When I first planned our trip to Hawaii, a mixture of excitement and anxiety washed over me. My son Bradley was practically bouncing off the walls with anticipation. As for me, well, let’s just say I had some reservations. With our budget tighter than a drum and my own fear of flying, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. But life had been so exhausting over the past year, with work and a three-year custody battle, I knew this trip was something my son Bradley and I needed.
 With the help of Dramamine, I managed to keep my plane sickness at bay. The five-hour flight, which I had dreaded, flew by surprisingly quickly. We touched down in paradise, and I was already starting to feel that this was going to be worth every penny and every moment of anxiety.
Since it is our first time in Hawaii, we decided to stay at Oahu Island and stayed at Marriott Hotel and Spa, right by the beach. Woohoo!! It was such a great experience. We eat at a restaurant by the beach Queensbreak Restaurant at Marriott Hotel and literally just cross the street to swim at the beach. Needless to say, Bradley is a fish. All he wants to do is swim all day.
Our trip to Hawaii wasn’t just a vacation; it was a bonding experience. We laughed, we explored, and most importantly, we relaxed. The islands were everything we had hoped for and more. The turquoise waters, the lush landscapes, and the laid-back vibe were like a balm for our weary souls.
Bradley, as expected, was absolutely enchanted. While I had imagined us exploring a variety of sights and activities, it turned out that Bradley had his own plans. The beach was his kingdom, and he didn’t want to leave it. From sunrise to sunset, he was either building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, or simply basking in the sun. His joy was infectious and reminded me of the simple pleasures in life.
Our days were filled with adventures— we went to Dole plantation, where Bradley went crazy when he saw a rooster just walking around where we were sitting. Oh my gosh he literally exclaimed ” mom! What is that?” And we all burst out laughing. I guess Bradley does not see roosters and chickens walking around the streets of LA. Of course I had to explain it to him. It was hilarious. We also went shopping and eat at restaurants by the beach. One of the best was when we went to visit Pearl Harbor. That place is full of rich history. It gave me goosebumps just being there and learning about it. But the moments that truly stood out were the ones spent lounging on the beach with Bradley, watching the sun dip below the horizon.
This trip was more than just a getaway; it was a chance for us to reconnect and create lasting memories. Despite my initial doubts and anxieties, I’m grateful that we took the plunge. It was a reminder that sometimes the best experiences come from stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing life’s little adventures.
As we boarded our flight back home, I couldn’t help but reflect on how special this trip had been. It was a chance to unwind, explore, and, most importantly, enjoy quality time with my son and family. Bradley’s endless enthusiasm for the beach had made me realize that sometimes the simplest things are the most fulfilling.
So here’s to our first Hawaiian adventure—full of sunshine, laughter, and the reminder that life’s little escapes are often the most rewarding. If you ever find yourself hesitating about a trip, remember that sometimes the best decisions come from taking a leap of faith. For us, Hawaii was more than a destination; it was a cherished chapter in our story.