Hawai'i, the review

We spent just over two weeks in Hawai'i. Out of the eight islands, we visited three. We spent most of our time in Maui and Kauai, and out of those two (which are very different) we loved Kauai the most. The reason? Kauai is slightly smaller than Maui but a lot more remote, a lot less populated and even more chill. Called 'the garden island' due to its lushness, it's beautiful and it has a character that stands out anywhere you go.

Should you come here? 

DEFINITELY COME TO HAWAI'I if you're up for adventure. This is a place to explore and play around in; from surfing waves to five hour long hikes along gorgeous shorelines on your way to majestic waterfalls, Hawai'i will blow you away with its natural beauty and the oh so blatant presence of God everywhere. And I say that in the most secular way. Be ready to be reminded of your smallness and the miracle life is. Word.

DON'T COME TO HAWAI'I if what you are after is a beach holiday in which you plan to lie on the sand to sunbathe, read, and maybe snorkel. It goes without saying that Hawai'i has outstanding beaches all over, but it would simply be a sin to come all this way to just stay put. There's just too much to do here, too much to see, it just wouldn't be right. And surely you can find lovely beaches closer to you, wherever you are.

3 Tips:

1. Come ready to spend some cash

• Tax and tip make for an extra 20% 
• Accomodation is costly
• Inter island flights are expensive, going between $50 and $150 for one way singles (keep in mind these are 40 minute long flights!)

2. Always, always rent a car

You want to be able to move around and explore all the main attractions freely and at your own pace. There is stuff to do in abundance, you won't get bored! Plus roads and highways are in top condition, with the odd off road experience available for when you are feeling like driving into the sunset with music so loud you can't hear your own thoughts.

3.  Stick to one island per week

Each island has its own style and character, and so much to offer. Read up on what to expect from each one and decide on where to go that way. They will all be beautiful, but you want to avoid letting FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) get the best out of you and not allowing you to enjoy the Aloha! way of living just to get that snapshot in all the islands you visit. 

It goes without saying that we loved our time here. Aloha Hawai'i, we'll be back for more. 

Mahalo Ke Akua, Honestly

Max and I went to the Wai'oli Hui'ia Church Sunday service this morning. I wanted to experience Hawaiian Christianity first hand, after reading about the huge influence Missionaries had in Hawaiian history. 

Whilst a significant part of the ceremony was carried out in Hawaiian, the Sermon was given in English and it was about 'being honest'. 

It made me think about how normal lying has become to me, to everyone (I assume). Telling half of the truth, or only a part of it, staying quiet, exaggerating...those are all ways of lying. 

We talked about five common types of lies, and their main motives: 

1) Calculating Lies we tell to benefit ourselves: 'I'm almost out of stock' 

2) Cruel Lies we tell to hurt someone: 'She must not like you, otherwise...'

3) Conceited Lies we tell to out of insecurity: 'Oh yeah, I've done that too'

4) Convenient Lies we tell out of laziness: 'I'm sorry I have to leave, but something came up'

5) Cowardly Lies we tell out of fear: 'I didn't know'

We were encouraged to tell the truth consistently, completely and carefully, as 'the mouth speaks what the heart is full of'. 

I thought I better start speaking what my heart feels all the time, or I will start always feeling what my mouth speaks.  BOOM.

Hawai'i

Hawai'i es, aparentemente, la tierra más joven de este planeta. Joven, hermosa, infinitamente misteriosa...ante ella te invade una sensación de extrema pequeñez e insignificancia que contrario a lo que esperas, eleva tu espíritu, liberándolo del ego que en sus diversas formas y expresiones le oxida y envejece, antes de su tiempo.