Bugs, poor sleeping conditions and crossing items off my bucket list.

📸:Me. This is the Kalalau trail on the Napoli Coast in Kauai Hawaii.

For years, Hawaii was taking up a spot on my bucket list, right next to things like “get brave in the ocean,” and “overcome fear of heights.”  So when the opportunity came up to attend an 8-day women’s retreat in Kauai, I signed up immediately.

This retreat included hiking the Kalalau Trail, a 22-mile hike often described as one of the scariest in the United States thanks to its literal sheer drop-offs, very narrow paths, and slippery cliff sides. What could possibly go wrong? I was well on my way to crossing multiple things off my list.

Here are my Top 9 most memorable moments from the trip:

1. The Middle Seat

On the flight to Kauai, I discovered I had been assigned the middle seat. Not ideal amiright? But it got better. I was wedged between a husband and wife who prefer it that way. One likes the window, one likes the aisle, and I was apparently the neutral buffer that keeps their marriage thriving. They both got what they wanted. I got to practice sitting very still.

2. Surfing (For About Twelve Feet, But Still)

On the first day, I chose surfing over paddle boarding. This was not part of the original plan, but I’m glad I did. After a short lesson, the guide pointed at a wave and said, “that one’s yours,” then turned me around, and pushed me forward.

Somehow, I stood up. I surfed all the way to shore, which, was a very short distance, but I’ve never felt more athletic in my life. I went again and again, riding that confidence high and crossing a bucket item off. (We won’t talk about how there was a shark attack in that very location the next morning.)

3. The bug night from Hell

Days two and three were spent hiking the Kalalau Trail. It was scary, hard, breathtaking, and completely worth it.

That night, I had planned to sleep in a tent on the beach with a friend. Others chose to sleep under the stars, but I didn’t want a ny tarantulas or other bug to make a home even remotely close to me. Unfortunately, the tent was missing key components. After nine people examined it and confirmed that yes, it was in fact un-tent-able, we moved to what looked like a wooden deck back off the beach a ways, out in the open air.

We laid out our sleeping pads (mind of course was lime green) and fleece sleeping bags (yes—fleece sleeping bags, in Hawaii), and attempted to sleep.

That’s when the bugs arrived.

They landed on my face. My arms. Anywhere uncovered. I would fall asleep for approximately three seconds before swatting at something and waking back up. This went on long enough for me to realize: this will not go on a second longer.

I looked around at how the other women were handling it:

• One had stripped down to a sports bra and shorts.

• One was completely cocooned with an eye mask.

• One had her arms and face out like she was daring the bugs to come any closer.

I wondered if they were enjoying the constant tickling from the bugs or if I was the most impatient person on the earth.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

Finally, I zipped myself into my too-short fleece sleeping bag, wrapped my sweaty hiking shirt around my face like a makeshift bug shield, tucked my arms inside, and surrendered.

When we woke up before sunrise, (thank heavens that night was over), we packed up and headed to the beach for photos. As we stood in a line, the retreat leader suddenly doubled over laughing and pointed down toward her sister near me.

I looked around and instantly understood. It was then my turn to double over and laugh.

The women who had slept uncovered had their faces, necks, and arms covered in red dots. It looked like a chicken pox outbreak had swept through Kauai overnight.

I’ve never been so grateful for poor sleeping conditions and a sweaty shirt.

4. Hiking With My Neighbor

One of my neighbors happened to be on this trip too, and we spent hours hiking and talking together. There’s something about hiking side by side that opens people up. We shared stories, thoughts, and pieces of ourselves we probably wouldn’t have sitting across from each other at home. It was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

5. A Friend I’ll Always Be Grateful For

I also met a new friend! One of those rare connections filled with deep conversations and cry-laughter. We live far enough apart that we may not see each other often, but the connection was real and lasting. Those friendships don’t come around often, and I’ll always treasure it.

6. A Sea Lion

We visited a beach called Tunnels Beach, which was stunning. While sitting in the sun, a large sea lion casually emerged from the water just feet from me. It reminded me of how deer jump out in front of me back home while driving-except, you know… a sea lion. So cool.

7. My Fry Standards

The best food I had on the trip was at our resort. I ordered fish and chips, and I am still thinking about it. Crispy, flavorful, perfect. The tartar sauce was incredible, and I’m not even a sauce person. Also…I am a fry snob. These were the second-best fries I’ve ever had. (The best are still in my small town.)

8. Sunrise Walks and Unexpected Conversations

I never adjusted to Hawaii time. I went to bed around 8–9 p.m. and woke up around 5–6 a.m…so I took advantage of it by walking the beach in the dark and waiting for the sunrise.

One morning, another woman from the retreat was doing the same. We’d never met before this trip, but we sat together, talking as the sun came up. She was beautiful, successful, and full of stories. Moments like that remind me that connecting with people, especially strangers, is one of life’s greatest gifts.

9. Kayaking and then hiking to a waterfall

A few days after the big hike, a few of us went and rented kayaks and rode up the river. I didn’t know it was a race but thats what it turned out to be as we passed maybe a hundred kayakers. And we are glad we did because we got the waterfall almost to ourselves. It was the most stunning paddle and hike. Besides the fact that I thought sharks were in the river crossing on the hike. It was unforgettable.

So there it is, my Top 9 most memorable moments from Hawaii.

Have you ever been? What was your favorite part, or your most memorable moment?

-This trip would’ve never happened without the lovely tour guide: @destinationfitnessretreats

Who has forever changed me life with her retreats.

-Coming soon, I will be going on her upcoming Morocco trip! 🤗

❤️/Jenna