A Love Letter to Hawaii

When I was 13 years old, I took a family vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii. I fell in love with Hawaii, and when I got home, I was telling everyone I was going to live there one day. Five years later, I turned that dream into a reality.

This dream could not have come true without the help of some very important people in my life. Thank you to my parents for having faith in me and supporting my decision to take a gap year. Thank you to Becca and her family for welcoming me to Oahu and housing me for several weeks. Thank you to Papa Tom for putting up with my jokes and always putting a smile on my face. Lastly, thank you to Auntie Deb for letting me stay with you and being the best role model I could have asked for.

Coming to Hawaii for my gap year was actually my backup plan. I initially was planning to go to Europe (which I eventually did); however, covid-19 changed my plans. Getting to Hawaii during covid was a challenge, but despite all the odds, I did it. I was 18 years old when I arrived on the Big Island in October 2020 with two of my good friends, Molly and Val.

My time on Big Island with them is something I will forever cherish. I got to go back to all the amazing places I had been dreaming of after my first trip to the island. The raw natural beauty of Big Island and the memories I have made here will forever make it my favorite Hawaiian island. However, after some time on Big Island, I went to Oahu. Little did I know that Oahu would become my home away from home.

During my first couple of months in Oahu, I met so many amazing people who truly made me feel welcomed. Over the years here, I have made lifelong friends and memories. I’ve had an amazing experience exploring Oahu and have gotten to do and see so much that would have made little 13-year-old me so proud. I have learned so much about myself here and feel so blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to live here.

All the years I’ve spent in Hawaii have been amazing, but these last few months have been the best. When I first arrived, I got to be reunited with my best friends Grace and Hawea- two women who I am so extremely grateful to have in my life.

Shortly after, my good friend Faeryn was here visiting. While we were free diving one morning, we had a huge pod of dolphins swim up to us, which is easily one of my favorite memories from this last year, and I’m so glad I got to experience that with her.

In November, Lana came to Hawaii, and we got to attend the USLA conference in Oahu. She also convinced me to go to Maui and Kauai with her (thank you Lana because those are two trips I will never forget). Then, I got to be her tour guide on Big Island.

Most recently, my sister moved back to Oahu, and my mom came to visit. Going to all my favorite spots on the island with them was so fun. I’m also so grateful we got to spend Christmas together.

I truly feel like I was meant to come to Hawaii for my gap year. Thank you, Hawaii, for sharing your beautiful blue ocean, endless palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets. These islands have blessed me with countless rainbows and unforgettable experiences. Being able to immerse myself in the nature here is something I will forever be grateful for.

The opportunities I have had here have been life-changing and the growth I’ve endured has been wonderful. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey here, and thank you, Hawaii, for surrounding me with beauty and joy.

I love you, Hawaii!