One Year Wedding Anniversary Trip

The traditional one year wedding anniversary gift is something made of paper.  So, at the end of June, Mark and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary a little early with the purchase of plane tickets to Kauai, Hawaii.

On our honeymoon, we spent much of it exploring Europe with a few days at the end relaxing on the Cote d'Azur (France) and Lake Como (Italy).  We realized that as much as we love exploring, there is something to be said about relaxing and just doing "nothing."

A secret beach near Princeville - we never found the real name of that beach

Nearly, immediately, we knew that we wanted to plan a trip for our first anniversary.  And, we knew that it would be spent relaxing on a beach somewhere.  As March and April came around, we started to explore our options and came down to two potential destinations: French Polynesia and Hawaii.  Ultimately, we chose Kauai because of how close it is to San Francisco and the cost.  A trip to French Polynesia is still on our list.  We'll take that trip another time in an "off-season."

Drinks at sunset at the St. Regis, Princeville

This trip was exactly what we were looking for on a relaxing vacation.  We spent hours at the pool and on the beach.  We snorkeled nearly every day.  Our favorite place was Tunnels Beach (one of the best places to snorkel), where we saw tons of tropical fish and a few sea turtles.  We hiked the Waimea Canyon and kayaked the Wailua River.  We picnicked by a waterfall.  All in all, it was the perfect anniversary trip full of adventure and fun - which reflects our life together nicely.

Snorkeling at Poipu Beach

 I can't wait to see what adventure we'll take next!

*All photos taken with our camera by one of us or by a kind stranger.