Oh my goodness. Where to begin? I suppose the best approach is to start at the very beginning. It’s a very good place to start.

At Hale Pohaku, you wake in the morning to the sound of the surf. The pounding of the waves hitting the beach is a constant background noise. Add in the gentle rustling of the palm leaves as the morning breeze blows in off the ocean. Add to that the spectacular view of the sun rising over the pacific ocean and your morning is set. Now, normally I’m not a morning person but these last few days I’ve noticed that I don’t seem to mind rising early here. Add to it a cup of fresh brewed Kona coffee and some delicious pastries from the local bakery and I’m in heaven.

So after the sun and breakfast, we usually lotion up and head for the beach. Not just any beach, however. Oh no, this beach is a mere 30 feet from our back door and totally secluded. The sand is fine and white. The ocean is a clear turquiose under a robin blue sky that streches as far as the eye can see. The kids are happy jumping in the surf, digging in the sand, and floating in their rings so I can just sit on the beach and drift away. I watch the waves roll in. I watch the clouds drift by. I enjoy the sun on my legs and my shoulders. And then, when it gets too warm, I wade into the ocean and float.

Ah. This is the life.

What is it about the ocean? I could watch it all day. The soothing noise of the waves and the mesmerizing roll of the surf just melts away all my anxiety. I just sit here, at peace under this Hawaiian sun, cooled by the ocean breeze and totally at ease.

I suppose the easiest way to describe this paradise it with the help of a visual aid so here I go.

Down the beach to the left

Up the beach to the right

Straight out from our spot