I just got home from the Stampin' Up! 2009 Incentive trip to Hawaii. My husband and I have had the time of our lives. I can't believe we had to come back home to real life. I met some wonderful people, and made some great new friends.
We extended our trip for 3 days on the front end, going to Oahu. We stayed on Waikiki Beach in Honalulu. The first morning we were there we renewed our Vows (10 years) just after sunrise on the beach, Kaho'ohiki "the vow to renew your love". During that first day, after some pool time, we took the Tantalus-Round Top Drive and the Pali Highway stopping at the Pali lookout, then down Highway 72 along the east side stopping at Waimanalo Beach Park, the Halona Blowhole, and Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park. We were planning to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, but it was closed down due to jelly fish.
The next day we went to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial then toured the North Shore. We walked around Waimea Valley, then stopped at the most beautiful beach called Pupukea Beach Park, also know as Sharks Cove. Unfortunately we didn't have any snorkeling gear with us, but we were able to borrow a mask for a few minutes, that was amazing! On a friends' recommendation and one of the locals, we stopped at Giovanni's Shrimp Truck for a bite to eat, that may have been the best shrimp I have ever had, plus I got to sign one of the trucks right next to Boston Rob (my all time favorite survivor). Like all of our nights in Oahu we ended the evening at Dukes.
The Stampin' Up! part of the trip began on Sunday afternoon on The Big Island of Hawaii. The way to the resort was Lava, Lava, Lava, resort; and they weren't kidding. The 30 mile ride from the airport to the resort was nothing but lava and "lava graffiti". The resort was the Hilton Waikoloa Village, which was a lush tropical paradise. We enjoyed the pools and the pool bar until our evening reception. Each night we were welcomed back to our room with a gift from Stampin' Up!.
On Monday we enjoyed some snorkeling at A-bay, a short walk from our resort. We were provided with a shopping shuttle that day that took us to Kona. We had a great dinner at one of the local restaurants and some did some souvenir shopping.
Tuesday was our Circle Island Bus Trip to the Volcano. I have to say this was a really great trip, although the part on the bus was a little long for me. I felt like I got to see a lot of the island, including the a black sand beach, the volcano - Kilauea, we walked through the Thurston Lava Tube, and stopped at Rainbow Falls just outside of Hilo.
Wednesday we were provided with shuttles to Hapuna Beach Park were we enjoyed the sand and the surf, after sleeping in for the first time. When we got back to the resort we spent some time by the pools.
On Thursday we continued to be lazy by the water, and then the pool. Thursday evening was our big Luau. What can I say about that, it was great. It did get a little windy that night, it actually blew down all the giant lights by the stage, but after just a few minutes the show went on.
Friday was bitter sweet. I did miss my kids a lot by this point and couldn't wait to get home to see them, but also soooo sad to be leaving this beautiful paradise.
I love Stampin' Up! I can't believe I earned such an awesome trip! Again I need to thank all of my customers, and my downline, I couldn't have done it without you! Mahalo!
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