It's crazy how much Hawaii still feels like home after ~5 years away. I haven’t been on my family’s annual Hawaii summer trip since the year I moved to San Diego. That feels like forever ago.
Austin and I basically pulled an all-nighter the night before leaving for the airport. We flew out of LBX for the first time since we’re super close to it, and Austin’s dad drove us really early in the morning. When he dropped us off, he hugged me and kissed me and said, “Bye Baby, I love you!” then turned to Austin and said, “Bye son, see ya,” and walked away 😂 He is so funny and so so adorable.
Flying out of LBX was a dream compared to LAX (even though they stole my Kerastase at TSA). The airport was tiny, it was nice because there was a Sheldrake’s/Sweet Jill’s in there. And it was interesting to board a plane through an airstair, I’ve never done that before. Got a complimentary cocktail and slept for an hour, and woke up having a panic attack. My heart started racing, my vision was going in and out, my ears started ringing and I started breaking out in a cold sweat. I was so scared I was about to puke on the cute old Japanese man next to me, but I just pointed the AC to me and prayed for it to pass, all while Austin tossed and turned trying to sleep without a neck pillow. I can’t believe I still get flight anxiety, I honestly thought the alcohol would help my nerves. I guess not. Lol.
Ko Olina was just as I remembered and we spent our time buying lava flows and garlic fries at Longboard’s, walking to my favorite coffee place IN LIFE Island Vintage Coffee for a coconut kona mocha, eating coconut cream pie at Monkeypod, buying musubis at Island Country Markets or laying out by the lagoon. It was honestly even better just having Austin there with me. I used to dream about taking a boy back to Hawaii, it’s so beautiful that it almost feels sacred and it always feels like home.
Tito Beeb’s wedding was beautiful and watching my dad and Tita Che walk him down the aisle made me an emotional wreck. It’s really hard to describe how happy I am for my uncle. He deserves the best. I remember there was a time we were both going through breakups at the same time, and we would meet at the bar and talk and sit and drink together. I’m sure people think it’s weird being as close to my family as I am, my uncles are my homies lol. Our family is just different and we’re close because of the struggles we’ve been through as a family and we’re so proud of our name because of it. It makes my heart so full, getting to see him this happy. Anyway! Lol
Even though we ended up extending our stay and upgrading our flight, five days in Hawaii was just too short, and I’m in disbelief that I’m home and back at work already. Time to plan for another vacation 💭
