There is no doubt that just about everything looks and feels a little different this year, vacations included. We had 4 trips planned in 2020; a family reunion in June in Seattle (with 37 family members!), Anya’s first national meet in Oregon in August, my sister’s birthday party in New Hampshire in September, and our biannual Disneyland trip in December. All have of which have been cancelled. It sounds so petty to be upset about cancelled vacations, but honestly these are memories that we planned. Memories for our kids to spend time in a big house with lots of cousins running around, Anya to experience the competition that the continental US offers, being able to celebrate my sister’s birthday in her new home, and sharing memories with the kids from one of me and my sister’s favorite places as a kids. Although we are bummed out as we are, we also know that so many people have suffered much more and no one could have ever anticipated how this year would turn out. May as well make the best of it, right?!
When Chris surprised me with a weekend at our favorite Oahu hotel, The Kahala, I was thrilled….and then my Mom offered to watch the kids so that one of the two nights Chris and I could have to ourselves felt magical. The Kahala was running a really great special for “Healthcare Heros” and when Chris saw that it was right around the time of my birthday he jumped at the chance to celebrate me both as his wife as well as a frontline nurse amid this pandemic. I love that he is always finding ways to celebrate me and make me feel special, I also love a weekend filled with a beautiful ocean front room, excellent food, and 24/7 family time making memories that we will share forever.
Upon check in Friday afternoon the staff greeted us with the same warm sentiment they always do but behind safety glass and with hand sanitizing stations at about every turn you make. The took Chris and my temperature and had us fill about a quick survey to ensure our safety as well as the safety of the other hotel guests. We were quickly upgraded to a beautiful, large suite with an ocean view. It was heaven! The manager, Brandon, was so warm and welcoming and made sure to acknowledge my work as a nurse and thank me for my service which was unnecessary but appreciated. Chris and I ordered food and brought it back to the room to enjoy some quiet time together.
My mom stayed at our house with the kids and we will forever be grateful to her and all the love she pours into our sweet kiddos. They arrived the next day, twins dressed in transformer costumes complete with transformer face masks (like the kind you wear on Halloween) and gloves. It was the cutest and silliest arrival I have ever seen. Anya was in a chic new dress she just got and face mask that complimented it well, my little fashonista.
We immediately showed them the room and got changed into swim suits to head down to the beach. The squeals and jumps of joy are my favorite part of vacationing with little children!
Everyone at the hotel in required to wear masks in common areas other than the beach or pool and for the most part the other guests seemed to comply. Our kids have gotten used to wearing masks out in public and honestly its just not an issue with them.
That night we ordered food and ate in our room so we could enjoy a movie together. Normally we would eat at a restaurant but because of the pandemic we felt better about staying in our room and the kids loved watching a movie together. We did see quite a few people eating at the different restaurants The Kahala offers and it seems to be done in a very safe manor. The tables, many of which where outside, were spread very far apart, the staff all had masks on, and the guests were wearing masks in an out of the restaurant. Had we stayed longer we would have probably dinned in.
The next morning the kids were the first ones down to the pool and hot tub, it may not have even been light outside yet. What a fun experience for them to hop in the beautiful Kahala pool before dawn! The ran around the beach playing tag and drawing pictures in the sand. The rest of the day we went between hanging in the room and swimming in the ocean. There is a small island the kids love to swim out to and pretend they are on a deserted island, we did that for many hours. I love watching their imagination and creativity! The have so much fun together and I feel so privileged to have a front row seat.
I really appreciate how the Kahala is so committed to making their guests and staff’s health top priority. One of the ways they do this is by keeping a room empty for 48 hours after having in cleaned, we knew that when we checked into our room it was not only immaculate there was so potential risks involved in staying in that room. As a nurse and a mother health and safety is always at the forefront of my mind. I had no concerns about either of those on this stay at The Kahala. Part of the Health Care Hero special was being able to check in at noon and check out at 3pm, we literally left the room at 2:59 🙂
The kids loved having their Bliss blanket bundle to snuggle up with in the comfy hotel bed. The 100% polyester This deluxe travel blanket is the perfect blanket for cold airplanes, long layovers, train rides, road trips, hotel rooms, and even movie theaters. Its large 40 X 67 inch size is perfect to keep you warm, but packs up as small as 12 inches x 12 inches. It also acts as a folding travel blanket or pillow. With the soft, plush cover, you can roll it up and zip it in its case for a round travel pillow or fold it flat to use as a supportive head rest. It is very portable with a shoulder strap, luggage strap, and front pocket. My kids like to use the shoulder strap to attach it to their rolling suitcases. The kids used the large pocket to hold their masks when they didn’t need to wear them but it’s also great for cell phones, important documents or other items that need to be readily available. When you order you can use code JENNY20 for free shipping and 20% off! You won’t be disappointed 🙂
We had a wonderful time together, felt safe and taken care of, and made many memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you to The Kahala Hotel for celebrating the Health care Heros in our Community