#ThisDiva's memorable Memorial Day

Don't let the palm trees and sunshine fool you! The state motto maybe "Hang Loose", but there is still a whole lot of hustle and bustle here in Hawai'i. Now that I've become more settled in work, have made more new friends and establishing more of a life here - there's just a lot a girl's gotta do!

I've spent the last few weeks over-extending myself both professionally and socially so it was nice to have a three day weekend and to celebrate and remember our soldiers over this Memorial Day. In Honolulu, there's a particularly special  tradition of decorating and releasing lighted floating lanterns into the open water. 

These lanterns represent not only those lost in service, but a way to remember and honor any loved one who is no longer with us. The entire Lantern Floating Hawai'i festival is so thoughtful and moving  - and I encourage everyone to experience this at least once.

Tens of thousands of people find themselves on Magic Island with lanterns in hand. Some decorated with pictures of those remembered while others are covered with loving words or adorned with leis...to each his/her own.

But it's the love and gratitude that we have for those that have gone on that bring people together on this day and share in each other's stories and memories. 

So on this day, I thank all of those who fight and who have fought - especially to those who have fought and given their lives for the freedoms of this country - "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

A hui hou.

#ThisDiva Plays Tour Guide!

It's a little surprising that it took four months for me to have my first houseguests descend from the mainland. Not surprising at all that my first two guests actually overlapped this weekend...but you can never be surrounded by too many great friends! 

It's a great thing to have friends and family visit who have never before set foot on the island. It gives you the opportunity to explore areas and places you wouldn't normally find yourself. How many years did I live in NYC and the only times I would visit the Empire State Building, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue of Liberty, Museum of Natural History or hundreds of other iconic NYC landmarks unless I was playing tour guide to my guests. And when you see them - I mean stop and really pay attention - you remember how awesome it is to live in such an eclectic city filled with new adventures around every corner  - and realize that on even your best days, you take it for granted.

I must admit, having lived here for only four months I felt like I was playing more tour"ist" than tour "guide", but #ThisDivaTries and sometimes #ThisDivaEpicallyFails, but not this time!

We did the typical Waikiki thing, which don't me wrong - was awesome! We managed to beat the crowds since this time of year isn't really peak tourist season...and we scored big at the Sheraton Waikiki. Tip to locals and visitors: you can lay in a hammock, take a dip in the infinity pool or read a book tucked away in your private cabana...all while overlooking the ocean and view of Diamond Head...and non-hotel guests are welcomed!

We also took it to the road and drove around the island making pit stops to snorkel at Haunama Bay, take pictures of Chinaman's Hat and of course EAT - where we stopped off at one of the many shrimp trucks on North Shore side. We even managed to fit in some shopping at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet to buy local gifts and treats to take back home.

 The weather wasn't always sunshine and rainbows, but even when it rained we managed to find the perfect hole-in-the-wall spot to take refuge and have the time of our lives!

#ThisDiva is Obsessed!

Happy May Day! For those of you who don't know, May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i. It's a day of festivities, music and flowers...lots and lots of beautiful flowers strung in single and double strand leis. I admit that I didn't celebrate in your typical Hawai'i fashion, but I did manage to continue a new hobby - or should I say "obsession"!

I said hiking would become a standard in my new life here in Hawai'i, but this makes hike #3 in a week since Makapu'u - and #ThisDivaIsLovingIt! 

Keeping true to "living" life in Hawai'i, I made sure to wrap things up at the office by 5pm and hit the trails. Today's adventure took us to Keaiwa Heiau State Park for the 4.8 mile hike on the Aiea Loop Trail. There's no excuse when it's within 6 miles from my office and less than 3 miles from home - buns of steel, here I come!

There may not be vast ocean views on this trail, but there's no shortage of gorgeous scenes of lush greenery on-top of this mountain. It's so captivating you'll have to force yourself to watch your step on the bumpy and sometimes narrow pathway...you might want to bring a friend along just in case!

How in the world do I live here?! Paradise in the middle of the Pacific and a new adventure around every corner. Today officially makes four months that I've called Hawai'i home and I've been falling in love more and more each day. I'm looking forward to discovering what else is tucked away on this island...and sharing it along the way!

A hui hou!