Aloha & Mahalo!

I have a love affair with the islands...the Hawaiian Islands that is.  Of all the places I've been (realistically, the list probably isn't that long, LOL), Hawaii is one of those places I just can't get enough of.  I'd go back again and again, and again, and again...well, you get the idea.  I just can't turn down the sun, the sand, and the entire vibe the island embodies.  I say this cause the 'rents are headed to Kona for a little island adventure of their own!!  I'm beyond excited that they're taking a little time to themselves to relax and recharge; it's been a number of years since they've taken a true vacation and they totally deserve it!

In honor of this trip (and me wishing that I was heading there for a getaway myself) I thought I'd share a few photos of my past Hawaii trips with you all.  I actually had to trek up the stairs, into the closet, and page through a couple of photo albums to find these babies...yup, pre-digital era!  Actually had to take 'em to get developed, how times have changed!!  Major Disclaimer: I will warn you ahead of time so you don't burn your retinas looking through these...apparently clothing and hairstyles really do look pretty outdated after ten years.  We were totally cool, though.  Trust me.


Spring Break 2002.  
KONA.  
Fabulous trip with Sarah, my mom, and Cindy.  Had to add the dorky photos for a few laughs!  I was a little lazy and didn't want to scan them all, taking pictures of pictures with the iPhone was definitely more convenient.  Enjoy!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Island, HI (also known as the Big Island)

Snorkel Bobs. 

Pretty grainy, but cute.  Wish I was there now!

Hands down, the best photo of the trip.
 Driving around the island--side of the road--all sorts of handmade pottery.
Biggest Pot Dealer...obviously.

Honeymoon 2007.  
MAUI and KONA.  
Somewhere around 10-13 days of sun and bliss (I don't remember exactly how long we stayed...pretty sure it was closer to two weeks).  Introduced Mike to the Islands and showed him a few of my favorites places, while exploring all sorts of new stuff at the same time!

Hotel balcony in Maui.  Little dude tagged along. 

Couldn't be better.

Pineapple sunsets.

Gorgeous sky and palm trees.  Ahhhh...

Tradition--gotta get a tattoo while on the islands.  I've done it twice.  

Second trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Totally made Mike pose with the 'volcanic fumes' sign too :-)

It's been almost five years since we last visited...I think I'm about due (or overdue for that matter).  For now, I'll have to live vicariously through all of the pictures my parents take and all of the stories they accumulate!  This post probably should have been written on an Aloha Friday...instead, hope you all have a great start to a new week...Happy Monday!  Aloha & Mahalo!