Hawaii was really more of just… a pit stop. No really, that’s what it was- a one day fuel stop (just like Mauritius), where a field class is required to be purchased to get off the ship. We were crossing the Pacific Ocean, which was our longest stretch on the ship and also the portion with the biggest waves. So I was more than grateful for a short time on land. It was a weird feeling though, I was in the middle of trying to cram all of my 4 months back into my suitcases, get prepared for Christmas, and soak up as much time with my friends as I possibly could. 

I signed up for the Catamaran excursion and boarded the bus with about 50 other students, for our short 15 minute ride to the dock on the island of Oahu. We all spent the day jumping into the water and snorkeling with the turtles. I remember comparing my experience to Mauritius and noticing the difference between the coral reefs due to the high levels of tourism in Hawaii, most appeared to be dead. Despite the pang of disappointment, I still loved seeing the turtles and all of the wildlife… I felt like a mermaid lol.

Once we were back on the catamaran we were provided with a bag lunch and headed to land, where the field program got to spend time talking to a local Hawiian about the culture and history. Something I really love about Semester at Sea is that field programs or anything organized by the staff has learning about history, wildlife, or the locals incorporated into the experience; it makes the excursions feel much more fulfilling. 

We were incredibly lucky to have awesome field program leaders (professors or staff from the ship) who let us roam around the island instead of getting back on the ship. A few of my friends and I spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach, getting acai bowls, and shopping in some of the stores for last minute Christmas gifts. My favorite part was getting to watch the sunset on the beach before returning to the ship. 

In just a few days I would be back in the mainland United States for the first time in 3 and a half months. And just 2 days later was Christmas. I had already gotten the best gift ever… a global perspective and I couldn’t believe it was almost over. Hawaii made me realize just how lucky I am.