Hawaii

2021: A Year in Review
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2021: A Year in Review

The year we returned to normal… or not so much. I really hoped 2021 would be better than 2020, but in most ways it was worse. Heat domes, forest fires, catastrophic floods, atmospheric rivers, and a very cold, white Christmas… this year was wild and that’s not even counting the COVID roller coaster. But, this year will be well documented by the annals of history, and I’m here to remember the highlights – the travels both near and far (but mostly near) that gave me joy in dark times. And towards the end of the year a trip that felt like the first real glimmer of what life was like before.

  1. Squamish, BC (May)
Brandywine Falls

It’s pretty wild to think that I went nearly a full 5 months of 2021 without leaving Vancouver, and our first trip of the year was still in our health region (as per the COVID restrictions at the time). We were supposed to be on a ferry to Tofino but instead we drove one hour up the sea to sky highway to the mountains for 2 nights away from the city. We had perfect spring weather on the drive up, which enabled us to visit some epic waterfalls and take a lovely evening walk on an abandoned golf course outside our hotel. It was my first time staying overnight in Squamish rather than just passing through on my way to Whistler and I really enjoyed the quiet and calm. It’s such an easy getaway from Vancouver that I think we will make this a regular trip.

2. Sunshine Coast, BC (July)

Chatterbox Falls

Our first “big” trip of the year (lol) involved taking a short 45 minute ferry to Gibsons, and then driving up the Sunshine Coast to a gorgeous chalet outside Madeira Park. We spent 3 blissful days away from it all and checked off another item from my BC Bucket List – swiwelát (commonly known as Princess Louisa Inlet). We made the day trip by boat from Egmont up the Jervis Inlet to the opening of this magical 6km fjord. Surrounding my cascading waterfalls and massive granite walls, it’s impossible not to feel awestruck by the beauty. At the end of the fjord we disembarked to explore the small park area and visit Chatterbox Falls tumbling down the cliff directly into the waters below. We were able to scramble over the rocks and stand in the spray of the falls with no one else around – a true rarity at the majority of falls in the area. It was a truly memorable weekend and one that reminded me just how lucky I am to live, work and play on the land of the Coast Salish people.

3. Oliver, BC (August)

Burrowing Owl Winery

2021 truly was not kind in the natural disaster department. Our summer season was a bit of a trainwreck to be honest. We had an incredibly hot start to the summer with record breaking temperatures in June caused by a heat dome – which I had never even heard of before. The heat combined with drought also led to a worse than usual fire season which ravaged the Okanagan region for weeks getting dangerously close to major urban centres. We probably shouldn’t have continued with our trip to Oliver in August, but with the fires mostly moving in the other direction and evacuation orders lifted we decided to go for it all in the name of wine. Unfortunately, the smoke that filled the valley measured over 500 the entire long weekend so we spent most of our days hiding indoors to protect our lungs. We did manage to visit a record number of wineries and buy two full boxes of wine so the trip was still a success – but next summer we’re definitely planning our wine trip earlier in the season. Fire sucks. Climate change sucks.

4. Whistler, BC (September)

Whistler Train Wreck

Fully vaccinated and ready to hit the road – Whistler called my name three times in fall 2021 after missing it completely in 2020. The first trip was with visiting cousin, Teri-Lynn and her husband Chad. We ended up with a rainy labour day weekend which didn’t allow for the best sightseeing but we found ways to stay entertained. We tried axe throwing, enjoyed Cows ice cream and walked around the village a few times. I finally got around to hiking to the Whistler Train Wreck, on the land of the St̓át̓imc Tmicw (St’at’imc), Lil’wat and Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish). In all my years of visiting Whistler, I shockingly had never even heard of this easy and popular hike. The story goes that a train derailed in 1956 when a freighter heading south from Lillooet came into on an area under track repair with just a little too much speed. Now you can find 7 graffitied boxcars in the middle of the forest, which is just about the most instagrammable thing I’ve ever heard of.

5. Harrison Hot Springs, BC (September)

Harrison Lake

Towards the end of September, I was able to wrangle my partner, his 3 sisters and their spouses to take our first ever couple’s trip. No small feat. We chose a spacious vacation rental near Harrison Lake and enjoyed a gorgeous end to the summer season. This was our first indoor family time in nearly a year due to COVID restrictions so we were really just overjoyed to be in each other’s company.

6. Victoria, BC (October)

Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria

With two of my best friends living in Victoria, it’s a staple in my travel rotation and is truly always a delight. This time we got an amazing deal on a harbour view hotel suite and got to enjoy brunch at Nourish and gorgeous walks by the water including Fisherman’s Wharf (pictured above) which I didn’t even know existed and found so cute and charming. This trip was really just a friendship tour including visits with both friends as well as well as my partner’s cousins. I’m sure we will be back again soon!

7. Whistler (November)

Green Lake

One of my return trips to Whistler later in the fall was a lovely retreat weekend with 12 ladies – some friends, some strangers – but all friends by the end. We stayed in a huge vacation rental taking time to reflect and vision, taking mindful silent walks to the lake pictured above and eating the most delicious plant-based food. I left filling so full of connection – something sorely missing in the preceding two years.

8. Hawaii (December)

Waipi’o Valley

What can I even say here. Hawaii is my happy place. This was my 6th trip to the Hawaiian islands and 2nd trip to the Big Island but it truly felt like the very first time. After 655 days in British Columbia. And 655 days since my last flight. And 721 days since I left Canada. I did it! We took the tests. We got the shots. We conquered our anxiety. And made it to PARADISE! My parents spoiled me and my brother my taking us and our families to Hawaii for a beautiful week in the sun and surf. I got to spend quality time with my 4 year old niece, playing in the waves and the pool, and making memories to keep us warm all winter long. This was one of the best trips of my life, truly refreshing and relaxing and so so lifegiving. For the first time in a long time the COVID woes seemed far away. With 95% of our activities outside, the world felt limitless and I started to remember carefree days gone by. Hawaii never disappoints but after staying so close to home for so long, I saw this island I love with new appreciation.

Final Thoughts…

This post is going up later than intended… but January was pretty crummy so we’re saying that 2022 starts in February. I have a new found calm and peace. And as I think about the uncertain future, I have hope. I’ve been gleefully travel planning again and have some pretty exciting adventures planned for 2022.

2021: By the Numbers

Countries Visited: 1 (USA – which feels like a major accomplishment)

States Visited: 1 (Hawaii)

Provinces Visited: 1 – British Columbia

Plane Rides Taken: 2 one way flights (I count a flight as a flight regardless of how many segments or layovers it has).

Ferries Taken: 4

Airports Visited: 2 (YVR, KOA)

Kilometres Flown in 2021: 8,768

Beds Slept In: 13. Of those, 6 were vacation rentals, 5 were hotels, 1 was staying with family, and one was my own bed!

Trips Cancelled: 2 – Tofino (May) / Disneyland (December)

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Kauai: Getaway on the Garden Island
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Kauai: Getaway on the Garden Island

It’s no secret on this blog that the Hawaiian Islands are near and dear to my heart. To me, Hawaii is perfection and I’ll never get tired of visiting. It also happens to be the most convenient tropical destination to get to from my home in Vancouver… which means that I’m often able to squeeze in quick trips without dipping into my vacation time.

Most recently, I was able to “convince” my frequent travel buddy, Mindy, into a 4 night adventure on Kauai, my 4th island in the chain. We did our research in advance and knew that the relatively small island would be easy enough to explore in a short trip and the Easter long weekend gave us the perfect opening in our work schedules to make it happen.

Dreams Come True – Helicopter Tour

Sunshine Helicopters

Loving our front row seats!

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View of the Na Pali Coast

We were able to secure free accommodation on the island thanks to Mindy’s loyalty points so we agreed that we could splurge on a 1 hour helicopter tour of the island, checking off a big bucket list item for Mindy (her first time). Our pre-research paid off as we were able to book seats in the front on Sunshine Helicopters, giving us an unobstructed view! If we were going to spend the money, we wanted to make sure it was worth it.

And luckily, the weather cooperated too, which was a legitimate concern considering Kauai is home to one of the wettest places on earth, Mount Waialeale.

Waimea Canyon

One place we definitely wanted to visit was Waimea Canyon, also known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” What we didn’t anticipate was feeling so lazy that we seriously considered just driving to the lookout and calling it a day. Fortunately, we were able to pump ourselves up and decided to tackle the popular 4 mile Canyon Trail and we were so glad we did! The moderate hike offered panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges and even the Waipoo waterfall. This is a must-see if you ever find yourself on Kauai.

Exploring the North Shore

Kilauea Lighthouse

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Hanalei Bay

A key to enjoying the Hawaiian islands is to rent a car. This time we splurged and rented a Jeep to give us the classic top down experience. One day we ventured to the Northern side of the island to check out Hanalei Bay, the Princeville Resort and the Kilauea Lighthouse. We did some classic hotel gate crashing when we couldn’t get a table at the Princeville Resort’s famed restaurant and explored Hanalei’s gorgeous sandy beach. It’s a beautiful side of the island and well worth exploring.

Pro tip: Make sure to apply sunscreen regularly if you’re going to drive around in a jeep – we definitely got crispy without even realizing it.

Best Beaches

Shipwreck Beach

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Brennecke’s Beach

Of course, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without some solid beach time. We set our sights on two spots – Shipwreck Beach (for sunset) and Brennecke’s beach (for surf). We attempted to enjoy a sunset at Shipwreck Beach, but unfortunately the clouds rolled in, making it a little lackluster. However, we did accidentally end up crashing a wedding on the beach instead, which was a lovely distraction.

We also visited Brennecke’s beach during the day to play in the waves, which ended up being so large that we stayed pretty close to shore. The rip currents in Hawaii are not to be underestimated so we erred on the side of caution. But, it was still a fun way to beat the heat!

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This was also the trip where I learned my Hawaiian name, which part of me really wanted to adopt permanently, but for now, aloha from Wikelani :)

2019: A Year in Review
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2019: A Year in Review

2019 was a transition year for me, which meant that travel for personal interest had to take more of a backseat. I started a new job at the end of February and prioritized visiting friends and family over my travel bucket list. That being said, I still managed to squeeze in some restful escapes and exciting adventures – including my highly anticipated return to South America (the continent that launched my blog) after nearly a decade pursuing other regions. It feels fitting to bookend the 2010s the way it started so as always, I’ve captured the highlights of the past year in the list below.

1. San Diego, California (February)

It doesn’t take much to encourage me to book a quick weekend getaway to Southern California but when I found out that my boyfriend had never been, we used a cold snap as the perfect excuse to fly south for the winter. My friend Jennie hosted as per usual and we spent our days introducing Markus to Coronado, La Jolla, Liberty Station, Pacific Beach… oh and all the craft beer and tacos!

2. Kauai (April)

My friend Mindy and I may have fallen into a slight travel rut as of late, but who really cares when that rut is Hawaii! This time we maximized a 4-day long weekend and a couple of red-eye flights to explore my 4th Hawaiian island, Kauai! The amount of time we had was perfect since this island is much smaller than some of the others. We rented a car and drove all over the island – soaking up the beaches and hiking the gorgeous Waimea Canyon. I’m sure we’ll be back again soon.

3. Toronto, Ontario (May)

For someone who has travelled to 38 countries on 6 continents, it came as quite a surprise to many that I’d never been to my home country’s largest city. But, when my brother moved to nearby Waterloo in 2017 it felt like time to finally make the journey East. We spent 3 days exploring cool neighbourhoods like Queen West and Kensington Market, took in a showing of the fantastic and very Canadian musical Come From Away as well as an obligatory trip to the top of the CN Tower. I had very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable Toronto was to visit and if our paths cross again, I won’t be too disappointed.

4. Point Roberts, Washington (June)

For this year’s annual girls trip, we decided to stay close to home as we had a stowaway in the form of Crystal’s 4 month old baby, Jack. But, we still wanted to go somewhere new and seeing as none of us had ever visited the odd little American exclave of Point Roberts. Only accessible by land from Canada, Point Roberts is a sleepy little town, with one grocery store and a handful of restaurants. It was the perfect place for us to get away from the city and enjoy the quiet woods and beaches.

5. Kelowna, British Columbia (June)

I typically try to get to Kelowna at least once during the summer. It’s somewhere I’ve been going since I was a child and there’s something about boating on the lake that brings back so much nostalgia. Now as an adult, I love exploring the plethora of excellent wineries in the area and this trip was no different. I’ve previously visited the wineries in West Kelowna, Summerland, and Naramata and now added Grey Monk, Arrowleaf, and Ex Nihilo in Lake Country to the list. The weekend actually ended up being a bit of a family reunion with my cousins from Portland making the trip up with their new baby in tow. I always feel so lucky that my cousins are some of my most favourite people!

6. Pender Island, British Columbia (July)

To me, there is no place more tranquil and restorative than the Gulf Islands off the coast of Vancouver Island. When I found out that my boyfriend spent summers on Pender Island as a child, I knew that we had to plan a getaway for him to show me his favourite spots. We stayed in the most adorable little cabin complete with an outdoor bathtub overlooking the ocean and spent lots of time reading books and sipping wine on the patio. I stayed on brand with a visit to the local winery, Sea Star and checked out lots of different coves and beaches. It was everything I love about summer and I’m already planning a return trip in 2020.

7. Winnipeg, Manitoba (September)

I’m on a bit of a hot streak with trips to Winnipeg having recently visited in both 2017 and 2018. This time, I snuck in a long weekend with my best cousin, Teri-Lynn to capstone the summer. We visited her new ice cream store, Fête,  which was still under construction at the time, but I did get to taste test all her latest creations. We also tried to burn off some of the calories by hiking in the Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, which was a beautiful little oasis that I had no idea existed. I also made it back to the Forks, which is touristy but always a fun stop for snacks and shopping. Winnipeg and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship and I’m sure I’ll be back again soon.

8. Raleigh, North Carolina (October)

My second-ever trip to North Carolina had me re-visiting Greensboro for my travel bestie Megan’s wedding and a little side trip to check out nearby Raleigh. While the city itself left me a little underwhelmed, we did enjoy the craft beer scene, southern comfort food, and the unseasonably warm weather. The 25°C temps in mid-October saw us renting a canoe to float around William B Umstead State Park in near isolation. While it may not have been thrilling, it was relaxing, and sometimes that’s enough.

9. Buenos Aires, Argentina (December)

I didn’t expect to be writing about Argentina in 2019 but here I am. Due to some dramatic events in South America, my travel bestie, Megan and I, ended up cancelling our intended trip to Chile/Bolivia a mere 3 weeks before departure and re-scheduled to nearby Argentina. While originally disappointed and honestly quite stressed about the change of plans, we both agreed that we may have ended up with an even better trip in the end. We spent 3 days soaking up the affordable luxury and warm summer sun in Buenos Aires exploring markets, eating steak, drinking Malbec, strolling through cemeteries, and wandering through parks. It was a great teaser for what was still to come.

10. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil (December)

Our second stop on our whirlwind tour of Argentina was a major bucket list highlight. I’ve always loved waterfalls and Iguazu Falls is arguable the most impressive in the world. We viewed the falls from every possible vantage point, including both the Argentinian and Brazilian side (which yes, did involve some new passport stamps) and by helicopter. Iguazu was awe-inspiring at every turn and certainly warranted two days of exploring to do it justice. We coupled that with some rooftop pool hangs at our hotel and a last-minute visit to the Parques de Aves to see all the tropical birds including my very first toucan! Add this to your Must See list.

11. Mendoza, Argentina (December)

If there is one thing that you should know about me by now, it is that I love wine. And there is nothing that I love more than a wine tour in a new country. It also, just so happens that Malbec is my favourite type of wine, and Argentina is the king of Malbec… so you can imagine how much I loved exploring Argentina’s Uco Valley wine region during a full day tour with Trout and Wine. I’ve done a lot of tours in my day, both self-guided and professional, and I can without a doubt say that this was the best wine tour that I’ve ever been on. The three stops we made were all educational, unique, picture perfect, and very VERY generous with the pours. We even enjoyed a 6 course lunch with paired wines at our third stop (all-inclusive)! And Mendoza is an adorable little city with great night life as well. I can’t think of a better way to end the decade… more bliss in the 20s please!

2019: By the Numbers

Countries Visited: 3 (2 new ones) –  USA / Argentina / Brazil

States Visited: 4 – California / Hawaii / Washington / North Carolina

Provinces Visited: 3 – British Columbia / Ontario / Manitoba

Plane Rides Taken: 14 one way flights (I count a flight as a flight regardless of how many segments or layovers it has).

Airports Visited: 13 (YVR, BLI, SAN, LIH, YYZ, YWG, SEA, RDU, MEX, SCL, EZE, IGR, MDZ)

Kilometres Flown in 2019: 55,933

Beds Slept In: 14. Of those, 5 were Airbnb rentals, 4 were hotels, 4 were crashing with family or friends, and one was my own bed!

Big Adventure on the Big Island
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Big Adventure on the Big Island

“Where are you going on vacation?”

“Hawaii”

“Oh! Which island?”

“Hawaii”

“So, like Honolulu?”

“No, like the Big Island. It’s called Hawaii.”

“…”

I had some version of this conversation at least a dozen times prior to my recent Hawaii vacation. It’s incredible to me that a place as popular and touristy as Hawaii can still have parts unknown. And the Big Island is one of those places that hasn’t officially entered the mainstream.

Since this was my fourth trip to the Rainbow State, I was looking for a new experience that could bring both adventure and relaxation. I wanted to enjoy the Hawaii I know and love and yet still see something new. The Big Island ended up being the perfect solution.

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Even though it is far and away the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, it only contains 13% of the population. The lack of people made me feel like I was exploring uncharted territory, which was far from the truth but still exciting.

Location Location Location

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Fairmont Orchid Hotel

Unsurprisingly, where you stay can have a major impact on how enjoyable of a vacation you end up having. This is especially true on any Hawaiian island where trade winds cause substantial rainfall on their north and east flanks during the colder, winter months.

For our mid December trip, we opted to stay on the Kohala Coast which is super sunny year round and granted us a rain-free stay at our Mauna Lani resort. The scenery was more volcanic than tropical, but the tradeoff was worthwhile for sunny skies and close proximity to some of the best beaches on the island. You’re going to want to rent a car anyway to properly explore the island, so you may as well stay as dry as possible.

Greenwell Farms

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I absolutely love coffee and have fallen in love with the Kona varietals over the last few years. It is consistently ranked among the very best coffee in the world. Unfortunately for me, it is also one of the most expensive coffees in the world. But, that did not stop us from making a visit to Greenwell Farms. After sampling a wide assortment of fresh brews, we met our guide for a free tour of the farm, showing us every stage in the coffee-making process. Delicious and educational – not to be missed!

Kealakekua Bay

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Shakas on the Sea Paradise

Located just an hour south of our home base in Puako is Kealakekua Bay. This spot is significant because the first documented European to reach the Hawaiian Islands, Captain James Cook, was killed there in 1779. The site is now marked by a white obelisk. But, our reason for visiting was for the brilliant waters filled with coral and schools of tropical fish. The bay is a marine life conservation district perfect for snorkeling so we boarded a late afternoon cruise on a 45 foot trimaran with Sea Paradise and even got a lucky sighting of the famed spinner dolphins on our way back.

Lili’uokalani Gardens

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Lili’uokalani Gardens

No trip to the Big Island would be complete without a visit to Hilo. In addition to being the largest city and capital, it also holds the title of fourth wettest city in America. We timed our day trip to the eastern side of the island carefully so as to enjoy beautiful blue skies as we explored the Japanese themed Lili’uokalani Gardens and famed Banyan Drive.

Akaka Falls

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Akaka Falls

The main reason for our trip to the Eastern side was really to chase all the waterfalls (sorry TLC). We started at Akaka Falls State Park where we hiked a short and pleasant loop through lush rainforest (perks of all that precipitation) to see the towering 442 ft Akaka Falls.

Umauma Falls

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Umauma Falls

Next up was Umauma Falls which is only accessible through the Umauma Experience. The most popular activity here is ziplining but you can also just drive up to view the falls and walk through the gardens, which is what we did. The riverwalk is beautifully manicured and we didn’t see another person the entire time, although it’s important to note that early December is not peak season.

Mauna Kea Beach

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Mauna Kea Beach

Not too far from our villa is the one of the prettiest white sand beaches in all of Hawaii. We set off to arrive early in the day to secure one of the 40 coveted visitor parking spots. With boogie boards in tow we set up camp for a perfect morning of sunbathing, napping, and playing in the waves. Can you believe that at 30 I’d never boogie boarded before? Better late than never.

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Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co

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We made a very important fuel stop at the “Nut House” prior to getting our hike on in the Pololu Valley. We tasted as many free samples of both sweet and savoury macadamia nuts as we wanted before inevitably purchasing our favourites – Coconut glazed, Kona Coffee glazed and the traditional lightly salted.

Pololu Valley

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Pololu Valley Overlook

In the Northern Kohala Coast are some gorgeous valleys that we were very excited to check out. You can drive right up to the stunning Pololu Valley Overlook, where we also opted to hike down the steep cliffs to check out the Black Sand beach below. The view definitely got better as we descended so it is worth going at least part of the way down.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Halemaumau Crater at Kilauea Summit

It’s crazy to think that a mere 5 months after these photographs were taken, a surge in volcanic activity has now led to the crater in the photo above doubling in size. The fissures and lava flows from this most recent eruption have destroyed over 700 homes and displaced more than 2000 people in the surrounding communities. I imagine that tourism in the area has changed some now that the park has re-opened, but visiting one of the most active volcanoes in the world should still be at the top of your Hawaii to-do list.

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Kilauea Iki Trail

Our favourite activity at the park was one of our first stops on the Crater Rim Drive. We hiked around the rim of the Kilauea Iki overlook and down through the crater below. In 1959 it was a seething lava lake, but today it is a dry lava field a mile long and 3,000 feet across. We opted to hike along the rim first before descending into the crater as this makes the ascent much easier on the return. The desolate landscape reminded me of scenes from Lord of the Rings – vast and foreboding. However, the resurgence of life was also stunning to behold.

Kiholo Bay

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The best thing we did in all of Hawaii was probably our visit to Kiholo Bay which we affectionately call Turtle Island. With no real signage or path, this picturesque bay is a true hidden gem. We parked by mile marker 82 along Hwy 19 and carried our picnic supplies through the bush on foot for about 20 minutes. The bay is filled with a series of calm, turquoise tidepools making it the perfect place to spot sea turtles. We spent the afternoon observing and swimming with turtles… so yeah, it was worth the effort.

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Waipi’o Valley Lookout

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My personal favourite view on the island is the Waipi’o Valley. Waterfalls tumbling down steep tropical cliffs into the crashing ocean waves below… what’s not to love. Once again, this is an easy one as you can drive right to the lookout. The facilities are quite nice so it’s also a great spot for a picnic.

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It’s hard to believe we packed so many activities into just one week. This trip to Hawaii was the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. I absolutely loved having a car rental and getting to explore with it. We ate delicious food which I didn’t even touch on in this blog, but if you go, you have to try the malasadas from Tex Drive-in, Shave Ice, Kona coffee, Hamakua macademia nuts, pancakes with coconut syrup, and at least one Mai Tai. There’s so much to see and do that the island warrants multiple visits. I for one, can’t wait for my next trip to the Aloha State.

My Top 5 Favourite Islands
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My Top 5 Favourite Islands

Last summer I wrote a series on some of my Favourite destinations. But one of these lists needed some serious updating after my travel adventures over the past 12 months. So without any further ado, here is my updated list of favourite island escapes.

Spanning five unique countries, all of the islands on my list have one important thing in common: stunning natural beauty.

Top 5 Favourite Islands

Galiano Island, BC

This lovely little gem in the Gulf Islands is the nearest to Vancouver making it a perfect weekend getaway or even day-trip from the mainland. Very few people live here year round, but those that do love it’s laid back vibe and tight knit community. Galiano is the only place where I’ve ever felt safe enough to hitch hike or leave my bike unattended. They even have a free store and a free book store where you are welcome to take whatever you like – no donations required. With stunning views from the top of Mt Galiano, lovely trails near Montague harbour, and the friendliest locals around – It’s no wonder I have come to consider Galiano my second home.

Mt Galiano Viewpoint

Hvar, Croatia

If you are looking for an intoxicating blend of old world charm, exhilarating night life, and ruggedly beautiful coastline, then look no further than Hvar. Touted as the sunniest spot in Europe, this beautiful island on the Dalmatian Coast convinced me that it would make a perfect Honeymoon destination. A consistent contender on many top 10 lists – it’s no surprise that Hvar easily holds its own among the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

Hvar

Capri, Italy

I just can’t get enough of the Amalfi Coast and especially my favourite little piece of la dolce vita – Capri! Twice I’ve visited this lovely island off the coast of Naples and twice is not nearly enough time to soak it all up. Famous for its dazzling Blue Grotto and beloved for its majestic Cliffside vistas, Capri is the perfect place to soak up luxurious Italian living.

Capri, Italy

Maui, Hawaii

Oh Maui… how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Before I first visited Maui, I had previously been to Oahu twice. And I thought it was great. Then, I went to Maui and now I wonder why anyone even bothers going to Honolulu because Maui is E V E R Y T H I N G ! Less crowded than bustling Waikiki, Maui offers a more laid back vibe but still delivers a ton of activity if you want it. In my four day escape I lay on gorgeous beaches, snorkeled with sea turtles, drove the winding and scenic road to Hana, summited a volcano, and ate my heart out. I still look forward to visiting the other islands in the future but for now I am content with my version of paradise!

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Santorini, Greece

Located in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece is Santorini, one of the most popular islands in the world – and for good reason! I fell head over flip flops for the spectacular caldera views, beautiful beaches, cliff-side villages, amazing restaurants, and friendly local hospitality. Santorini was a dream destination for me and it absolutely lived up to all the hype. I had one of my favourite travel days of all time while riding an ATV around the island and touring the nearby wineries. It was so unbelievably gorgeous that it almost pained me to leave. I will definitely be back someday!

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What’s your favourite island escape?

From Sea to Summit: The Haleakala Volcano
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From Sea to Summit: The Haleakala Volcano

With only four full days in Maui – it was extra important to prioritize the activities that we most wanted to see. And one place that I didn’t feel right about skipping was the massive Haleakala volcano. Maui’s highest peak makes up approximately 75% of the island’s landmass, so in many ways Haleakala IS Maui.

After checking out of our Airbnb condo rental and loading up our trusty rental car, we set off for our last major Maui adventure. The drive from our base in Kihei to the summit took approximately two hours. It’s a 37 mile drive from sea level to the 10023 foot summit – the world’s highest elevation gain in the shortest distance. With that kind of elevation gain happening, altitude sickness was a mild concern. However we didn’t plan to do any major hiking so we ended up just fine.

At one point we were completely engulfed in dense clouds and wondered if we would even be able to see anything from the summit. Fortunately, we soon emerged from the clouds and were delighted by the view from the lookouts on the way up. The scenery was dramatically different from everything we had previously seen on Maui.

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Can you believe that on the drive to the summit, we passed through just as many ecosystems as you would if you drove from Mexico to Canada! At times the landscape was so foreign that it appeared as if we had taken a wrong turn and ended up on the moon!

We decided to head up mid-day to avoid the crazy crowds at sunrise and sunset. Although I’m sure the views are stunning at those times of day, we weren’t disappointed with our view at all. We lucked out and had a beautiful, sunny, clear day. From the summit we could even see neighbouring Moana Loa over on the Big Island.

IMG_3523 IMG_0717The summit of Haleakala is above one third of the Earth’s atmosphere and has excellent astronomical seeing conditions. The limited light pollution combines to make one of the most sought-after locations in the world for ground-based telescopes.

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There are so many ways to explore the Haleakala National Park. This trip was really just a teaser of what’s to come. Next time that I visit Maui, I want to try (1) a cycle tour from the summit, (2) paragliding!!, (3) hiking down into the crater, and (4) checking out the famous sunrise!

It’s easy to see what people love about Maui and why it truly is paradise. I’m clearly smitten and I know I’ll be back!

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Maui’s Famous Road to Hana
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Maui’s Famous Road to Hana

When I was initially looking into this trip to Maui, there was only one thing that I HAD to do. Ok – maybe I had to go to a beach, and eat pancakes with coconut syrup, and eat fish tacos, and drink Mai Tai’s, and photograph palm trees but really the most important activity on my radar was the famous (and sometimes infamous) Road to Hana.

The Road to Hana is really just the Hana Highway, which is a 64.4-mile long stretch connecting Kahului with the town of Hana in east Maui. But don’t be mistaken, this is not your average highway. Although, Hana is less than 100km from Kahului, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive when no stops are made as the “highway” is very winding and narrow and passes over 59 bridges, 46 of which are only one lane wide. You heard me – ONE lane! This means that every few minutes you may be required to pull off to the side to let a vehicle, that is coming straight towards you, pass.

This winding road is definitely not for the faint of heart. Many people experience extreme car sickness or anxiety due to the 620 curves along Route 360. Fortunately, I did not experience any of the negative side effects on my own trip to Hana. I was deliriously happy to be driving through lush, tropical, rain forest, snaking along the coast, and passing by beautiful waterfalls. Simply put, Maui is paradise!

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With so many potential stops and view points along the way, I enlisted my friend Natasha (a Maui expert) to help me nail down a kick-ass itinerary. With only one day, we needed to make it count.

These are the 5 main stops we recommend on a one day return trip to Hana:

Stop #1: Twin Falls Farm Stand

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The Road to Hana starts near the town of Paia. After following highway 36 for about 20 minutes you should come across this easy to spot Farmstand with a small parking lot. We got there bright and early (8:30am) so we easily found a spot to park. We spent an hour strolling along the path and enjoying the jungle-like atmosphere. This is also a great spot to buy fresh local fruit (although you will pass tons of vendors along the way) and sample some coconut candy on your way out.

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Stop #2: Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread in Ke’anae / Halfway to Hana

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We were eagerly anticipating our second stop because BANADA BREAD! Maui is famous for the stuff and I was told that Aunty Sandy makes the best. After another 45 minutes of driving we pulled off in Ke’anae and our jaws hit the floor. The view was so spectacular that we were barely phased by the unfortunate closed sign on the store front (it was Easter Sunday). We had a mini photo shoot and then continued on our way before quickly running into a giant Halfway to Hana sign. We pulled over and discovered that we could still purchase banana bread at this snack shack instead. And it even turned out to be home of “the original” banana bread. Our lucky day!

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Stop #3: Waianapanapa State Park

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Yet another 40 minutes down the road was Wai’anapanapa State Park where we were excited to see our very first black sand beach! While the hot sun beat down on us, we enjoyed photographing the blowholes and climbing over the volcanic rock. I especially loved the colour contrast of the black rock and the vibrant green plant life against the blue sea and sky.

The park is a great rest stop; It’s set up for camping, picnic lunches, or just a relaxing day at the beach. We could easily have spent the entire day here but we soldiered on.

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Stop #4: Hana & Red Sand Beach

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Following our leisurely stop at Wai’anapanapa, it was only another 10 minutes to our excursion’s namesake. We reached Hana Bay and found the town a bit small and underwhelming. Many people decide to stay in Hana overnight or camp nearby but we needed to get back to the other side of the island by nightfall. We originally planned to visit the Red Sand Beach here, but opted to skip it in order to spend more time at our final major stop of the day. We’d been warned that the best stops were past Hana.

Stop #5: Kipahulu Area of Haleakala National Park

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You can’t miss Kipahulu – It’s a very obvious stop and has something for everyone. Upon arrival, I quickly darted into the visitor’s center to seek shelter from the sudden rainstorm. The weather on the eastern side of the island is milder and wetter, prone to sudden heavy rains and winds. Unfortunately, the Seven Sacred Pools at the Oheo Gulch were not open for swimming during our visit. So instead I opted to hike the Pipiwai Trail in search of Waimoku Falls (pictured above), the great Banyan Tree (below) and the Bamboo Forest.

I began the hike knowing full well that I was going to be completely drenched by the end and that flip flops (the only footwear I had with me) would not be ideal. I was mildly concerned that I wouldn’t be able to make it all the way when I saw everyone coming down decked out in proper hiking gear. But I surprised myself and managed the 2 mile trail and 800 ft elevation gain with relative ease, although I wouldn’t recommend it. Check out Go Visit Hawaii for detailed tips on hiking the Pipiwai Trail.

Even though I was soaking wet and covered in mud by the end of it, I felt elated. This is what it means to be alive! I loved how it felt to be alone in nature with the elements and nothing to think about but where to put my feet next. I returned to the car rejuvenated and thankful for a body that can move and for the opportunity to travel to places like Maui.

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The Way Back

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Most people return from Hana by going back the same way they came.

If you continue on past Kipahulu around the backside of Haleakala and around, the road gets really rough. Not only is it one lane for a major section but it is unpaved and rocky with blind turns and drop offs. We had been warned about the road conditions but were promised that the road does get better and that the view is worth it. And it was!

My photos do not do justice to the awe-inspiring landscape we drove through in near isolation for the 2 hour return trip. The road did get better and the landscape was completely different from the tropical rain forest we had passed through on the other side. We drove through rolling fields of long grass, seemingly untouched by civilization. We presume that tourists are told not to travel this way so that the locals can hoard this place to themselves.

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So in conclusion I leave you with a few words of advice if you plan to do the Road to Hana for yourself.

Top 8 Hana Survival Tips:

1. Pull over for faster vehicles

This one is more about etiquette and the aloha spirit. On one lane roads, it is just better for everyone if you let the speeders pass you by.

2. Plan for a full day and leave early

We left our condo just after 7am and returned just after 7pm (post-sunset). I’m not a fan of driving those roads in the dark and it really is a full day. Beat the crowds and start early.

3. Leave with a Full tank of Gas

There are no gas stations between Paia and Hana so do not make the mistake of expecting to find gas on the road.

4. Find good music

My favourite part about road trips is singing loudly and car dancing with friends. Katie and I fell madly in love with the station 99.9 Kiss FM – Maui’s Best Mix of Yesterday & Today. One minute you’re belting it out to Sam Smith and the next minute you’re dancing to Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! What could be better than that?

5. Prepare for Rain

Hana is lush and tropical for good reason. It is one of the most rained on places on Earth, so be prepared with something to dry off with and some protection if you plan on walking around a lot.

6. Eat the Banana Bread

I don’t care if you don’t like bananas – eat the bread! Yes, I am bossy. You’ll thank me later.

7. Don’t Stop Everywhere, but do stop where you want

As I mentioned, the best stops are past Hana so if you stop at every bridge and shoulder with a view you are never going to make it in one day. We definitely made some unplanned stops because the view was just too good not to but we definitely passed on a lot of spots. Trust me, you will see amazing things no matter what!

8. Bring snacks and water

There are not a lot of restaurants between Paia and Hana (and basically nothing on the backside) so we packed a full day of snacks and water so that we would have enough energy to tackle all of the awesome sights on the way. Plus we never had to wait in lines to buy food. Efficiency is sexy people!

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Our little engine that could – 2014 Ford Focus

If you can stomach up the courage to rent a car and drive the Road to Hana, I highly recommend it. In this case it really is (as cliché as it sounds) all about the journey, not the destination.

What about you? Have you ever consider driving the Road to Hana?

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater & Turtle Town
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Snorkeling at Molokini Crater & Turtle Town

I like to consider myself a fairly adventurous person. I love heights (and jumping from heights). I will eat pretty much anything. I enjoy road trips, climbing, hiking, and camping. I grew up exploring a wide variety of water sports from tubing to knee boarding to wake boarding. But for some reason I’ve always been a little bit frightened of the ocean.

Even though I live on the beach and could spend all day every day looking at the blue waves crashing on the seashore, I’m still a bit hesitant to merge my land loving life with what lies under the sea. I think it has to do with all of the deadly sea creatures just waiting to sting, bite, and dismember me. But, fortunately, I know that this fear is mostly irrational (but not entirely – shark attacks happen people!) and I have taken the plunge in many beautiful spots around the world… most notably snorkeling in the Red Sea and the South China Sea. And if truth be told, I’ve always enjoyed snorkeling.

So on my recent trip to Maui I decided to join my aquaphile bestie on yet another snorkel trip. I knew it would be fun but I certainly didn’t expect it to be the highlight of my trip!

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Molokini Crater

We started off the day at Maalaea harbor where we boarded the Pride of Maui and took our seats for a one hour sail to the first stop. We knew we were in for an excellent day when the crew was already serving my favourite Kona coffee at registration. We filled up on delicious Maui pineapple at the breakfast buffet and braced ourselves for what was shaping up to be a fabulous day!

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Our first stop was the beautiful Molokini crater, which offers exceptionally clear water with visibility reliably in excess of 150 feet. The healthy coral reef is sheltered in the arms of the crater creating an amazing underwater sanctuary. And to Katie’s delight… a bird sanctuary above. Her major dilemma of the day was how to manage her face time… in the water vs. looking up at the sky. Molokini snorkeling is truly a unique experience, as there are only 3 volcanic calderas including Molokini in the entire world!

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We swam for about an hour enjoying the calm currents and thousands of fish. My fears were completely forgotten as I eagerly asked Katie to identify all of the brightly coloured fish I was seeing. It turns out that it is pretty handy having a science/marine/animal expert for a travel buddy.

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Back on board we set sail again for our second stop of the day – Turtle Town. While we enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch we spotted North Pacific Humpback whales in the distance. This was a thrilling surprise as whale season was just wrapping up and we weren’t expecting to see any on our trip. We eventually settled just off the Southern coast of Maui near Nahuna point where we hoped to be able to swim with the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

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This area is home for the protected sea turtles who were soon bombarded with snorkelers ignoring the rules to stay 10 feet away and not swim overtop of the surface breathing reptiles. I got a bit frustrated by the crowds so I swam off on my own and quickly found my own personal turtle to observe for over 20 minutes. I swam alongside as my new little friend surfaced and dove down to the volcanic coral. I feel so privileged to have experienced that moment.

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I was beyond elated when I climbed back aboard the Pride of Maui for an early happy hour at the open bar. Katie and I raised our Mai Tai’s in the air to celebrate a truly wonderful morning that we won’t soon forget.

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The Best Food I ate in Maui
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The Best Food I ate in Maui

“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.” ― Anthony Bourdain

I am not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination but I do love to eat. And to me, experiencing the local cuisine is one of the best parts about travel.

When I casually mentioned to friends and family that I was going to Maui for a quick long weekend getaway I was flooded with enough restaurant recommendations to easily feed me for 3 weeks. I had to prioritize all of the delicious local delicacies due to my limited time and these were the meals that topped my list.

Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Coconut Syrup: 5 Palms Restaurant in Wailea IMG_3517 If you have not had coconut syrup on pancakes then you haven’t truly lived. It is without-a-doubt the best topping and is best experienced in Hawaii where everything tastes more tropical and delicious.

Fish Tacos: Paia Fish Market in Paia IMG_3396 If I could eat fish tacos every day, I think I probably would. There is an abundance of amazing fish tacos to be found on Maui and these ones made of the tropical Ono fish (meaning “sweet, very good to eat”) definitely hit the spot.

Ali’i Plate: Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina IMG_3408 We didn’t have time to attend a luau during our short 4-day stay in Maui, so instead we opted for a luau on a plate. This authentic Hawaiian dish included many famous delicacies such as Kalua Pig, Lau Lau, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Hoaloha Farm’s Poi and Haupia.

Breaded Mahi Sandwich & Taro Chips: Da Kitchen in Kahului IMG_3539 I first tried Mahi Mahi on my first trip to Hawaii back in 2005 on the island of Oahu. It has been one of my absolute favourite fish ever since and I certainly couldn’t leave Maui without enjoying some once again. The taro chips were an excellent addition – I love a good root vegetable!

The Original Banana Bread: Halfway to Hana Snack Shop in Haiku IMG_3459 We attempted to sample the banana bread at Auntie Sandy’s in Ke’eane on our Road to Hana adventure but alas it was closed for the Easter holiday. Fortunately, the snack shack at “Halfway to Hana” delivered in a big way as this was some of the best banana bread I’ve ever tasted. Apparently it’s “the original” banana bread so with a claim like that it should be pretty delicious.

On this trip we also enjoyed Shave Ice (not shaved ice as I incorrectly called it many times), Fresh Maui Pineapple, delicious Kona Coffee, all the Mai Tai’s, and my new favourite gelato flavour – Sandy Beach (think peanut butter, graham crackers, coconut, and salted caramel…mmm).

Stay tuned for more Maui updates. We packed a lot of activity into a four day trip so let the highlight reel continue!

In My Bag: Hawaii Packing List
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In My Bag: Hawaii Packing List

Packing is one of those topics that people surprisingly seem to love. After my last packing-related post was a gigantic hit I vowed to start sharing more of them (since you know I’m making these list anyways).

This is my packing list for a four day girlfriend getaway to Maui in April.

This will be my third time visiting the Hawaiian isles so I already have an idea about what to pack. The real challenge here is fitting everything into my trusty carry-on suitcase and an over-sized purse. The only reason that I am able to travel as much as I do is by cutting extra costs wherever I can… and the last place I want to spend my money is baggage fees. So here’s how I packed for a carry-on only vacation.

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I like grey and black… apparently even in tropical destinations.

CLOTHING AND SHOES

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  • 1 pairs of jeans (for the plane and volcano summit)
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 2 dresses
  • 1 skirt
  • 1 beach cover-up
  • 4 tops (1 t-shirt, 3 sleeveless)
  • 2 cardigans (for the plane, chilling evenings, air-conditioned restaurants)
  • 1 fleece jacket (for the top of the volcano)
  • 2 bikinis (following the wash one, wear one rule)
  • 1 set of sleepwear
  • 4 pairs of underwear + 2 bras
  • 1 pair of socks
  • 1 pair of bandelettes
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 long scarf (for the plane or to use as a shawl)

Note: I used three packing cubes for my clothing: 1 for dresses/bottoms, 1 for tops/cardigans, 1 for underwear/swim suits IMG_3351 TOILETRIES & ACCESSORIES

  • Stella & Dot Hang On Travel Case (toiletries/make-up/jewelry) – mine is sold out, but click the link for a similar version.
  • Norwex Cloth
  • Small Medicine Bag (kleenex, band-aids, meds)
  • Travel Flat Iron
  • 1 Pair of Sunglasses

ELECTRONICS

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  • Passport
  • Wallet
  • Travel Documents & Insurance
  • Tote Bag (for beach use)
  • Small Purse (for day use)
  • Ear Plugs
  • Travel Journal / Pen
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My Top 5 Favourite Beaches

I decided to finally take the time to reflect on my travel past and document some of my absolute favourite finds over the past twenty-something years.

This is the first post in a new series on my travel Favourites (yes – I am Canadian, and this is how we spell favourite!)

Since it is summer, I thought it would be apropos to begin with the best beaches I’ve been blessed to sink my toes into.

 

Top 5 Favourite Beaches

 

Bai Dai Beach, Nha Trang, Vietnam

This gorgeous beach on the South China Sea had everything: White Sand, Warm Waters, and No one around. Touted as the best beach in a country with over 3000 km of coastline… it is easy to see why people love Southeast Asia.

Bai Dai Beach

Muchavista Beach, El Campello, Spain

I was incredibly lucky to spend 3 months living just a mere 5 minutes from this expansive beach north of Alicante. The entire length of the beach is lined with a boardwalk and a tram so that even getting groceries became an exciting event.

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Lanikai Beach, Kailua, Oahu

On my second trip to Oahu, I decided to do my research and find a beach, ANY BEACH, other than Waikiki. My search landed me on lovely Lanikai in the sleepy town of Kailua where public access is restricted to pedestrians only, making it the perfect island escape. It’s also made quite a few top 10 lists so this one is a no-brainer.

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Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

Whenever I go to San Diego (which is fortunately quite often) I always look forward to spending time on the island of Coronado. I can’t believe that people actually live there all the time because it is almost too lovely to be real.

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Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC

No top 5 list would be complete without the place that makes me happier than any other. I live about 1 minute from the Pacific Ocean and it is a frequent stomping ground for me all year long. Vancouver has a lot of great beaches that I could include on this list (English Bay, Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks, Wreck Beach) but Kits beach is home. With breathtaking views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver skyline, it’s my favourite walk in the city! Our version of Venice Beach is also great for people watching, dog walking, bike riding, or playing some beach volleyball all year long.

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What is your favourite beach?

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O’ahu – Circle Island Tour

On our final day in Hawaii, we had to think of something to do until our flight left at 9:40 pm. Since we had to check out of our hotel in the morning, we were quite limited in our options so we decided to take a tour around the whole island. Groupon hooked us up with a Circle Island Tour from VIP Transportation. We got picked up bright and early and spent the day exploring the Hawaiian lifestyle outside of Waikiki.

Our first stop was the Nuuanu Pali lookout, which overlooks the 985 foot cliffs of the Koolau Mountain Range. It is by far the best view in O’ahu and also happens to be the site that King Kamehameha and his warriors defeated the O’ahu armies in 1795 to unite the Hawaiian islands by pushing them off the cliffs. That would be quite a way to go. Our favourite part of the spot was probably the incredible winds that threatened to take us over the cliffs as well… apparently we were there on a rather calm day.

View from the Pali Lookout

Trying to keep the hair off of my face long enough for a photo… very difficult.

After the lookout it was on to the Dole Plantation for the ultimate pineapple experience. We highly recommend the Dole Whip (soft serve ice cream)!

The Dole Plantation

After that we kept cruising to the North Shore where we drove by the infamous Bonzai Pipeline where you can find the best surfing in the world from November to March. We kept driving until we hit another popular surf spot called Sunset Beach. Unfortunately the waves are quite small this time of year, but the beach was still beautiful!

Sunset Beach

Our last stop before lunch was in the town of Laie to see the Morman Temple. That’s right… you heard me… Morman Temple. To me, Hawaii seems like the most random place for a Morman Temple, but then again, Brigham Young University is right next door so I guess it makes sense. Laie Hawaii Temple was the first LDS Church temple built outside of the continental United States. The temple is also the oldest to operate outside of Utah, and the fifth-oldest LDS temple still in operation. I’d also like to suggest that it’s the most beautiful… I mean seriously? There’s a reason they call it the Taj Mahal of the Pacific.

Laie Hawaii Temple

For lunch we stopped at Kualoa Ranch located in the Ka’a’awa Valley. We were given the choice of eating on the back lanai with the view of the mountains or on the front lanai with a view of the ocean… it was a tough decision but we opted for the mountains. This valley is actually best known as a film location for productions such as Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young, Pearl Harbor, Windtalkers, Godzilla, and Lost. After lunch we wandered around the ranch, pet the horses, and ended up at the ocean. We finally found the perfect place to get a picture of the island known as Chinaman’s Hat for obvious reasons.

Kualoa Ranch

Us with Chinaman’s Hat

The next stop was definitely my favourite. We went to Tropical Macadamia Nut Farms, which is a macadamia outlet factory. We met the owner of the whole facility and thanked him profusely for all of the free samples. You can tell that this was my favourite stop since I took so few pictures. I was too distracted by the cinnamon glazed macadamia nuts, the macadamia nut Kona coffee samples, and the freshly cut coconut that I couldn’t be bothered to take pictures. We definitely came home with some treats.

The last two stops were simple and beautiful. We visited the Halona Blow Hole, which wasn’t very exciting due to the low ocean surge at the time. But just to the left was the Halona Cove where the kiss of Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster took place in the film From Here to Eternity. I have to admit that I haven’t seen that one, but Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler also shared a kiss there in the movie 50 First Dates. I can definitely see why. Access to the secluded beach is very difficult and it certainly has a cinematic feel. Maybe next time, I’ll be brave enough to climb down.

Halona Cove

And the last stop of the day was Hanauma Bay, which is a marine embayment formed within a volcanic cone. It has some amazing coral and a vast assortment of tropical fish, which makes this a prime snorkeling location. Unfortunately, the bay has suffered some to do overuse and now it is highly regulated, but for a small fee and some conversation education, you can still spend a highly enjoyable day down by the bay.

Hanauma Bay

I had a marvelous time in Hawaii and I can’t wait to return and maybe check out some of the other islands in the future!

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I’m Sailing!!!

“Isn’t this a breakthrough, that I’m a sailor? I sail? I sail now?” – I can’t help laughing at these memorable quotes from What about Bob? every time I’m out on the open seas. But, it’s true… there really is something remarkable about sailing. If I could splurge on one really expensive item, I wouldn’t even hesitate – SAIL BOAT!

So, when my mom and I were casually walking along Waikiki beach after another glorious breakfast at the Hula Grill, it didn’t take much persuading to get us on a 1.5 hour catamaran cruise. We went for a late morning sail through Honolulu harbor out to the open water just off of Diamond Head. With the fresh Hawaiian breeze, the gentle spray of sea water, and an icy Mai Tai to keep us cool, we lay back and enjoyed our perfect view of the entire southern coastline. It was so rejuvenating and relaxing to be at sea, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I definitely think I could get to used to this lifestyle.

Our catamaran – Maita’i

My mom

Me with Diamond Head in the background

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How to Visit 6 Islands in 1 Day

How does one experience the unique and varied cultures of six different Polynesian islands in merely a day? Well… the Polynesian Cultural Center in the town of Laie, Oahu makes it easy. I was able to spend a glorious afternoon visiting replicas of villages from Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Hawaii, plus the exhibit of Rapanui (Easter Island). To me this was a cultural Disneyland. I can’t really think of something I enjoy more than pouring over a map and exploring new cultures. We were able to watch shows and demonstrations in each village, take a canoe ride through the massive lagoon, watch a canoe pageant, eat at a fantastic buffet, and watch the amazing finale show called “Ha – Breath of Life.” All of the performers are actually from the islands they represent and are passionate about sharing their culture with visitors. It was educational and highly entertaining, which is probably why it ranks as Hawaii’s #1 paid attraction.

Rapanui (Easter Island)

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Diamond Head Rediscovery

Memory is a funny thing. With the passing of time you can practically rewrite history with the power of your mind. You can simply remove the boring or painful parts and choose to recall only the most exciting and enjoyable memories from the past. Of course, the opposite is also possible.

To those of you who know me well, it’s no secret that hiking has not always been my favourite pastime. However, while I was traveling in South America last year I had a complete, 180 degree change of heart. Now my new travel wish list includes trekking in Nepal near the very top. I attribute this transformation to the power of positive thinking and mental preparation. Don’t pretend that you’re going on a nature walk; be prepared for the worst but take the time to appreciate the astounding beauty of your surroundings. Hiking is a privilege and the most amazing vistas in the world often come at a price.

So, in a roundabout way, this leads me to my most recent “hike” at Diamond Head State Park in Oahu. The last time that I climbed to the top of the Diamond Head Crater was in 2004. I remembered being exhausted afterwards so this time I was prepared for a tough workout. Well, a short 30 minutes after starting our ascent we were at the lookout point on the top. We even passed ladies in high heeled shoes on the path, although they didn’t seem to think the hike was too easy. But, nevertheless, I was completely shocked and couldn’t understand how my memory had gotten it so wrong. The hike seemed more like a nature walk to me but fortunately it still had the payoff with some absolutely stunning views of Waikiki beach and the crater below. It’s definitely a must-do if you’re in Oahu, but for the avid hikers, I hear that Mariner’s Ridge in nearby Hawaii Kai is the real deal.

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Hau’oli la hanau – Birthday on the Beach

I can’t think of a better way to spend a birthday than lying on the beach in Hawaii. And, that’s exactly what my mom got to do on our recent trip to Oahu. As I wished my mother “Hau’oli la hanau” (Happy Birthday in Hawaiian) we found ourselves in the town of Kailua on the windward side of the island. It took a 45 minute bus ride followed by a 45 minute walk to get to Lanikai Beach but it was well worth the trip to see if National Geographic had rightly rated it as one of the top ten beaches in the world. What we found when we got there was white, powder-like sand far away from the crowds that constantly swarm Waikiki. This is mainly because Lanikai beach is only accessible through public access paths that cut through the upper-class homes that snake along the coastline of this residential area. In a place that is so infested with tourists, a day of peace and quiet with the locals was a true delight, although we’ve both seen better beaches in the past.

A day on Lanikai Beach

We ended our celebratory first day in Hawaii with a delicious meal at House without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel. This unique restaurant showcases authentic Hawaiian music and hula dancing from 5:30 – 8:30 pm every night. Many people come to enjoy the live music and watch the sun go down from the outdoor patio. We made sure to get there early to secure a table with a view as the restaurant doesn’t take reservations. After the most beautiful and delicious cocktails, our fill of gourmet seafood, and some coconut cake to finish it off, we could easily say we had the perfect evening.

House without a KeyCoconut Cake

House without a Key