kaua`i

i made it to Hawaii!!! my mom surprised papa & i with first class tickets, which was definitely a "first class" experience ;) the service was great and the chairs were as comfortable as plane chairs can get:

we arrived here in Kaua`i after a long day of travel and spent our first 2 nights in the Marriott where we had the most amazing view from our room of the ocean + the gigantic hotel pool:

after spending a day of relaxation around our hotel pool and beach, we spent our next day with my cousins lauren & rachel, aunt susan, and uncle paul who are also vacationing here. we drove up a huge mountain to see the Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the pacific. although it was a strenuous 40 mile drive of twists & turns, it was a gorgeous site worth seeing. we were in the clouds!

we have just moved over to the Kiahuna Plantation Resort where we are spending our next 2 nights in Piopu. our condo is oceanfront, with the most beautiful beach right outside our door!!

now I can say from my own experience: Hawaii really is paradise :) everyone has been extremely friendly, and I have already learned a lot from the locals! plus... the food, especially the fruit, is very very delicious. and the air smells so good and fresh. we are always surrounded by colorful flowers, lush green grass, and the natural beauty of the island... and there are both beaches and mountains in sight at the same time... jealous? :D