Great Hawaii Vacations Blog

Hawaii is full of memories for my family... our best is probably the exceptional experience we had whale watching. The mother and calf both came so close to our boat that we could touch them. They were calm and slow moving and we were totally blown away... 
Thank you Great Hawaii for all that you do - we had a great time!!

My favorite memory of Hawaii was a whale watching trip my family and I went on in Maui. We boarded the Pacific Whale Foundation boat out of Lahina, and experienced two hours of whales nudging our boat and surfacing right next to us. We were 45 minutes late for the next trip because the captian couldn't start the engine for fear of hurting one of the amazing creatures.

Staying on Kailua on Oahu was perfect. And the first day we went to the beach there was a outrigger canoe race. The people, the atmosphere, and the excitement were exceptional and something I have never forgotten. This took place in 1984.

My best Hawaiian memory is an early morning trip to Haleakala with my Grandmother, who lived on Maui. Fog lifting, nature's grandeur and family. 
Cheers, 
Peter

My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii. We had never been before and did not even know where to start planning. I came across Great Hawaii Vacations website after a search and when I clicked on the link I knew I was at the right place to make our celebration trip special. My best memory is actually the whole trip, but I will always remember the feeling I had when we landed and stepped outside at the airport. We were in HAWAII!! The peace I felt was unbelievable. I was relaxed immediately and knew this would be the best trip of our lives. GHV took care of us so well, I didn't worry about our hotel, excursions, transportation, ANYTHING! We had such a wonderful time, we can't wait to go back and take our children for a family vacation. We will be talking with you soon, GHV!

The one thing that sticks in my mind the most about Maui is walking on the beach late at night with my husband, and looking up at the night sky, only to realize that we had never seen so many stars in our life. We just laid there and stared at the night sky forever! Amazing!!

We took our first family trip to Kauai this time last year and just loved it. BEST memory? We had so many wonderful memories of our adventures there, but the FIRST best memory was arriving at the beach from the airport. The sun was just setting and local families were enjoying time together. As we live in Oregon and our surf is both rough and COLD year around, I knew my grade-school-aged boys first experience of beautiful, tropical ocean would be memorable. At the beach, they rolled up their pants and went right for the water. They both turned to look at me. I replay that memory all the time. They were so surprised and pleased to truly experience the warm water and beauty of Hawaii. Needless to say, I could barely get them OUT of the water for the entire 10 days we were there!

My favorite memory from Hawaii is a trip that my husband and I took our 3 children on to Kauai one summer. We stayed in beautiful Hanalei and spent every day bathed in sunshine and together time, One night we were walking back to our house from a dinner in Hanalei and our 3 kids were a ways ahead of us, they took one another's hands and started to skip back to the house, with the sun setting and the palms blowing in the breeze. That picture of them ending another magical day in paradise is forever etched in my mind!

Going snorkleing for the first time as a kid

My best memories over the past 25 years is that when I am in Hawaii I forget I am an old man thinking I am a "spring chicken."

I love the memory of the afternoon on Kauai when my husband proposed.

I loved being on a dolphin cruise when visiting Oahu and seeing spinner dolphins leap straight out of the water, while a mother and baby dolphin swam right up to our boat!

My honeymoon trip in December 1990

This is a bit silly, but my best memory of Hawaii was when I was a kid. I got a summer cold and we all know how un-fun those are. We were on Kauai and we'd go to Lydgate beach almost everyday. Being sick, I was told I couldn't go and couldn't go in the water. But guess what?! My parents allowed me to. Talk about one very happy kid. To be in Hawaii, a kid, and not go to the beach or swimming...that's just too much. So, to this day, it remains one of my most favorite memories of Hawaii.

We have so many lovely memories throughout the years. It is our favorite place. But my best memory is of our first time on Maui. We arrived at our condo in the dark. When we woke up in the morning - we were stunned to see that our lanai was 30 feet from the ocean!

My best memory was falling asleep to the peaceful sound of the ocean waves on my honeymoon knowing there was no other place on this earth that I would rather be. And, sharing that moment with the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Here we are 13 years later and still talk about how well we slept on our honeymoon!

My husband I celebrated our honeymoon there in August 2008. It was a wonderful experience. We loved everything about Hawaii, from the beautiful beaches and friendly atmosphere to the wonderful food and tropical drinks. All of our memories are wonderful. Just enjoying the beautiful scenery with each other as we started our new life together was absolutely breath taking. Thanks Great Hawaiian Vacations for your help with setting up our fabulous experience. Can't wait to go back!

My latest favorite memory of Hawaii was laying on a hammock on the Kailua Ranch "secret beach" and reading for a wonderful two hour stretch! Heaven!

I just loved the beautiful blue water and the gorgeous mountains on the opposite side. They are both breathtaking. I also loved the snorkeling and the beautiful sunsets. This truly is paradise! We were here for our 25th anniversary and it was the best vacation we ever had. Turtle Bay Resort was just wonderful! We can't wait to go back!!!

My favorite memory of Hawaii is sitting out by the tiki hut at Turtle Bay Resort on my honeymoon. Spending time together and drinking until the sun come up almost every morning and then lying on the beach in the sun relaxing.

We remember staying at the Pink Palace with our family and our daughter turning 6 and totally being in love with the color pink . She was amazed at everything and still has many fond memories. THANKS!

Enjoying the sunset over Waikiki Beach is still absolutely breathtaking..even after returning over 30 times to all the islands, Oahu is included on every trip so we can walk that wonderful beach at Waikiki. To some it has become a tourist cliche, but during the few minutes we spend watching the sun drop lazily into the Pacific, its just the two of us, and the rest of civilization just disappears. How powerful and satisfying is that? It's the best.

Boating along the Kona coast of the Big Island---swimming---spinner dolphins approaching and swimming playfully around us!!!

My favorite memories are being with my family members and going snorkelling, taking scuba diving lesson & doing the dive the next day. The submarine ride and the extreme raft ride. The wonderful luau and the night vendors on the main street. Great food, very friendly locals and beautiful ocean.

Morning coffee and fruit on the balcony, watching the surf.

My favorite memory of Hawaii is my first trip there (to Maui), we went in late November, when we left Seattle it was 38 and rainy (just miserable). When we got to Maui it was in the mid 80s and gorgeous out. I remember thinking it just doesn't get any better than this.

my favorite memory was falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean, and waking up to them too. We had a ocean front condo in Maui, the Aston Mahana, 6th floor. It was so peaceful and beautiful, loved it! 

My two favorite memories of Hawaii are sunrise on Haleakala and my visit to Pearl Harbor. What happened after Pearl Harbor is directly affected my life and who I am today.

Relaxing by our ocean front cottage on Maui for our honeymoon. Never dreamed such a beautiful honeymoon could be so enjoyable stress free. Thank you Great Hawaiian Vacations.

Swimming with the dolphins in Kona was one of our most memorable adventures. Also, whale watching in Maui is always fun.

Watching my 10 month old boy crawl toward the ocean for the first time leaving turtle-like impressions in the sand. Then picking him up and feeling his little fingers and legs clinging to me tightly while we waded into the light surf; his eyes wide with curiosity and a healthy does of anxiety. He giggled and smiled but ultimately got scared and needed lots of love before he went back to the blanket to play and (to our horror) eat sand. A truly wonderful memory. I can't wait to go back in April!

I love the bamboo forest just outside of Hana it was so beautiful.

Definitely snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. I always make sure to include the bay each time I go to Waikiki.

One of the best memories of Hawaii is watching my two kids play on beach! Watching the both of them build sandcastles and being so happy and content! I also love the beautiful scenery everywhere you look. The sunsets are amazing!

Sitting at the back hatch of a submarine watching the red and blue sunset in Pearl Harbor where the water shines with the slow bleeding of the USS Arizona ... so much beauty with memories of sorrow.

My favorite memory of Hawaii was surfing while 4 months pregnant with my daughter on Waikiki Beach on 4th of July! The last time I surfed since having two babies.

My Best memory of Hawaii is meeting the mother of my children while there working and taking a trip together to Poipu Beach on the beautiful Island of Kauai. The memory in particular is jumping off of a 25 ft cliff into the water and waiting over an hour in the water for her to jump too! We now live in Colorado and can't wait to go back with our 2 children.

Getting married on airport beach and having over 30 of our friends and family join us from all parts of the world. We go back every year for our annual honeymoon.

My favorite memory of Hawaii was when my immediate family visited Maui together. This is particularly one of my favorite memories of my grandfather. We got to experience everything from luaus, amazing food, parasailing, and just enjoyed having everyone together in a beautiful setting.

snorkeling too far out on the reef and being rewarded with an awesome eel encounter. I'll never forget it.

Our best moments on Hawaii were renewing our wedding vows (10th anniversary)on Magic Island, part of the Ala Moana State Recreation Area on Oahu. The celebrant had a small harp, and as he played, his wife, who had not been present at the start of the ceremony, approached, singing the Hawaiian Wedding Song. It was so romantic, that my wife and I are always returning to this beautiful place to relive that wonderful experience. Aloha.

Spending a whole week with just my mom. We relaxed on the beach, read books, and floated in the ocean on floaties. It was great quality time with my mom in paradise!!

My favorite memory of Hawaii was getting married on the beach in Maui. The perfect wedding setting.

My favorite memory is enjoying the beach at Mauna Kea and seeing the manta rays nightly.

The first time I went scuba diving in Kauai, was totally awesome. Could not believe the visibility!

So many great memories of every island, every trip. I think one of the fondest memories has to be the local residents ;-) they are so welcoming & sweet. Their genuine kindness Is part of what makes the islands so relaxing & so inviting ! All my husband has to say is..."let's go to Hawaii" & I'm already mentally on a west side beach, watching. Spectacular sunset!!! Aloha

My favorite memory of Hawaii was the first time we came.The hospitality,warmth,friendliness of the locals and the spirit if Aloha.

Flying in seeing diamond head for first time ! Breathtaking!,

sunday brunch at the Royal Hawaiian on waikiki beach. perfect food and what a view!!!

my favorite memory of hawaii is the people the kindness and warmt of every one it was the kind of memory you just forget

My most memorable moment is back in 2003, when my husband and I took our 2 yr old twins to Maui. The flight went very smooth and splendid, the kids napped and when woken up, they were all smiles. After we picked up a Dodge Caravan from Dollar, checked in at our hotel, we decided to take a drive up Kapalua. 5minutes into our drive as we enjoyed the scenic, one of the twins (Jesse) barffed (threw up) ALL OVER the van, and that included on Mom and Dad!!!!! After deep cleaning the van, the rest of the trip went smoothly, but if you were to ask me what the highlight of our trip was, well I believe that would be it. :)

My favorite memory of Hawaii is my first trip there (to Maui), we went in late November, when we left Chicago it was 38 and rainy (just miserable). When we got to Maui it was in the mid 80s and gorgeous out. I remember thinking it just doesn't get any better than this.

My best memory of Hawaii was when we took my in laws for their last visit,they were both very sick and were not able to go alone , so we got two adjoining rooms at the Aston Waikiki Sunset so we could lookout for them. They knew this was probably their last trip to the place they loved but did not complain and enjoyed every minute, they sat by the ocean on Waikiki Beach and watched the sunset every evening. 
They both passed very soon after returning home but one of their last memories was of paradise.

Marrying my beautiful wife in front of family and good friends on Makena beach in Maui.

My husband and I went to Maui for our 10th anniversary a few years ago. We have many favorite memories, but we really enjoyed the road to Hana! We loved seeing all the beautiful waterfalls. A great day trip!

My best memory of Hawaii is the fragrant smell of the plumeria, the wonderful music of the Hawaiian entertainers and the aloha from the Hawaiian people.

Our best memory of Hawaii is being with the entire family on the terrasse of Manele Bay Hotel, Lanai. Beautiful view, superb food and quiet atmosphere.  
We love the Hawaian Islands even though is it a long way for us to go. 
Liv Erdahl Skoien and Jan Skoien, Nesoya, Norway

My favorite memory of Hawaii is the black sands beach on the Big Island of Hawaii and then swimming in the crystal clear blue waters of Hawaii.

My favorite memory is of running through the jungle near Ha'ena trying to get out of the rain with my wife. Neither of us could stop laughing and we were both soaked

Climbing Diamond head! The night life on Waikiki! Every time I go, it's my favorite.

One of my best memories of Hawaii is swimming and walking on the beaches

Our favorite memories are family vacations on Maui-- sitting and playing on a wonderful beach with grandchildren, going to the goat farm 
and the pineapple plantation, whale watching and visiting the aquarium. 
Oh! and the shaved ice!

It's the expression of aloha and ohana that exists in its own special way at this special place called Hawaii.

My favorite memory stems from a childhood tradition...I love going on a sunset catamaran ride past Waikiki's Diamondhead while enjoying Aloha pineapple orange juice!

My favorite memory is hiking through the lush foliage on Hawaii's big island with my family, where we enjoying the refreshing spray of a beautiful waterfall!

All memories of Hawaii are my favorite!

My best memory of Hawaii was from my very first visit. Stepping out the Oahu airport I was absolutely stunned by the freshness of the air and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It was a world I had never experienced before. The walk to the baggage claim was exhilarating with the outdoor luggage carousels, the sounds of the ocean and the hospitality of the hosting people. I'll never forget it.

Looking out over the view of Wakiki beach and Diamond Head in early sunrise and then the view of the sunset.

Our most beautiful and unforgettable visit in Maui happened last august. My daughter decided to have her wedding in the beautiful island of Maui. There's no word that can explained our experienced. THere were 90 of us, flew from the mainland to attend the wedding. First time to experienced beautiful views, the beach, the air. there was no bad experienced. Love the hotels, the hospitality of the people, the best . They treated us like family. Unbelievable and unforgettable exerienced. Wish we could go back again. 

My favorite memory was a Sunset dinner cruise around Kauai's Northwest shoreline !!

There is no one "best' memory for me. Every second of my ten trips to the islands of hawaii is a collective 'best' memory.  

The most special memory of my LIFE came when I was finally able to bring my (very sick) mother to Hawaii the first time! She had seen Hawaii briefly back in the early 60s on her way to join my father who had already moved to their new USAFB in Okinawa. She always longed for the day when she could return to her beloved Hawaii. About 30 years later, I was able to take my mother and father back to Hawaii. The greatest memory of my life was seeing her face as we walked from the plane into the terminal! Oh the pure joy and Aloha! My mom passed away a few years ago, and I miss her Aloha- I know she is in her beloved Hawaii as we speak - I sure would love to go "home" and see her agin! 
Mahalo! 
Christina Huss 
Valdosta, GA 31605

My memories of Hawaii always include the feel of the air, the smell of the flowers, the warmth of the people and the beautiful rainbows and sunsets.

Every sense being overtaken and caressed - The setting sun penetrating my eyes with all it's grandeur, floating me down in my hammock; sipping my Kai Swizzle, the smell of a luau drifting over me with every spray of the ocean waves, and the music in the distance as if everyone was celebrating my perfect night. My only desire, to return again.

My favorite family memories are from Hawaii!

Married @ Sunset, barefoot... feet in the water, exchanging vows...as gifts from heaven started to gently fall...AWESOME!!!

There so many good memories of hawaii , that it so hard to name just one. the people, the beauty of the island, Its the only place i have been ,that makes you relax ,by just being there.

There are so many great memories of Hawaii but I think the best memory was the Luau at the Royal Lahaina then the next night the same Luau girls were on the sunset dinner cruise that circled Lanai. They remembered us and gave us special attention on the cruise. Super trip!!!!!

Henry Kapono at Duke's on Sunday! How can you not love sitting on Waikiki Beach listening to Henry, watching Tandem Surfers and Diamond Head in the background. "Just another beautiful Hawaiian day"

My best memory of Hawaii was one evening on a beach in southern Kauai at sunset. My husband and I were walking along the beautiful beach and I look over and see a turtle swimming in the shore break. I waded in and stood next to the turtle and watched it, it was so neat. There was no one else around so it was just us and the turtle. I love Kauai!

Just went to the North Shore and it was great! Great Hawaii Vacations always has the best package deals!

Best memory was getting married on the beach in Maui!

Been going back and fore to Maui and Oahu for many years, now as we are on fixed income and seniors it is a little difficult to Save enough for another trip. Last time was a Nurses Reunion in Kihei this past Feb. Absolutely wonderful. Wish me luck for another trip

My favorite memory of Hawaii is my wedding day. We got married at the Kea Lani, overlooking the ocean at sunset. What an Amazing day!! 

My best memory of Hawaii is watching our first Hawaii sunrise in Maui. It was also the first time our kids had put their feet in the ocean. Nothing beats watching the sunrise while sitting on a beach in Hawaii!

My best memory was the first time I heard the humpback whales singing while scuba diving off Poipu Beach. Just magnificent to share this underwater symphony.

My favorite memory of Hawaii is my first trip when we were married barefoot on the beach: beautiful Lanikai Beach at sunset while being serenaded with Hawaiian Wedding Song.

We always look so forward to our winter vacation in Hawaii. When it's 40 below back home we bask in the sun and enjoy the leisurely pace and the friendly people of Hawaii. 

Wow! Forced to pick just one? I will have to go with papaya, coffee and macadamia nut muffin breakfast on the oceanfront lanai at Napili Shores Resort with my beautiful wife of 50 years smiling back at me. Soaking in the ambiance including beautiful Moloka'i nine miles across the Pailolo Channel, the waves crashing on the rocks just yards away, the paddle boarders out past the surf, the birds flitting about, the ever present gentle trade wind, and the butterflies dancing around the aromatic tree blossoms. All that from just one spot. One compound memory.

My best memory of HI was the beautiful scenery. No matter where we were or which direction we looked, the scenes were magnificent.

Learning to surf on our vacation celebrating my 40th birthday!

Snorkeling w/ my little boy and seeing the excitement on his face as he pointed out the marine life. Relaxing in the cool ocean breeze and warm water.

I have a lot of fond memories of hawaii. Some of my favorites were seeing the lava flows into the ocean and a helicopter ride around oahu.

I thought a lot how to answer this question. I probably have few interesting moments, but I felt that they are kind of on the surface. If I need to go deep to explain why I enjoy my time in Hawaii, the answer is one word - WATER. I can sit and watch the ocean for hours and hours. I enjoy being around it, being in it, hearing it, feeling it. I know this is very simple, but truly at the bottom of all my excitement being on the Island is the water.

getting married at the lighthouse

Having Mai Tais and watching the Hawaiian sunset!

Waking up and sitting on the lanai with a cup of Kona, watching the kids run into the water from our patio doors to join the surfers on the beach. Picture perfect everyday.

My favorite memory is taking my daughter to Hawaii as her 
graduation present from high school with the family. I also have to add the helicopter ride over Kaui's Grand Canyon was breathtaking!

My best memory of Hawaii was when our fridge died in Waikiki. It was my birthday which I share with my, then, eight year old daughter. All five of us were staying at the beautiful newly remodeled Royal Hawaiian Hotel and had been upgraded to a one-bedroom suite. We loved being close to shops and had bought lovely produce, dairy and poke from a local market, The next morning we awoke to find our food had spoiled! We called guest services and they were very gracious and immediately sent us all complimentary breakfast. Our three kids were so excited to have food sent to the room-a luxury we never do. When it arrived it was like we were Royalty, silver domed dishes with fine china and silver plate cutlery. I felt like there should have been a creshendo of music when they opened the domes to reveal local fruit platters and eggs benedict! The food was amazing but all three of our kids will NEVER forget the style of which the food was produced:)

This is so hard there are so many! It truly was one of our families best vacations. One of our favorite things was driving the road to Hana and hiking up to the bamboo forest at the end. Listening to the tops of the bamboo bumping together in the wind and watching our son climbing it was so unique. Everything we did was rare and beautiful. We celebrated our daughter's 6th birthday in one of your hotels with Hawaiian music playing below us at the pool! Another special memory!Thank you Great Hawaii Vacations

My most memorable time is when my late husband and I spent our 25th Wedding Anniversary in Maui for 10 days and then a week in Waikiki. I have been back 3 times since and love every moment. We went out on a lot of tours and then I took my son his wife and son when he turned one back to Maui the time of our lives. I want to return again sometime soon.You feel so good when you are and it is such a safe feeling.My favorite place in the world.

Swimming with the green sea turtles of the coast of Makena...

When my 8 yr old son wiped out on his rental mountain bike on the top of Mt. Haleakala breaking the mouth protector on the full face helmet he was wearing. Thank God he was wearing a full face helmet or he would have definitely lost some teeth in the incident. Other than a few scratches and a bruised ego, he was ok.

The first time our family saw a green sea turtle! We've seen hundreds since but nothing compares to the first time.

Snorkeling with dolphins.... they just showed up at the cove and played for about half an hour.

I have never been to Hawaii but am hoping to go in a few months for my 25th anniversary. What wonderful memories that would be!

I Will never forget the snorkeling. We had so much fun seeing the fish, relaxing one the beach and enjoying the local culture. We can not wait to return to the island.

April 3, 1978, It was sunset, and I stood alone on the Kalalau Lookout, with the wings of my hang glider reaching out to the sky, as I stepped off and glided through the Kalalau Valley, out over the ocean and landed on the Kalalau Beach, to be greeted by "Michael of the Wind" I had landed in PARADISE. Michael left me, to enjoy the sunset, as he began his journey to PARADISE, with Jim Jones in Jonestown. I will never forget the Kalalau and I will never forget "Michael of the wind"

Dreaming of paradise....... I can see it... I can smell it in my dreams.... the plumeria wafting thru the air, the sea breezes... The waving palms, the waves crashing on the beautiful Kaanapali Beach... The first night in paradise... you can feel yourself mellow... That first day in Hawaii... nothing can compare to it!!

My best memory of Hawaii was watching my husband get up on a surf board (in an actual wave) for the first time and the huge smile on his face. He turned to look beside him and less than a foot away was a 10 year old boy doing a headstand on his board surfing the same wave.

Driving leisurely around the stunning North Shore, stopping at Ted's Bakery for a chocolate coconut pie and eating them on the Sand at Sunset Beach. Then watching my husband take on the HUGE waves at Waimea Bay. Hilarious!

Kayaking Lanakai out to the Mokes islands, where the surf and waves begin to crest, then kayak a figure 8 between the islands all the while doing my best to not let the waves capsize my kayak!

My biggest memory was getting off the plane in Honolulu - I felt I had stepped into paradise. My wife and two kids were with, we enjoyed the beaches so much we returned again the following year, and have returned more than twenty more times since.

Snorkeling in Maui was a wonderful highlight. So many amazing fish and even some turtles. We loved it.!

taking my three children there for the first time

One of my favorite memories of Hawaii was having a midnight swim on Waikiki Beach. The water was perfect and there was no crowds. I think we even saw a sea turtle.

I love long walks on the most beautiful beaches and watching the most beautiful sunsets while sipping on the best tropical drinks.But my favorite is watching whales frolicking in the deep blue waters.

My favorite memory is seeing a glorious double full rainbow not long after dawn. The sky reminded me of God's promise and filled me with hope.

There are sooo many memories so I'll have to say attending a magical wedding on the Big Island's Four Season's Resort . Walking along that beach amoung turtles, white san , fabulous friends and a stunning pink sunset....

I have so many amazing memories of Hawaii - but my all time favorite is when I was snorkeling with my two children and a sea turtle swam right up to us, nose to nose, and continued to hang around with us for most of the afternoon. Magic!

There are so many....But the one that sticks out happened last year, taking a walk on the beach to see the sun rise with my 4 year old son at Turtle Bay. We were sitting on a log for a few quiet minutes when my son whispered "Daddy, do the waves in Hawaii make music?". "Yes they do..." I'll never forget that!

Our best experience in Hawaii was seeing the volcanoes spilling out hot lava.

One of my favorite and best memories was scuba diving with the turtles in turtle bay, Maui! It was a beautiful, totally Hawaii experience!

Watching my wife's face as she saw The Cheesecake Factory. She had only heard of it from The Big Bang Theory. 
 
That and her discovery of Eggs Benedict at the Wailana Coffee House.

A renewal of wedding vows at Kona Village with parents, siblings, children and grandchildren present to help celebrate.

My husband and I love to vacation in Hawaii, it is the most calming, relaxing and fun place to be on our list of get-aways:) We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last September on Maui at the Kanappali Beach hotel and it was fabulous, then went on to stay at the Aston Waikiki in Oahu and enjoyed the best restaurants and shopping you can find!! Looking forward to returning again soon.

My favorite memory is getting off the plane in Honolulu because we knew we had two weeks in Paradise ahead of us.

Snorkeling and eating local foods. LOVE Hawaii!

Getting married at sunset in Makena and then the next day swimming with a pod of over 30 dolphins just the two of us. Most amazing experience.

That first scent of warm tropical air when the plane door opens. It's even better if there was a blizzard when the plane door was closed back home! 

My favorite spot is the north shore of Oahu with all that white sand and the crashing waves 

My best memory happened at the end of the bike ride from the crest of Haleakala to the coast. The whole ride was beyond beautiful and exciting. Breakfast at the golf course was unbeatable. As I said the end was the best when my 14 year old son, in an off hand remark, said he really wish he could take the scenery back home. A 14 year old "got" it! Miracles do happen on Maui!

I first visited Hawaii as a teenager and was awed by the miles of gleaming beaches. Since then I have visited over a dozen times but my best memory is of a week-long tour among the islands and watching a river of glowing lava running into the sea at night when all else was total darkness. It was awesome.

As a regular Kauai visitor, we love watching the locals go fishing along the Wailua River and Kapaa shores and hearing the kids shrieking at every fish that bit the bait... simple life in Hawaii is good!

My daughter and I went kayaking on Oahu. We stopped at a little off shore island, hiked to the other side, and jumped off an overlook into a tidepool - awesome!

Swimming with turtles in their natural habitats, feeling like family 'Ohana' on all of the Hawaiian islands, the smells of the sweet pinapples and the rich odor of sugar cane. Beautiful beaches and warm weather. We live in Yellowknife, NT - super cold and winter for 8 months of the year

Wow is this ever a hard question to answer. If I had to pick only one memory, it would have to be a December morning 2009. I was standing on the lanai in Milolii when a humpback flew out of the water and proceeded to put on a great show. Full breaches, tail slapping, and fin slapping for my family and I. All within 50 to 100 yards, it was incredible.

Getting engaged on Waikiki beach.

My favorite memory was swimming in the beautiful blue ocean with the bright colored fish and turtles when I was pregnant with my daughter Violet. I took her to Hawaii when she was two but always tell her she has been twice....once when she was in my tummy!

Hiking in Volcano National Park, seeing the sunrise and then biking down Haleakala, and seeing a sea turtle while snorkeling.

Waking up to the beauty of the islands not only takes my breathe away but seems, magically, to take the ordinary day to day stresses and transforms my thoughts to the peace and harmony I only find on Hawai'i.

My favorite memory of the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii was when I was snorkeling in a pristine Bay teeming with fish and other colorful sea life and I saw a pod of dolphins not far away. They were jumping joyfully and swimming and diving with such speed and skill. They transported me to their world for a brief and wondrous time.

The best memory was…seeing the different expressions on my 
husbands face when experiencing new things on the islands we have visited. Golfing in Lanai at the Hole at Kheole, watching the lava flow from the volcano on the Big Island, driving thru rainforests 
and ,off the beaten path, finding a waterfall, where we soaked our bodies. Talk about “REJUVENATED”. It was his first time out there and now he says when are we going to our “heaven on earth” meaning HAWAII!!! 

My favorite memories of Hawaii include the wonderful beauty, history and friendliness . I have been fortunate to visit Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. I have been visiting here since my firt visit in 1977. My last visit was March 2011, during the Japanes tsunami. Our hotel was extremely accomodating and helpful during that period. I love Hawaii!!

Realizing that people were right when they said that there is no place as beautiful as Hawaii.

The best memory is the beautiful scenary....snorkeling...marine life....the giant ocean waves.

My favorite memory is the helicopter tour of Kauai that landed at the "Jurassic Park" waterfall. Landing at the falls was amazing and getting the bird's eye view of the Napali Coast, the Waimea Canyon and all the natural beauty of the island was a once in a lifetime experience!

Swimming among the schools of fish

...the constant, pounding, sound  
of the ocean waves, with whale 
fins in the horizon.

Having my boyfriend surprise me with a week vacation in Waikiki, including making arrangements with my boss in advance! On our first night, we had a delicious lobster dinner overlooking the ocean. At sunset, we walked along the beach, stopped in front of the Sheraton and watched the sun hit the ocean when he asked me to marry him! That was in Sept 1998, and it's definitely my best memory in Hawaii!! The best week in my life!

My favorite memory is seeing the Waimea Canyon for the first time. When I got to the overlook, it took my breath away. It is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

Best memory is seeing the lava flow of Kilauea at night.

"Aloha", first comes to mind; gentle island folks making you feel welcome with genuine greetings--all around-- that make the sun brighter and the ocean bluer and food, well, forget about that diet, to many goodies to delight the palate. Relaxed, content, and basking in the evening breeze... Ah, too many memories to express so many more to live. So I'll leave it where it began; "Aloha", you'll know what I mean.

If I had to choose 1 minute, it would be when a turtle rose up below me and stared into my face from about 3' away! But in truth the memories include everything: the warmth, the Aloha, snorkeling, sunsets, sight and sound of the waves, walking the beaches............sigh

I have a lot of great HI memories. One of my best is watching the multiple turtles surfacing at Napili Bay. What a great place with a perfect climate!

Every memory I have from my visits to Hawaii is a favorite - the feeling I get when I am there is almost inexplicable, but it is like I am warmed to my soul. One memory from our last visit (which we booked through Great Hawaii) was snorkeling with my husband and children in Kauai. We went down to the public beach with rented snorkels, and we were amazed at the fish we saw. There were so many colored fish, different shapes and sizes, and a few turtles too. It was the most incredible experience to share with my kids.

A vivid memory from Maui is spending the entire day at the Wialuku hospital after my husband went cliff diving at Seven pools. Incidentally he won't be doing that again. I LOVE the whale watching even if only from the beach.

Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and awakening to them at Napili Bay, Maui

My favorite memory of Hawaii was hiking in Volcanoes National Park on the Kilauea Iki trail with my husband. As we were walking on the floor of the crater, our mouths wide open and in awe, we called mothers to tell them we were in a volcano! We laughed all day at their response. Mostly, we remembered what an incredible experience we had in the park. It rained on us, the sun beat on us, we saw flowing lava... I can't wait to go back!

Our family have so many enchanting memeories in paradise in Hawaii. Probably the most memoriable was speading my 31st birthday on Oahau and snorkling at Hanama Bay. We snorkled they all day and were lucky enough to see a beautiful Green Sea Turtle, among other colorful fish. We enjoyed it there so much we stayed and watched a gorgeous orange & pink sunset there and came back again the next day. Ever since we left Hawaii, we've been planning to come back to paradise. We can't wait to see more gorgeous sights & beaches on our next trip. Thank you for helping us book such a magical trip.

I NEED SOME HAWAII VITAMIN D!!!!!

I absolutely love Hawaii. I once planned on moving there to experience a different side of my nursing career. Then I unexpectedly met my husband and decided to stay in Canada. We got married and spent our honeymoon in Maui and have been back to different Islands just about every year since we were married 5 years ago! One if my favorite memories is sea kayaking with my husband during whale season and getting to see these magnificent creatures so close! It was truly amazing!

The warmth and aloha spirit of the people.

I Love the rainbows in Hawaii!

I would love to talk about the sunsets or sunrises on the North Shore of Kauai...or Turtle Bay...or Hanalei Bay...or the beaches with just me and my wife seeing the waves crash...but my favorite memory has to be getting off the plane feeling the island breezes, or smelling the air, knowing that for the next few weeks nothing seems to matter. My worst memory is getting back on the plane at night leaving Honolulu and Waikiki behind to all the people staying!

there are so many memories of Hawaii that make me smile it's hard to pick just one. Hawaii alone is magical, there is nothing like the way the air feels and smells, the unexpected showers of rain and the rainbows afterwards. One of my favorite memories is the first time I paddled out on Waikiki to go surfing with my sister and we were alone. Every wave was ours to ourselves, wich is a rare thing. We were out there so long the next day we could barely move our arms but of course we went surfing again.

Hiking the Napali coast.

It's actually hard to think of only one memorable experience as there have been so many! I think that one of the most memorable has to be the time the beach at Poipu was closed due to a mother Monk seal and her baby taking it over. The beach alongside of it was open and our family was swimming and having a terrific time. As I was watching them in the water, I noticed a very large shape repeatedlly swimming up close to them and I tried to flag them in to shore. This turned out to be the Monk seals other parent who just wanted to visit with his child. The mother seal was not happy about it and chased him back into the ocean, right past our family. Quite frightening but exhilarating at the same time! Can't wait for another adventure!

My best memory of Hawaii is dancing with my grandson at the old lahaina lulua

My first Hawaiian vacation was spent at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel fifteen years ago. I was newly divorced and went with my three teenage children, we had a blast. I would love to be able to take my now married children and spouses and my spouse of seven years back to the Aston Waikiki Beach hotel to re live our wonderful adventures on the Oahu Island!

My honeymoon trip in August 1995

Best time on the islands was when my family and I stayed 10 days on Kauai. Great time at the Condo in Poipu across from some of the best boogie board surfing.

Our best memory of Hawaii is the first time we took our baby girl to Maui. She just loved the beaches and the spam musubi. She took her first steps on that vacation. What a wonderful time that we will never forget. 
 
Aloha

We had our first trip to Hawaii this year and loved it. Would love to be able to go back again.

We had our first trip to Hawaii this year and loved it. Would love to be able to go back again.

Our best memory was enjoying the weather on the Big Island when everyone back home in Virginia was freezing their butts off.

My amazing magical destination wedding this past April in Wailea. The minute the Hawaiian officiant said "By the power vested in me by the state of Hawaii I announce you husband and wife" as we got married on the beach property I knew that this was the best moment of my life.

Driving to a different beautiful site each day.

My favorite memory of Hawaii is a Trilogy catamaran excursion from Maui to Lanai. I remember all the yummy food, including the cinnamon rolls and the fancy lunch served on china. The snorkeling was great and Lanai was beautiful. I usually get sea sick, but the ride was very smooth and we saw lots of dolphins.

Proposing to my bride at Michelles and being so taken by the romantic setting at sunset and and heat of the moment - I could barely eat the fabulous dinner that followed

I JUST got back from a week long vacation/wedding trip on Maui where I got to hang out with and catch up with a few close college buddies of mine. Without a doubt my best memory so far is watching my good friend marry the girl of his dreams on the beach just before sunrise with all his/her close friends and family in attendance. The people and setting were just perfect...truly paradise!

Snorkeling with the sea turtles at Lahaina

New Year's Eve,Waikiki--Shopping until 10 pm. Sitting on the beach with a couple hundred other people watching the fireworks at midnight. Listening to them echo up and down the Manoa Valley. People watching on Kalakahua with my daughters. Priceless.

Sitting on Waikiki beach looking out to sea knowing I'm thousands of miles away from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. The whole 'aloha' experience. Fantastic

visiting pearl harbor

My favorite memory of Hawaii was enjoying a week at the kapalua resort in Maui. We met our daughter and her family there and enjoyed our time with our grandchildren ages 2 and 4. The beach time was one of my favorite memories.

When my kids were small making the ritual of waiting for just the right moment to cheer for the sunsets.

What a fabulous place for seafood dining.

My family and I have been to the islands many times. Each time adds to our list of favorite memories. There isn't just one. There is so much to do and see, from snorkeling with Sea Turtles, walking one of the many beaches at sunset, dining at one of the World Class Restaurants..... As I write this it occurs to me that the best memory happens every time we go to one of the islands and is what keeps pulling us back. Its the feeling you get as you settle in at your destination. All the pressures from back home are leaving and the Hawaiian spirit is taking over. As the Hawaiians say "A`ole pilikia" (No problem).

My favorite memory of HI was last year right before my father past away he had been very sick for 2 years and we wanted to spend one last time with him before he past. My family and I with my dad on oxygen took a flight over to HI. We had the greatest time just being there in HI with my family and spending time with them in such a beautiful and peaceful place made it my most memorial time in HI. Three days later my father past way. I will never forget the time in HI with my father.

My favorite memory of Hawaii was when I use to leave there and my family came out to visit me, we spent so much time in my back yard in the ocean snorkeling, telling stories and going for walks on the beach. When you are in Hawaii you are at peace.

Every memory in Hawaii is my favorite memory....seriously, it's most beautiful place on earth!!

my favorite memory is the time i spent with my wife on Maui the best of my life

My favorite memory was watching lava flow into the ocean from Kilauea on the Big Island, and watching the sunset that night in Kona.

We have never been to Hawaii. We hope someday our whole family get a chance to visit Hawaii....

Sorrento's on the Beach in Kihei, Maui, for our 25th anniversary. Perfect sunset, paddle boarders, fabulous service and food. Very memorable.

I have been fortunate to visit Hawaii several times, with unforgettable experiences each and every time, whether it is whale watching, sunrise over Haleakala, hiking to Kilauea,etc. That is the reason my number one vacation request is to always go to Hawaii. The best is the Aloha spirit that is everywhere--once it gets inside you it doesn't go away. Or maybe I just won't let it escape.

My favorite memory of Hawaii was this past summer when my grandmother took my entire family, including cousins, to Kauai and we went hiking on the Napali Coast. It was absolutely beautiful. The hike was a tough one but it was worth it in the end. Will remember that trip for the rest of my life. Lots of laughs and fun!

My husbAnd and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed to food, shopping and walks along the beach.

starting the day drinking kona coffee on the balcony with my grandmother on an 'all girls' family trip with her, her three daughters and three of their daughters (one being me)! 

We loved our trip to Hawaii.....It is difficult to choose one favorite memory.....Loved the smell of roasting meat at the luau....hiking up Diamond Head.....Snorkeling.....Love it all.....want to bring my kids !!! 

I was stationed in Pearl in 1960-1961 our first trip back was 1988, things really changed, especially Hotel street, I think my best recollection was our 1988 trip to Hawaii. We visited the islands 6 times. We were doing a road trip exploring Oahu. We stopped for photographs of the pineapple fields, my cousin who was traveling with us made the comment about how big the pineapple ORCHARDS were, lol, you would have to be there to appreciate his comment. On the same trip we visited Waimea Fall, we were observing the peacocks and again my cousin had another comment, his observation was it was really amazing that how the peacocks kind of flew halfway and then walked the rest of the way. We have always enjoyed Hawaii with stories to tell for every visit there. Thank you for allowing me to share me experience, no matted how silly they may seem.

Having a mai tai as I watch the sunset and looking at Diamond Head!

We were planning our first trip to Hawaii in 2009 when a job loss, got in the way. So I guess my best memory was in the planning, we hope to get to Maui next summer. Sure was fun to explore all the options for our trip.

My favorite memory... I don't have one. It's the annual trips with my grandparents and parents and then nieces and nephews... that were a time for the family to connect in a beautiful place in a relaxed way.

Looking out at the beautiful ocean as we relaxed next to our ocean front cottage!!

I Think I have too many fabulous memories to list!! 
The last time I was in Hawaii I would say was the most wonderful, as we had our wedding in Maui 3 years ago. Something just comes over you the minute you land in Hawaii. You can't really explain it, you just feel it!!!

Horseback riding on Kauai on the beach near Princeville. Beautiful and peaceful.

My favorite memory of Hawaii is floating among the surfers at Waikiki taking pictures of my son as he almost touched me as he surfed by me ...what an awesome place..Sept. 29 2011. Janine Roberts

There are so many...snorkling, boating, swimming, spending time with family, watching sunsets, watching our daughter surf,visiting Hana, Kei beach, hiking, enjoying the peace that Hawaii brings.

My best memory of Hawaii is watching my 17 year old daughter and my 20 year old son skim boarding at Waikiki beach at sunset. We had spent the week on Kuai and the last day we flew to Oahu to spend the day. I will never forget watching the two of them play. When the sun was setting I was fortunate to soap a photo of my beautiful daughter at sunset. That is what Hawaii is all about!

My favorite memory and one I go back to in my mind especially when I need to calm myself, is on the road to Hanna on the back side the primitive side there is an old church very isolated with an old cemetery and the ocean is below you just feel the power of the ocean the beauty that God created and it drown out any bad vibes and leaves me feeling calm and refreshed.

My most memorable day in Hawaii was the day I learned the birthplace of my great great grandfather: Halaula, on the north end of the big island. I have also learned the names of his parents. 
 
His name, Kahoomana, means, "The Divine One".

I had primed my 3 Y/O son for his 3rd trip to Hawaii by reading him a book called "When I'm Quiet On Oahu" in which a page is dedicated to a Monk Seal, native to the Hawaiian islands. It was his favorite animal, and when on Oahu he kept asking me "When are we going to see a Monk Seal, daddy?". I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd been coming to Hawaii since 1985 and had NEVER seen a Monk Seal! I thought to myself "IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, KID! YOU'LL NEVER SEE A MONK SEAL!" I did not tell him this. I thought I'd let him learn the lesson for himself that it's rare to see one, and you must be OK with that. Come to our last day in Hawaii and I spent the early morning snorkeling in Waimea Bay (where I spotted a family of Reef Sharks - pretty cool!). Back to the condo, and it was empty....."Hmmmm, they must be on the beach." Down to the stairs and across the lawn I go when out of nowhere comes my son running at me - "DADDY! DADDY! A MONK SEAL! ON THE BEACH! SHE'S SLEEPING!!!" Sure enough, on the beach, basking in the sun was a new mother Monk Seal. As if it was the most usual thing in the world. Lesson learned - Hawaii is magic.

My best memory was losing my wedding ring on Maui the day after my wedding... only to find it while unpacking our suitcases on Kauai hours later once we arrived for our honeymoon!!!

10/11/2011:How can I pick one favorite memory out of the Hawaiian Islands, when all the islands have memories that beckon my return? The warm sun and blue ocean water; The white and black sand beaches. The turtles, shells, flowers, leis, and plants. Eating fish, fruits, meat, sea food, and veggies. Smell the fragrance of paradise, and wear loose clothes, while sharing the islands with the rest of the world.

swimming and seeing all of the  
different colorful fish

My Wife and I always have a relaxing and great time, when vacationing in Hawaii...

We first visited Hawaii in 1988 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It was so great we have been back 9 times since. We love the people and the sights. One memorable event was biking down Haleakala. We will be back for our 50th this next year also!!

I would love to win this trip to reward my graduating senior for all his hard work and good grades thru high school with a trip to Hawaii in June.

My best memory of Hawaii, was taking the narrow curvy road through the Maui mountains one afternoon with my husband and teens, enjoying the ocean views, stopping to buy banana bread at a hut in a small village town deep in the valley, chatting with the locals as we ate fresh pineapple slices.

The best memory that I have of Maui was back in the old days. . . the eighties! Maui no ka oi is still true. We have been there so many times, but I still think of the time we honeymooned there in '83 for a month!!! It was awesome! We stayed at a condo that my in-laws bought in the sixties. The Sheraton hotel was still a quiet spot to hang around. We knew some of the local musicians, and we would dance away the nights at the local Hyatt club. There was always music to listen and dance to in those days. We loved going up to the top of Black Rock to the Discovery Room at the Sheraton, to sit, having a drink, while listening to the surf and music out on the terrace. All these places are gone now. We miss the old days. They can never return to us except in our memories. It was also funny when we would walk down the beach with a huge video camera, which was a novelty in those days. People thought we were with a tv station, so they would pose and ask us to take their action video, whether it was them on a motorcycle or just throwing a frisbee in the water. That was so awesome. My husband used to dive off the back of Black Rock. Now, it's illegal. It tried video taping him, but I held the camera sideways, and it turned out funny. I guess that's what you get for having one Mai Tai! These are great memories and wonderful times!

I love Hawaii because it is all that it is said to be and often more.

We drove to the end of the Waimea Canyon Road that overlooks Kalalua Valley. Unfortunately the valley was fogged in and we couldn't see anything. After about one hour we decided to leave. Just as we started to drive away we felt a breeze start to blow. we turned around and walked back out to the lookout just in time to see the fog blow away and the valley opened up below us. The picture I took has been my screensaver ever since we returned home.

Driving from Kona to Hilo at 6 am with fresh ground/brewed Kona Coffee, hot banana muffins, top down (on the car), braddah Iz on the radio and all of Hawaii waking up... E Ala E!

Hawaii is what brings my Wife and I back to life. 
The people of Hawaii treat you like Family, and not a tourist. 
I never miss a Sunrise or Sunset. 
Just going for a walk along the beaches, is this best Happy pill you can take, to make you feel alive again!

Ohhh, Hawaii! When I leave the Airplane my heart starts pumping faster - and when I enter the open Airport and see all the flowers I want to kiss the ground, - I feel so happy to be back. The air used to taste like champagne - but that was a number of years ago.. - I wont even unpack in the hotel, first I have to go to the beach, feel the sand between my toes, smell the ocean and I have to restrain myself from not lifting the arms into the air and shouting: Aloha! I love you Hawaii...

The artwork! SURPRISE! Who knew that so many wonderful artists had there work on display in paradise!

Renting a Harley and cruising the beaches, the countryside, the wineries, etc. with my wife in tow and very comfy in her own seat, I might add!

I have been to a few islands over the years, but the favorite memory that first came to mind was of an old photograph of my parents on their honeymoon in April 1966. While there, they bought matching swimsuits in a pink and brown floral pattern. The photo showed them in young love, on Waikiki Beach's fine sand, blue sky and water in the background. I have no idea where the picture is now, but I remember it fondly.

The excitement of seeing the Dole pineapple fields for the first time, I had eaten pineapple from a can in England as a kid , but to see them growing on Ohau was remarkable, then it got better as I tasted a fresh pineapple for the first time, Heaven, I visit Hawaii every two years and never tire of the fresh pineapple

My best memory of Hawaii is the very first time that I went in 1964 as a teenager. We stayed on Waikiki beach in a very nice hotel. I remember how great the weather was and how warm the ocean was. The fruit was great and we had a couple of banana trees that we could pick fruit off of each day. I have been going back to Hawaii ever since that time and just love Hawaii.

Myself resting peacefully on the beach at Waimea Bay inhaling the glorious view... then watching as my husband is pummelled by the enormous waves. Hilarious!!

Enjoyed the sun, water and the people following the Honolulu Marathon in December 2007. Biggest surprise was that the sun was setting at 6.00 pm every day.

The warmth of the sun hitting my body as I lay on the sand listening to the waves crash on the beach. I love Hawaii!

Surfing Northshore and eating at Teddy's Bakery.

The smell of the plumeria flowers in the air. And the warm breeze that hits you when you get off the plane from rainy Seattle and arrive in paradise!

Staying at my sisters house on Oahu and drinking mai tais!

I remember our trip with our 2 young daughters when we stayed at the Pink Palace and their favorite color was pink and they had a blast.

Our wedding and honeymoon in 2008- and every anniversary spent there since!

My favorite memory is the wonderful smell that permeates everything. I loved opening my suitcase when I got home and reliving it.

Our most exciting memory of Hawaii is seeing a beautiful monk seal on the beach in Poipu every day of our 14 days vacation. Every morning at about 6:00 as we walked the beach, there she was asleep on the beach. Peaceful and most memorable.

One of my favorite memories was snorkeling and coming upon a sea turtle.

My best memory was when my family went to Hawaii when I was a kid. They had the best packing sand on the beach of Ohau. We built a shark in the sand...it was great! I remember all sorts of people coming up and taking pictures of the sand shark,it was great. I look forward to being able to take my little girls there one day and let they play in the beautiful beaches and sand.

My best memory of Hawaii is when I got married at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel surrounded by the beauty of the hotel, the beach, Diamondhead and my family.

There are so many great things about Hawaii, it is hard to pick just one. My husband and I have been 4 times together and love everything we do there, the beaches are wonderful and the people are so friendly and welcoming. We are going back for sure.

My favourite memory is watching the sunrise on Haleakala's crater with my family. Next time I would like to see the sunset!

One of my favorite memories of Hawaii is going snorkeling for my first time. It was also my wife's first time. I helped her get her mask on and before I could even get my fins on she under the water and then popped up and said, "Fish! Fish! There are so many fish!" I'll never forget that!

My favorite memory (which gets updated every couple of years) is swimming & snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.

We have been to Hawaii 7 times now and it would be very hard to pick just one highlight from all of those trips. Each trip was so special in it's own way. The people of Hawaii and the way they share their islands with everyone is the best.

My best memory of visiting Hawaii was the opportunity to visit Maui and Oahu just prior to my husband's deployment with the US Army in support of Desert Storm. it was the trip of a lifetime!

Best memories of Hawaii? EARLY mornings, up before the sun - moon sparkling on the water, little crabs digging on the beach, the sound of seals quietly hunting in the dark water near shore, Kona coffee in hand, NO other humans to be seen: Perfect!

Sitting at The Beach Bar in the Moana Surfrider with the dimly lit lights listening to the water lap on to Waikiki beach.

The best memory of Hawaii is fishing on the beaches of Oahu with my wife. We would walk to the shore near the condo, fish, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Swimming with the turtles in Maui with my wife and 5 year old grandson, and looking at his face when one went swimming by.

Having an amazing dinner at Swan Court on our honeymoon.

My best memory is the view from atop Mauna Kea!

My best memory of Hawaii is… I survived. 
 
There couldn't have been a better text book set of conditions for this encounter. I was surfing out at Turtle Bay, Oahu about 6 PM with really fun three-to-five foot rights. It broke very close to an six foot-high, razor-sharp lava wall. There were six of us out including my novice girlfriend on a boogie board. On shore there was a big reggae concert going off on the golf course. My girlfriend and I were paddling back out when I split off to go out to the main peak. All the other surfers were already out there. It was really cool to hear the music although the heavy bottom frequencies from the bass and drums were most prominent. Boom-chic, boom-boom-chic. Suddenly, I heard my friend slapping on the top of her boogie board to the rhythm of the music.  
 
So, what we've got going here is a nice sunset surf session in a place full of turtles with deep vibrations of reggae music blasting away and my girl friend beating on her board. Bang, bang, boom-boom-chic, bang, bang... "Hey!" I yelled out to Rebekah, "Cool it" somebody else shouted from the lineup. Everyone but her knew this was like ringing the dinner bell for sharks. I was still 50 yards or so from the lineup and could see a set jack up.  
 
I looked back at Rebekah and saw my worst nightmare - a two-foot-high, greenish-brown fin heading straight for her. I could also see the dark, eerie shadow of a large shark slowly swaying back and forth as it swam right at her. I quickly glanced back out to the others and heard a few shout in this weird, squeaky, monotone voice, "Shark"!  
 
The small group was in luck. They all caught the set waves that had just arrived and were scratching toward shore. I looked back at Rebekah and she was gone. I froze in my own wake. I looked all over but could not see her. I thought to myself, "So this is the way my vacation is going to start. (It was only the second day of a three week’er). I thought my girlfriend, who I had to convince that boogie boarding was safe and a fun thing to do, had just been eaten alive by a huge shark.  
 
Now I was alone and a long way from shore. Just then the fin broke though the water less than 10 yards away. It was heading toward me. I slowly turned by board away from the shark and headed toward the outer reef where the others had just been. I carefully pawed through the water trying to get maximum thrust without making a splash... or sound! My heart was racing faster than I've ever experienced and my peripheral vision began narrowing down into what appeared like a long, dark tunnel. I didn't look back. I knew I was going to die in seconds but still instinctively charged to get passed the impact zone from the last set. I didn’t want to duck dive the wave and maybe see this guy underwater! 
 
My new problem now, however, was that I was getting dangerously close to the treacherous lava wall where strong currents would push me so close, escape would be impossible. I had to make a decision whether to get slashed up by the razor-sharp lava or turn back towards the shark, which I figured was within inches of my dangling feet by now.  
 
The next wave was beginning to break so I decided to catch it and belly ride across the breaking face at the steepest angle I could muster. This would take me right back across the shark’s path and possible into the wall if I wiped-out. I literally thought I was doomed. I couldn't believe it. I had been surfing over 30 years. Even though I have come close to drowning many times, surfing was in my blood and, up to now, had loved it. But to be chewed up into hamburger by smashing into a lava wall just so a 12-15 foot Tiger shark could eat me without having to cut up his own food was more than I could handle. Everything went black.  
 
Fortunately I didn’t pass out. I was still conscious but in a state of stark, sinking reality and heading into the fatal panic zone. Thankfully, years of surfing kept me from panic but I felt I was in a cold sweat as the wave worked me over. I maintained a cranking angle away from the cliffs but right where I thought the shark would be waiting for me. The bouncy ride seemed to last much longer than it should have. Seconds later I tumbled and everything turned into brilliant colors -- deep purples and reds, mostly.  
 
I was on the surface, looking through drenched, glazed eyes at a beautiful Hawaiian sunset. The screaming, high-pitch ringing in my ears melted into the mellow sounds of reggae music. Then I imagined I heard God saying to me, "It was only a dream, sucker. Payback for that time you lifted that can of chicken from the grocery store". Somehow I had made it into clear water about one hundred yards from shore. Paddling that last half of the bay took some time and I was still in semi-shock because I knew sharks often attack in only a few feet of water and right on the beach sometimes.  
 
I could now see some guys lined up on the beach and I saw a girl standing there waving. It was Rebekah. She had made it! I had made it! Had I really dreamed this or was I just hallucinating from too much tropical sun that day. I touched ground and walked up through the rocks. Everybody looked scared as hell. It had happened all right and we all lived through it. I asked Rebekah what happened to her and she said in her nonchalant voice, "Oh, when everyone yelled shark I caught this little wave and rode it all the way in. I never saw it." But, the look on all the guys’ faces told the story.  
 
It was almost dark as we walked back along the trail. Off in the distant we saw a lone surfer jump off the lava wall into the reddish-black water reflected from a dying sun. We all waved him off but he just headed out, totality unaware of the “man in the gray suit” who was looking for his dinner guests that rudely paddled away.  
 
I realize that in reality, the shark probably could have cared less about eating us. The thing is, it happens just enough times that you never know. Seeing this huge animal in the water from a surfers’ perspective is truly freighting. To this day, every gray triangular shaped ripple in the water brings on a healthy dose of adrenaline. I hope that feeling goes away, soon. It's only been a few years now. 

Getting married to my lovely wife on Airport beach on Maui and being fortunate enough to return every year for our annual honeymoon.

Snorkeling around Maui, the road to Hana. Total peace and relaxation, although we started our day at 5:30a.m. back to our room at 11:00p.m.

all the beaches, rolling waves, peace.

Swimming with the dolphins off of the Kona coast is one of my favorite memories.

Everything, I think Paridise could not be better!!!

We love swimming with the Honu's, and the Kona manta ray dive, it's a must do if you go to the big island.

My Mother and I were lucky to be able to travel together. We were in a restaurant on the top of the Ilikai with a view of Diamond Head. The dinner was exceptional, and terrific live music. Then tears came to my eyes. I was having such a great time but knew this would be the last time we would be able to travel together due to mom's age and health. It was such a wonderful memory to be in Paradise together. Hawaii was precious to Mom. It will be a long time before we meet up again in Paradise. It is amazing that God gave us a little Heaven on Earth.