Going on Vacation: My Family Trip to Hawaii
Introduction
Summer vacations are a highly anticipated time each year for families across America to get away from their everyday routines and spend quality time together relaxing and making memories. For my family, one of our most enjoyable summer trips to date was our one week vacation in Hawaii. From swimming with sea turtles to climbing volcanic mountains, our time in the Aloha State was filled with adventure and created lasting impressions we will never forget. In this essay, I will share some of the highlights and experiences from our memorable family vacation to Hawaii.
Island Hopping and Beach Fun
We chose to travel between three of Hawaii’s main islands during our weeklong trip: Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Our itinerary included a mix of beach days, hikes through tropical jungles, and exploring the cultural sites each island had to offer. We started our trip on Oahu, staying in Waikiki Beach. With its beautiful white sand beaches, calm blue waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and shopping/dining options, Waikiki made for the ideal introduction to Hawaiian island life. We spent our days lathering on sunscreen, building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and lounging in the sun. In the evenings, we walked along the scenic shoreline paths while watching breathtaking sunsets paint the sky in bright shades of orange, pink, and purple.
On our second island of Maui, we explored the diversity of landscapes the Valley Isle has to offer. We took a drive up the winding Road to Hana, stopping to admire dramatic ocean views, colorful rainforests, and lush green valleys dotted with waterfalls along the way. We even enjoyed a picnic lunch near the famous Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the “seven sacred pools.” Another highlight in Maui was discovering the pristine beaches on the more secluded western side of the island, like Kapalua and Ka’anapali. The crystal clear turquoise water and soft white sand provided the perfect picture postcard setting to relax for an afternoon. We ended each beach day with delicious, locally sourced meals at casual seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
The final leg of our island hopping journey brought us to breathtaking Kauai, often referred to as the “Garden Isle.” Just driving through Kauai’s rainforests and mountains was like being transported into a scene from a storybook. We hiked to magnificent Waimea Canyon, which has been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” due to its multi-colored volcanic rock walls and deep v-shaped design carved by erosion over millennia. On the iconic Napali Coast, we spotted dolphins and whales breaching off the shoreline from scenic viewing points. Kauai really allowed us to soak in the natural beauty and serenity that makes Hawaii so distinctive from anywhere else in the world.
Adventures Under the Sea
A highlight of our Hawaiian family vacation for everyone, young and old, was getting up close with the marine life through various ocean activities. In West Maui, we decided to take an afternoon boat excursion specifically dedicated to seeing ocean creatures in their natural habitat. Snorkeling right alongside reef sharks, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish turned out to be a truly unforgettable experience. We were all in absolute awe at how unafraid the sharks were of our presence in the water. Their grey, slender bodies effortlessly glided just inches away, allowing us to observe their every movement up close. Interacting with these magnificent sea creatures firsthand created a deep appreciation for their natural environment.
Another marine-focused activity we partook in was a submarine tour in Kona on the Big Island. Cruising down 100 feet below the waves through underwater tunnels in a high-tech submersible, we spotted giant manta rays, green sea turtles, eagle rays, and coral reefs blanketed in tropical marine life. Something about peering out through the sub’s large acrylic windows and feeling totally engulfed by the vast ocean depths surrounding us was absolutely exhilarating. Days later, we were all still buzzing about the memories of gliding over black sand fields and witnessing underwater volcanic cinder cones breaching from the seafloor. Taking the time to appreciate Hawaii’s marine treasure through thoughtful ocean excursions left a meaningful impression.
Trekking through Volcanic Landscapes
While the white sand beaches and vibrant marine ecosystems are what Hawaii is best known for globally, we sought out opportunities during our trip to soak in the islands’ dramatic volcanic backdrops as well. On our trip to the Big Island, we drove the winding road to the top of Mauna Loa, one of the largest volcanoes on Earth by volume and surface area and historically one of the most active. Though dormant currently, marveling at the expansive rocky slope landscape carved by ancient lava flows made it easy to envision its past eruptions. We could also see neighboring volcanoes Mauna Kea and Hualalai in the distance from our perch over 8,000 feet high.
One particularly memorable hike for our family was descending into the volcanic caldera on Kilauea. Carefully making our way down hundreds of crumbly reddish steps, we soon entered into a surreal alien world within the volcano’s collapsed interior. Giant black lava rocks and jagged cinder cones engulfed the landscape as far as the eye could see. At the bottom near steaming vents and sulfurous fumaroles, we witnessed bubbling ponds of thick mud, some grayish-green and some deep rich reds and oranges. Just being able to walk on hardened lava flows and breathe in the acrid volcanic gases emanating from the earth provided new perspective on the raw natural forces that continue shaping this paradise.
A Hawaiian Family Tradition
Reflecting back on our Hawaiian family vacation, it is clear why these islands hold such a special place in our hearts and memories. From island-hopping beauty, swimming with sea life, and exploring dramatic volcanic backdrops, Hawaii delivered an experience unlike anywhere else. The natural splendors on full display across the archipelago’s diverse landscapes allowed us to disconnect from our hectic lives back home and truly appreciate Mother Nature’s gifts. Forging lasting memories together through adventure, laughter, amazing sunsets and just quality time as a family are what vacations are all about. Mahalo Hawaii for those cherished moments we will carry with us for years to come. It is now our family tradition to return to the Aloha State for some fun in the sun whenever possible to reminisce on all the magic we discovered on our first trip. The Hawaiian Islands have officially rooted themselves as a home away from home for our family.
Conclusion
Taking vacations is vital for recharging our mind, body and spirit after long periods of hard work and responsibility. By traveling internationally to Hawaii as a family, we opened our eyes to new cultures and environments, and developed a stronger bond through shared experiences in a beautiful tropical paradise. Our weeklong trip created memories that we will treasure and reflect upon for generations to come. Whether sunbathing on beaches, swimming with sea turtles, hiking through volcanoes or just spending quality time together, each activity contributed to making our Hawaiian vacation truly unforgettable. I encourage all families to carve out time for vacations, as they provide cherished opportunities to relax, explore, connect and create lasting cherished traditions.
Andrew Stroud