hawaii part 1

I'm not even sure where to start! The week we were there completely blends together now and there's so many things that we loved. We stayed on Oahu and decided to split our time between Waikiki and the North Shore so that we could experience both the atmosphere of the city and the relaxed vibe of the slower paced beaches {where the roosters and peacocks roamed freely and occasionally had territorial staring contests}. During our stay we hiked up to Makapu'u Point and swam on the most beautiful beaches around the island, but our absolute favorite had to be Lanikai beach. I'm pretty sure that's the place where everybody goes to get that cliche tropical screensaver photo. You know, the one that makes your room feel like a dark hole because that stupid palm tree is giving you the side eye from your computer screen? Well the place actually exists.
We also went paddle boarding off of Waikiki beach and discovered that doing it on your own, as opposed to tandem boarding, typically results in much fewer coral injuries after the waves decide to have their way with you. So now we know for the next time we're paddle boarding together on a tropical island. HA.

It was so strange and sometimes achingly horrible to be without Everett when we were there, but to spend time with my husband {and such good friends} and reconnect without the distractions of work and baby and the stresses of everyday life was AH-MAZING.

---- P.S. My suit is from Seventh Wonderland and my hat is from J.Crew