Hawaii, The Aloha State (Sneak Peek)

Aloha, Hawaii! Oh well, at least I have 1 trip for the year of 2020.

The boyfriend and I went Hawaii early of March this year before our newly appointed Prime Minister announced the  commencement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which took effect on 18 March 2020 (two days after we back from Hawaii). Both of us were supposed to continue with our trip to Greece from Singapore (yeah, we plan to do around the world in 3 weeks) but when seeing things are getting more critical and serious, immediately we returned back home. Don't worry, we did our 14-days self-isolation at home (luckily I'm staying alone now) and our incubation period was over yesterday. Can't wait to go to the market and supermarket for groceries shopping. 

#1: Aloha not just mean for "Hello" and "Goodbye", but it also stands for "Love".

Not just that Hawaii is the only state situated outside of North America, but it's also the only island state. It's like holiday island or weekend gateway for the American. I just can't believe I made it to USA not just once, but twice within half a year. Imagine all the while I have never ever thought of going to the USA due to the tedious visa application. But once I got it, feels like going there again and again.  

We were in Hawaii at least for 7 nights - might seem long but in reality, it's actually insufficient to cover most of the places and attractions. Hawaii is unexpectedly one enormous island and how I wish I could go back again someday. No wonder the boyfriend went Hawaii for the second time after his maiden trip to there in early of 2018. 

So as usual, here's some sneak peek of what we see and do in Hawaii:


#1: We stayed in hostel located nearby the famous Waikiki Beach.

#2: Not a history buff but a trip to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is kinda like "a-must-place-to-go" when in Hawaii cause this is where the World War II began. 

#3: USS Arizona Memorial - once a naval battleship but due to the Japanese surprise attack, now it turns into a national memorial to create a permanent tribute to those who had lost their lives in the attack


#4: Diamond Head - We did hike up on our last day in Hawaii


#5: Up-close and kissing the dolphin in Sea Life Park.


#6: Another place must visit in Hawaii - Kualoa Ranch. This is where most of the Hollywood's biggest blockbuster movies and TV shows were filmed here, including Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, 50 First Date, Mighty Joe Young and also numerous of Hawaii Five-0 and Lost drama series.

#7: The boyfriend been here before but he's alone. Now, he has companion for this round.


#8: Hitachi Tree in Moanalua Gardens. What's so special about this monkeypod tree is that it's generating millions for its owner. Hitachi Ltd., the Japanese electronics giant, has agreed to pay the new owner of the Moanalua Gardens $400,000 a year for 10 years to served as the advertising logo. Now, who say that money doesn't grow on the trees?


#9: We did a little bit shopping at Coach and Kate Spade in Waikele Premium Outlet but the choices are not as variety as the one in West Coast of US.


#10: Last but not least, a trip to Hawaii is incomplete without a visit to Polynesian Cultural Centre. This is where you get to know more about the original settlers of many of islands in the Pacific Ocean, from the south of New Zealand to the north of Hawaii. It's truly an eye-opening and fascinating visit.

Seeing the current situation, not sure when this global pandemic will end but I really hope this will be over soon cause I kinda miss my mom and siblings (my mom and bros stuck in Kuching whereas my sister and nephew have to cancel their trip back KK for my nephew's 2nd year birthday celebration). Though now only left my dad and I in KK but then, we are staying at different houses. I'm so looking forward for another family gathering again.

Till then, Aloha!