Aloha from the big island! We were so glad to finally arrived. The day started out full of excitement with us getting up at 5:00 AM to get ready and head to the airport. After packing our last minute toiletries and loading up the car we were finally on our way around 6:00 AM. We planned to be at the airport early so the kids could have McDonald’s for breakfast before the five hour flight to Hawai’i from LAX. When we got to the terminal the kids were devastated to find out that Terminal 4 had no McDonald. We settled for a massive breakfast sandwich elsewhere and immediately boarded our plane.

We were so excited to finally be on the plane and couldn’t wait to leave. But, of course, the plan broke down. It had something to do with the auto-pilot system. Probably a little bit important. We ended up sitting on the runway for an hour. An hour! Do you know what it’s like to be on a plane full of families headed to summer vacation – which means a plane full of kids – just to be stuck? This was not a fun way to start of our vacation.  After a series of tweets between American Airlines and me we finally took off.

After the five hour flight, not including the hour sitting on the runway, we were off.  The kids did surprisingly well on the flight; dare I say they were probably the best kids on the flight? They napped, ate, drank and played on their iPads. Did I mention that the plane’s WiFi system was down? Super-duper epic failure if you ask me. When we finally landed we were thrilled to get off the plane; we definitely all had cabin fever. To our surprise it was hot AND humid – very, very humid. We were a sticky hot mess in less than five minutes. No matter, WE ARE IN HAWAI’I!

After grabbing our luggage and shuttling over to get our rental car, a white Chevrolet Traverse, we set Waze to navigate us to Kings’ Land desperately looking for food along our way. After the long flight we were famished! Now, let me start by saying that I avoid chain restaurants like the plague when I travel. But, I was thrilled to find a Roman’s Macaroni Grill at the Queen’s Marketplace on the road into Kings’ Land. I don’t know why they ever closed the LA locations, they always seemed to do well, but this was a welcome sight to our starving bunch. At this point we all wanted comfort and could wait for adventure. What did I get, you ask? I was so hungry that I had a hard time making a decision but ultimately ended up with the eggplant parm. The kids had mac and cheese (of course) and Brian had the lasagna.

When we got to the lobby to check-in we were greeted by Eric, a super nice valet, who gave us tons of useful information. Turns out he just moved here from Temple City, a city in the San Gabriel Valley near us, just eight weeks ago himself. He was so friendly and immediately made us feel welcomed. The lobby was gorgeous and we could not wait to see the room.

Once we checked in we headed to our room. The room was spectacular to say the least. We decided right then and there that we could live there forever not just seven days. Duh!

After touring the inside of the condo we wandered outside. Since we are on the first floor we had a nice patio that opens out to an open grassy area where the kids could play. A couple units away there was even a tiki-themed barbecue area that Brian immediately fell in love with.

We rounded out the day hanging out in the pool, soaking in the hot tub and enjoying this spectacular sunset. All in all it was a great first day despite spending six hours trapped in a plane.

Aloha! Stay tuned for more updates.