Back to Hawaii

Yes, you heard that right. I am going BACK to the islands! You would think that all my visits there would make me want to venture elsewhere but when it comes down to it, I am a beach girl and there are no better beaches in the USA than what are found in the middle of the Pacific on the Hawaiian Islands.
This trip we are going to explore Oahu. And while, honestly, the idea of going to the Island that holds one of the largest cities in the states really doesn't sound like my idea of relaxation; I have to go to this island at least once. Who knows what adventures are awaiting us, all I know is I cannot wait!

I am so excited!

I will admit, this is going to be my third trip to the islands, but my excitement level has been the same each and every time. With Kauai and Kona off my list, the next island to venture to is Maui.

There are canyons to explore, beaches to comb, reefs to snorkel, maybe even waves to learn to surf..
Even more exiting is the fact that the bf is coming along to share in the adventure this time. 4 days of him all to myself? That is exciting enough in itself :D

I see exactly where I want to lay my towel..

Some people really are not the brightest..

One really has to wonder what truly is going on in this man's mind.

A few pictures from The Big Island of Hawaii

March 1st thru the 6th I found myself on The Big Island of Hawaii. While it was nothing like Kauai, it still had its charm (considering both the good, and the bad; while the beaches and/or hiking trails were not as lush, there was not one free roaming chicken to be found on this island).
We got to swim with Green Sea Turtles, hike an active volcano, sit on a black sand beach, run along sea cliffs on the southern most point in the us (altho I do remember key west boasting the same such "point" so I don't know who really wins this battle), explore many a coral reefs looking for interesting sea shells, snorkel in some very beautiful waters and not to mention all the fresh fruit that was everywhere.
Oh, and did I mention that we were in Kona? What is Kona known for but its magnificent coffee??? And this coffee is everywhere! It was like its own type of heaven with that aspect right there. Why should I get a latte from Starbucks when I can go to a local stand that uses 100% Kona coffee in their lattes? And even better, for about the same price?? (I kinda chuckled when I saw a Seattle's Best coffee house there. Like Seattle coffee can even compare)
Here are a couple shots from the island:


This was the very first shot I took on the big island. I'm not exactly sure which beach it is, but the colors were magnificent. Being that there wasn't too much sand on this beach, and we weren't ready to snorkel, we didn't stay here long.


An ancient church just outside of Captain Cook in Kealakekua Bay. This was where we were blessed with the chance to swim with green sea turtles. Unfortunately I didn't have my case for my camera with me to be able to take photos underwater :(


The beginnings of sunset at Hapuna Beach, Hawaii. A beautiful, but windy white sands beach.


What do you think of when you think Hawaii? I know one of the first things that comes to mind for me, aside from the beaches, are palm trees! These were begging to have their picture taken.

They said some of the best snorkeling on the island could be found in Kealakekua Bay, and I would have to agree with "them". Beautiful coral reef, beautiful fish, beautiful water, beautiful turtles... beautiful all around. If you ever want to do some snorkeling just once, this would be the place to do it.

One of the exciting things about this island was the presence of one of the most active volcano's in the world. While I wouldn't recommend the village of Volcano, HI... taking a hike out on the actual volcano was definitely interesting. This is a shot of some of the cooled off lava that was very prominent in the area.

I took over 200 pictures while there, I will be posting the rest to my facebook and myspace pages if anyone is interested.

Kauai, An overview

I cannot even start to describe how wonderful it was on that little 552 square mile island better known as Kauai.
I was able to relax and soak in the island atmosphere.
I was mistaken as a local on many occasions which made me feel much at home, and like I actually fit into the culture.

We got there on Sunday evening and since I didnt know whether or not we were even going to make it there on that day I decided to not book the hotel until I arrived. Like I do in every other city that I go to I like to drive around and find my hotel by location, not just off the internet. This works generally well being that there is generally a selection of hotels to choose from. Kauai, however, is different. When I was told that I was going to experience a taste of true island life I really didnt know what to expect. I did not see one building on this island that was higher than 3 stories, and the hotels were actually few and far between. After an exhausting search, we ended up staying near the airport (which is actually near everything since the island is so small) at a quaint little, locally owned hotel. It was very cute and I was able to get a very good rate from the owner due to the fact that it was almost closing time (and I tend to get what I want when I smile a little.... hehe).

One thing I discovered very quickly was the fact that when people say that there is a little chicken problem* there they are vastly under exaggerating the issue. I was awaken at 5am by the cawing of roosters each. and. every. day. This did allow me to see the sunrise on the beach on each of those occasions but as all of you know, I am NOT a morning person which made me quite bitter towards those damn chickens, er, roosters to be more precise.
I did everything that I wanted to on this trip, I explored the jungles, hiked the canyons, laid on the beach, mingled with locals, tasted fresh, local pineapple (and has thus been ruined when it comes to eating it in the future), found a new love of snorkeling, and basked in the local Hawaiian culture.
The weather was wonderful there, 80's and sunny almost the whole time, on the whole island.

I have a couple of pictures to share (from my cell phone), my actual pictures of the trip are posted on my myspace if you would like to see them...

*They say these chickens are roaming free due to the fact that during a hurricane a chicken farm was destroyed and this is now the result... well I say start laying traps! Its one thing if they were indigenous to the area but they are not! A few chickens, ok. The amount they have is really quite disgusting.

Two days.......

This is where we are going to go Snorkeling....
Hanalei Bay :) :)
Oh is it getting me thru my morning!

2 days left.... 2 days left.... 2 days left.... 2 days left.... 2 days left....

Kauai, HI - the formation of a plan

I am thinking that I am going to need to go and buy some new hiking shoes for the next adventure that I have coming my way….
Kauai, Hawaii
[May 11-14]
I decided today that I really, really do need a vacation and even though I will be missing two days of my astronomy class next term it will most definitely be worth it. The fact that I was able to find positive space (ie confirmed seats) home on Wednesday pretty much made my decision for me.
So now I am sitting here, with an itinerary of things that there is no way I could do in a week, let alone four days. Everyone around me is trying to be helpful telling me that I have to have the shrimp at this restaurant in Princeville. That I have to go on the tour of the Fern Grotto. That I have to go snorkeling in Hanalei Bay. I want to go hiking in Waimea Canyon (what Mark Twain penned as the grand canyon of the Pacific)… I want to lay on the beach in Poipu... I would love to find some black sand beaches if they have them on this island... but the last thing I want is any stress. And you all know how I plan my vacations lol. I have the rental car booked, we’ll see about the hotel. I’m half temped on staying in different places each night… I've even been intrigued with the idea of camping out one of the nights...... ha ha. Hey, if the weather is right, and I feel like the area is safe why not?? It would definately be an experience and would save me a good $150. So... We’ll see when we get there :)