Hawaiian Hibiscus

When most people think of Hawaiian flowers, they will often think of sweetly scented leis or the soft summer air filled with enticing romantic scents. Yet the most popular and also the official state flower of Hawaii is the Hibiscus,is hardly scented.

The Hawaiian Hibiscus, though not known for it's scent, like the Plumeria, does have a light spicy
aroma to it. The Hawaiian Hibiscus is a relative of the Rose of Sharon and can be easily grown in most of the United States.

When visiting Hawaii you can purchase seeds or grafting's of the Hibiscus in many touristy type shops along with many of the local shops. The seeds are fairly easy to grow and easiest to take back home, BUT do not open the package before arriving at the airport. There are strict laws of what you can bring in and out of Hawaii. Your seed package must be sealed and stamped with
the department of agriculture seal. Don't try to pick your own seeds or flowers and then try to bring them back - it is not allowed. You may also have your seeds mailed home for you.

Having a Hawaiian Hibiscus growing in your yard or as a patio plant is a wonderful Hawaiian souvenir.

Wailua Falls on Kauai

Wailua Falls on Kauai is also known to the locals as Fantasy Island Falls as this waterfall is in the opening scene of the old TV show.

Hawaii has hundreds of waterfalls but Wailua is one of the most popular ones. With it's 80 foot drop and cooling mist it is especially loved during the summer months.

You will often see tourists with cameras hanging over the wire fence to get the best shot of the falls-please be cautioned though as several people have fallen to their death to get that perfect shot. By standing on the safe side of the fence your picture will look quite as good, and you'll be around to share it with others.

Driving to Wailua Falls is an easy five minutes off of the main road. If you are coming from the Kapa’a area, head south on Kuhio Highway (56) towards Lihue. About 5 miles past the Wailua River, turn right (e huli akau) onto Ma’alo Road (road 583). The drive up Ma’alo Road only takes a few minutes and winds its way up to the falls in about 2.5 miles.

If you are coming from the Lihue area, head north on Kuhio Highway (56). The turn off to Ma’alo Road is only a mile north of Lihue.

Turn left (e huli hema) onto Ma’alo Road and follow this up to the falls.

There are signs posted along the way and you will also see other rental cars driving to and from.

On your visit to Kauai, Wailua Falls is a must see attraction!

Waimea Canyon, Kauai

Waimea Canyon

While I lived on Kauai for almost nine years one of the nicest places I saw, sometimes over and over again was the Waimea Canyon. This thing is big and I was really impressed with all the different colors throughout the canyon.

It's by far the largest of any of the canyons in the Hawaiian chain and it's no wonder it's called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the start the canyon is 10 miles long and about one mile wide. The canyon is also over 3,500 feet deep from the bottom to the ridge at the top. It's believed that huge floods that resulted from the rains on Mount Waialeale carved this canyon thousands of years ago.

Over time and after volcanic eruption after eruption lava flow lines were left on the walls of the canyon which add to the colors and beauty. Wild pigs, sheep and goats inhabit Waimea Canyon and if you have binoculars you just might catch a glimpse of one of these creatures.

There are numerous hiking trails, some 45 miles of them, through the canyon although I have never been on any of them. Some of them begin from the top, which is Koke'e State Park. Koke'e has several bungalows and a real neat museum to visit, too. Also a Ranger station. And there are little packages of feed you can buy for a nominal amount to feed the many chickens and roosters that roam around up there. That's always fun.

Waimea Canyon Road which begins at Hanapepe on Rt. 50 is about 40 miles from its start to the end, which also not only runs along the rim of the canyon but ends with a breath taking view of Kalalau Valley. The road is a wonder in itself with its twisty turns and switchbacks. No gas stations or convenience stores along this road so be prepared. I might add that the temperature at sea level may be beautiful but at the top it could be some 15 degrees cooler. To me that too was ok but much cooler then on the beach.

Yes, a visit to the Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must and the scenic drive to Koke'e State Park and a view of the Kalalau Lookout is something that must be included as well. You'll be glad you did... and bring a sweater.

Big Island Black Sand Beach

Usually when someone thinks about the beaches of Hawaii, their mind conjurs up beautiful tan or white colored sand, gentle lapping waves and the sweet smell of native flowers.

However, Hawaii does have several Black Sand beaches with Punalu'u Beach Park on the Big Island being the most popular of all. Punalu'u Beach Park, is just south of Hilo on the Big Island, and it can be found right off highway 11.

If you are planning to visit Punalu'u Beach Park remember to have your digital camera batteries fully charged, or if using film, pack several rolls. Not only is the black sand absolutely breath taking but the ocean view is endless. On my first trip here, I must have taken at least 5 rolls of film. I loved it so much that I had to return over and over again.

The park comes equipt with picnic benches so please bring your lunch. As your lingering over your favorite foods looking out over the ocean, you may be lucky enough to spot a few Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles as they frolic in the sea.

Although, you may be tempted to go near them as you are swimming or snorkeling in the area, please don't. The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle's immune system does not have any defenses against human bacteria and just a brief encounter may cause the group to die. This is one reason why they are considered an endangered species and are protected by the Hawaiian government.

There are several shave ice stands in the area, so don't forget to stop at one to cool off!

Kona Vacation

Kona Village Resort

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii one of the places you absolutely must visit is the Kona Village Resort. It's located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. With it's breathtaking views and lots to do the Kona Village Resort is a beach vacation come true.

If relaxation is on your mind, or to unwind from the everyday pressures of life the Kona Village Resort is the ideal place for you to go. Quality time with families with children or couples seeking romance, this resort has it all for you to experience.

You can spend time relaxing on the beach, exploring the rich Hawaiian marine life in the bay or take time to plan new activities because at the Kona Village Resort, these Polynesian style cottages have no telephones or television sets to disrupt you. The resort offers 125 individual bungalows and they are spread out over 82 acres of tropical Hawaii. Each bungalow is unique in size, style and view. Lava flows are on the north, tropical foliage and palm trees to the south and the lagoon s feature wildlife.

You'll have a choice of 2 oceanfront restaurants. Fresh island vegetables and fish are emphasized here. There's a Lu'au, which is a Hawaiian tradition, every Friday night at the Kona Village Resort.

A winter visit, between December and April, will entertain you with North Pacific humpback whales as they migrate from Alaska to Hawaii. Almost every night you can see the manta rays swim into the light in front of the Hale Monana restaurant along with Hawaiian green sea turtles and blue tangs.

Activities at the resort include snorkeling, kayaking, sailing; you can get involved in a daily organized volleyball game, play tennis or choose a ride in a glass bottom boat. In the crystal clear waters of Hawaii you can go fishing or scuba dive or just go for a swim.

A fine example of everything Hawaii has to offer you can be found at the Kona Village Resort. This resort is a beach vacation paradise with something for the entire family. You'll truly consider yourself lucky to have chosen to spend your time at this resort.

Waikiki Beach Vacation

Waikiki Beach Vacation
With it's hotels and beach clubs set right on the beach, Waikiki Beach is perhaps one of the most well known beaches on the planet. Located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is right off Kalakaua Avenue which is a paradise for shoppers and offers find dining and wonderful nightly entertainment. You can rent a surf board, take lessons if you need or just swim as the gentle waves of Waikiki Beach are for all. Also available is canoeing, kayaking and even catamaran rides to Diamond Head.

You can enjoy a romantic dinner and enjoy a spectacular sunset while dining at one of the great restaurants located right on the beach. Choose from Duke's Canoe Club, the Surf Room or many many more. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Outrigger Hawaii, Sheraton Waikiki or the Hilton Hawaiian Village are just a few great hotels you can stay at while on Oahu as these are beach hotels.

The Islands of Hawaii offer the traveller dozens and dozens of beautiful beaches to choose from. Consider Waikiki Beach as a possible first choice. It offers not only a calm ocean for people of all ages but also combines the water, sand, restaurants, affordable hotel rates, nightlife, etc.. all rolled together to make your vacation to the islands of Aloha to be remembered and talked about for years to come.

Maui Beaches

Maui Beaches
Some of the most amazing beaches to be found are located on the island of Maui. Some beaches, depending on the time of year are great for snorkeling but all beaches are wonderful for swimming. And you'll find a great beach nearby no matter where you stay while on Maui.

West Maui Beaches from Lahaina to Kapaula on Maui's west side the coast is comprised of breathtaking beaches. Surfing, sail boating and catamaran rides are offered along the three miles of Kaanapali Beach. Black Rock is well known for snorkeling and it's located at the North end of Kaanapali Beach.

Being well protected from the waves and enjoying the absence of tall buildings to obstruct the view, Napili Bay is very well liked by visitors. The D.T.Fleming Beach, Oneloa Bay Beach and Kapaula Beach are among those at the Kapaula Resort located in west Maui.

South Maui Beaches
Being on the island of Maui you'll notice that the more south you go the beaches tend to become less crowded. Polo Beach and Wailea Beach are in Kihei. Restrooms and picnic areas can be found at some of these beaches and equipment rental can be found also. You'll see green sea turtles at the more secluded Maluaka Beach at the Maui Prince Hotel. White sand, restrooms and picnic facilities can be found just a few miles past the Maui Prince Hotel in Makena on Big Beach which is large and usually few people will be seen there. This makes Big Beach one of the best beaches on the island of Maui.

East Maui Beaches
Being sort of secluded the beaches on East Maui are quite unlike others in the state because of the lush vegetation and colorful scenery. You'll enjoy the black sand at Hana Bay Beach off the Hana Highway.

Enjoy the palm trees and colorful plants during your short walk to Hamoa Beach. If you're determined to find the perfect beach for you, and if you can manage to find the small narrow trail along the coast you can get to Red Beach. You can swim, snorkel or just enjoy the sun on this beach and you might even be the only one on the beach because it is sort of difficult to find. Red beach is great for those who really enjoy privacy, also. You'll cherish memories on this one of a kind beach.