Hawaii, you had me at aloha.
In October 2019 I was lucky enough to visit Hawaii for one of my best friend’s weddings. It was my first time in Hawaii, The Big Island specifically, and Stacie (the bride) is a planner, like myself, and had so many great recommendations for us.
Day 1
We arrived at The Big Island around 11 pm on a Thursday night. The next morning, after a quick workout in the Marriott Hotel fitness center we met some friends for breakfast.
Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club
Breakfast - Lava Java.
Swimsuit from Arie.
After some time by the pool, we went on a hike in Waipio Valley. It is rated 5th on the list of best hikes on the Big Island. The trail, which at times, is almost vertical, leads down to a black sand beach. This hike, though beautiful, is not for the inexperienced. We didn’t even make it halfway down before turning around. If you’d like to enjoy it I believe there may be car tours down to the beach.
After the hike, we drove back to the hotel, stopped for some food along the way, and experienced the most beautiful sunset EVER! Later that night, James, and a friend of ours (Jackie) and I went night swimming with manta rays. It was such an incredible experience, though a bit chilly.
Day 2
The next morning James and I enjoyed another workout in the hotel gym and walked to a local grocery store that served hot food for breakfast. After breakfast we got ready to go to the beach with the wedding group. The beach we went to was called Hapuna Beach.
Beach top is from Monday Swimwear.
Swimsuit from Monday Swimwear.
After the beach we went back to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal dinner/BBQ at Stacie’s mom’s house.
Dress, belt, and purse from ASOS.
Day 3
Day 3 was the wedding day! James and I opted for a short hike nearby rather than working out in the gym. After our hike, we met some friends for breakfast and I laid by the pool to relax before it was time to get ready for the wedding.
The wedding was held at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai - STUNNING. I went over to Stacie’s suite to get ready with a few of our friends. The wedding was absolutely incredible. Stacie was glowing the entire night and we all had the time of our life.
Photo by Ruth Anne Photography
Photo by Ruth Anne Photography
Photo by Ruth Anne Photography
Day 4
The day after the wedding was spent relaxing at the Four Seasons - eating, swimming, and drinking - as we soaked up the sun.
We then ended the evening with a lūʻau at the Marriott hotel. It was such a fun way to experience more of the Hawaiian culture.
Day 5
Today was our last day on the island before we went home. We checked out the beach that was located at the Marriott Hotel and met with friends at the Four Seasons for lunch and some time at the pool before packing our bags.
