Eyelids weighted down by a marathon 29-hour day in transit, it hardly seemed worth fighting their slow descent. Nodding off for 15-minute stretches at a time while waiting, waiting, waiting endlessly to stop hurtling through the clouds, I eventually succumbed to exhaustion. Next time I came to, I was in paradise.
I don’t care if it’s horribly cliched- It’s completely true. Honolulu, Hawaii is like no other place I’ve ever been, and I couldn’t have dreamed up a place more perfect if I truly had died and gone to heaven. Stepping off the gangway into the cozy embrace of 80-degree air, the afternoon sun sparkling overhead, I wasn’t quite sure I had actually woken up yet.
Though my hotel room wasn’t ocean-front or even ocean-facing, the view was still unparalleled in its grandeur. Each sunrise and sunset was a sight to behold. On my last morning in the city, I rose while the sky was still dark, dragging a chair in front of the window for a front seat to the show. In those wee AM hours, nursing a large cup of hot Kona coffee, I watched as the streets slowly began to glow and come alive and the sky danced with a changeable rainbow of colors.
Readjusting to 12-degree days and 5:00pm nightfall has been challenging, to say the least, so I’m not yet fully back up to speed. Consider these landscapes just a small taste of what’s to come, and keep checking my Flickr set for additional photos and descriptions, some of which won’t be featured on the blog. Though all my photos are full of treasured memories, too beautiful to keep to myself, I don’t want to bog down anyone’s loading time further. Consider it a somewhat hidden bonus for the truly curious. Next up, a handful of island food finds simply too incredible to limit to mere images. Stay tuned!
oh, thanks Hannah..this really helped me beat some cabin fever today with this single digit weather! I’ve never been to Hawaii but it’s on the “bucket list” as they say!
Stunning! I know what you mean about eternally long flights to get somewhere, but when you step off that plane, it’s all worth it!
I especially love the yoga shot!
What gorgeous photos! Im so envious. Im the only one in my family who has never been to Hawaii. Yes, my teenage sons were there, but not me. Cant wait to hear about the island foods you will be eating!
No relocation on the horizon? I am sure that Dog the Bounty Hunter would hire you Hannah… ;)
Haha, not so sure about those job prospects, but I would totally move out there in a heartbeat if I could secure a photography position!
I hear that Dog is after a new entourage after the sons both deserted him in his hour of need…I don’t think he is very bright but with you being young and pretty, you might have Beth to get through first! ;). It’s a nice thought anyway…
Oh, Hannah…how spectacularly beautiful!
Majorly jealous. I am so tired of this snow, and could definitely go for a little beach yoga~
Amazing! I would love to go to Hawaii!
that looks absolutely amazing!!! would love to get there someday :)
Gorgeous, I especially love the second photo! We’ve had 0 degree temps & snow all week, I could go for some Hawaiian weather right now.
I am so blissfully elated and thrilled for you, my love. You’ve got the (solo) travel bug now; there ain’t no going back. Welcome to the world. xo
the bluesss.. so prettyy. so glad you had a fun trip! it indeed is so grey and cold out here. i need some sand and sun soon
So beautiful! :)
I hear you about the short days, and they are even shorter where I live (Seattle area). How nice that you were able to get away for a dose of sun and warmth! I love the photo with the clouds! We used to have a children’s book called “Hawaii is a Rainbow” and I think it’s true, with the shifting rain and sun there are so many beautiful rainbows there!
What gorgeous pictures! That yoga one looks like it should be in a Lululemon catalog :)
Can’t wait to check out your other photos on Flickr–you never bog down anyone with your images!
It looks like paradise! My husband and I are going in April. His work is sending him and I get to tag along! I can’t wait! I look forward to your posts about the food. Mmm. I will also be checking out your flicker. Beautiful pictures.
Enjoy the blue skies and beautiful scenery. I love the picture of the people doing yoga but the water. Did you participate too?
I’ve always wondered whether it was worth the LONG travel time to go to Hawaii and you’ve proven that yes it absolutely is!! Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!
Beautiful!! Have a wonderful time and relax!
janet
Oh man, Hawaii totally sounds like paradise, I definitely want to hang out there one day. The landscape is so rad. I hope you’re having a great time and I’m excited for more pictures! :)
Just beautiful! I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii but it’s that torturous long flight that puts me off. I’m not sure but I think your
photos are calling me… who cares about the flight anyway …it’s on the way to paradise.
LOVE these photos! They are beautiful!
Gorgeous pictures, I can’t wait to go to Hawaii one day!
Wow. It looks so beautiful and peaceful.
Those are great pictures Hannah! I’m still amazed how we can have such an amazing gem on our mother Earth!
[…] that you’d identify it in a second, even on your first encounter. I’ll never forget my first time in Hawaii when I spotted one of those prickly, thorn-covered shells. Sussing out the smallest one in the […]