For most kids, a surprise party is an experience you’ll never forget. One second you’re walking into a room and the next second, “SURPRISE!” After you’ve caught your breath, you see all your friends and family smiling at you, and of course, there’s cake! In Reese Brown’s case, this all happened at her surprise party, but the biggest surprise for Reese was that it wasn’t her birthday; this party was to let her know she was going to Waikiki, Hawai’i!

It was a long trip from Albany, New York, to Honolulu, Hawai’i, but it was made a little more exciting with a visit to the airplane cockpit to meet their captain before they took off. As Reese soared above the clouds, she thought about her destination and soon dozed off to the lull of the plane’s engines with visions of swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and dolphins dancing in her head.

That’s right, dolphins. Because what’s a tropical adventure if you don’t hang out with the locals? A dolphin lover through and through, Reese had always admired them from afar, but she never thought she’d get a chance to meet one. But that’s exactly what happened when she and her family visited Sea Life Park in Waimanalo Beach for their Dolphin Encounter. Reese not only got to see a dolphin pod up close and learn about their habitat and what it takes to care for them, but she was able to get into the water with one, touch its smooth skin, and even shake its fin! We’re not sure who enjoyed the encounter more, because both Reese and her new dolphin friend both sported big smiles! 

A visit to Oahu would not be complete without a plunge into the crystal blue waters of legendary Hanauma Bay. Renowned for its pristine aquatic ecosystem, it’s a must-see for any ocean lover. Reese and her family donned masks, snorkels, and fins, and explored the marvel of the underwater world.

Beach trips, tasty meals, and fun times with the family are what adventures like this are all about. And this one was made just a little better with the opportunity to experience some incredible moments and make memories that Reese will treasure forever.
We’d like to extend a special thank you to Little Caesars Pizza, Walmart, Make-A-Wish Hawai’i, and all our donors and supporters for helping make Reese’s wish come true.