Limahuli Garden

Located on the north shore of Kauai, Haena Beach Park is one of the most poplar beaches on the lush, Garden Isle.

There are three National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai, including Limahuli Garden. The other two are the Allerton and McBryde Gardens, in the fertile Lawai Valley.

You can find Limahuli Garden directly behind Haena Beach on the sheer face of Mount Makana.  It’s an incredible sight as the cliff is thick with ground cover and other types of  plants that cling to its side.

Through its efforts, Limahuli Garden achieves its goal of educating the the public, as well as trying to re-establish native Hawaiian plants among flora that that was recently introduced to the area.

A small sample of the plants you will see there include: Fiddlehead fern, Koki‘o, Water lily, Ko‘oko‘olau, Iliau, Māmaki, Octopus tree, Octopus tree, Gardenia ‘Amy Yoshioka’, Pineapple, Munroidendron racemosum, ‘Awa, Pāpala kēpau, `Ōhi`a lehua, Hau hele `ula and Lobelia niihauensis.

Limahuli Garden offers visitors a chance to view a wide variety of rare and native Hawaiian plants as well as traditional lava rock wall terraces that go back over 700 years.

Located behind the Garden is Limahuli Preserve. Here, restoration biologists along with conservationists are working hard to try and preserve plant species that are native to this local habitat.

To enjoy the beauty of Limahuli Garden up close, take a stroll along an approximately 3/4 mile long trail that the wanders through the terraces and eventually reaches a scenic bluff offering incredible views of the lush, green Makana Mountain plus the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Legend has it that ancient Hawaiians once hurled burning sticks from Makana Mountain, that were then carried out to to sea by the updraft winds from the mountain.

There are 2 hour guided tours available Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am-4pm.  The price is $25. Or try a 90 minute self-guided tour for just $15. Both tours include a guide book.

Limahuli Garden
808-826-1053
www.ntbg.org

The Ahalanui Pool is the Big Island’s spa and infinity pool to the ocean. This ocean pool has only a low man-made seawall separating it from the rest of the Pacific ocean. But there’s some other magic happening below the pool’s surface.

Even though the thermal pool in Ahalanui Park has a little connection to the ocean, it is not a tide pool. It is entirely spring-fed. Fish sometimes access the pool from the ocean and the water is clear, which makes is a good spot for snorkeling

The 1960 Kapoho volcano eruption created a natural phenomenon that warms the soul — and your toes. The pool is heated naturally to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making the experience more like a heated spa or jacuzzi than the ocean.

As if a heated ocean pool is not enough, palm trees surround the pool to complete the effect of bathing in a tropical paradise. Some affectionately refer to Ahalanui Pool, in honor of the Hawaiian volcano goddess Madame Pele, as “Pele’s Bath.”

You can find Ahalanui Pool east of Pahoa on the Big Island’s east side on Highway 137 past the 10-mile marker!

Mahaulepu Beach is one of the best beaches found on Kauai. If you are looking to get away from the crowds, there’s no place better than the unspoiled and rugged beauty of Mahaulepu beach.

Located on the south side of Kauai, Mahaulepu Beach is one of the best-undeveloped coastal regions anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands.

Mahaulepu is a place of beautiful heritage. The undeveloped coast is a habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals.

The surrounding land is quite sacred to the native peoples of Hawaii, who harbor ancestral ties and influential cultural traditions. Native Hawaiians continue their cultural ties including fishing and gathering.

On the western side of the beach, the waters are sometimes calm and good for swimming and snorkeling. But watch for the strong currents that often occur.

It can be quite windy. Even experienced surfers need to be aware of the ocean and weather conditions.

Take time to explore the miles of pristine coastline, and take in the untouched beauty. Stroll along the soft, white sand and enjoy the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Access to Mahaulepu Beach is from private land. You may also be asked to sign in and produce identification.

Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore, has four beaches and the beautiful strip of sand that connects them is absolutely gorgeous.

The formation of the bay at Hanalei makes for the perfect harbor, and many world-class yachtsmen call Hanalei their home port for a few months during the summer. The nearby Hanalei Canoe Club is famous for the many world-class canoe teams it has produced.

The mid-point of Hanalei Bay’s 2-mile-long beach, Waioli is a popular spot among expert surfers and the major contest site on the North Shore of Kauai.

This is not the best beach for swimmers and families because of the surf and strong currents, however surfers love the waves here. In fact, surfers visit Kauai’s Hanalei Bay from all of the Hawaiian Islands and around the world simply because of its unbelievably large and long lasting waves.

Waikoko Beach, Wai’oli Beach Park, Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, and Black Pot all make up the Hanalei Bay Beaches.

Waikoko Beach – This beach is easy to get to and when the surf is calm it’s a nice place to snorkel. Of course, care should always be taken because the ocean can change at any time. There is pretty good protection from a reef here so swimmers do find this a nice beach at times, although the water is shallow which is not the best for swimming. Waikoko Beach is located between mile markers four and five.

Wai’oli Beach Park – This beach may be reached by Weke Road in Hanalei. It is also at the end of He’e and Ama’ama roads in Hanalei. The ocean is strong at this beach and it can be hazardous to swim here. Of course, when the sea is very calm swimming can be enjoyed, but the tides can turn at any moment and swimmers should always be on the lookout.

Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park – Weke Road will also lead you to Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. This beach has all the facilities you might need not to mention a lifeguard. One would think that swimming conditions are ok since a lifeguard is on duty, however this is not the case. In fact, you will want to avoid swimming here unless you are a good surfer or boogie boarder.

Black Pot – If you want some beautiful photos to take home than a photo at the pier at Black Pot beach might be just for you. The name of this beach is based on a big black cooking pot that was once left at the beach by locals. There are facilities at this beach and camping is an option with a valid county permit.

Swimming on the other hand is generally not great. This is because the beach is close to the Hanalei River’s mouth and the waters are murky and not good for swimming. When the surf is calm during the summer months boogie boarders do find this a good beach.

On the other hand, if you are interested in paddling up the Hanalei River then this is just the spot for you to put your kayak in the water and get started!

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the United States and shouldn’t be missed during your Big Island vacation.

You will encounter a variety of rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, such as a white Bengal tiger, spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over 80 other animal species.

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is also considered a botanical garden covered with orchids, bamboos, 100 varieties of palms, and a water garden.

The Panaewa Zoo, about 4 miles from Hilo, is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Admission is free.

Must-do’s are: the petting zoo (only on Saturday), the white Bengal tiger (Namaste) feeding at 3:30 daily, and the gift shop.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Spa Luana – Turtle Bay Resort

Close your eyes and listen … the pounding of waves is probably the first thing you’ll notice. Now, open your eyes and look out at the ocean. That’s easy to do, as the resort faces Turtle Bay on one side and Kulilima Cove on the other, which has a protected beach with a swimming and snorkel area.

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, take the drive to the other side of heaven. 5 1/2 miles of pristine beaches and 12 miles of ocean trails for strolls along the ocean, await you on 880 acres. If you take a stroll along the bay, you will probably have the opportunity to see the many turtles that make their home here. There are seven color-coded trails to follow.

There is something for everyone here. Tennis (10 courts), two championship golf courses (36 holes of Arnold Palmer and George Fazio Courses), horse-back riding stables (a wide variety of choices for beginners to advanced riders, including evening and horse-drawn carriage rides). They also have helicopter tours right on site, and much more!

The property can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 for meetings and has hosted concerts of up to 5,000. There was a wedding gong on during my stay and besides seeing guests all dressed up in their “Hawaii best”, one wouldn’t even know it was going on.

While I was working out in the fitness center, I was speaking with a nice gal. She was working out while her husband was taking advantage of the surfing school that they have on property. That makes sense as this is where the surfers live. Turtle Bay Resort is surrounded by little surfing towns, which lends to the very casual atmosphere at the resort. My new friend then left her work-out to join the yoga class, which was starting just outside on the patio. Another lady that I spoke with said that she and her family have been coming back to the resort every year since her two boys were young. One had just graduated from Cordon Bleu School and had even chosen to do his internship here.

The Turtle Bay Resort went through a $60 million renovation of the property. The rooms are spacious (ranging from 478 to 2000 square feet in size) and they also have cottages set away from the main hotel. They have Kallista (deep-soak) tubs, and you can enjoy your own exclusive butler (ho’okipa) service. Rub elbows with the locals as they make their way to the restaurants and partake in the yoga classes, golf and other activities at the resort. It lends itself to a very friendly atmosphere. If you like spinach and bacon, go to Lei Lei’s, their casual golf club dining restaurant and get their spinach salad with warm bacon dressing (it’s great, and loaded with bacon pieces!) and poke (marinated raw ahi tuna). Their poke is very popular, so get there early to get yours.

THE SPA LUANA
Spa Luana takes its meaning from the spirit of relaxation. ancient practices of healing and relaxation that incorporate mind, body and spirit. The Na Ho’ola’s (many healers) used Hawaiian plants, fruits, flowers, and the natural healing properties from the Honua (earth) and the Moana (ocean) to care for the islanders. Experience the collection of Hawaiian indigenous spa treatments that reflect the spirit of Malama (to care, serve and honor).

I arrived at the hotel after a long day in airports and airplanes, and then the 45-minute drive to the hotel. The drive is easy and easy on the eyes, as there are pineapple plantations (Dole) and many other farms and greenery. I checked in, opened the lanai (balcony) and heard beautiful island music playing. There was a function being held outside of my room, but if I hadn’t looked over, I would never have known they were all there, enjoying their early dinner. I just got to enjoy the relaxing music that was filling the air. I then headed down to the spa to get the last treatment of the day.

Signature Treatements:

Hawaiian Ti-Leave Body Wrap
I was greeted by my therapist, Sonia and led to the wet therapy room. I laid down on the treatment bed and she spread an application of fresh coconut pulp all over my body and then followed it by patting my body with a warm pure kukui nut oil. She then wrapped me in a cocoon of ti-leaves on my underside and mylar wrap over my body. During the relaxation period, she placed soothing ti-leafs, held on with small cooled stones eye pillows, and an aromatic essential oil of your choice. During the wrap, Sonia rubbed my head and neck with her great, strong hands, and then massaged my feet. Once complete, she then rinsed my body down with a long overhead Vichy Rain Shower bar. After the rinse, she rolled the sheets and towels out from under me, to provide a clean surface to work from so that she could then apply a natural body moisturizer made with pure, hydrating Aloe Vera gel and coconut juice. She recommended that I let it soak into my body overnight. This treatment alternated from cool to warm and then cool again. They say that this treatment is meant to cool burned skin, prevents peeling and is the ideal spa treatment for those who spent a little too much time in the sun.

Spa massage treatments range from hot stone therapy to Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages. The Lomi-Lomi originally known as lomi ka’ ala hoku, “massage journey to the stars”, is an ancient Hawaiian Massage system. It has been passed down from one generation to the next. Native Hawaiians believed that all nature is replete with the same energy or spirit which they called aloha ‘aina. This system of massage was kept secret from the West until the 1970’s.

It is meant to revive the body, to move blood and lymph, release muscle spasms, and facilitate waste product removal from muscle and connective tissue. The concepts of unconditional love, grace, beauty and spirituality are inherent in Lomi.

The most distinctive movement of Lomi is a kneading motion done toward the heart. However, a full range of massage strokes are also used. Special attention is paid to the na ‘au, the lower abdomen, which ancient Hawaiian philosophy considers the center of all emotion and power.

The practitioner will predominantly use the soft part of the forearm coupled with a dancing motion to create the long, gliding strokes intrinsic to Lomi. Finger tips, hands, knuckles and elbow may also be used.

I spoke with two different women who had this massage and both were extremely relaxed and pleased with their treatments.

Pineapple Pedicure
For lack of time, I was not able to experience this luxurious treatment, but I was able to speak with a lady having it done.

First, this treatment is performed out on the patio, facing the pounding waves. This was also just before sunset so the atmosphere was enhanced by the sun setting. She said that she was loving the total experience and her pedicurist was a delightful young lady, also.

A truly pampering tropical foot treatment that began with a warmed coconut milk footbath soak, filled with fresh orchids, followed by a Hawaiian Sea Salt exfoliation and lava rock buff. Next her feet were wrapped with a mask of crushed pineapple and island honey for deep conditioning. During that period, she enjoyed a soothing kukui nut oil hand massage. Then she had an invigorating foot massage, and ended with a moisturizing application of kukui oil.

The locker room and spa itself is small, with a steam room, a couple of showers and limited amenities, but the trip to your room is short. They even have a spa floor, on the second floor above the spa. The elevator misses the ground floor traffic, so you won’t be running into lobby guests. For larger groups, they convert suites into treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy the sound of the waves from these private suites. The Jacuzzi is located just outside the spa doors

Needs improvement:
The sitting area was very well lit, with only one large comfy chair and another two-person backless bench.

All in all, everyone that I spoke with truly enjoyed the property and the spa. If you’re looking to get away from it all and relax, on Oahu, this is the place.

Review by: Sherrie Strausfogel “Hawaii’s Spa Experience”

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy and get up close to the fabulous undersea life in Maui’s blue waters, but don’t want to get wet – the Reefdancer is your answer.

Uncover Maui’s amazing underwater world from the Reefdancer’s comfortable, air-conditioned cabin.

The Reefdancer is a 57 foot semi-submersible boat that remains on the surface of the ocean waters. Half of the boat is on top of the water, with the other half  below.

This flexibility allows the Reefdancer to easily maneuver around  the shallow reefs where the majority of the marine life is.

You descend down an easy stair case down to the boats below-water cabin. The Reefdancer holds up to 34 people so everyone has a front row seat, with direct viewing out your over-sized window.

What makes the Reefdancer tour unique is they offer Maui’s only underwater dive show. Professional divers search the reefs and bring various sea-life (octopus, sea urchins, sponges, mollusks, etc…)  to your window for close viewing.

Your tour includes an experienced reef diver in the cabin, who narrates about the fascinating undersea world outside your window.

All passengers receive a free, color postcard and fish chart to make it easy to match and identify the fish you view.

As you cruise around the ocean floor you discover an amazing world with abundant reefs and marine life.

What amazed me was how blue the water was. There is no artificial lighting, so what you see is the sun’s natural rays illuminating the ocean depths.

As you return to the Lahaina Harbor, make your way to the spacious upper deck for wonderful views of Old Lahaina Town and West Maui mountains.

Reefdancer
Lahaina Harbor Slip 6
Lahaina, HI
96761
808-667-2133

Back in ancient times, the primary method to document was to scratch pictures and images onto rock. On Maui, because of the relatively soft lava rock, it made for an excellent tablet for such ancient drawings.

A short walk behind the Olowalu General Store and about 1/2 mile past the water tower, exists the amazing Olowalu Petroglyphs for all to see. These ancient Hawaiian stone carvings capture a moment in history on the island of Maui.

The path is fairly easy to follow. Once there, climb to see the 300-year-old rock carvings made by early Hawaiians. Also look for remains of an old wooden stairway.

Similar to other ancient carvings on Maui, the Olowalu Petroglyphs are carved into the vertical sides of cliffs instead of the horizontal lava on the Big Island of Hawaii.

One of the Olowalu petroglyphs displays several figures that are grouped together. Many believe they are depicting a family.

The large body, human figures are most likely Ali’i (royalty). The basic stick figures are probably denoted as commoners. One can also view various weavings, tools, canoes and animals.

Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau

After you enjoy an evening at Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau, you will find out why this popular luau was named “Best Luau on the Island” by The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed, 5th edition. We couldn’t agree more!

Unlike other Kauai luaus, what’s unique about this luau is its spectacular setting. Smith’s Luau is the only luau in Hawaii that is set in a botanical garden. Here you will be surrounded by 30 acres of lush landscapes in the sacred Wailua River Valley, which was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.

On Kauai (The Garden Isle), Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau takes place along the scenic Wailua River and has been giving its guests the memorable opportunity to enjoy terrific food, drinks and live entertainment for many years.

Enjoy lagoons teeming with a variety of fish and exotic peacocks and view over 20 types of tropical fruits in their orchard.

After your shell lei greeting, you will have time to stroll through their beautiful botanical gardens. Guest can either take a narrated tram tour or stroll around at your own pace.

Later on you will witness the traditional imu ceremony, in which the kalua pig is unearthed from the underground oven. Afterward, enjoy a glass of wine, beer or Mai Tai tropical drink at the open bar while the Smith Family entertains you with traditional Hawaiian songs.

Then it is time for the pa‘ina, the luau feast. Enjoy the all-you-can-eat Buffet and sample many authentic Hawaiian delicacies, including: lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig (from the imu ceremony), teriyaki beef, mahi mahi (island fish), chicken, Hawaiian sweet potato, garden isle greens, island fruits, macaroni salad, and namasu salad.

Of course, don’t forget to try the poi. End your meal with several choices of mouthwatering tropical desserts.

As the Smith’s say, food may be the heart of a luau, but music is the soul. After the feast, your unforgettable evening will continue with the entertaining “Rhythm of Aloha Show” featuring Hawaiian hula, Tahitian drum dances, traditional dances from New Zealand, China, Japan, the Philippines and the exciting Samoan fire-knife dance!

The show takes place in their spacious, torchlit lagoon theater named “Pele Amphitheater,” which even has an incredible erupting volcano!

Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau – show

Clink here to make reservations and find more information on Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau on “The Garden Isle” of Kauai.

Imagine the perfect escape where the only criteria are good food and drink in a relaxed, carefree environment. Sound like wishful thinking?

Not at Tommy Bahama’s, where the purveyor of island lifestyles has evolved their successful men’s and women’s upscale casual sportswear, golfwear, accessory and home furnishings collections into a well respected restaurant and retail operation that serves up island-inspired fare and lots of tropical fun.

The cafe is located on the second level above a Tommy Bahama retail shop.  The immediate view is of the parking lot, however, the distant views of the Mauna Lani resort grounds are pleasant.

There are tables on the lanai and tables indoors, though the restaurant was open air throughout.   As you would expect, the restaurant is very tastefully decorated in an island motif. I did find it odd that the decor was Caribbean themed.  When in Hawaii, I prefer a Hawaiian theme.

Live music was playing, which was pleasant, however it was also more of a Jimmy Buffet type music.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I like Jimmy Buffet music, but when I’m in Hawaii, I want to soak up all things Hawaiian.  So, I would have preferred music with a local vibe.

The Hawaiian island of Lanai is the smallest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands. Lanai measures approximately only 140 square miles, with a coastline of about 47 miles.

On the remote northern shore of Lanai, you will find scenic Polihua Beach. About a mile and a half long, Polihua Beach is the longest white sand beach on the island of Lanai.

Beaches on Lanai are never crowded since the island’s population is so small and it receives so few visitors. Lanai City is the only town on the island.

Polihua Beach used to be an egg-laying spot for the endangered green sea turtle. The name Polihua means “egg nest.”

Although Polihua Beach is picturesque, it’s waters can be dangerous. The beach receives high winds and rough surf, along with an unpredictable surf.

Swimming in the ocean waters off Polihua Beach is not recommended and it could be quite unsafe.

If you do make it the island of Lanai, be sure to visit Polihua Beach … even if you don’t go into the rough waters.

Polihua Beach is only accessible via a rugged dirt road.