Hawaii

I’m writing this from O’Hare Airport and it is cold.

Which is probably why I’m already thinking about another tropical vacation.

Before this work trip, I was honestly much more excited about Banff and Jasper than I was about Hawaii. I know that sounds crazy, right? I’ve never really been much of a tropical vacation guy, but I think Hawaii may have started to change my mind.

My first day started with a visit to Pearl Harbor. I’ve been trying to find the right word to describe being out at the USS Arizona Memorial and I’m still not sure there is one. Standing above the wreckage and realizing that more than 1,000 servicemen lost their lives there is something that’s difficult to fully process.

The memorial is essentially a gravesite, but it is also marks the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II. Seeing it in person made the history feel much more real than it ever did in a textbook.

The next morning, I made my way to Lanikai Beach for sunrise.

It was one of the prettiest sunrises I’ve ever seen. I still prefer sunsets because you don’t have to wake up ridiculously early for them, but Hawaii makes a pretty strong case for a sunrise.

After getting some work done, I spent the afternoon playing football in the pool with a bunch of old dudes. Eventually, what started with a few old dudes turned into about half the pool playing catch. It was awesome.

I ended the day with some of the best vegan sushi I’ve ever had at Tane Vegan Izakaya.

The next morning, I was up early again for another sunrise, this time at Lanai Lookout. The views were incredible, although the morning took an unexpected turn when I lost my camera pouch and accidentally walked through a naked photo shoot while looking for it.

I guess that’s normal in Hawaii.

That evening, I went to a luau with my coworkers, which was a great way to end the day.

For my last full day, I started with a hike up Diamond Head. The view of Honolulu from the top was incredible, although I’m pretty sure I’m still sweating from that hike.

Afterward, I headed to Kuala Ranch for a UTV tour. The ranch has been used as the filming location for a ton of movies and TV shows, and after seeing it in person, I completely understand why. The mountains, valleys, and coastline were incredible.

And now I’m sitting at O’Hare, back in the cold, writing this and wondering how quickly I can find my way back to somewhere warm. Maybe I’m become a tropical vacation guy after all.

Banff National Park

Want to know where I end up next?