I like to use the mighty Dalai Lama’s quote as an excuse to travel!

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before! 

Since 2012, we traveled someplace new each year: New York, Europe and Florida!  I was determined to not let the trend end, but since we were on a tight budget, our options were limited.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way and we made it happen!  We decided to island hop since we both have never been to Lanai!

Lanai is known as the “pineapple isle” – at one point they produced 90% of the world’s pineapple!  Is that amazing or what!  Unfortunately, today no more pineapple is cultivated on the island, but they do have two world-famous Four Seasons hotels, breathtaking views and simply amazing beaches!  Here are the highlights of our 3 days on Lanai~

Welcome to Lanai!

First on the list was Shipwreck Beach!  Basically a rusting old ship is stuck in the ocean!  It did make me feel nostalgic of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Goonies for some reason!  According to several other tourists, there are petroglyphs close by, but we must have walked around for a good 45 minutes and came up with nothing.  The menehunes didn’t want to reveal them, I suppose.  They will remain a hidden mystery!

Shipwreck Beach!

Probably my favorite part of the trip was watching the sunset at Pu’u Pehe (aka Sweetheart Rock).  It is a sad legend, but please read about it so you can truly appreciate the beauty of the location.  There is a sense of tranquility as you feel the light breeze blowing through your hair and smell the warm ocean air.  I was overcome with joy as we watched the sun set over the horizon; it was a peaceful moment in time with my better half.

Sunset at Pu’u Pehe

Waiting for the sunset! The moon is out!

I do have to say though, my better half, left me to take a selfie by myself because he was too scared to come near the edge; perhaps not only is he my “better half” but also the “smarter half” haha.

He made me take a selfie alone @ Sweetheart Rock

The island is relatively small and has a population of only 3,000+ residents, all of which live within a one mile radius of the city center!  There are not many places to dine, especially with both resorts being renovated.  We ate at Blue Ginger Cafe at least 3 times, but at least their food is good.  Our fanciest meal was at Hotel Lanai and it was pretty yum!  Good food, live music and the best company!

Mmmmm risotto!

Mmmmm Braised Short Rib!

To be honest, there’s not much to do on Lanai.  We even had time to catch a flick at their state of the art theater.  I was really excited for this and look, they have leather seats!  I’ve never been to such a comfy and clean theater before.  I was impressed.  Although, I didn’t have clothes fit for a movie; I went in wearing shorts and shirt and came out a frozen popsicle.

OMG leather seats in the theater!

Some of my other favorite moments of the trip include: visiting Garden of the Gods even though we were told we couldn’t go there (rules are meant to be broken sometimes), eating roadside next to the horses and going for a short hike and finding this friend who Matt almost stepped on!

Garden of the Gods!

Lunch with the horses!

Our friend, Jackson

While this trip may not have been the fanciest travel adventure and despite some setbacks, such as stormy weather, a cancelled return flight, followed by a delayed re-booked fight – we can still look back on this weekend getaway and feel blessed that we had this opportunity to explore Lanai and make new memories together!

I hope 2016 will bring us another new adventure!