Hawaii – Day 10 – A hui hou

Sunday, July 6, 2025

AJ and I woke up not ready at all to go home. We were packed and “ready” in that sense, but our hearts definitely weren’t.

Reluctantly, we gathered our bags and made our way to the lobby to check out. I popped an Ativan as I felt the nerves starting to build. The Hamiltons set off first, and AJ, Lynn, and I followed right behind them. We made one quick stop on the way to the airport to get gas, stretching out our time on the island just a little longer.

Before we knew it, we were pulling into Kahului Airport. We went through the agricultural screening, picked up our boarding passes and bag tags at the counter, the old-fashioned way, anything to prolong our time in Hawaii. After yet another trip through TSA (which, for the record, I still haven’t mastered), we found ourselves at the gate with our carry-ons, ready to board.

A sad sort of familiarity set in as we took our seats. AJ and I were in a row of three with Ava between us (14A–14C), while Lynn, Ford, and Elizabeth sat directly in front of us (12A–12C), and Jon and Andi took the row across from them (12D, 12E).

We flew over miles of clouds and ocean and landed in Long Beach about twenty minutes early. At baggage claim, alarms suddenly blared to alert everyone of a fire on the premises. Welcome home, right? haha. After waiting another half hour, we finally got our bags. We said our goodbyes and began the mourning process.

Until we meet again, Hawaii. No aloha , a hui hou.