Took my 30-year-old son on a vacation to Hawaii. We had to set ground rules first.

The article centers on taking a mother-son vacation as a lesson in adult boundaries, equality, and shared planning with a 30-year-old son. The mother, visiting from New York City, describes how she typically stays in hotels or with friends because her son Alec in Southern California has a roommate and no space for an overnight guest. When he comes to NYC for holidays, family schedules make one-on-one time difficult, prompting her to propose a trip. She and Alec set rules before planning: they would treat each other as equals and split expenses, including airfare she covers with miles. Alec favors Hawaii for a resort stay and daily poke, starting from Memorial Day weekend with four days off. He also researched a multi-course dinner with chef Sheldon Simeon scheduled for Saturday night at the Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay on Oahu.