Aloha!
Even though there are so many beautiful countries to visit in this world, the choice was easy and I booked my ticket to Hawaii!
With a big smile I boarded the plane to set off to this paradise which every surfer dreams about. When I arrived at Oahu my friend Diana was waiting for me only to drive me straight to the famous North Shore! Patience is a virtue though and the falling darkness that set in like a dark blanket covered with small diamonds, prevented me to see anything at all this first day. Good things come to those that wait and I was rewarded. The next morning I could experience first hand what beauty lay in front of me.
The first week and a half in Oahu I could do nothing more than to let myself be mesmerized and to appreciate the treasures I was allowed to find. My surfing experiences were nothing short of amazing! Nonetheless I couldn't compare it to anywhere else I've been surfing. Despite my experience on waves in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia the waves in Hawaii are a whole other league on their own. The waves come rolling in and crash on the beach with such force that it feels like Neptune's fury is unleashed. The smallest of waves will throw you of your feet. Being a Dutch surfergirl you soon realise you have to be humble and bow to the white horses that set ashore on these Islands. It would be irresponsible to try and surf at a level which is above my head. Therefore I was truly satisfied with the surfable waves I could find and ride. It was a real spectacular show to watch the surfing at all those famous breaks. To have seen the waves at Rockypoint, Sunset, Pipeline and Waimea and to see people charge them leaves behind an unerasable memory and feeling of excitement! Surely just as grand a dream to most Benelux surfers.
The last part of my journey brought me new adventures on Kauai. Feeling those Island style vibes by hiking and exploring the surroundings. Camping on the Island, so we were told, would be the best way to get a taste of Kauai. So we immediately bought a semi open tent at the supermarket and started wandering. It certainly turned out to be true! Sleeping underneath a bright starlit heaven, to wake up and find yourself opening your eyes to the sheer beauty of nature and to consume your daily breakfast at beautiful surf breaks, were all part of our daily ritual. I have never experienced the calls of so many roosters on one Island but it was a small price to pay. Hiking, kayaking, waterfalls, lookouts, I could go on and on.. Around every corner a new adventure seemed to await us. Every sore muscle, swollen feet covered with blisters, were easily forgotten when Kauai presented us with another treat.
All good stories have endings which are bound to be new beginnings. After surfing crystal blue waters with perfect overhead waves, being surrounded by sea turtles, sleeping underneath starry skies, walking on white sanded beaches, spotting volcanoes, marvelled by spectacular waterfalls and having seen rainbows which almost seemed like a figment of your imagination... All I am left with is the undeniable feeling I will return to this place of beauty and magic where one rides on life's breath.
Mahalo Hawaii!!
