Aloha Hawaii

02 Feb '12

Claire Parviz jets off to Honolulu for a mini break with Air Australia.

“Book me Dano!” When I received the invite from Air Australia to fly to Honolulu on their inaugural flight from Brisbane, I knew I had to take one for the team and go (despite the trip taking place during print week!).

Just moments after shooting the January cover, I arrived at Brissy airport. Myself and 30 other guests got lei-ed and led by Hawaiian dancers and traditional music, hula dancing our way to the seats. As the Air Australia plane began its descent, I took in the crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches and majestic mountains of Waikiki beach. It was ‘good-bye’ work worries and ‘aloha’ heaven! – I pictured myself soaking up the sun, cocktail in one hand, hot Hawaiian surfer dude in the other. Soon enough that’s just what I was doing (well, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad)

The Hilton Hawaiian Village was our home away from home, offering an amazing mix of fab resort accommodation, friendly Hawaiian hospitality and, most importantly, plenty of spots for after hours debauchery. Set on gorgeous oceanfront beaches, the stunning hotel was the ultimate way to indulge in all of Hawaii’s delights and with Happy Hour scheduled for different times in each of the bars (and there were a lot), we rarely had time to leave the hotel! Everyone embraced island life, taking their own pace and spending the days relaxing in total bliss. At night, the pace picked up and the guests got to know each other and really let their hair down (I won’t be spilling the juicy details – what happens on tour, stays on tour!) To cap the whole trip off Air Australia threw a launch party to end all launch parties – number 1 on Mr Rossi’s list of top 10 Events for 2011!! The party goers will be pleased to hear my iPhone is out of action – those photos will never be seen again!

If we did drag ourselves away from the village it was to follow Dean Miller around and around.. and around the streets searching for new locations to mingle but always ending up in the same spot! Shopping as usual was top of my list (and the credit card is still suffering!). I became well acquainted with the Ala Moana Shopping Centre, where I did all my Christmas shopping (still having major Macy withdrawals right now). Needless to say, my Hawaiian experience - shared with great mates and new friends was the ultimate escape where boutiques, bikinis and getting to the next bar before Happy Hour ends are your only worries…..