Relaxing Vacations

Many years ago, when I was 18, my grandmother took me with her to Hawaii to visit my uncles and aunts and cousins who lived there. It was so wonderful. We went to the Dole Pineapple factory where there were drinking fountains of pineapple juice (these are gone). We went to Pearl Harbor. We lay on the beach.

Now I have the opportunity to go again. On the fifth I will fly out of Texas to the island of Oahu. We have rented a large house on the beach and I can hardly wait. I feel my stress leaving just thinking about it. My son-in-law has arranged for us to have a dinner cruise and to watch the whales. I can think of nothing more relaxing.

Everyone needs an occasional break from day to day worries and problems. I want to share my trip with you so that maybe you can choose a place that will help you escape for a while. Or close your eyes and get lost in my break. I can't wait to get my toes in that sand. So as I pack and prepare I would like you to have one of my favorite Hawaiian recipes to get in the mood. 

A little Hawaiian flavor
During our visit to the Dole pineapple factory in 1958,
we were given some recipes. The recipe below is a little sweet, but it is a taste of Hawaii

I make this for my grandchildren sometimes, but it is definitely a cheat day treat. I rarely eat more than a half a cookie, but they are soooo good

Pineapple-filled coconut bars from the Dole factory.
3/4  C granulated sugar
1     C Dole crushed pineapple
3     T cornstarch
1/4   t salt
1      T lemon juice
1      T butter
Mix first 4 ingredients in a small pan. Bring to a coil. Cook until thick and clear, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Blend in lemon juice and butter. Cool slightly while preparing topping.

Topping
1       C brown sugar
1/4    C butter
1       C granulated sugar
1/2    t  salt
1 1/2 C shredded coconut
1       C flour
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour salt and coconut. Mix until crumbly. Press 1/2 of mixture into an 8 or a 9 inch pan. Spread on filling. Cover with remaining crumbs pressing down gently. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Cool. Cut into 24 bars (how many bars you get depends on the size you make them. I usually get around 16 cookies.

On the airplane, we were given a choice of a veggie wrap or a chicken wrap. I chose the veggie one, and it tasted nice. There were two pieces and each was full of lettuce, tomatoes and other vegetables The chips were very crispy and gluten free. There was a small bag of chocolate covered nuts, but I had dark chocolate in my purse and ate that instead.

Breakfast in Hawaii - simple but delicious

Fruit is one of the healthiest breakfasts you can eat. This breakfast is simply bananas, papaya, kiwi, and strawberries. If you eat this and are still hungry, then eat more fruit. You can eat as much as you like as long as you wait an hour before eating anything else. It is good for lowering cholesterol and giving you energy for the morning. What better place to find delicious tropical fruits. You don't need anything else. A smoothie of tropical fruit is also delicious.

Waimea Falls Park

We hiked 3/4 of a mile from the entrance of the park to this waterfall. It was, of course, a very scenic route. 

Things you might see as you walk to Waimea Falls

A dinner cruise is a fun activity in Honolulu

things to do on your Hawaiian vacation

Swim with sharks or dolphins
Make friends with a turtle

Visit the Byodo-In Temple
# Byodo-In Temple

enjoy nature

I had forgotten exactly how relaxing it is to hear the ocean. It is beautiful to see and so relaxing to listen to. It was well worth the nine hour airplane trip.

Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

take a helicopter flight over the island of Hawaii
#blue hawaii

Tell us about your favorite vacation spot, or post some relaxing vacation pictures, or do both. Just Click below on "all comments are welcome". You will have added a page to my site.

I could go on and on. It is sufficient to say tha Hawaii is a wonderful, relaxing vacation spot. There are so many beautiful places to visit in this world. When I arrived home, I realized that even though Hawaii was gorgeous, my hometown is also beautiful. If you know of a lovely vacation spot to visit, please tell us your story below.