Hawaii 2008

Hawaii 

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Stephane and I went to Hawaii this year for our anniversary and his birthday.

It was beautiful!!

We decided to split our 10 day trip between 2 islands.

Kauai:

1st we flew to Kauai, where we stayed in a timeshare condo in Princeville.  Princeville is located on the Northern, wetter side of the island. It is surrounded by lush landscaping and beautiful peaks. If you like to golf this is the place to stay. There is beautiful clear-water snorkeling, and Great Hiking trails near-by. Hike the Napai Coast if you go. But remember; it gets HOT, it is hilly and wet. Bring water and snacks. Wear good shoes that can get muddy. I have “Keen” hiking sandals they were perfect!

Also, drive… The drive around the islands was spectacular. Lots of wild chickens.  :) The place is crazy with them. I mean the entire island.

As I like to get dirty, :) we went for an ATV ride. The place also rents 4 wheel little buggies. But, if you know me, you know I wanted my own. This worked great both Stephane and I got to splash in puddles and get totally covered with mud. The view from the ride is lush and tropical, but the riding itself is the fun. I bought cheap shoes at k-mart before we went, and they lent us t-shirts and pants. Totally worth it.

Near the airport, on our last day, we took a helicopter tour. It brought us along the ocean side of Napai as well as to some magnificent waterfalls. We flew over many places we would never have seen.

Things to know about Kauai. It rains, I mean it rains a lot.  This was great for us since we never have rain in so-cal. Also, it is very casual and the towns are tiny. Again another plus for us. If you are looking for a night life, this wouldn’t be the island for you. Me I go to bed early and get up for sunrise.

From Kauai, we flew over to the big island where we stayed in the  Marriott  Waikaloa. When we got there we were upgraded to a suite. They included breakfast (I think this was all because of AMEX). I don’t know about you, but, I am always THRILLED when they include breakfast. Especially here when the breakfast buffet was 30 bucks! There is a ton of stuff to do on the big island. TONS. We stayed next to the Waikaloa Hilton which is a great place for families. For us it was fun to visit it. :) They have a pool to swim with the Dolphins, a lagoon where you can feed sea turtles, many pools, and a “boat tram” to your room. Pretty incredible. Next door, the Marriott was much smaller: 2 pools good food, a free shuttle to the Hilton and CHEAPER. I am not into crowds so the Marriott was perfect. Oh and great snorkeling (we swam with turtles)  right out back. They lend you the gear for free. :) We also visited the 4 seasons…sweet…  

We drove to the Hilo side of the the island and went to the volcano, it is really incredible to see what nature can do. The area around the volcano was covered in dry lava formations. It burned everything in its path. Hell hath no fury :)

Go there at night. Bring a head lamp or flashlight. Also, It gets cold, prepare for it. We went for sunset and stayed for dark.

There is so much to do on the big island, you just have to experience it. hike, snorkel, go on a sail boat, party,visit wineries there is even snow.

I have to say and I am sure Stephane would agree, the night snorkel  with Manta Rays was a once in a life time experience. On the way out we were escorted by a pod of wild dolphins. The company we went with has day time  wild dolphin swims. :)  

Snorkeling with the Manta Rays s was a once in a life time experience. On the way out we were escorted by a pod of wild dolphins. The company we went with has day time  wild dolphin swims. :)