The Traveling Hillbilly Tries Paddle Boarding!

I’m sure a lot of you have seen people paddle boarding.   It looks easy right?   It’s something I’ve wanted to try for a while and the fact that I live in Los Angeles, there is absolutely no excuse for my not having tried it already.  But it took me a getaway in Honolulu to actually try it.   After a few days of truly doing nothing, I was ready for some sort of adventure so I decided to try it.   Despite, how it looks, I knew it wouldn’t be easy.   I’ve tried surfing before and couldn’t even stand up on the board.   However, that was many years ago and I figured now that I know how to snowboard, standing on board in the water should be easier.  

After about 5 minute’s instruction on the ground, we headed out to the water.  Somehow I managed to stand up right away.  However, I did not stay up for long.   As soon as a small wave came, I tumbled off the board.   I stood up and fell a few more times.   Things are going exactly how I expected them to!

Then we paddled out a little past the waves to calmer water and I finally got my bearings and my balance.  I was actually able to do it.   From the shore, it might have actually looked like I knew what I was doing.   After paddling for quite a bit, it was time to head back in.  I was feeling pretty good about myself and quite proud that I’d actually conquered something new!   So when the instructor asked me if I wanted to paddle back in or catch a wave, I boldly said, I want to catch a wave in!  I was ready!   Well my confidence quickly vanished.   He gave me a gentle push as the wave came and as soon as I tried to stand up, I tumbled!   We had time for one more wave.  I had to redeem myself, but there was to be no redemption for me today.   I tumbled again.  All that great work out in the deeper waters and now here I was on the shore with everybody watching and tumbling off that board like the normal klutz I am!   Well truth be told, most people probably weren’t really paying me any attention.  Either way, I felt the need to at least stand up and paddle the rest of the way in.   I was not going to let my last few minutes be me walking my board into shore, so I stood up and paddled my way in. 

All in all, it was a great workout, a lot of fun and something I definitely want to do when I get back to LA!

The Traveling Hillbilly Refuses to Miss Another Sunset

After yesterday’s screw up, the Traveling Hillbilly wanted to be ready and prepared to capture tonight’s sunset.   After lounging by the pool and then grabbing a late lunch, I was ready for a nap.  Instead, I headed downstairs sat in a rocking chair reading for a bit and then decided to use the time to work on my website.   Being on the computer always keeps me up! 

I decided a quick visit to the gym would really do the trick.   That would give me a great burst of energy.   After realizing the gym consisted of a few treadmills and stationary bikes, I thought, “Why walk on a treadmill when I can walk on the beach?”  Walking on the sand would give me that much more of a workout.  So I grabbed my ipod and headed to the beach.  After a bit of walking and running in the sand, I decided it was finally time to take a quick dip ocean.  I mean who comes to Hawaii and doesn’t get in the ocean?!    Just as I’m getting ready to jump in, the rain comes pouring down.   At this point, I figure I’m already wet, so why not jump in.   It’s amazing how clean the water feels.  It doesn’t feel sandy at all here.  I’m really enjoying my dip when a big wave comes crashing through and gets just inches from my shoes and ipod!   I quickly run rescue my stuff before another wave almost takes it away!

After a quick shower, I now sit at the beachside bar enjoying the beautiful view.  The rain has stopped, the skies have cleared and the crowds are gathering.  I think we are about to be treated to a truly stunning and amazing sunset.  

Beautiful, what do you think? 

Rocking in Hawaii!

Day #1

Got up, walked from the hotel to Diamond Head Crater

Hiked Diamond Head, took a few photos of the amazing view and then walked back to the hotel – great workout

Lounged poolside for a bit

Got a massage (outside in the garden, listening to the birds chirping)

Took a quick power nap, wound up sleeping through the sunset!

Met a friend for dinner, then slept

Day #2

Slept in til 8:30

Walked to grab some coffee

Lounged poolside for a bit

Right now, I’m sitting in a rocking chair enjoying the breeze and just relaxing

Aaaahhhhhh this is the life!

What Better Place to Relax & Recharge than Hawaii?

And how better to “pay” for this trip than with miles!  I am on plane right now (used 30,000 miles to book a non-stop RT ticket cost me $5) headed for Honolulu for a few days of absolutely nothing, or maybe absolutely everything.  I’m hoping my toughest decisions will be, wine or cocktail?  Should I lounge poolside or on the beach today?   Should I hike Diamond Head or go mountain biking?

Dear sweet Hawaii, here I come!   My Pink Palace awaits.

Final Thoughts on Maui

I truly loved my adventure on Maui and the best thing about it was being able to share it with my mom. I learned some things I never knew about my mom and we created some great memories I’ll cherish always.

It’s amazing how friendly and happy everyone is on Maui. The island just moves at a slower pace and I guess everyone instantly gets in a relaxed and happy mood. If only we could bottle the positive energy created on the island and bring it back to the mainland. The world would be a much more positive, peaceful and joyful place. Hopefully all those that visit bring a little piece of the island outlook back with them and can hold onto the peace of mind the island brings. If we can do that, and remember that feeling the next time we start to get caught up in all the day to day crap, we’ll all be a little more at peace.
So I’ve been asked which did I prefer, Maui or Oahu? It really depends on what you’re looking for. Honolulu is much bigger and much more developed than Maui. It’s like a lot of big cities and has a lot to offer. Maui is smaller, less developed and much quieter. If you’re looking to just kick back and relax, Maui is a great option. For the Traveling Hillbilly though, I have to say I prefer Oahu. Don’t get me wrong, Maui is stunningly beautifully and I truly enjoyed my time there. However, when traveling alone Honolulu gives you the best of both worlds. You can kick back and relax, but there are still plenty of options if you want to get out and about

The Last Moments in Maui

After an exciting day of zip lining across the valleys of Kaanapali Beach, it was time for a dip in the pool before heading out to a traditional Hawaiian luau. After reading a variety of tourist magazines, we had settled on the Old Lahaina Luau. It is known as the most traditional luau on the island.

We were not disappointed. From the time we walked in until the evening was over, we felt welcomed. They put on a truly great show! It’s educational, colorful and exciting. Plus the food was delicious and all drinks were included. We tried a variety of foods and each one was more delicious than the other. We sat at a table with six other people who were all very friendly. Our waiter was exceptional. All in all is was a truly wonderful experience, one The Traveling Hillbilly highly recommends! Want more information? Then click here

After our exciting evening at the Luau, it was almost time to say goodbye to Maui. Since our flight did not leave until very late in the evening, we decided to rent a car and explore some of the island on our own. We started the day having breakfast at The Gazebo Restaurant, which the Traveling Hillbilly also highly recommends (click here for review and restaurant info). The banana, macadamia nut pancakes are truly spectacular!

With completely full stomachs, we went off to explore Kapalua and the rest of west Maui. The drive is like a mini-drive of the Road to Hana. It’s full of twist and turns and some truly beautiful scenery. Unfortunately neither of us had a camera! We’ll just have to keep the pictures stored in our memories.