Category: Traveling

Ukulele Shopping and a Catamaran Cruise

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO250
 “Dream Ukulele” Honolulu, 2024

This morning, we stopped by Ala Moana Center for some shopping, and I ended up spending quite a bit of time at the Kanile’a Ukulele store. I fell in love with two ukuleles: a concert model with honu inlay and a soprano. Both were stunning, played effortlessly, and sounded incredible! The soprano, in particular, felt perfect in my hands, and with frets extending to the soundhole, I could easily play anything from my current repertoire. Someday, I’d love to make that ukulele mine!

In the afternoon, we went on an amazing 90-minute catamaran ride from Waikiki out around Diamond Head and back. The views were incredible, and as a bonus, they offered free alcoholic drinks – which, of course, we made the most of. What an awesome day!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/2400 sec, ISO40
 “Catamaran” Honolulu, 2024

Honolulu Weekend

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/4000 sec, ISO80
 “OGG” Kahului, 2024

Today we hopped on a flight to the island of Oahu! We’ll be staying there for a couple of nights. Honolulu is a foodie’s paradise, even though it can be a bit pricey, especially in Waikiki.

For our first meal, we tried Kamakura Ramen. It was super-tasty! There was so much food that we had leftovers, which we took back to our hotel in these cool ramen take-out bowls. They had a special compartment that separated the broth from the noodles, like a double-decker bowl. How convenient is that?

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250
 “Ramen” Honolulu, 2024

So, in the evening, we decided to treat ourselves to some much-needed relaxation at Cocolomi. I opted for the 60-minute lomi-lomi and foot massage, and let me tell you, it was fantastic! But, it was also a bit of a rollercoaster of pain. The masseuse (Saori) asked if I wanted more or less pressure, so you can definitely customize the intensity to your liking. I went for it and ended up with a pretty intense massage, which left my back muscles feeling sore the next day. But hey, it was totally worth it! I would definitely do it again.

Day Around Maui

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/11, 1/680 sec, ISO640
 “Sunset” Kihei, 2024

After work today, we visited Waikulu Distillery in Makawao for an agave spirit tasting. It was such a fun and educational experience! We were surprised by the variety of agave spirits (Tequila) they offered. One variety stood out as our favorite, so we picked up a bottle to bring back home to Texas.

Later, we caught a breathtaking sunset at Kamaole Beach Park II, followed by dinner at the local food truck park. I tried the loco moco poutine from Howzit Eh!, and it was absolutely delicious – and super filling!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/2000 sec, ISO640
 “Waikulu Distillery” Makawao, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/40 sec, ISO1000
 “Loco Moco Poutine” Kihei, 2024

Work-Cation

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO64
 “ʻIao Valley” Wailuku, 2024

I spent the morning and early afternoon working remotely from the house. I wake up at around 4:45 am in order to keep my Central US time for work, and then end my work day at around 2 pm. That gives me the afternoon to enjoy the island!

Today we stopped by ʻIao Valley for a little while to relax and take photos. I enjoy my work-cations from Maui very much!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO125
 “Home” Wailuku, 2024

Food Truck Dinner

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO640
 “Shrimp Truck” Kahului, 2024

This evening we stopped by the food trucks across the street from Costco here on Maui. We’ve been here before, so we knew we would enjoy! The shrimp is from Geste Shrimp Truck, and the steak is from Ono Teppanyaki & Seafood. Recommended!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO640
 “Steak and Shrimp” Kahului, 2024