home Is where hawaii is

You know when places aren't as great as you remember them? Places that have been so built up in your memory that the reality of them is disappointingly ordinary?

Hawaii is so not one of those places.

After seven (yes, seven!) long years, I returned to my birthplace along with my entire family. And it was an absolutely perfect trip. Who knew going home would be the best vacation of all?

Adam and me in the yard of my Aunt Kathie and Uncle Jim's house, where we had the pleasure of staying. And yes, this is merely one angle of the gorgeous view they look at every day.

Their house also has a pool, and this was my trick of choice.
My form is ah-mazing, if I do say so myself.
This was my other trick of choice.
My parents — looking cool in their shades — at the swap meet.
Did you know I have the best parents ever?

We hiked the famous Diamond Head — in slippers, of course.
(I'm still a local girl, after all.)
This is the gorgeous view from atop it.
And this is the ONLY picture you'll see of us on Diamond Head. I looked so unfortunate on this hike, and I refuse to submit my blogging public to the close-up shots we took of said unfortunate-ness.
Us at the Pali lookout. I told you the wind hates my hair.
We girls visited Punahou campus — our educational roots. It's a fantastic (and gorgeous) K-12 school filled with so many memories.
Did you know Barack Obama went to Punahou? I'm just sayin'.
We got the best shave ice from Matsumoto's — even if it was in a touristy purple catcher cup.
(Oh, the shame! Right Dad?)
Adam and Ryan at the beach.
As you can see, Ryan really bulked up before our trip.
He was all, "beach bod this, six-pack that."

Pretty Ellie. Pretty beach.
We took in a temple session at the stunning Hawaii temple.
I loved it.
We also went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I've been a dozen times in my life, but it was so fun to experience it with Adam.
Cuties.
Talofa!
Adam got called up to the stage at the Samoan village to drink coconut juice.
They climb trees at the PCC.
Boat ride through the villages, anyone?
Make yourself at home, Ryan.
Since we celebrated our wedding anniversary in the month of July, we were asked to get up on stage and dance at the luau. Romantic, eh?

Nia, Breezy and Melissa.
My childhood BFFs and I had a completely overdue reunion. I adore them.
Oh, and this picture is coming to you in sepia because I was way sunburned and splotchy that day. Sepia rocks!
The Mataeles, lifelong family friends (and family to Nia), didn't really do very much for us during our trip. They only took us to a wonderful lunch at Kincaids, gave us 72 boxes of Mauna Loa candies, brought us malasadas for breakfast, and, you know, made me cry because I love them so much.
Nope, not much at all.
Don't Erin and I look tan? I think we look tan.
Oh, and this was the view from Haliewa Joe's, a wonderful restaurant Uncle Jim and Aunt Kathie took us to.
It's a shame those two didn't do very much for us either.
Yes, that's Adam's prime rib dinner at Haleiwa Joe's.
Yes, he ate every bite.
My Grandpa celebrated his 90th birthday while we were there. It's been so long since I've seen him that I soaked up every hug, smile and kiss.
Life IS great, Grandpa. You said it.
Grandpa and his boys.

I love, love this picture of Aunt Kathie.
She's one of my favs.

Green with envy, yet?
Did you know Adam had this Reyn's Aloha shirt before we even met?
Fate, I tell you. Fate.
So many Mahalos to make ...
To Aunt Kathie and Uncle Jim: You absolutely made our trip. We love you!
To the Mataeles: You have a permanent place in my heart.
To Grandpa: Thanks for the legacy. I'll always live a life you'd be proud of.
To Mom and Dad: There aren't enough Mahalos in the world. Mai ka pu'uwai.