My 40th Birthday: Sunrise to Fireworks

Turning 40 is a milestone, and I wanted to celebrate it in a way that captured the beauty, joy, and adventure of life. To kick off my birthday celebrations, I decided to go to Waikiki, Hawaii—a place with stunning scenery, vibrant energy, and endless opportunities for fun. (Check out my other blog post where I share more about my Waikiki trip!) My special day was filled with breathtaking views, delicious food, and unforgettable moments with loved ones—from sunrise at Makapu‘u Beach Park to fireworks lighting up the Honolulu night sky.

Sunrise at Makapu‘u Beach Park

My birthday began in the most magical way—watching the sunrise at Makapu‘u Beach Park with my cousin. As the first light painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, the ocean shimmered with a golden glow. To make the moment even more special, we were lucky enough to spot whales off the coast, a true gift from nature. It felt like the universe was sending a little extra magic for my big day.

This sunrise adventure wasn’t just a beautiful way to start the day—it was also part of a bigger journey. I’m embracing the big 4-0 with open arms and an adventurous spirit! To celebrate, I’ve created a list of 40 amazing things to do with friends and loved ones (Read more about my plans here). Watching the sunrise from Makapu‘u Beach was the perfect way to kick off one of my 40 adventures, setting the tone for a year of excitement and meaningful experiences.

A Toast to the Morning: Breakfast at Heavenly Island Lifestyle

After soaking in the peaceful sunrise, we headed to Heavenly Island Lifestyle in Hawaii Kai for breakfast. The meal was as vibrant and fresh as the morning itself. A mimosa flight added the perfect celebratory touch, with a variety of tropical flavours that made each sip feel like a toast to the next chapter of life.

Relaxation at the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

With the sun high in the sky, after breakfast and a quick stop at Costco, we made our way to the ‘Alohilani Resort to enjoy the pool. Lounging by the infinity pool with drinks in hand, feeling the ocean breeze, and simply being present in the moment was pure bliss. There’s something about the energy of Waikiki that makes you feel like you’re truly living in paradise.

Dinner at Monkeypod Waikiki

For my birthday dinner, we dined at Monkeypod Kitchen in Waikiki. The ambience was lively, the food was divine, and of course, I had to have their famous mai tais. The frothy honey-lilikoi foam on top made it an absolute dream. Paired with their delicious farm-to-table dishes, it was the perfect way to indulge and celebrate.

Fireworks from The Modern Honolulu

To close out the night, we watched the Honolulu fireworks from the lanai of The Modern Honolulu. Seeing the sky light up in brilliant colours over the ocean was the perfect grand finale to an already incredible day. Each burst of light felt like a reflection of all the joy and gratitude I felt in my heart.

A Birthday to Remember

From the peaceful morning on the beach to the dazzling fireworks at night, my 40th birthday was everything I could have wished for and more. Surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii and the warmth of loved ones, I welcomed this new decade with open arms, a full heart, and, of course, a mai tai in hand. Here’s to 40 and beyond!