Aloha and welcome to paradise!

Kauai, aka the “Garden Island,” truly lives up to it’s name. There was so much surrounding beauty, I’d hardly seen anything like it. Laid back vibes, tropical landscapes, amazing cuisine…it was like walking on a dream (que song). This family vacation was uber special: we celebrated not only two birthdays but most importantly, we witnessed my sister walk down the aisle!

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. This resort was top notch in every way!  For starters, the ocean view as soon as you enter into the lobby, is effing majestic.

It is literally, a window (view) to the sea, talk about a “Grand” entrance!

How do you describe 50 acres of meticulously maintained beauty, manicured landscapes, and 360 views of Hawaiian paradise?!

Well, as you walk down into the courtyard, there are like 10 river like pools that wind into grottos, waterfalls, and lagoons. We floated from one pool to the next during the day, at soaked in the jacuzzis at night. Not to mention, the lagoon was feet away from the ocean!

On our second day in Kauai, my family had the great idea (sarcasm) to bike the island. I thought, “Oh well, this doesn’t seem too bad (WRONG). This will be pretty rad!”

Bruhhhh. This damn ride made me question my entire existence. I legit asked myself, “could I actually die from exhaustion, right now?” The terrain was insane, there were crazy inclines, and such unpredictable weather BUT you know what? I would suffer through it all over again, just to see all of the surrounding beauty! We navigated through the neighboring towns, beaches, greenery…and it was absolutely breathtaking. One of the coolest spots we hit was the Spouting Horn: With each wave, water shoots upward when it is forced through this opening, like lava would.

View from Balcony

Dinner at one of the yummiest restaurants I’d ever ate at: Tidepools – serving Hawaii cuisine in open-air thatch huts along the lagoon.

Biking throughout the resort

Baby Pineapples!

Rico, (1/2) residential Parrots at the resort

Endless Piña Coladas by the Lagoon

Wedding day!

As the days grew closer, my sister was (to my surprise) extremely calm. Everything went exactly as planned, the morning of the wedding. The wedding party understood their roles, the decorations were set, and vows were written. As she and I were getting ready, I couldn’t help but to think of the moment, right before she walked down the aisle, where I  would be assisting her with her dress and train. I mean, isn’t that like a rite of passage between sisters?!

WELLLL. We laugh about it now, but that moment did not go as imagined. We had barely finished her make up, and when we checked the time, we had 5 minutes to get down to the ceremony. We quickly changed (her without even checking how she looked) and literally ran through the entire resort in efforts of arriving on time. She had her train bunched up in her hand, and booked it. I could hardly keep up with her in my 5 inch heels. She was yelling throughout the lobby, “excuse me, excuse me, out of my way, I can’t be late for my own wedding!!” The stares we got were hilarious… someone even yelled out, “RUNAWAY BRIDE!!” Sweating and all, we had about 4.5 seconds to regroup and then walk down the aisle. I wish I had this on video! By far, the funniest moment of my life!

Luckily, the ceremony and reception went perfectly! Open bar, tons of laughs, and THE best lighting for selfies!

The fab bride

Sibs

FAMILY ❤

Mr & Mrs!

 Helicopter Tour over the Island!

A couple of weeks before we arrived, my family and I booked our tour through Blue Hawaiian Helicopters for ~$220 per person. If you are planning to head to any of the islands, I would suggest booking in advance and in a larger group (ours was 6) so that you can have your own private tour. This 1 hour tour, takes you over the “Jurassic Park Falls,” through the Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and right along the Na Pali Coast. Each heli ride is equipped with multiple microphones so you and your pilot can communicate throughout the ride. I think the most surreal moments were when our pilot circled around the various hidden water falls! This tour was hands down the coolest activity I have ever done!

Breakfast with a view!

Dinner Views

This family trip was for real, a trip of a lifetime! I am so grateful I was able to experience true bliss with them ❤ Xoxo