*Hawaii*

Aloha readers! Today's post is featuring my favorite state in the good 'ol US of A ... Hawaii! I was personally invited by the Maui Visitors Bureau and Funjet Vacations on a week long business trip to the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. My reply? HELL YES!

It was a busy trip that's for sure. We visited a list of hotels and our mornings usually started about 6 am and didn't end until about 8 or 9 pm. However, this one was a little different than the usual FAMS (Familiarization Trips) that I've been on. This time we were all invited instead of random travel agents signing up for it. Another thing that made it unique was the fact that they had several excursions and events planned for us. The whole experience was one that I will treasure forever. Here are some of my favorite photos from the week:

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Our group was the most amazing group I have had yet on a FAM. We all got along wonderfully and would often sing in unison on the bus to old classics from Queen to the Carpenters.

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The Old Lahaina Luau is voted the best luau in the state of Hawaii. I was very excited that we got to go visit there. Of course the evening luau was sold out but we had the breakfast there and it was still absolutely amazing. Below is a picture of me and the hula instructor that all of us ladies were fascinated by. lol

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On our 45 minute shopping break a few of us decided to hit the Maui Hard Rock Cafe for souvenirs and drinks.

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The ferry ride over to Molokai was a blasty blast.

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Halawa Valley

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Rudy, our bus driver was fun. He did a killer impression of Clint Eastwood and Elvis Presley.

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On our first day on the island of Lanai they took us clay shooting. I had WAY too much fun. lol

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The late night crew:

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I love Banyan Trees! They are everywhere in Hawaii and they are all so old and enormous.

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The view from my balcony at the Four Seasons Lanai. This hotel was the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. We only stayed 1 night there but it is one that I will keep in my heart forever. The Four Seasons at Manele Bay would be perfect for the traveler who wants to escape from it all and be pampered.
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Lanai had the cutest shopping strip... not touristy at all... just boutique shops and cafes.

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We were allowed 4 hours of free time on the 3rd to last day so of course we headed to the beach. As we were snorkeling in the cove outside of the hotel 6-10 spinner dolphins starting showing off for us! They were getting so close to our hands and feet where we could of touched them if we wanted to. LOL They swam and flipped so fast. We were out there for awhile with them and it was a magical experience really.

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Peg was one of my favorite travel agents that I met. She was so sweet and knew how to crack me up. She promised her co-workers back home that she would take a picture of a Hawaiian "big Kahuna" for them. This is a sand castle I made for her. Brooke is modeling next to it. It reads "Peg's Big Kahuna." Don't hate on me now.

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When we returned to Maui we got the privilege of visiting the Maui Ocean Center which was INCREDIBLE. They had millions of sea life including a shark tunnel which was thrilling. They had my favorite gift shop too which is where I bought most of my family's gifts.

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Hawaii is one of my most favorite destinations to visit. Sure the scenery is picture perfect and the scent of all of the tropical flowers is powerful but the most fascinating thing is Hawaii's people and culture. Learn it, embrace it, love it.

Custom Hawaii planning has been a passion of mine for years. I'd love to help you plan your ultimate Hawaii trip. Feel free to contact me!

Mahalo,