Hawaiʻi Memories: Hiking, Sunsets, and Celebrating Love
Sunset sail views and even better company.
Shared Joy Series
📍Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi | 📅 July 24-31, 2022
🛏 Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach & Oʻahu Wedding Villas & Venues
There are some trips you take for adventure, some you take for rest, and some you take because someone you love is stepping into a new chapter. In July 2022, I flew to Hawaiʻi (after leaving Miami from my sister’s bachelorette weekend) with old college track teammates now turned into close friends — Mary Kate, Julia, Cara, Kallie, and Carlee — to celebrate Marissa (another teammate turned close friend) as she married her now-husband, Ben. What unfolded was a week of sunshine, unexpected challenges, breathtaking views, and the kind of joy that only comes from shared history and new memories.
Landing in Honolulu & First Impressions
I arrived in Honolulu late on July 24 and grabbed dinner with Marissa and Ben — a sweet, simple start to the week. I stayed in an Airbnb that first night, but let’s just say it didn’t take long for me to realize it wasn’t the vibe.
The next morning, Mary Kate arrived, took one look around, and agreed immediately. By that afternoon, we were checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, officially settling into vacation mode.
Beach Days, Scenic Trails & Tide Pools
The first couple of days were full of easy beach hours and sun-soaked moments before we amped things up with some classic Oʻahu adventure.
We spent a morning hiking the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, followed by a swim in the Makapuʻu Tide Pools – one of those “this feels unreal” kind of places. We also walked the Kai Iwi Scenic Shoreline, soaking in the ocean views and rugged cliffs.
Later, we took on the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead and climbed all those iconic steps for a sunset that made every heavy breath worth it.
My Solo Day in Waikiki
One of the highlights of the trip was a peaceful solo morning. I woke up early and visited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a humbling and emotional experience that still stands out in my memory.
Afterward, I wandered through Waikiki Beach Walk and eventually stepped into the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery. Inside, I found myself lingering over surreal Salvador Dalí works, bold Picasso pieces, and several other artists whose styles pulled me in. It was one of those unexpected travel moments where you stumble on something small but memorable.
The day ended with a sunset sail on the Na Hoku 2 Catamaran, where the sky shifted through every shade of orange and pink as we cruised along the water.
Hauʻula: Wedding Week Begins
On July 28, we drove to Hauʻula, where Marissa, Ben, and their families had booked the entire Oʻahu Wedding Villas & Venues for the wedding week. The whole property was theirs – and ours by extension – so instead of “checking in,” we simply settled into the space they had already arranged. It felt like stepping into a tropical oasis tucked away on the quieter side of the island.
That night, the joint bachelorette and bachelor festivities kicked off – full of laughter, music, and those “this is why we came” moments.
The celebration flowed into the next couple of days with the rehearsal dinner and then the wedding itself. Under swaying palm trees and soft island light, Marissa and Ben said “I do,” surrounded by friends who’d cheered each other on both on and off the track for years.
A Final Adventure in Kualoa Valley
Before heading home, we squeezed in one last adventure: a UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch, riding through the lush valleys and dramatic ridges that have been the backdrop for countless movies – including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, and many more. The scenery felt larger than life, almost unreal.
Covered in dust, laughing, and slightly sore from bouncing around the trails, it felt like the perfect way to close the trip.
On the drive back, we grabbed fresh coconut water and took one last mental snapshot of Oʻahu before boarding our flights home.
✨ Reflections on a Beautiful Week
Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about the island – though Oʻahu’s beauty is undeniable. It was about friendship, celebration, and the rare chance to pause life long enough to reconnect with people who shaped earlier chapters of my story.
Hawaiʻi held space for all of that: adventure, relaxation, nostalgia, and love. And for that, it will always be one of my favorite travel memories.
Thanks for reading! You can find more moments, memories, and adventure over on Instagram: @_GracefullyWandering
