One of my best friends, Mikayla, is on my short list for the most generous person I know. Every time we’re together, she treats me to a meal and/or dessert and gifts some of the most amazing and thoughtful gifts on special occasions. For my graduation from college, Mikayla purchased me a weekend staycation at the Ilikai Hotel in Waikīkī, which is definitely her most lavish present yet. We rarely venture toward Waikīkī for longer than a few hours, so this celebratory staycation was an exciting event for which we could prepare. On day one of the staycation, we checked into our timeshare at the Ilikai, which is one of the most luxurious condos! Our room has a king bed, pull out couch, full kitchen, and a lānai view of the harbor. We also have access to the hotel’s two pools and all of their amenities. After checking in, we snacked on all of the chips, dip, and cookies we bought earlier in the day and Parker made us a few mixed drinks (in preparation for his future bartending days). We had late dinner reservations at Búho Cocina Y Cantina where we ate our weight in hipster Mexican food. We each tried one of the restaurant’s drinks, which were all delicious. I went for the Aloha Punch, Mikayla had the Kapena Li Hing Mui Margarita, Parker tried the Ginger Lilikoi Margarita, and Brandon had the unlimited horchata (which we all loved and drank). For dinner, I chose the wagyu beef tacos and although they sounded amazing on paper, they were cooked completely in cilantro and I had to send them back (cilantro is the devil’s lettuce). I instead ate the al pastor tacos, Mikayla ate the chimichanga, and Parker and Brandon shared the tequila garlic shrimp and smoked brisket tacos. We finished the night with a quick walk around Waikīkī and then we all fell asleep watching Avengers: Infinity War!
