii Outfits
Matching Set | Similar Shoes | Clutch | Necklace
Sun Hat | Sunglasses | Similar Dress | Similar Wrap Belt | Similar Shoes | Necklace | Earrings
Sun Hat | Similar Hat | Similar Coverup | Sunglasses | Necklace
Sun Hat | Sunglasses | Dress | Similar Shoes | Birkin Bag
Purse | Similar Purse | Sun Hat | Hoop Earrings | Similar Scarfs
Similar Swimsuit | Sun Hat | Similar Hat | Sunglasses | Necklace
Stay stylish and inspired! With Love – Amy
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