Making OOO’s Memorable
Work Hard, Play Harder
An 8-Day Journey Through Oahu and Maui
Celebrating family, discovery, and island life with our son in Waikiki
Out of Office Message
“Aloha! I’m currently out of office, embracing quality time (and some adrenaline) with my wife and son https://lukasmurdock.com in Hawaii. On the agenda: hiking trails with views that make me forget my inbox, surfing waves that will humble me, attending the Palm Tree Festival for some music and celebration, and yes…voluntarily jumping out of a perfectly good airplane at 18,000 feet.
I’ll be back on Wednesday 5/14, hopefully more englightened than sunburned, and ready to tackle emails with the same courage it takes to skydive.
If your message is urgent, please contact ___________. Otherwise, I’ll get back to you when I return—refreshed, recharged, and definitely a little wind blown.
Until then—breathe deep, live fully, and don’t forget to look down and up every now and again.
Mahalo
Day 1: Hikes, Hidden Views, and Rooftop Dancing
Highlights:
- Sunrise hike up Diamond Head Crater
- Island breakfast at Koko Head Café
- Epic climb up Koko Head Crater with hidden summit trail
- Cinco de Mayo rooftop dancing at Buho Cocina y Cantina
Reflections:
Standing at the summit of Diamond Head at sunrise, we felt fully alive and grateful. It was the perfect way to begin the trip—quiet, awe-inspiring, and filled with possibility.
The hidden section beneath Koko Head’s summit felt like discovering a secret corner of the island, just for us. A moment of peace amidst such a physically intense hike.
Cinco de Mayo on the rooftop was vibrant and joy-filled. Dancing with our son under the stars reminded us how much fun family can be.
Day 2: Waves, Wheels, and a Leap of Faith
Highlights:
- Surfing in Waikiki at Duke’s Lagoon
- Road trip around the entire island of Oahu
- 18,000-foot skydive with Go Jump Hawaii
Reflections:
Surfing wasn’t easy, but it was wildly fun. Falling off the board was part of the adventure, and every wave caught felt like a small victory.
Driving around Oahu gave us a deeper appreciation for the island’s diversity—from lush jungles to arid cliffs, sleepy towns to surfer meccas.
The skydive was unforgettable. The seconds before the jump were nerve-wracking, but the freefall was pure freedom—like flying with our hearts pounding and the feeling of really being alive.
Day 3: Urban Exploring and Thai Before the Climb
Highlights:
- Exploring the streets, shops, and culture of Waikiki
- Flight to Maui
- Dinner at the quirky and unforgettable My Thai Maui (where you eat in a space designed much like a living room with a tv playing old movies and a very fun and outgoing owner)
Reflections:
Waikiki has a pulse—lively, colorful, and full of character. Exploring it together helped us settle into the island pace.
My Thai Maui was fun, funky, and delicious—but we learned the hard way that spicy Thai food and a major hike don’t mix. Lesson learned!
Day 4: Volcanic Vistas
Highlights:
- The Silversword Loop hike via Halemau’u Trail
- Drive to Haleakalā Crater Summit
- Return flight to Oahu
Reflections:
Hiking in Haleakalā felt like walking on Mars—red cinders, wild clouds, and rare silversword plants. It made us feel small in the best way.
The summit view above the clouds was humbling. Time slowed down as we stared across a sea of sky.
Day 5: Music in the Moonlight
Highlights:
- Breakfast at Hiking Hawaii Café
- Dancing at Palm Tree Music Festival on the North Shore
Reflections:
The festival brought us back to earth in the best way—barefoot dancing, beach vibes, and pure fun surrounded by people living in the moment.
Day 6: Waterfalls, Ridges, and Barbecue
Highlights:
- Hike to Lulumahu Falls
- Ridge hike to Mount Olympus (‘Awa’awaloa)
- Korean BBQ dinner in Honolulu
Reflections:
Lulumahu Falls felt like a secret sanctuary—mossy, misty, and peaceful. It was a gentle hike with a big reward.
Mount Olympus, on the other hand, was a beast—but the ridge views were absolutely worth it. Each step up reminded us what we’re capable of.
Dinner was noisy, warm, and delicious. Sharing grilled meats and laughter after such a long day reminded us how food brings people together.
Day 7: Coastal Sunrise and Coral Reefs
Highlights:
- Sunrise at Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
- Afternoon snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
- Sunset dinner at Duke’s Canoe Club
Reflections:
Makapu’u Lighthouse at sunrise was peaceful and energizing—watching the day awaken over the cliffs and sea was magical.
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay gave us a window into a hidden world—bright coral, schools of fish, and even a sea turtle gliding by.
Duke’s Canoe Club was a perfect finale: golden hour, ocean breeze, and that bittersweet feeling of knowing the trip was almost over.
Day 8: Honoring the Past Before Heading Home
Highlights:
- Tour of USS Arizona Memorial
- Tour of USS Missouri
- Red-eye flight back home
Reflections:
Walking through Pearl Harbor was sobering and powerful. The memorials are beautifully done—a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembrance.
It grounded us and gave the trip a moment of reflection before leaving paradise. A perfect way to end the journey—with gratitude.
Trip Highlights & Notes
- Favorite Meal: Hiking Hawaii Cafe (breakfast burrito, açaí bowls, and surfer soufflé = unbeatable)
- Most Breathtaking View: Haleakalā Crater Summit
- Funniest Moment: Trying to hike with a stomach full of Thai food
- Most Unexpected Memory: The silence and beauty of swimming under water with some many different species of fish
- A Message to Our Son: We are so proud of your bold move to Waikiki. This week reminded us just how adventurous, thoughtful, and full of life you are. Thank you for showing us your island home.
Final Thoughts:
This journey reminded us why we travel—not just to see new places, but to reconnect, to grow, and to feel alive. Hawaii gave us challenge, joy, beauty, and most importantly, time with our son that we’ll treasure forever.
Mahalo, Hawaii. Until next time.