“How I Travel” With Author Anita Heiss
This author’s next novel is set in Honolulu, a city she returns to for an annual ritual that bookmarks the year.
Why Honolulu?
This year I ran my sixth Hapalua half marathon (I did one virtually during COVID). I run with a core group of my family and friends. It’s a reunion, holiday and fitness goal rolled into one.
That’s a great achievement!
I’m someone who internalises stress as a physical symptom but as soon as I land in Honolulu, my body relaxes. Happiness just hangs in the air there.
What’s your flight ritual?
I usually travel in a nice dress. I like to mark the first day of my holiday feeling gorgeous. Magpie Goose dresses are great for day and night.
If you could only take one pair of shoes, they’d be…
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080s, for before and during the race.
Screen, book or podcast?
A combination but the last good book I read was Woven: First Nations Poetic Conversations from the Fair Trade Project.
What else do you take on board?
My laptop – there’s always emails, an edit or proofread to do. And beachwear in case my room isn’t ready when I arrive.
Where do you stay?
Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach for the stunning ocean views and poke nachos by the pool.
Do you go out to eat?
Nothing beats breakfast at Barefoot Beach Café because it’s right on the water and casual. I love its North Shore whole pineapple smoothie. Our group dinners are at Paia Fish Market and this year we discovered Restaurant Suntory. Post-race celebrations are at Duke's for the Hula pie.
What’s a Hula pie?
Oh, it’s divine – it’s a pie made with macadamia nut ice-cream, chocolate biscuit and sauce. Put it on your list.
Yum. And a nightcap?
I treat myself to a sunset cocktail at L’Aperitif in the Halekulani hotel.
What’s your travel wellness routine?
Wherever I am, I watch the sunrise and go for a walk or run. It’s like a morning meditation.
First thing you do when you get home?
Laundry!
