Non-fiction
I loved this book! I have two teenage sons and felt that this book came into my life at just the right time. This book is great because Monica gives ideas for boys ranging from age 7 to boys headed off to college. There is something for every mom in any stage of life. I especially appreciated that she did not pull punches when it comes to a faith based approach to raising boys. Monica is a Christian and many of her ideas and thoughts are centered around what Jesus Christ would do and how having a faith based parenting style helped her raise her boys. Monica shares many personal experiences and the book feels like a letter or conversation with a friend. I would highly recommend it. Monica also has a blog so even after reading the book I felt I had someone I could follow and receive some more inspiration from.
Where to go?
Oahu, Hawaii
Monica lives on the North Shore of Oahu so I will be writing about Oahu, Hawaii today! Oahu is the third largest island of the Hawaiian islands and is known as the “gathering place”. Honolulu is the capital and there are about 1 million people that reside on the island. There are two volcanoes on the island and the shore is 227 miles long.
Where to Stay?
Below is a great blog all about the North Shore of Oahu. The author gives a great review of the best hotels in different price ranges and he has actually been there, so I would recommend checking out this blog!
https://www.journeyera.com/where-to-stay-on-north-shore-oahu/
The North Shore area is about an hour drive from where all the action is in the Hololulu/Wakiki area. Here is a map:
What to do?
If I were to go to Hawaii I would have to see Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center no matter where I was staying. Here are the links for those two sites:
Polynesian Cultural Center : From their site: Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Wander through 42 acres of tropical splendor and enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectacular evening show in the islands. https://www.polynesia.com/
Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Pearl Harbor National Memorial is comprised of the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials, in addition to six Chief Petty Officer Bungalows , three mooring quays and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and curatorial collections. https://www.nps.gov/valr/pearl-harbor-national-memorial.htm
For the North Shore Area of Oahu
Helicopter Tours It would be a shame to go to Hawaii and not take a helicopter tour. It is so beautiful there with all the waterfalls and forests and seeing them from the air would be delightful. Book one here https://www.adrenaline.com/
Zip Line Tour From TripAdvisor: This tour is a three hour guided zipline tour, including Oahu’s longest ziplines ranging from 500 feet to nearly half a mile long. Participants will explore a working agricultural farm along the tour which includes eight world class dual ziplines, two rappels, four sky bridges and a fun ATV adventure to the ridgetop. You’ll also learn about Hawaii’s rich history and culture all while taking in panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu’s famous North Shore. This tour 723 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and is about $180. https://www.climbworks.com/keana_farms/
Oahu Grand Circle Island Day Tour This tour is 8 hours about $118(in December-rates vary depending on the time of year) and gives the traveler a good overview of Oahu. The tour company picks up from select hotels in Waikiki and drives tourists around to the major attractions on Oahu including the Dole pineapple plantation, the North Shore, Byodo-In Temple, Diamond Head, the Halona Blowhole, Hanauma Bay and Nu’uanu Pali . The tour guide also talks about the history and culture of Hawaii.
There are many, many more adventures one can have in Hawaii. From surfing to cruises to hiking waterfalls or volcanoes! Hop on TripAdvisor and do a little research and get going! Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list.
Until next time pick up a good book and take a trip either in person or on the internet like I do!
The Traveling Bookworm 