Years ago my dad had a business based out of Honolulu, and as a family we would come to Hawaii quite often. We always would stay in the Moana Surfrider right on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, a beautiful old hotel with grand columns and ornate details, right in the heart of Waikiki. We haven’t stayed at the hotel in over 15 years (maybe 20!) but every time I return to Waikiki and see the Surfrider I can recall my childhood memories. Our entire family used to stay in an ocean facing suite; I remember this always feeling like such grand treat because this was not typically the type of hotel or room we stayed in on our other trips.
Since my dad was there for business we never really did touristy things on our visits, but acted as if the hotel was our home away from home. My parents would go to the grocery store as soon as we could get into our Hertz Rental Car and load up on POG (Passion Orange Guava Juice. My once and future favorite juice drink. I’ve had 3 glasses so far today), sliced pineapple, and a Costco size pack of mini cereal boxes to eat on the hotel balcony. My brothers and I would wake up and fight over who got the Froot Loops and the Lucky Charms as those were always the ones that went first (If I’m being honest I never had a chance at getting those cereals- my brothers would lock me up or tie me up before I could put one sticky finger on them). On the second day we moved through the Rice Krispies and the Pops, and then finally, on the last day of our trip all that was left were the dreaded boxes of Special K and Raisin Bran. Strangely enough I loved cereal so much that I would both of those cereals while my sugar-fiend brothers would resist, which I think is one of the reasons I love Raison Bran and Special K to this day!
Anyway, being in Hawaii for a short time this week has certainly brought back a few memories. I don’t know if I will ever stay at the Moana Surfrider again, but walking through briefly to take some photos (in the middle of the rain, ugh) took me back to a place I haven’t been mentally in years.
Is there a place in your past that brings back strong, specific memories?
ModParade skirt (similar style in the same fabric here as well), Uluwatu Balinese lace top, Altuzarra heels (old)
