October 2021

I'm writing to you from my favorite place on earth, Hawaii, specifically Waikiki. It's a place that calls to me, no matter where I am or where I go. I must have been Hawaiian in my past life. My first visit was over 20 years ago, and for the past 7 years (2020 excluded because you know why) I’ve been coming back every year and staying several months at a time.

I stay at the same condo-hotel every time I visit: the Ilikai. I get the same suite, so I always feel like I’m coming home again. This makes me feel even more local, as I'm already familiar with the location, people, and environment. I get to sit on my balcony, watch the morning mist bring stunning rainbows, hear the DJ play during happy hour, and gaze at the boats sailing across the sunset.

Although the big luaus are on hold, many other outdoor activities are available. I regularly hop on a sailboat and sail around Diamond Head with turtles swimming along or take a Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga class. There are always epic beaches and hikes to enjoy. It's possible to go snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, turtles, and sharks – inside or outside of cages. Surfing is possible year-round. I tried it when I was younger, it was a disaster. 

Restaurants, bars, live music, movie theaters, and gyms have all reopened for those who show proof of vaccination. Hawai’i has some amazing food: lau lau with poi, chicken long rice, loco moco and poke are all "ono" (Hawaiian word for delicious). The food here is generally a combination of Asian fusion, reflecting the cuisines of the people living here: Chinese, Filipinos, Thais, and, especially, people of Japanese descent. The majority of residents are transplants, either for work, paradise, retirement; so there is incredible diversity wherever you look. 

Traveling to Hawaii now requires a few, new extra steps before hopping on the plane, such as pre-registering and providing proof of vaccination or negative covid test. The details are here. I am happy to say that finally returning after over a year away, Hawaii is still the same friendly, beautiful, lovely, and scenic place as always.

There can be so many unknowns and it can feel really intimidating to book travel, now more than ever. However, once you decide to go and get through the ever-changing COVID-related regulations, it’s so rewarding to finally get to your perfect destination. When you have a trusted resource for travel advice, it can be a real pleasure and not scary or difficult as you might imagine. 

As travel resumes, we are revisiting some of the best images from years past.  Please #planethoppers your Instagram photos so we may follow all your future journeys!