Debbie Fairvalley is a travel expert for Sterling Brownell. She has just returned from a trip to Hawaii for her daughters golf tournament and some incredible travel experiences!
ATLANTA – KUAUI CHALLENGE
I recently had the privilege of witnessing a wonderful cultural exchange on the golf course in Kuaui, Hawaii. It happened to involve my 16 year old daughter, Wallis. She plays tournament golf for AJGA an Atlanta based tour that features young golf stars before they hit the college/professional level. Over the past nine years AJGA and the Kuaui junior golfers have battled it out for braggin’ rites and a beautiful silver trophy cup. Kuaui won the event in 2008 so it was imperative that our Atlanta team bring their A game! And WIN we did with our juniors winning in 18 of the 25 matches played. Wallis won both her matches!!! This exchange is about so much more than just golf – our children got an opportunity to see “first hand” how travel creates lasting and memorable experiences and relationships that last a lifetime. Our team was housed by the local junior golf families and treated to wonderful Hawaiian hospitality. We need more of these events in our kids lives….. 
While Wallis was golfing and enjoying the kindness of the Oda family, I was experiencing my own bliss at the new St. Regis Princeville….What a spectacular property and location! And to make it even better I was able to meet Mitzi Gaynor (from South Pacific fame) who happened to be at the hotel for a tribute to the movie! The property features the elegance of the St. Regis brand on a beach that is the most beautiful in the islands.
Because Kuaui is a difficult island to truly see by land – Wallis & I chose to view it by helicopter! What an experience to take off to the music from Raiders of the Lost Arc (filmed on Kuaui) and fly over the tree canopy from Jurassic Park and other famous movie settings. It was both inspiring and exciting. Finishing off the helicopter tour with majestic vistas of the Napali Coast leaves you breathless.
After tournament play had finished on Saturday we decided to spend the night in a more ‘traditional’ setting by staying at the Grand Hyatt Poipu. This hotel represents the “best” of what you come to Hawaii for. The lagoons, the ocean, the cliff diving, the lovely Hawaiian music nightly overlooking the sunset, and the friendly people make this hotel a favorite of mine! 
A quick trip to Oahu (for Wallis to see Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and do a little North Shore surfing) and our Hawaii adventure came to a close. But what a way to end it – at the wonderful Kahala Hotel in Diamond Head……the dolphins, the turtles, and the ambiance of sitting in a hammock only minutes away from Waikiki enjoying a “tropical beverage” made me never want to leave. Wallis even woke up early to enjoy the outdoor dining at breakfast – when the beach was calm and the playful marine life was most active. Our lagoon room allowed us to sit on our patio and watch the dolphins “do their thing” jumping and posing for us. 
Bidding Aloha to Hawaii was difficult but I know we will return – and I know Wallis will never forget her friendships made, the sites she visited, the emotion she felt seeing Pearl Harbor for the first time, and the experience she had with her mother…..I know I won’t!