Honolulu, Hawaii
I love traveling. I truly do! To the point that I want to make this a part of my life beyond the annual trips I take here and there. But as I stand near my gate waiting to board, I quickly notice that I am surrounded by the anticipation of travelers getting ready to enjoy time with friends…family…or, happily on the phone sharing the details of their scheduled trip. I’m suddenly encapsulated with a feeling of sadness.
Another solo traveling trip upon me. So many solo trips that, I have lost count. And no, not a sob story just, the realities of solo travel.
I boarded my flight and got lost in a combination of a good book and a movie to pass the time of my six hour flight.
Once I landed and was on the road to my hotel, the sadness I felt drifted behind. No, it wasn’t a fleeting moment of coming and going as it would come back, this, I’m sure. But, I was where I needed to be…near the ocean. True definition of natures medicine and, I was ready for my daily dose of sand and ocean! But, that’s where my travel mistake was made. I opted to stay in the neighborhood of Waikiki, which hosts the most populated beach! Needless to say, my dose of sand and ocean was merely a quick jolt brought on by walking around and ever just relaxing to the sounds of crashing waves. But, the rest of my very brief 40 hour trip was filled with delicious food and exploring neighborhoods in Honolulu.
So, if you are craving a micro dose of relaxation, here’s your 40 hour itinerary to Honolulu!
TO DO
Hike Diamond Head State Monument. It’s a short 15 minute drive from Waikiki and a moderate hike. Do make reservations in advance though.
EAT AND DRINK
From poke to musubi to malasadas…Hawaii has plenty to offer to curb your appetite! And while I wish I had had the opportunity to try much more, the following restaurants did not disappoint!
GOHAN
And just like with food, it’s a shame I hadn’t discovered more coffee while in Hawaii but, here are my discoveries
MORNING BREW COFFEE
Paradero Hotel
There is something to be said about being off the grid. Cell service is shaky, forcing you to disconnect. Staying in a remote location making you appreciate the amenities that surround you. And with no vehicle to get around, you really have to appreciate everything! Such was the case on my recent visit to Baja California by ways of both Todos Santos and San Jose Del Cabo. My first two nights in beautiful Baja California; where the desert meets the ocean, was at Paradero Hotel. A luxurious hotel that boosts itself on its experiences it offers for its guest. I honestly wish the experiences they offered were on a daily basis and not sporadic but, there in lies the joy of disconnecting. The hotel did a great job of offering a brutalist design in the desert oasis. The curvature of the buildings seemed harmonious with the mountains in the backdrop. Upon entering, I was surprised at how quiet the hotel was! Definitely not something you would experience if you were staying in Los Cabos. I checked in and quickly settled in after having a delicious mezcalita upon arrival. I indulged my palate with soft shell crab tacos, the freshest daily fish one could ever experience and even fresher juices in the morning. And of course, I had to enjoy the wine from Valle De Guadalupe . My experiences included a morning hike that lead to ocean views on one day and outdoor yoga. I remained lazy at the hotel, enjoying a book at the pool that overlooked the desert, here and hanging out on rooftop deck of my room that offered a sneak peak of the Pacific Ocean, there. It was nice to be able to seize the opportunity and stay at Paradero. The perfect reset when one is necessary.
