I step back from the microphone with a smile on my face, letting a small sigh of enchantment and disbelief be drowned out by the song I’m currently strumming. Looking around and taking in where I really am at this moment, I can’t help but feel amazed. My mind wanders and the tropical wind ruffles my hair as I sing the words to the song I wrote about being right here, at the Marriott Waiohai resort in Kauai, Hawaii.
“The waves are crashing along the beach. It’s so good to feel the sand underneath my feet.”
This is definitely the coolest place I will ever get to play. The ocean is right behind me, and, along with the tiki torches and leis, it’s the only thing that reminds me this is real.
â–º SEMI FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
“Walking along the seashore on this summer day, I think to myself there’s no better place than here.”
There really is no better place than here. After being lucky enough to come to Kauai with my family more than once, we all agree that sitting at the open-air Waiohai Honu Cafe in the afternoon, watching Chico and Darren play, is our favorite thing in the world. We do this every day we are in Kauai.
“I see dolphins jumping out of the ocean. My family and friends are laughing.”
I am so lucky to have met Chico and Darren. My family and I look forward to seeing them every time we are lucky enough to visit Kauai. They are the nicest guys and such talented musicians. I love how that while I am playing their break time, they go and join my family at the Honu Cafe. I watch them all talk and laugh and share stories. I know that we will always be friends with them, which is something I’m very thankful for.
“Sitting, reading, being bored. That’s what summer has in store.”
It’s so nice being here for many reasons, one being the change of pace from back home in Arizona. In Kauai, everyone is so laid back and relaxed. It’s very refreshing from the constant chaos circling us at home. As Chico would say, “try wait”.
“I’ve never had this much fun before.”
I am still in awe of the fact that I get to do what I love – play guitar and sing – in my favorite place. Not to mention the fact that I get to play a song that I wrote in the very place I wrote the song about. My family has been lucky enough to travel to Kauai more than once. I have grown to love everything about the island, but the number one reason I love visiting is because of the opportunities to play that I just don’t get at home. I’m so grateful for each time I play at the Honu Cafe because it helps me improve as a performer.
“I can look at the day and all my worries melt away.
I can dance and twirl in my frilly dress,
I can run along the grassy yard.
All the way so far…”
I close my eyes and smile once again. Floored by the amount of truth in the last line of the song, my mind is completely back in the moment as I sing:
“…Because I know in my heart, I’m in my happy place.”
Watch my performance in the video below:
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