Oahu is always jam packed with tourists, always busy and always ready to put on a show. Lots of people may hate this about Hawaii but for me the islands are about so much more. My family has a long history with Hawaii with my grandparents leading the pack on something like 14 separate occasions spent in the land of the lei.
I first visited Oahu with my family as a 7 year old and have made other trips back since. It was on this trip that I actually took my first photograph, a shot of my parents and brother outside the International Market Place. Sean and I have not so fond memories of lay overs in Honolulu Airport on trips back and forth between Australia and Canada but it will always have a special place in my heart because of the trips my grandparents made. They would tell us stories of the dolphins that swam about “The Kahala” and bring us back gifts, my favourites always being the Hula girl dolls and grass skirts.
Hawaii also makes me think of my late father who was obsessed with the place. I think in his mind, he imagined himself and my mum living there someday, in a warm, tropical paradise. His University of Hawaii baseball cap is still one of my favourite reminders of him.
I love the passion of the people, the beauty of their dance, the softness of the breeze off the ocean and the feelings of familiarity I get when I’m there. It always feels like home and now that I know how easy it is to get there from Vancouver, it may be more of a home than I ever imagined.
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When I was a very little girl (even before walking …). I was a huge fan of “Hawai 5-0″ (you know … on TV …). And especially the music which I still use for my mobile. That’s as close as I ever was from Hawai, and I dream to go there one day, of course ! Your family story is very moving. Good for you it’s easier to go from Canada !
Welcome back to Wet Coast! I’m so glad you had such a lovely time in Hawaii. I’ve never been there, it always seems too far away, perhaps I should adjust my idea of distance!
Going places that reminds you of loved ones is always nice too, a nice way to feel closer to them when they are gone. *hugs*
Can’t wait to see more of your lovely photos!
Catherine, I loved Magnum PI too hehe
Thanks dear.
Ashley! You are very lucky having so many places SO close to you.
Hawaii is not far at all. 5 hours on a plane is nothing.
You should go! :)
just stumbled across your blog, i hope mine is as wonderful to look at someday! i’ll be here often :-)
Such lovely memories you shared and this photograph is perfect with the shades and subject matter.