There’s nothing like five days in paradise with your best friends to reset your soul. Melissa, Tiffany, and I overpacked our bags, left our responsibilities behind, and headed to Hawai’i—the Big Island—for the ultimate girls’ getaway. And let me tell you, it was everything. From lush rainforests to lava fields, beach cocktails to volcano hikes, this trip had a little bit of magic in every moment.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Driving with the windows down, music up, and jaw-dropping views in every direction the outer rim of the park felt like we were cruising through another planet. We pulled over often to hike down to overlooks and just breathe in the vastness of the lava-scarred land. The most unforgettable stop? Steaming Bluff, where we watched Kīlauea erupt in the distance. The lava glow, the steam, the energy—it was electric. This is Pele’s home, and you can feel her presence. And fire goddess Pele was definitely putting on a show!
Akaka Falls State Park
Hidden deep in the rainforest, Akaka Falls is a vision. We followed a lush trail past ferns and bamboo to a towering 442-foot waterfall that crashes into a gorge below. It was misty, moody, and completely mesmerizing. The power of nature here is humbling—and wildly photogenic.
Snorkeling with Aquatic Life Divers
Our adventure continued below the surface (literally) with a snorkeling trip through Aquatic Life Divers. Crystal-clear water, colorful fish, and coral reefs that felt like swimming through a dream. Floating in that turquoise water, I couldn’t stop smiling.
Hilo Farmers Market
This market was bursting with color and flavor. Tropical fruit stands overflowed with papaya, lychee, and (my favorite!) soursop. We ate Loco Moco and shaved ice. Browsed handmade jewelry, sampled vegan mushroom jerky, and listened to live ukulele music played by two local artists.
Dinner at Brown’s Beach House, at Fairmont Orchid
One word: WOW. The setting alone—right on the beach surrounded by palm trees and tkiki torhces in our matching dresses—was enough to make our night. But the food? Unreal. Chef Junior Ulep treated us to a preview of his upcoming menu, with his Tahitian Ceviche with Hawaiian kanpachi and Big Island Abalone, it was the best thing I ate all trip. It was bold, fresh, and unforgettable.
Poolside Vibes
Of course, we made time to chill. We tanned, laughed, sipped pina coladas, and ordered everything from onion rings to hot dogs to poolside pizza—because balance. Our day by the pool felt like the most delicious kind of indulgence. We leaned all the way into vacay mode—and it was glorious.
Until Next Time, Hawai’i…
This trip was the perfect mix of adventure, beauty, laughter, and connection. The Big Island gave us everything—from lava fields to waterfalls, snorkeling to sunsets. And doing it all with Melissa and Tiffany made it even more special.
Here’s to more girls trips, more spontaneous road stops, and always chasing the magic.
xoxo
Travel. Beach. Love.
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