Jack and I sat down in our seats for the long plane ride ahead. The only bad thing about Hawaii is getting there. Hell, even coming home isn't as bad since we almost always take the red eye and sleep all the way back to mainland. The flight over can seem excruciatingly long, especially since all you want to do is hit the beach and relax! We sat down and started to settle in when 'that' person started boarding the plane. You know the one: loud, obnoxious, feels entitled to whatever they want and loves to bitch about everything for all to hear. Jack and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes and began trying the best we could to zone her out. She was in her late 40s, maybe early 50s, was probably drop dead hot in her younger years and still quite physically attractive, although her overly tanned skin had taken on a bit of a leathery appearance. 5'2", dirty blonde with 34 C breasts that were marvels of modern cosmetic science, she looked exactly what would pop in my head at the mention of the word, 'Cougar'. Her attitude and personality, however, made her instantly unattractive, in my opinion. Nothing makes someone uglier to me than being a shithead.
Her and her husband, the average businessman type in his 50s: greying hair, average build, slight paunch, walked past us down the aisle. I almost felt sorry for him. She complained for at least half the flight. Thank god for headphones. Jack and I would share a commiserating look now and then when we would both have our headphones off and overhear her annoyingly loud complaints about her seat or the food or the movie or the wait for the lavatory.
We made it to the big island and managed to get off the plane and put some distance between us and the complainer. It wasn't until we were standing with our luggage waiting for the shuttle to take us to our resort when we heard her approaching. Shit. They were staying at the same resort we were! Jack pulled me close as he recognized the displeasure on my face with that realization.
"Hey, we're going to have a great time. Don't let her get to you. We'll be able to get some distance again when we get to the hotel." He said in his soothing, reassuring tone. I knew he was right, but damn unhappy people can just spread their discontent sometimes!
We endured Kori and Jeff's (funny how quick you learn someone's name when you hear "Goddamn it Jeff!" and "For hell's sake Kori!" for over 8 hours!) back and forth bitching at each other for the ride to the hotel and then got checked in and settled and soon we had forgotten all about our less than pleasant fellow travelers. The room, the view, the breeze, everything was wonderful and Jack and I began to enjoy ourselves and relax just like we had hoped we would!
We had 4 nights and 5 days on the island and went about having every bit of fun we could. Helicopter rides, snorkeling, sunset cruises, seriously great beach time, wonderful meals and a couple of long, leisurely lovemaking sessions had us in a wonderful state of relaxed and happy going into our last full day on the island. We had one more night and then a full day after that before catching the red eye home.
We had managed to see Kori and Jeff sparingly during our stay and she did seem to be a little less bitchy the few times we did cross paths. We were down near the pool and outside dining area eating lunch and Jack had tried to rent a private cabana the resort had at one end of the private beach. They were offered the absolutely best views of the sunset and Jack wanted to try and get one but our 'friends' Kori and Jeff had gotten the last one. The young man who Jack had spoken to about reserving it came by our table as we ate. We had spoken with him numerous times during our stay and he had been very helpful in arranging our snorkeling and sunset cruise trips. He knelt down near our table.
"How is lunch? Good I hope." He said.
"Hello Daniel, it is very good. How are you today?" I asked cheerfully.
"I am well, thank you. I just wanted to stop and say I am sorry that I could not reserve a cabana for you." He said.
"No worries man" Jack replied "I was just a little too late, not your fault."
"Yes, but, if I may say so, I would rather have given it you than the people who did get it." Daniel said in a lowered voice. "If I may, I'd like to show you something. Give you a little 'behind the scenes' access, if you're interested. No charge or anything, just a little secret place you guys might like."
"Wow Daniel, that's very nice of you." I said
"Sure, what is it?" Jack asked.
"Come by my kiosk when you're done eating and I'll show you. Enjoy your lunch and I'll talk to you later!" Daniel said as he stood and headed off.
Jack and I finished our meal and strolled down to Daniel's activity kiosk on the beach. He greeted us and told his assistant he'd be right back. He came out and talked to us about his 'behind the scenes' access.
"I am sorry you did not get the private cabana for your last sunset at the resort. If you are interested, I can show an area that technically is not on resort grounds, but is a nice mostly private little cove within walking distance. A few of us on the staff know where it is and I'll go there sometimes if I have a break and just relax. Great view of the sunset, but boat traffic does pass right by, so it is not truly 'private'. It's a short, easy hike. Would you like me to show you where it is?" he asked.
Jack and I looked at each and Jack said "What do you think?"
"Sure, but, I don't want to get you in hot water Daniel. Is it ok for us to be there?" I asked.
"Yes, it's fine. The resort doesn't like us to tell guests about it because they'd rather have you paying for the cabanas, of course, but it's not private property, so you are allowed to be there. It's just not obvious to most on how to get there." He responded.
Jack and I both said "Sure, why not?" and Daniel led us down a small path just off the main walkway that led around the resort grounds. The path took us directly behind the cabanas Daniel had spoken of earlier and then up a small incline before slowly dropping back down a path through thick trees. In just a few hundred yards it opened up to a beautiful cove that overlooked the ocean. It truly was completely out of view of everything but the boats sailing around the bay. It was perfect and Jack and I both thanked Daniel and we followed him back to resort grounds. Jack gave Daniel a generous tip when we got back. Daniel protested but Jack insisted, saying he did not have to show us the cove.
"Hey, you two have been really cool. Some tourists act like they own the place, and I like to see nice people have the good time they deserve." He said, shrugging.