Describe your most memorable vacation.
One of the most memorable vacations I ever had was a trip to Oahu with my mom a couple of years after my dad passed away at the age of forty seven. My mom and I never really saw eye-to-eye; I was always more of a daddy’s little girl, while she favored my brother because, well, he was a boy. So imagine my surprise when she mentioned a great inclusive deal for Honolulu through a Korean travel agency and asked if I wanted to go. Of course, I said yes—who says no to Oahu?
We spent five incredible days on the island, staying at the Hilton Hotel, just two blocks away from Waikiki Beach. The view was absolutely gorgeous. Waking up to that breathtaking scenery made me feel incredibly euphoric, a feeling I hadn’t experienced since before my dad’s passing.
We did all the typical tourist things: we marveled at a magic show, strolled through Ala Moana, and visited the Polynesian Cultural Center. We paid our respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. We drove to Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay, and wandered through Waikiki Aquarium and the Dole Plantation. Every night, we found ourselves at the beach, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Beyond the sightseeing, we also indulged in local cuisine, eating at Japanese BBQs, eating fresh poi, trying loco moco for the first time, and exploring all the ABC stores within walking distance. But what made this trip truly special was the unexpected bonding moment it provided. My mom and I finally had the chance to grieve properly for our loss. It was a healing experience that brought us closer together.
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