The Island Imprint: Why I Started Bali Hai Travel Blog
Aloha! I’m Kristen, and I’m a little obsessed with Hawaii. Okay, a lot obsessed. I live in the Midwest, which means getting my Hawaii fix involves long flights, big price tags, and lots of daydreaming in between. But somehow, it’s always worth it.
My Hawaii story started in 2015, when I decided to plan my dream wedding on Maui—without ever having been to Hawaii. Spoiler alert: I had no clue what I was doing. No one in my family had been there either, so I basically threw myself into YouTube videos, leaned hard on my photographer and officiant (Ernest, you’re a real one), and crossed my fingers from 4,167 miles away.
Ernest ended up marrying us on the gorgeous shores of Kapalua Bay, surrounded by 18 of our closest family members. But plot twist—that wasn’t even the original plan. He gently redirected us from our first beach choice because it would’ve been a logistical nightmare for my grandpa’s wheelchair. That moment—when a stranger went out of his way to make sure we were cared for—that’s when I felt it for the first time: the aloha spirit. It’s real, and it’s powerful.
From that point on, the whole trip transformed. Yes, the wedding was beautiful and unforgettable—but the islands? They blew my mind. I had no idea how much Hawaii would grab hold of my heart.
Over 15 days, we island-hopped to Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. We explored quiet beaches, hiked through lush jungles, risked carsickness on winding roads for banana bread that was 100% worth it, and became total foodies. I mean, we went from “what’s poke?” to “we need poke every day or we will perish.”
Even the mishaps became part of the magic. Like realizing the day before my wedding that I didn’t order a bouquet (hi, stress brain). We found a florist inside a Marriott that was… closed. But some guy inside saw me, invited us in, and said, “I’ve got you.” The next morning? A stunning bouquet of white roses and purple orchids, complete with a matching lei. Hawaii just does that. People care. Things come together. It’s like the islands are always quietly making sure you’re in the right place at the right time.
Kapalua Bay, Maui, HI September 22, 2016
Why I Started This Blog (and Why I Can’t Stop Talking About Hawaii)
I didn’t just fall in love with Hawaii—I became that person who wants to talk about it all the time. Friends, family, strangers in the checkout line—if someone so much as asks about a pineapple on my shirt, I light up and start planning their next trip in my head.
I’m naturally an introvert, but Hawaii brings out this whole other side of me. It’s like my happy topic. Talking about the islands makes me feel more me. And when people come back from a trip I helped them plan and say, “That was the best vacation ever,” it just fills me up.
That’s what Bali Hai Travel Blog is for. It’s me, reaching out from behind the screen to share what I love. It’s a way for me to connect with you—even if we’ve never met—and maybe spark that same joy, that same aloha spirit, in your heart too.
The logistic nightmare of stairs. Path to Mokule’ia Beach (Slaughterhouse Beach).
Honeymoon views. Kalalau Lookout, Koke’e State Park, Kauai, HI.
Here, you’ll find:
- Island guides, must-see spots, and hidden gems
- Cultural insights and travel tips rooted in respect and care
- Honest advice from someone who’s planned it all (the easy way and the hard way)
- Stories, laughs, and aloha to carry with you—wherever you are
Thanks for being here. I hope this space feels like a breath of warm, salty Hawaiian air—wherever you’re reading it from.
Mahalo,
Kristen 🤍