Hawaii - Oahu and Some Big Island

This is the first post in my State Series!! I decided to do a post about each state I have visited, post my photos, what I liked, what I didn't like, etc. There will be things added to each post as I visit more and more of the states!
So first up, the newest state to the U.S. HAWAII :)

I went to Hawaii for a week during Memorial Day and stayed at Disney's Aulani resort (see Aulani for Adults post). The resort is outside of Honolulu on the Island of Oahu. I also did an all day tour of the Big Island one day.

This post will eventually include all the islands, but I gotta visit them first! It may be a year or two though :) 

Oahu 

Since Hawaii is an island, you have to fly to get there! (I mean technically you could come by boat too, but I'll just stick to the fastest way of travel). The main airport is Honolulu, there are a couple little airports, but for most people coming into Oahu, the Honolulu airport is where you fly into. 

The main beach area on the island is Waikiki Beach, and trust me everyone knows it and all the hotels are in this area. It is also where a lot of surfing occurs during the year. There are multiple multiple places/people that can teach you how to surf. The prices vary, but I looked at doing a few hours of private 1-on-1 instruction and it was $100 dollars.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is actually really close to the Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head. Now I didn't get to see the zoo, but during my half marathon, I ran past it and heard multiple birds and monkey at 6 am. 

Diamond Head. 

Be prepared to start early if you want to park at the start of the trail. It fills up quickly, however, at the very bottom of the hill, there is lots of parking at the community college. If you park down there, this means you have to hike up to the entrance of the trail to hike up to the top of Diamond head, but what's another mile or so, when you are going to hike another 1.6 miles (total). (If you ask my friends and me it's a lot! :0 ) 

• When you get to the start you have to pay so make sure you have cash! It's 5 dollars per car and a dollar if you walked up there. 
• Also, the only water on the trail is at the beginning, so make sure you bring bottles of water with you! Seriously it is a hike and pretty strenuous so bring water. 
• Bring the appropriate shoes! There are steps and hillsides and the terrain is not flat. Some of the paths have been eroded from the rain and are not level. Wearing high heels (Legit saw some girl doing this and prayed for her poor feet) can and will cause broken ankles and depending on where you on your vacation (beginning or middle), it could ruin it. 
• A final piece of advice: plan this accordingly. The park is open til 6 pm, but they will not allow anyone to start hiking after 4:30 pm. It does take about 2 hours to do this! 

Diamond Head's views are completely worth the hike. Put this on your must do list for Oahu.

Pearl Harbor 

If you are an American citizen and you don't go to Pearl Harbor while in Oahu. You should probably move to another country. I understand a lot of people not wanting to go to battlefields and different parts of American history, but not going to pay your respects to the men and women that gave their lives during this attack is shameful.
I went on Memorial Day with a friend and it was the highlight of my trip. We only got to do the Arizona Memorial due to time constraints but it was worth every minute I got to spend there and I really want to go back one day. 

• Tickets: You have two options with tickets, you can reserve ahead of time. They only have a limited amount of tickets for purchase for the advanced booking. Or you can go the morning of and get tickets. The park opens at 7 am. 
• On the day I went, the national parks website stated that it may sell out of all tickets early, so prepare for that. We got to the park at 6 am and were the first 50 people inside with tickets. The first boat over to the Arizona is at 7:30 am and we were on it. I truly recommend going early, not only to make sure you get in but also it's not nearly as hot at 7 am as it is at 1 pm. 
• There is more than just the USS Arizona Memorial. However, anything other than the Memorial and the museums cost extra and are not actually part of the national park system. There is the USS Bowfin (a submarine that is on the right side of the park), the USS Missouri (where the Japanese surrendered and is on Ford Island) and an aviation museum on Ford Island. 
• There is a shuttle service from Pearl Harbor to Ford Island. 
• What I thought was the best part of my entire time was meeting Sterling Cale, a Pearl Harbor survivor. He is an amazing old man that I would have totally taken home with me. Check out his book if you think about it and read about his life story.

Meeting Sterling Cale

Meeting Sterling Cale 

Arizona Memorial 

Road Trip Hawaii

One morning we did a road trip around Oahu. We started out by driving to Hanauma Bay. Then drove to Waimanalo. On that portion of the drive, we stopped at several scenic viewpoints and hopped over a rock wall to get that perfect photo. We also stopped to see the Halona Blowhole (it was on the drive, I wouldn't make this an important stopping point). From there we decided to continue our drive to Kualoa Ranch. Kualoa Ranch is where a lot of films are filmed! Jurassic Park and the second Hunger Games to name a few. There is a lot of things to do here, ziplining, jeep tours as well as movie tours.
We didn't end up going to Kualoa Ranch, but we did pass by it. We drove all the way up the North Shore stopping at Pipestem. During the winter months, these are some of the biggest waves but in the summer time, it's a nice calm area perfect for snorkeling. Our final stretch back to our hotel, we saw lots of fields and came across the Dole Plantation. We decided not to go in, and I regret that decision. I have since learned that pineapples from Hawaii will become a thing of the past as Dole is to source everything outside of the country, thus the Dole Plantation will be no more.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay

Halona Blowhole

Pipestem 

Big Island

Big Island from the Sky

Now on to the Big Island! I flew here from Honolulu and it only took about an hour total. I did a tour with Roberts Tour Company, which is all over Hawaii and seriously if you leave your hotel you are bound to see one of their buses.
Our first stop was at Richardson Ocean Park and to see the black sand beach! I was particularly excited about this because I wanted to compare Iceland's black sand beaches to Hawaii's, and they are not similar at all except in color (both are black! lol) Iceland has more of pebbles instead of actual sand where Hawaii has actual sand. It is a beautiful little park full of surfers.

Next stop was at Rainbow Falls State Park. It's a beautiful waterfall and I would put it on my to-see list for sure! 

Rainbow Falls

We stopped at a garden for a buffet lunch and stopped at a macadamia nut factory too, but really the entire reason I booked the trip was for the volcanoes! I wanted a guide to explain to me different things about the volcanoes, which is why I picked this tour. 

I got to see an actual volcano spewing lava! Obviously, you can't get really close to it, but I got to see it. I also went through some lava tubes and saw where the last volcano made its way down the mountain into the ocean. There is actually a live volcano that has lava going into the ocean, but it is a 4-mile hike both ways to see it, so maybe next time I go. The best part was that I saw a crater that was once an active volcano, inside the crater was a rainbow. 

Real Live Volcano! 

Lava Tubes

The black is the lava rock showing the path going into the ocean

Lava Rock

Rainbow in a Crater 

All in all, I LOVED my time in Hawaii and I can't wait to go back and see more of the islands and the culture!

Solo Traveling

Solo travel can be super scary for some people. No one wants to be alone, its basic human nature.
However there are just some times that it can't be avoided. Once you figure out how to entertain yourself and that the big scary world isn't really that bad, solo travel is gonna leave you speechless and make you a storyteller.
Traveling solo will make you learn more about yourself than you ever really wanted to know. I've learned that: I'm not an art person, I hate staying out past midnight anywhere, and 9 times out of 10, I'll pick chicken nuggets if its on the menu. It may not be any world shattering revelations, but still I learned things about myself. But mostly I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to. Traveling alone takes courage and self-reliance. I learned that I'm way braver than I ever thought I was and I'm capable of handing a lot of different situations.

So I've devised some tips about how to solo travel.

G's tips for solo travel:

1. Do your research!!! 

I honestly can't stress this enough. If you are going anywhere especially alone, make sure you know what you want to do, where you need to go, and how you are going to get there. Some can wing it, but for my sanity, your sanity and your parent's sanity, come up with some kind of game plan. Things change on a whim. But having a general idea of everything before you go will help tremendously.

2. Keep your things with you. 

I swear every Jim, Tom, Barbie and Ken have some kind of story about how this crazy person at the hostel stole their stuff. Keep it locked up and don't bring anything that if you lost it, you may die. I normally bring my laptop and camera with me when I travel, but I won't die if they get stolen. I may die if my wallet or phone does though, so its always with me. 

3.BE SMART! 

Seriously. If you are drunk as a skunk at 4am, no where near your hostel and no one there to help you, your basically asking to get robbed at the very least. I completely understand wanting to drink and party especially when you are in another country, but be as smart as I hope you would be in the states. Have a way home already figured out. Never go alone, make sure there is someone that is less drunk than the rest of the crowd your with. DO NOT TAKE YOUR PASSPORT OUT DRINKING WITH YOU!! take a copy of it, if you feel the need to have it. Loosing your passport can be one of the biggest hassles in the world. 

4. Bring copies of your passport.

Put a copy in all your luggage, keep copies at home. Do everything you can to not loose the sucker. 

5.Bring travel books.

This is probably the most controversial thing I may post. I adore travel books. adore them. Travel books can be your single most important thing you bring on the trip. Most of the books come with maps, making it easier to get around. Most come in pocket size versions to carry in your purse or pocket. Also they have so much knowledge and resources if you find yourself in any kind of trouble. A lot of people are completely against bringing travel books because they want an "authentic" experience and not just rely on what some other person said. That's great... good on them. Bring the travel book in case of emergencies.

6. Do NOT be afraid to make friends!
This is actually a little difficult for me. I'm an extremely outgoing person who doesn't know a stranger, unless I'm traveling outside of the country. This is because I've watched the "Taken" movie too many times. Talking to a random person on a bus or beside you at a bar, really isn't going to be that big of a deal and normally will not mean you get taken. I have met a lot of interesting people by striking up a conversation at random.
Example. Met a Canadian family that "adopted" me while on a guided tour of Jungfrau, they were hilarious and I still talk to them some today. 

7. Do guided tours.
Some people just do not like traveling alone. I don't mind it for the most part, but if you want to have really the best of both worlds, do guided tours. I normally try to book a guided tour from viator.com or tripadvisor.com in every city I'm in. It allows me to meet people and not be alone (basically make my mother happy) but also be alone and experience things. 

That's all I got for now, I may add more and more as time goes on! 

Happy solo traveling! 

Disneyland

I've been debating if I was going to do a Disneyland or Walt Disney World post since I wasn't sure if a) could I keep it detailed but not too much and b) if anyone would really be interested in my take on the parks?
But I decided that I was there just a few days ago and might as well. I won't do a WDW post until I go back again so I have up to date information.
If you have any specific questions, like what should I fast pass? or What rides are good for naps in the afternoon without leaving the park? or What rides will my kid's hate? email them to me!!! Seriously I have no issues walking you step-by-step through anything relating to Disney :)

graceparsons2023@gmail.com

Unlike WDW, Disneyland is much smaller and a lot less crowded. Where WDW is full of people that make it their only travel destination, Disneyland is more of annual pass holders that don't come until later in the afternoon.

There are 2 separate parks, Disneyland and California Adventures. They are within walking distance of each other, which is something you can't do in WDW.

We will start out in Disneyland!

As soon as you step through the gates, you can feel the magic or you should at least start pretending :) You walk underneath the train to Main Street USA. Some characters can be greeted right by the entrance, as well as all around the flag pole area! Also, some of the characters (like Alice and the Hatter) will just walk around and play with you all over the parks! This is probably my favorite part about this park.

There are multiple shops and little food places. Watch out for the horse and buggies along with the trolley that is coming down Main Street.
After walking down Main Street you should come to what is called the Hub. From here you can get to all the lands of the park, it's like the spindles of a wheel.
Let's start with Tomorrowland on the right.

There are several rides here and lightsaber churros. Yes, you heard me correctly. The line is crazy long so come prepared to wait for them.

1. Hyperspace Mountain - which used to be just Space Mountain before they added a Star Wars theme to it. 
2. Star Tour - a Star Wars simulator 
3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - a kid friendly shooting game 
4. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage - you go under the water in a submarine with Nemo! 
5. Tomorrowland Expo Center - which is where you can meet several of your favorite Star Wars characters
6. Autotopia - everyone can drive a car here!
7. Astro Orbiters

Only characters you can find in Tomorrowland is at the Expo Center :) 

Next, let's cross back over and hit up Adventureland! Aladdin, Jazmin, and the Genie are the characters that might be around this area :) 

Now, this is the place where you can get the Dole Whip! It's pineapple ice cream and everyone loves it. I'm not a pineapple person, but all my friends love it. 

1. Indian Jones Adventure - a really fun ride, not suitable for young kids
2. Jungle Cruise - where you can hear the best/worst jokes around! 
3. Enchanted Tiki Room - where the birds sing for free (good place to rest for a bit :)
4. Tarzan's Treehouse - involves stairs and climbing 

New Orleans Square is up next! You can meet Princess Tiana and Naveen here :) 

1. Pirates of the Carribean - where dead men tell no tales, and there could be a chance of a Johnny Deep sighting :) 
2. Haunted Mansion - one of my favorite rides, that turns into a Nightmare before Christmas ride from September - January.

Next is Critter Country - which is only good because the hungry bear restaurant has great chicken :) Winnie the Pooh and Friends can be greeted here! 

1. Splash Mountain - you will get a little wet
2. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - not my favorite ride.

Frontierland - has some of the best and most diverse food :) This is my go to for a lunch! You used to be able to meet Woody and Friends here, but with the new construction going on, I don't know if they are still doing that.

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - get ready to ride a runaway mine cart! :)
2. Steamboat Ride - pretty cool if you get the chance to drive it!

Toontown - this is where all the little toddlers and children live. Be prepared for lots of screaming and crying. Really nothing here is worth riding. If you wanna see some of the characters and their "houses" then this is the place to go. Mickey can be meet at his house, Minnie at her house and Goofy and some friends in other places around here.

1. Gadget's Go Coaster
2. Roger Rabbits Toon Spin 

Fantasyland! - the best land. It's amazing here. It's gonna be tough to rank them so some of these can go up or down. Now this place does have some great food. A personal favorite is Edelweiss Snacks with its turkey legs and corn on the cob! 

1. Matterhorn -watch out for the yeti! 
2. It's a Small World - try to not have the song stuck in your head all day! 
   
3. Dumbo - a classic
4. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - only up this far because it's no longer at WDW
5. Pinocchio's Daring Journey - not in WDW
6. Snow White's Scary Adventure - scared me as a child and is not at WDW either. 
7. Peter Pan's Flight -- my absolute favorite ride ever 
8. Alice in Wonderland
9. Mad Hatter's Tea Party - only if you don't get motion sick! 
10. Pixie Hollow - where you can meet Tinkerbell and her fairy friends 
11. Fantasy Faire - go see the princesses 
12. Walk through Sleeping Beauty's Castle - you can't do this in WDW either and it's actually pretty cool. 

In Disneyland they are currently working on a Star Wars expansion back behind Frontierland set to open in 2018. Stay tuned for updates to the blog when that comes out :) 

California Adventures

Literally, right next door to Disneyland and has some pretty cool rides!! It's also broken up into "lands" to make it easier to navigate like Disneyland. 

When you walk through the gates, you are on Buena Vista Street, directly in front of you is the Cathay Circle, a wonderful dining experience. Just like Main Street, there aren't any rides, but several shops and food places. You should also be able to meet some characters along the Buena Vista Street.

If you turn to the left you come to Hollywood Lane. There are a few places to eat right along the main road. You can meet a variety of "stars" in through here and Anna and Elsa can be found at the Animation Studio.

1. Tower of Terror - which has recently been transformed into a Guardians of the Galaxy ride! 
2. Frozen Show at the Hyperion - I've heard good things, but I'm still a upset about getting rid of the Aladdin Show. The genie was hilarious. 
   
3. Monsters Inc Ride - really cute and if you mess Roz at the end, she will joke back with you :) 
4. Animation Studio - I really like this because you can draw a character and its a really cute keepsake! Also, Anna and Elsa can be met here. 
5. Disney Junior Live show - if you have younger kids.
6. Backlot Stage - wouldn't waste my time.

Mad Hatters T Party is a dance thing that sometimes characters come to? It's at random if they do, so don't expect it and they won't sign anything but you can selfie. 

Next up is "A Bugs Land". This is completed for younger kids. 

1. It's Tough to be a Bug - a 3D show that is not my favorite. 
2. Flik's Fun Fair - all of the rides in here are for younger kids. 

Car's Land - now I'm not going to lie. This is pretty much my favorite land in DCA. It's really cute and quaint and I could spend all my time and money eating at the Cozy Cone Motel. The Chili Con Queso is amazing! You can also meet Lightning and Mater here too!! They don't sign your autograph book, but they do take photos :) 

1. Radiator Springs Racers - really fun! make sure you fast-pass it though!! 
2. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - it's really for little kids, but I enjoy it!

On your way to the next land, you go through the Pacific Wharf. It's all food and no attractions, you can do a bakery Tour if you want though!

Next up is Paradise Pier! This is like Fantasyland in DL and has the majority of the rides. You can meet Woody and Friends out by Toy Story Midway Mania. 

1. Toy Story Midway Mania - make sure you fast-pass for this one! It is like an arcade game and it's really fun.
2. California Screamin' - the rollercoaster! 
3. Little Mermaid Ride - grab a clam and watch the movie unfold
4. Goofy's Sky School - another little coaster. 
5. Mickey's Fun Wheel - this ride makes me sick just watching it!
6. Silly Symphony Swings 
7. Jumpin' Jellyfish - little kid ride.

The Final Land in DCA is Grizzly Peak. The Grand Californian has its own private entrance that comes into this land if you are staying there.

1. Soarin' over California - such a good ride
2. Grizzly River Run - be prepared to get wet
3. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - where you can meet Russell and Dug 

and that's it!!! like I said if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll give you any information you need. 

Jungfrau, Switzerland

One of my last days was spent in Switzerland. I took a tour bus from Zurich into the mountains to Jungfrau: Top of Europe.
It's over 3000 meters above sea level and that makes it the highest train station in the world. It's a beautiful sight to be held, just make sure that you be prepared for altitude sickness!

My shirt reads "The Mountains are calling and I must go"

I found the Scrat from Ice Age!