“Ten years from now, make sure you can say you chose your life, and not just settled for it”.
Since long time ago I’ve been dreaming on visiting Hawaii. 30 years may have passed, but my yearning for a deep exploration of ‘Aloha land’ has never diminished. Plans had fallen into place with no particular arrangements; last day of my twenties I’ve landed in God’s chosen place- Hawaii. I guess it just mean to happen.
March 21st, THE day. Every year the importance of my birthday is slowly decreasing. The reason behind that might be the fact I actually stop caring how old I am. “If your mind can conceive it, you can achieve it.”
Since I started traveling, I decided to spend my birthdays doing something new or something for the first time. Keeping up to this promise, this birthday was already going to be different. Read on to find out why and how.
” I’ve got you a brilliant surprise! “- she said.
” Does it involve half dressed men? “- sarcastically responding. I guess that’s no longer funny at this age.
Few hours later, we picked up a bright red convertible only a birthday girl could ask for! And that was our ride for the day. Indeed the above question becomes even more funny now 🙂
First stop was my dream come true. That ‘new thing’ or ‘something for the first time’ was about to happen. I had seen Maui from the ground, I had seen it from the mountain top. But I wanted to get higher. I am going to see Hawaii from the air and take a flight around West Maui and Molokai islands! Irony is I’ve never been in a helicopter before, even tho I’ve taken like gazillion flights in the past five years.
We arrived to Kahului heliport in our red beetle and proceeded to Air Maui check-in office. Then watched a video on helicopter safety and received a seat assignments before heading right out to the runway.
With noise-blocking headphones checked, safety belt secured and my camera firmly strapped around my hand I was ready for take-off.
Taking off in the helicopter was surreal. As it lifted, an electric sense of excitement filled every cell in my body.
The pilot entertained the crew with stories of Hawaii, in-depth commentary, and fascinating facts about the islands. We flew around deep valleys and rocky rims of the majestic West Maui Mountains. But that was only the appetizer. Soon enough we reached Molokai’s inaccessible north shore and the highest waterfall that was just so majestic! The isolation of these remote landscapes transports you into The Lost World aka Jurassic Park. It was so beautiful I had to pinch myself!
All good things have to come to an end. After 45min the skillful pilot landed helicopter back on the ground.  In every imaginable way, it was an experience far beyond anything I could have hoped for. And one I’ll never forget.
This tour was the perfect send off for my twenties, and with its numerous of firsts — first time in a helicopter, first time seeing Hawaii from the air — it was the best way to step into a new decade.
The buzz from this tour lasted long after the adrenaline wore off. I was back in our convertible, ready to celebrate life further. We drove around the south coast and watched the whales, and when the day came to an end, gigantic Mexican dinner was consumed. Pass me a Margarita, because this day was cosmic!
Hello thirties, now I am so ready for you!
Disclaimer: a big Thank you to Air Maui for providing me with a complimentary helicopter tour and making my birthday unforgettable! As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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