Island Time

Forget security and connections

Enjoy the view above a cloud ocean

Specific Pacific destination

To islands tropical and Hawaiian

Touchdown and take a deep breath of sweet air

Maui sand between your toes, just unwind

You’ve arrived! Release stress, worry, and care

For the next ten days you’re on island time

Surface of pristine prismatic sapphire

Dotted with bright white sailboat masts and hulls

Underneath, the snorkeler's delight inspires

Coral reef teems with life so colorful

Weary floaters sigh in satisfaction

When soaking in a Lahaina sunset

Steel blue meets sherbet orange at horizon

Complementary colors compel it

The road to Hana is steep and winding

"Still the narrow path is the better choice

And you will be rewarded for climbing,"

The rainforest chants with its inviting voice

Please don't rush the journey, just take your time

Slow way down and stop to smell the flowers

Not to would be committing quite a crime

Even ones with some alien powers

If you get lost or turned around, don't sweat

Consult a local who can show the way

But best avoid the ones who preen and fret

They're pretty, but not so helpful most days

The Hana Highway is the way to go

Enjoy the waterfalls, beaches, and views

Keep beat with the rhythm of island flow

Take pauses, there's nothing better to do

"We all live in a yellow submarine"

Well, not exactly. It's a semi-sub

For taking in the underwater scene

With those in the curious cruisers club

You might see a tentacled octopus

Perhaps some fish with brightly painted fins

Or Ha‘uku‘uku‘ula‘ulas

Also known as the Red Pencil Urchins

Sample some good Hawaiian barbecue

Just after an afternoon rain shower

Look up and whoa! It's a double rainbow!

What does it mean? Intense vivid color!

Go drive the mountainous trek to the top

And stand in awe of the massive crater

The landscape formed from a volcanic pop

Haleakalā, Hawaiian treasure

Stay at the summit, see the sky on fire

Some early birds prefer a sunrise show

But sunset is pretty spectacular

Just wear warm socks for the sake of your toes

It's time to bid Maui a fond farewell

Take heart, have no fear and don't you dare cry

Half an adventure left! Isn't that swell!

It's time to island hop via the sky

Now go unpack your bags and settle in

Take a moment of resort life respite

Before the exploration quest begins

To enjoy Kauai’s marvelous sights

Exhale and do as the nēnē geese do

Find yourself a spot by the pool, recline

Lounge with a book, maybe nap some too

Sun bathe then come on in, the water’s fine

Set out on a day trip to Kapa’a

Follow signs and be sure to pull over

To peer out and observe ʻŌpaekaʻa

A vision of tiered cascading water

Yes, it’s strange, but you’re not mistaken

Of all the creatures you will encounter

Majority will indeed be chickens

For these roaming wild fowl are all over

You will be asking "Why not?", not "Why me?"

If you get the chance to make a venture

to Waimea Canyon, wonder to see

river cut incision by red water

Need a refreshment? Well, look no further!

For a chilled coconut can quench your thirst

Sipped through a straw, pure coconut water

Worth a try, though your last might be your first

Check out north Kaua'i, take my advice

And visit the Limahuli Gardens

To seek out a real bird of paradise

Flora collection closest to heaven's

Then head to Tunnels Beach if its sunny

The locals call it Makua: full grown

A special backdrop of both jungle trees

And peaks, a shoreline gem all on its own

Enjoy a luau or a hula show

before your island time comes to an end

"Aloha" is more than "bye" or "hello"

Let your lei remind you that you're a friend

Author's Note: My parents, sister, and I had planned to go to Hawaii in 2020, but due to the pandemic we had to reschedule for 2021. As soon as I saw this challenge announced I knew which trip I wanted to write about. I loved spending time in such a beautiful tropical setting, but what made it so special was getting to experience the adventure with my dearest loved ones. A massive "thank you" to my mom, who took so many wonderful photos and let me use a small fraction of them in this piece!

Looking back at all the pictures and revisiting the memories also inspired the subject for a villanelle poem: