Maui, Hawaii

Maui, I love this island. After picking up our Jeep at the airport it was off to Costco to pick up some things for the week. I found it a little cheaper than just eating out every meal to do this. As we reached the west side of the island you start to drive up north along the ocean. I cannot believe myself or anyone did not crash looking out at the ocean. For one, the ocean is stunning but two, the whales. Literally the whales breaching was insane. It was nonstop and I just wanted to watch.

We safely arrived at our hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel and got all checked in. I really enjoyed this hotel. The location was great, right on one of the best beaches in the world and along the the beach walk which provides many things to do and see. Black rock is a rocky peninsula that provides snorkeling and a place to dive into the ocean. The water is pretty mellow so not great for surfing but for just spending a great day at the beach.

Black Rock at night

Kaanapali Beach with Black Rock in the background

Turtle I saw while snorkeling along Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach has a path that is about 1.5 miles long. This is a great path to take because it is along the beach and you can visit all the hotels along the beach as well as The Whalers village which hosts great shopping and restaurants. I loved walking the path in the morning to the other end and buy my coffee at the Starbucks and watch the whales jumping. Many people use this path to do their morning run or walk as well. Sometimes during the day there are booth set up for shopping. Sort of like a farmers market. In the evening after watching the sun set the path is a great place to take a stroll, eat dinner outside along the beach with tiki torches lit and live music.


The north east coast of Maui has a different yet beautiful feel. I drove over to find Nakalele Blowhole which at times would be explosive and others not so much. While climbing back up from visiting the blowhole I found the heart in a rock. A must see on the north west part of the island is Honolua Bay. This place is stunning and a great place to snorkel as well.

Honolua Bay

Driving south east along the road to Hana is a must do with so much to see. I would definitely plan a whole day for this. We stopped many time to see the beauty along the way. There are hikes, waterfalls, places to eat and just so much to make you pull over and take your time.

Coconut Glens ice cream

Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach

Cave/tunnel 

Hike to freshwater caves you can swim in

We arrived at our destination Kipahulu National Park. We hiked the 4 mile round trip  Pipiwai trail along streams, waterfalls and a bamboo forest. We reached the stunning 400 foot Waimuko Falls. The hike is across the road and is not difficult. Many people enjoy swimming the seven pools near this area so if you have time for this it is n the ocean side.

Large Banyan tree

Yes, I hiked in a skirt and flip flops! :-)

Lahaina, just south of Kaanapali offers unique shops, plenty of places to eat, grocery shopping, farmers markets and so much more. Parking is free in one lot with another being free for three hours. All other lots you must pay but if you buy from local stores you can have parking validated. The large banyan tree is the site of a large market where locals sell there art. From Lahaina harbor we embarked on our scuba diving excursions with Lahaina Divers. The crew where tons of fun and very knowledgeable. On all of our boat rides to dive locations we saw whales breaching and even swimming right next to our boat. They where nice enough to stop and let us watch the whales. A whale watching tour is something many pay for but we got an amazing two for one deal here!

Our first dive location was at Molokini Crater. While on every dive trip Joshua and I ask to go where we are most likely to see a shark our wish came true here. Not only did we see the stunning marine life but we saw 4 white tip reef sharks tucked under a ledge. They where just resting and not too interested in us. They did swim out and back in to give us a good look at them. The other cool thing about this dive spot is it is like am amphitheatre with sounds of the whales being amplified to where I could have swore they where swimming literally right next to me. But according to the dive master, they can be miles away and sound that close because of the shape of the crater. I still kept looking all around to look for one.

Joshua goofing off

An eel's face is hiding but he is there. 

Our other dive spots were a place they call the Second Cathedral and Lighthouse. These spots are off the shore of Lanai. Second Cathedral is neat because it has caves and sea arches to swim through.  And lighthouse was neat too with the some in another group seeing a shark but I missed this one.

Sunset in Kaanapali

Hard Rock Cafe in Lahina

Milagros in Pa'ia

He has to have is shave ice

Don't forget to visit the south end of the Island. If you are lucky you can see a pod of dolphins if you drive past Makena about as far as the road goes. There are beautiful beaches along this area and this is also where I was told at the time that Steven Tyler lives. The beach below we had to ourselves. The hotels is Wailea are beautiful just to look at as well. Maui has tons to offer and we hope to go back soon. Mahalo for reading and Aloha!

Resources to prepare for this trip were from my Aunt Sue and the Maui Revealed book.

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu, the vacation I forever fell in love with island life. I had decided to get an Alaska Airline reward card and start racking up my airline mile. I booked out vacation and planned on surprising Joshua with a lei greeting at the airport. Before we landed he saw someone with one on and said how he wished he had one. Was I so glad I had already planned this for him. 

Upon arriving to to the airport we had our hotel shuttle waiting for us as well. We had a couple and their son in the van with us who where going to our same hotel, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. We ended up becoming friends and Joshua and their son played at the beach through the trip and to this day we remain in contact.

We got settled in and ate at one of the restaurants at our hotel, outside looking at the beach. Then it was time to hit the beach! After hours of soaking up the sun and enjoying the war ocean we got cleaned up and went to explore. We walked around looking at stores and counting the ABC stores. If you have ever been to Hawaii you get what I am saying. One thing that could not be passed up was the Hawaiian shave ice.

 Part of the reason for coming to Hawaii was to put our SCUBA diving skills into practice. This was our first time diving since being certified and our first time being in warm water. We went with Island Divers Hawaii. Great group who was excellent with Joshua. Sea turtles or as they are called in Hawaii, honu, were swimming everywhere.

We found an octopus and it is the softest thing I have felt. I find these animals amazing with how they move and change colors.

I set a swim the dolphin session at Sea Life Park and who was in our group? Snooki and her boyfriend Jionni. She was not very friendly but Jionni was nice.

Snooki and Jionni looking at the pictures from our dolphin swim

Them again

Although this was great experience I have since changed my thoughts on aquariums and sharks, dolphins and whales living in tiny pools instead of the giant ocean. You can see Joshua had an amazing time may have had a once and in a lifetime experience swimming with dolphins.

We learned to surf and had so much fun. Although Waikiki beach is crowded I did feel that the waves where perfect for learning. There are several places along the beach that you can walk up to and ask for surf lessons. There is no need to make reservations before hand. The place we used even had a photographer to capture us catching the waves.

We spent a good part of a day at Pearl Harbor. I still cannot believe that oil is still flowing from the USS Arizona. Joshua learned a lot and explored battle ships.

 Hanauma Bay is a beautiful place to go snorkeling but can get packed so is best to avoid weekends.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay

We attended the Paradise Cove Luau and loved it. We happened to run into people from our city back home. Joshua knew the kid from school so we hung out with them there. They has a lot of crafts and fun activities for everyone. The luau seemed very authentic and was a great show. The food was very yummy as well.

Paradise Cove

luau performer

What trip to Oahu would be complete without hiking up Diamond Head. Great hike, even for kids. Beautiful views to be seen from the top but the top has a small spot for viewing and can be crowded.

Diamond head Summit

North Shore

Best shrimp truck along the north shore

sign at a macadamia nut farm

Although a car is not needed on Oahu we rented one to drive up to the north shore and spend the day at Kailua Beach which is stunning. I used the book Oahu Revealed and my aunt who is as good as a Hawaiian local.