Blog 22: An Aggie Goes to Hawai’i-Experiencing Joy and Witnessing a Tragedy Unfold

By Gogoal Falia

Pic: Your humble blogger at the Haleakalā Summit (Image courtesy: Gogoal Falia)

After an arduous summer of qualifying/comprehensive exams, it was time for me to take a much-needed break. As often is the case, I was on the lookout for last-minute deals out of Aggieland. When Maui, Hawai’i popped up as one of the options, it was a moment of reserved optimism. While growing up in my beachside hometown gave me umpteen moments of peace and tranquility, never instilling in me the need to explore more of the same, the prospect of an escape from the Texas heat to the tropical Hawaiian paradise was too much for me to ignore. Thus, after a few hours of pondering over logistics, I took the plunge and booked my trip. At the risk of sounding preachy, there is a lesson here that I would like to share with you, dear reader. While a situation you find yourself in may not have been your heart’s desire completely, it would be a disservice if you did not make the most out of the situation. This has been my mindset for years, and I decided to do this once I landed in Maui. Thus, jacked up on post-exam caffeine, it took a day for me to come to terms with the slow pace of life on the island. A great thing, however, was meeting a diverse range of fellow visitors, from all 50 states and beyond.

“If you do not ask, you do not get, and if you do not take a step forward, you lose moments that could be everlasting.” This is also something I have learned from my lived experiences and the first few days in Maui couldn’t be a better testament to the same. Within three days, I met new people, hiked up the Haleakalā summit with new friends, explored the Road to Hana, swam underneath untouched waterfalls, and tried local honey and bread, among other things. Pushing myself, and trying something for the first time, I was grateful for that lonely turtle who let me snorkel with them. Oh, what joy! Please remember, dear reader, two things: Taking the initiative and keeping an open mind. Both in school and in life, this could be something I would greatly recommend to you, my friends.


Pic. Making friends in the Pacific (Image courtesy: Gogoal Falia)

Amidst all the adventures and memorable moments spent on Maui, the fires raged and razed the once beautiful town of Lahaina. What felt even more personal was the fact that the day before the fire blazed through, I was in the same town, the same streets, exploring the quaint wooden structures, along with thousands of other holidaymakers. The island shut down, there were whispers of deaths and injuries, and social media fanned the fire of misinformation in many instances. Roads were blocked, and rescue efforts were on, however, the resilience of the locals and tourists alike was admirable. What was supposed to be my last day on the island, I was grateful to have spent my time supporting the charity efforts organized by the local organizations. After a day of observing the resolve of the locals, it was time for me to head back to Aggieland, leaving behind the chaos of tragedy in paradise.

As I conclude today’s blog, I hope you will keep the wonderful people of Maui in your prayers and while it may take some time for the island to return to its erstwhile glory, perhaps you will contribute in your ways towards rebuilding this beautiful land. Until the time comes for me to return, Mahalo Nui Loa Hawai'i.


Pic: Hang loose (Image courtesy: Gogoal Falia)