Land of Rosy Sunsets

Some places just speak to you and give you a place to daydream of when everyday life seems too hectic to find peace in. It isn’t just one thing about that place but many small things that make up that feeling of happiness and fond memories. Hawaii just so happens to be that place for so many people and after your first visit you quickly know why.

This year, my family traveled to the Island of Oahu to celebrate my Papa’s 70th Birthday. What better way to celebrate then by being together and enjoying what the Island life has to offer! We hiked to beautiful views, drove around the island eating freshly caught shrimp out of food trucks, dove with sea turtles right off the beach, and then finished the nights with so many others, catching the most beautiful sunsets that turned everything it touched into the most lovely colors of rosy pink. There truly is something special when everyone stops what they are doing to view the beauty of a fading sunset.

Hawaii is one of those destinations where you get out of it what you put in to it. If all you would like is the effort required to sink into the sand, with nothing but a drink in your hand, then Waikiki Beach is your flavor of Mai Tai. However, if adventure is what you seek, then get off the main resort monotony in Oahu and the island can be adventure playground. Hawaii will reward you with its deep rooted cultures, asian style inspired cuisine and breathtaking views.

Take your top off.
Waikiki has No shortage of beautiful hotels and iconic retreats, but if you take a cruise down to North Shore it can change your view of the Island. There are no shortage of Jeeps on this island and once you drive around you quickly find out why. Jeeps are meant to be enjoyed not just driven and being able to remove your roof and enjoy the warm breeze and views is a easy way to take advantage of the commute. 

 

Take a dip with the locals.
I’m not talking about the friendly guy in the Aloha shirt, I’m talking cage diving with sharks. It wasn’t as terrifying as you may think. Yes, you’re in their home, but you’re in a steal cage, which is safe, so you aren’t in any danger. Our group saw around a dozen Galapagos sharks up close and personal. Seeing them in their natural habitat wasn’t even slightly scary, it was breathtaking.

Have you ever dreamt of seeing exquisite green sea turtles, or swimming alongside the bright colored schools of fish like a mermaid? Well, Hawaii is the place to do it, but there are some general guidelines on how to behave around turtles. Remember that these are wild animals. Stay out of their way. Speak and move quietly. The calmer you are the calmer they will be, and the more you will get out of your snorkel tour.

Learn to Fly.
Skydiving gets your adrenaline flowing like no other activity. Gear up, take a deep breath and and just jump. Flying 14,000 feet from the ground, high above the clouds while looking at the glorious panoramic views of Hawaii going over 100 mph. This is the most amazing way to see all of the islands from the plane,  and on the way down.

 

Experience History.
When is comes to culture and history Hawaii is immersed in it, from things like their Native traditions, to Pearl Harbor and of course Luaus. We were able to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial on memorial day and actually met a World war II survivor, what a wonderful privilege that was! While visiting, a somber feeling of awe fills the space that is left to memorialize those whose lives were lost. It is a sacred space that opens up our history in a very real way by giving us names and faces and even graveyards made out of ships and a dark ocean. It reminds us that even an Island paradise can come under attack but after darkness, there is light.

The Island is  also swimming in achievements and the history of their people. Hawaiian culture is a unique mixture of tradition and ethnic influences. They don’t only have their own language but they have their own cuisine and fashion. A Luau,  is a fun way to experience Hawaiian tradition such as their traditional hula dancing, costumes and their food, like roast pig and poi.

Shrimpy Irresistible.
Giovanni’s is the most famous of all the shrimp trucks on the Island, just look in any guidebook written about Oahu. So be prepared for a line. For 13$ (cash only) you get a generous amount of rice, with a rich greasy serving of Shrimp scampi, that is definitely not shy on the garlic and lives up to the hype. Most would even say this stop is as important as Matsumoto shave ice.




Do go chasing waterfalls.
In Waimea Valley there is a 45ft waterfall tucked in a botanical park. There is nothing quite like a refreshing waterfall at the end of a hike. “Hike” is a bit of a stretch, in this case, it was at the end of a paved road, and easy to walk to. Then you can take a dip in the freshwater pool.

 

Get behind the scenes.
Are you a lost, or Hawaii 5-0 fan? Have you seen movies like 50 first dates, wind talkers or any Jurassic movie? Well step through your tv screen and visit Kualoa Ranch. Not only is it a premier spot for movie and tv shootings, it is a working cattle ranch, fruit, vegetable, and flower farm. It’s definitely a one stop shop.

Quite an Oar Deal.
A self guided kayaking adventure is a great way to spend a gorgeous Hawaii morning. You will be immersed in a lush secluded rainforest oasis with beautiful landscapes and backdrops. It’s a great way to see some of Oahu’s hidden gems only accessible by kayak.

 

To summit all up.

Diamond Head is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaii. It’s one of the best ways to get a breathtaking view of Oahu. From the top you can see every color green to turquoise to blue melt along the coast line. It makes the .8 miles each way trail that ascends 560 feet worth it. That’s not even mentioning the 6 mile bike from Dukes beach up the mountain. This was probably the most exhausting part of my whole trip but so worth it. 

So if Hawaii is your special place or a place that you dream of one day visiting or if your favorite color is the sunset, We hope that this design brings you a little Aloha into you life.

Hawaii is known for its sea life. whether it is the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, Spinner dolphins, Humpback Whales, Manta Rays or many different variety of colorful fish. Unfortunately, this wonderful sea life has been under threat by massive amounts of trash found on the beaches and in the surrounding areas of the Hawaii.

In a effort to bring attention to this problem and hopefully be apart of the solution our Land Of Rosy Sunsets Shirt will be made of organic cotton and recycled poly rPet blend that helps save at least 4 plastic bottles per shirt, from ending up in a landfill or worse on the beautiful coastline of Hawaii. To also see what you can do to be a part of the solution please visit lovethesea.org

Brittleah Rodriquez is a budding Las Vegas realtor as well as a member of the Cheesecake Factory family. She is a self proclaimed "crazy cat lady" and she enjoys traveling and adventuring but also deal finding and house hunting. 

Follow along on Instagram at: @brittleahm