Maui is a bit manicured for our taste but it’s still a beautiful island with sights that we checked out on our previous visit. We may yet return and hike the volcano! Day 1: Queenstown to Maui We left Queenstown about two hours ago and we’ve been here on Maui since before noon. We lost … Read more
Waikiki reminded us a lot of Las Vegas. Lots of high-end retail stores, lots of people walking around. The beach is nice, though a bit crowded for our taste. It was a nice weekend but we wouldn’t want to spend longer than that here. Day 1: Home to Waikiki Our first day brought us to … Read more
Kokee is at the end of the road above Waimea Canyon. It’s almost full circle from the entrance to Na Pali Coast State Park and you can look down at the coast. We drove up there to attempt the Pihea-Alakai Swamp trail. The Pihea trail was messy and slippery so we only went about 3/4 … Read more
The Waipoo Falls hike was more challenging than we expected though still manageable. And it has great views of the canyon and a small waterfall. We thought this trail was going to be relatively level but it’s not. The first stretch is through forest and there are lots of tree roots in spots. Then you … Read more
The Na Pali coast might be more recognizable from the movies but Waimea Canyon is equally beautiful. And a lot easier to get to. We drove through Waimea Canyon twice while hiking. Even if you don’t hike it’s worth the scenic drive and overlooks. From some vantage points, you can see the ocean. Waipoo Falls … Read more
The south shore of Kauai tends to be the sunnier side. We like the laidback Poipu area with its restaurants within walking distance. Or a short quiet drive. Day 1: North Shore to South Shore We had a leisurely start since our hosts said we didn’t have to be in a hurry to check out. … Read more
The Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coast is a tricky and amazingly beautiful hike. We wanted to do this the last time we were here and couldn’t because of the wet weather. We got there around 10:00 AM and there was no parking so we parked in a suspect spot. And got a ticket. … Read more
The north shore of Kauai is rainy, misty, and dramatic with beautiful beaches and the entrance to the Na Pali coast. Day 1: Kailua-Kona to Kauai We had early coffee with the waves and the birds. And spinner dolphins! First a couple, then later about 30 of them. We thought they were fish or regular … Read more
We had a relaxing couple of days in Kailua-Kona only slightly spoiled by bad weather but more than compensated for by some of the best snorkeling ever. Day 1: Volcano to Kailua-Kona Pumpkin raisin bread for breakfast. (We think.) We packed up and hit the scenic Chain of Craters Road in Volcanoes National Park. Then … Read more
The Chain of Craters Road exceeded our expectations, and we have high expectations for scenic drives in national parks! The first part of the drive goes through desolate lava fields. As we got closer to the coast we started to see more plants among the lava. We then descended the pali, or cliffs, and could … Read more