Wilson's "Year of Adventure": Hawaii, North Shore of Oahu 2009

Arriving in Hawaii

I've always wanted to go to Hawaii and learn how to surf. I've learned that the best place for surfing is the North Shore of Oahu. We stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort where the movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" takes place. It was a long 14 hour flight to get to Honolulu International Airport but well worth it. From the airport, we picked up our rental car and was on our way to the resort for some R&R. As we drove down highways, they slowly turned into city streets and then into some back country roads. The scenery was breathtaking. Volcanic mountains as far as the eye can see. We passed the Dole Pineapple Plantation and knew we had to be close. Then the road starts following the beautiful coastline of Oahu. The water was so clear and sparkly. We finally arrived to this huge resort in the middle of the country called "Turtle Bay Resort". They call themselves "True Hawaii" there because it isn't as commercialized as places like Waikiki. It was nothing but beaches and open country. Across the street was farmland. When we pulled into the resort, we were greeted with the traditional "Aloha, welcome to Turtle Bay". Checking in was a cinch. Welcome to Turtle Bay, you have arrived! Upon receiving the room key, you get a traditional "Mahalo". It was a dream come true. I was so tired but so excited at the same time. We dropped our bags off in the room and immediately headed down to the beach to take it all in. The air was so crisp and fresh, you could hear the waves crashing melodically against the rocks, and smiling faces everywhere. The warm sun just covered you in warmth like nothing else you've ever felt before. The grains of sand were huge. They were the size of sesame seeds. Suddenly, there it was! The sense of relief and relaxation you've always dreamed about and may only have seen on TV.