It’s not the destination that matters, the saying goes, it’s the journey, and this is certainly true on the road to “Heavenly Hana”.
And the destination is also superb! Hana is located on the eastern tip of Maui and is an unspoiled region of rugged beauty.
If you are going to make the journey to Hana, you might want to start the day early and fuel up your energy at the Pauwela Cafe , a popular breakfast spot in Haiku.
Wow, what a fantastic hike I did this morning! Towering over the east side of Waikiki is the prominent mountain known as Diamond Head State Monument. I hiked to the top and it was a wonderful experience!
Reaching the summit of Diamond Head requires only a short hike that is well worth the effort. When you reach the top you are treated with spectacular views of Honolulu and the ocean off Waikiki. I could even see the location of my wonderful Honolulu Vacation Rental that I have been staying in for more than one week now and loving it so much.
The trail to the summit of Diamond Head is known as the Diamond Head Trail. It climbs about 560 feet up the mountain along a 1.5 mile route that includes some tunnels and some formidable flights of stairs.
When you reach the top you will be about 760 feet above sea level. Your jaw will drop as you gaze at a stunning panorama of that spans from the Waianae Mountains to Koko Crater all the way to the leeward coast. Directly below the viewpoint is Kapiolani Park and Waikiki.
Last week I told you about my wonderful visit to Kailua-Kona and my stay in a beautiful Condominium there, and this week I am visiting the north side of the Big Island and staying in a wonderful Hilo Vacation Rental.
The 45-mile drive from Waipio Valley to Hilo is one of the nicest drives in all of the Hawaiian Islands.The scenic route follows along Hawaii Belt Road (Hwy. 19). This road is also known as the Hilo-Hamakua Heritage Coast.
The Heritage Coast route traverses Mauna Kea’s wet windward slopes and includes several cantilevered bridges that span deep ravines. The coastal route includes many places to stop for stunning ocean views, shoreline adventures, major and minor waterfalls, and an array of interesting shops and restaurants.
Much of this corridor is former sugarcane land now planted with macadamia nut trees and a whole array of diversified agricultural products. Towns along the route include Honokaa, Paauilo, and Honomu.
If you’re into big game fishing, then check out the series of Hawaii marlin fishing tournaments held on the Big Island by Kona Tournaments. The series is sponsored by Maui…
Last month I had a wonderful visit to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii and saw many interesting attractions. This wonderful town has so much to offer to the curious visitor who loves Hawaii’s culture and history and natural beauty.
Kailua-Kona is located at the base of Hualalai Volcano which is more than 8,000 feet tall. King Kamehameha ran his kingdom from Kailua from 1812 until his death in 1819.
Today the Kona Coast is well known for its great fishing as well as diving and snorkeling. Many boat charters depart from Kailua Pier as well as Honokohau Harbor. I rented a beautiful Kailua-Kona Condominium very close to the harbor so I could enjoy the area as much as possible.