Since this series began in January 2018 there have been over 1000 Posts from Your Archives where bloggers have taken the opportunity to share posts to a new audience… mine. The topics have ranged from travel, childhood, recipes, history, family and the most recent series was #PotLuck where I shared a random selection of different topics.
In this series I have shared posts from the last six months of 2020 and the series is now closed to new participants.
This is the second post from D.L. Finn and she shares her various visits to Hawaii over the years with highlights and memories.. This brought back my own of our two visits to the Islands.
My Aloha experience
Hawaii is a place I hold close in my heart. I heard many tales of this magical place growing up. My family had done business there, and my mother had been there many times during this. Although the family business had ended, I was lucky enough to see this place when I was in the fourth grade. Oahu was magical through a nine-year-old girl’s eyes. I spent hours swimming and exploring the island with my great grandparents. I remember touring the pineapple groves and sitting next to a very nice fourth-grade teacher.
Pineapples were a cornerstone of my diet there. We ate pineapple ice cream at Woolworths and fresh pineapple at the International Market. What I will remember most about this trip is the Brady Bunch (one of my favorite shows growing up) went to Hawaii the same year. We stayed in the same hotel they did, but not at the same time. Although I didn’t get cursed or learn how to surf, I got a hula lesson at the Kodiak show.
Then, when I was twelve years old, I went back again with my great grandparents. We stayed in a hut (that was torn down soon after to make way for more hotels) with a path to the beach. I found a Hawaiian lady who was making leis with plumeria flowers along the path. She took the time to show me how to make them, and then I got to keep my work. I spent hours swimming and ended up with the worst sunburn I ever had. For nights after I sprayed myself with water to cool it down and later my shoulders bore freckles of my Hawaiian journey. We picked up some souvenirs at the International Market (now gone) and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where we walked through villages while interacting and learning. Then a beautiful show floated by on the river.
My next trip back was on my honeymoon. We explored Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center, and a Luau. When we weren’t seeing the sights, we hung out on the Waikiki Beach and ate lots of crab Louie and pineapple. Another week was added, and we headed to Maui. Here we drove the famous Hana Drive that took us through all the waterfalls and an amazing black beach that we had to ourselves. Every night in paradise, we sat and watched the sunset.
It was almost 30 years before we went back to Hawaii for our second honeymoon. This time we focused on Kauai and Maui.
On Kauai, we made a point of doing things we’d never done before, including a helicopter tour over Kauai, which produced some amazing views and pictures but also left my husband with a queasy stomach. Next, we took a boat tour to snorkel (my second time ever), and the spinning dolphins and a couple of turtles entertained us. Then we rented a Harley and cruised the south shore of the island, including the spectacular little Grand Canyon. Kauai is an amazing garden island filled with roaming chickens.
We spent week two on Maui. We took the Hana drive again, where I was less brave than I had been on our honeymoon with the narrow road, but it was still just as beautiful as I had remembered it. We explored the town of Lahaina and the Hard Rock Cafe, and other wonderful restaurants. The thing that has the fondest memories was staying at the hotel and lounging around the pool— and snorkeling. We’d get up each morning and suit up for the ocean. There was usually a turtle greeting you at the shore, but we were warned not to touch them it could make them sick. However, the turtle seemed determined to touch me.
Hawaii is truly paradise, full of wonderful people, scenery, and memories. It has become my home away from home and has found its way in An Unusual Island, This Second Chance, and soon to be released, middle grade/ YA Dolphin’s Cave. I’m hoping for an early December release if all goes well.
The Aloha spirit has found residence in me and my work.
Embrace your inner child with the Aloha Spirit in your heart. D. L. Finn
©D.L. Finn 2020
About D.L. Finn
D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her
A selection of books by D.L. Finn
One of the recent reviews for This Last Chance
Unseen forces battle for the future of earth, while unsuspecting humans go about their daily lives. This novel is a unique spin on the classic tale of good versus evil.
Amber Dodges is a news reporter on the hunt for the killer of her twin sister, Iris. She unknowingly attracts the attention of the evildwels, the angels, and the killer.
Finn has created a strong female protagonist in Amber, who lives, quite literally, by the motto, “Never say die!”
A view of the supernatural and terrestrial worlds, are constantly interchanged throughout this story, providing a chilling premonition that something terrible is about to happen. You may need a few more sips of that Cabernet to ease the nerves.
As the story unfolds, Amber is threatened and grows leery of all, as she tries to determine who is a ‘friend or foe’. This fact is left for the reader to puzzle over, until the climax is reached.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires a peek beyond the veil of the spiritual/mortal realms. Anyone who relishes a decent thriller, without the gore of a typical slasher story, will be appreciate the strong plot and high stakes drama. I’m giving this one a Four-Star rating!
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow D.L. Finn: Goodreads – Connect to D.L. Finn – Website: D.L. Finn Author – Facebook: D.L. Finn Author – Twitter: @dlfinnauthor
My thanks to Denise for permitting me to share her posts and I do suggest you head over to enjoy her archives.
Great to see Denise showcased here. I love her books and poems. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs xx 🙂
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Thanks Harmony…. hugsxx
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Thank you, Harmony xo
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This was great Denise.
When I read the part about the turtle all I could think was, well, they didn’t tell the turtle if he touched the human it would make the human sick. LOL.
Wonderful doing armchair traveling with you.
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Glad you enjoyed Patty and thanks for sharing ..hugs
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Youâre welcome and have a great day.
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Thank you, Harmony:) Happy to hear that!
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Thank you, Patty:) So true, they need to let the turtles know…. lol Glad you could join along!
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LOL.
Just my sarcastic mind at work.
Lovely traveling with you.
Have a great day.
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If I were to go, I’d want to do two things, visit the telescopes on Mauna Kea and poke lava with a stick.
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Sounds like a plan Leon and certainly enough of the second around to get that accomplished..
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I would like to visit the telescopes too, Leon. Don’t know if I want to get that close to lava…lol.
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I took myself to Oahu for my 30th birthday, and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Hawaiian islands several times since. Thanks for bringing back some of those memories!
Haven’t done the helicopter flight in Kauai but it’s on my bucket list.
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Thanks Sharon.. and we have been three times and have not done the helicopter ride either.. I hear it is spectacular.. hugsx
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Thanks, Sharon. I have to get back to Oahu, its been over 38 years. The helicopter ride was spectacular and I can still picture that day clearly. Hope you get to do it!
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Thank you Denise, for this wanderlust provocing story. 😉 xx
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I was hapoy to share the island beauty:)
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Thanks Michael..hugxx
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This has brought back so many wonderful memories, Denise. Each island has its own special beauty, and I hope someday to visit once again. Thank you, Sally, for featuring lovely Denise. 😊
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Thank you. Gwen. Yes, you are right each island has it own special gift and magic to share. I hope you make it back someday.
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It certainly does bring back wonderful memories Gwen.. and perhaps we could all meet up there… wouldn’t that be amazing…♥
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Wouldn’t that be fun!
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A riot lol.. they would need to put warning notices out…hugsxx
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It is nice to see Denise here, Sally. Thank you
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Thank you, John:) I happy to be here!
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Thanks John..and she brought some lovely memories and warm sunshine with her..xxhugs
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It was lovely to revisit this post from Denise, Sally. Stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing!
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Thanks, Teagan. Hugs on the wing back.
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Thanks Teagan.. glad you enjoyed again and hugs back..x
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Hawaii is on my bucket list of places to visit. I can only imagine how good the pineapple tastes! Thanks for sharing your experiences, Denise, and a huge thanks to Sally for hosting today.
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It’s an amazing place, Joan, and I hope you make it there someday. I think pineapple tastes better there!
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Thanks Joan and well worth a visit and amazing cocktails await you…hugsx
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I remember this post from Denise’s site. It makes me eager for another vacation there! It’s a beautiful place. How fun to swim with dolphins and turtles! Great choice, Sally.
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Thanks, Diana:) It is a beautuful place full of wonder and magic. I’m with you I’m ready to go on a vacation.
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We’re off to Kauai in October. Your post only made me more eager. 😀
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We are supposed to go in December.
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Awesome. Yay.
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Thanks Diana.. I would love another visit but long haul for us and not sure I can face it… but never say never..hugsx
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Thank you, Sally for sharing my Aloha blog here today. It’s a place full of magical memories! Sending hugs xo
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It is a wonderful place Denise and I would love to go back one day… so much more to see hugsxx
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I’ve been to Maui and the Big Island. I really loved Maui and would love to go back at some point, but it’s so far (and so expensive). Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Denise.
Thanks, Sally.
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Maui is amazing, but we’ve been going back to Kauai. It is expensive so we usually don’t eat out and use the kitchen there. Thanks, Staci, I hope you make it back someday.
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Congrats on this Spotlight at Sally’s and on your upcoming book, Denise! 🌴
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Thank you, Bette:) It took me a long time to get this book out.
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What a wonderful post from Denise! I have never been to Hawaii but have always wanted to visit.
I remember that Brady Bunch episode as a kid, and the mention of Woolwarth’s made me smile. I have great memories of our local WW from my own childhood.
Thanks for the trip to Hawaii, Denise, and thank you Sally for sharing this today!
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Thank you, Mae:) It was fun walking in the Brady Bunch footsteps. Woolworths does hold a lot of good memories for me here too at our local one. It’s a great place to visit if you can and each island has it’s own flavor.
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Those sound like wonderful trips.
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They were, Craig, and have left some lasting good memories to enjoy.
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What a glorious mini tour of Hawaii from Denise. A slice of heaven. ❤
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I know Debby wish it was not so far away, I would love to revisit…♥♥
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No doubts! ❤
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♥
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Having only been to Hawaii once, Denise’s memories matched many of my own. (One of my claims to fame is I’ve been to all 50 states.) It really is the ideal vacation spot for young and old. How great that she has so many fond memories from when she was a child and an adult.
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An amazing place Pete and I think if I was America I would be heading there to retire…loved revisiting through Denise’s post..xx
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Watching the series ‘Lost’ was the first time I appreciated the amazing scenery – and greenery – of Hawaii. I think I’ve left it too late to visit now and so it was good to live the experience through Denise’s words. She’s certainly managed to capture the magic of the place. xx
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I am with you Alex and doubt we will make that long a trip again but I watched this the other week.. you will need some popcorn and a drink – or two. hugs
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Amazing! I’ll watch it later on the TV. Thanks, Sally! xx
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I loved this story so much! I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii. Maybe one day. Thank you for sharing, Sally! Best wishes to Denise!
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Hi Jan, Denise and All.
Hawaii is somewhere I have always wanted to go. Years ago, a friend of mine went and she brought back all sorts of wonderful shells for me and I still have them.
I have shells from Hawaii, Florida and South Carolina and they’re all just a bit different yet some are the same.
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I hope that you get to go one day Patty.. hugsxx
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It’s on my list of things to do.
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If it was permissible to retire to Hawaii for us then I would seriously consider, we have loved our visits. I hope you get there..♥
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This is a great post from Denise. Perfect pick, Sally! We’ve been to Maui four or five times, I lost count! We love going there. ❤
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Thanks Miriam.. it is an amazing place and we are long overdue another visit…♥♥
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