This memory capsule takes us back to August 2018 for a trip to Oahu, Hawaii! This group of family-friends are ones I hold close to heart because no matter how much time passes between our encounters, we hold onto the core memories that shaped who we are today. Frankly, growing up I’ve had my fair share of diffident experiences - be it scared to show that I had a little light of my own to shine, that I was more capable than other kids led me to believe. Even insecure when succumbed to various forms of bullying, both as victim and perpetrator. It was these important friends in my life who were my boss babes in shining armor, who epitomized my moral compass, and were allies to a little gay boy way before his coming of age. We were children then and maybe it was unbeknownst to us at the time that we played major parts in each other’s lives. How arcane is it that at the very age of seven, twelve or fourteen, we had the ability to be destructive, and the power to heal. I don’t always think of those earlier years but when I do, I am grateful to be part of a family, this family.
Now, let’s take a break from this personal reflection and take a trip through our Hawaiin vacation. Here’s what we did!
Hiked the Diamond Head Crater Summit Trail for a fantastic view of Honolulu’s borders by ocean waters
Walked around Waikiki Beach unexpectedly seeing fireworks before grabbing food including malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery
Hung out atop trees and platforms strapped into harnesses for a bucolic ziplining adventure
Drove up to North Shore to grab delicious food truck eats, tour around the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and watched the sunset beyond the horizon
Climbed steep sandy hills on the Lanikai Pillbox Trail for paradisiacal views of island cerulean waters
Attended a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center where we toured the Laie Hawaiin Temple and watched a spectacular Polynesian performance, Breath of Life
Looked cute and comedic on our Lookout Tour by surrendering to the winds at Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, posing a victor at Lana’i Lookout, overseeing the Makapu’u Lookout and closing in on crashing waves at Halona Blowhole Lookout
And finished our trip with a picturesque visit to the Valley of the Temples, and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden before some last minute quick eats
For my chosen family