After a very loooonnngggg year, we finally packed our bags in June for our first commercial in 15 months. See ya later Virginia! With three BIG birthdays in our family this year, we decided to go big and flew to beautiful Hawaii. (My daughter turned 21, my son 16 and I hit a large milestone, too. I’d mention which one but I’m sure you wouldn’t believe me anyway - Heehee!)

We flew from Norfolk to Charlotte (barely long enough for the beverage service) and then from Charlotte to Honolulu (long enough for two meals, several glasses of wine, three movies and a nap!). With the world just reopening and Hawaii requiring a negative Covid test to stay on the island, we really thought we’d have the place to ourselves. Wrong. Our resort in Waikiki was at 97% capacity! Despite crowds of people everywhere you looked, it didn’t distract from the gorgeous island views. O’ahu had me at the first sight of its lush, green mountains and turquoise waters.

After several days in busy Honolulu, we made our way to the quieter side of the island to stay for a few days. In stark contrast to Honolulu, our rental on the North Shore offered a slower pace with a virtually private beach, more beautiful, green mountains and amazing meals from food trucks. What more could a girl ask for?! Maybe a helicopter ride around the island? Yep, we did that too. :)

Head over to my Instagram account @karenhibbard to see images and stories from our time in O’ahu! Taking suggestions for our next tropical getaway.