Read About the Hawaiian Islands

Jen spent three years as a toddler in Hawaii. Then she spent a year there in her thirties. She’s a true kama’aina.

Dan did two Marine Corps assignments to Hawaii, for a total of seven years on the islands.

Then there were the trips in-between.

We have been to all the principal islands, and one not normally visited: Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu. And we own land on one of them.

We love Hawaii. Read on for some of our observations.

Driving Through Upcountry Maui

Driving Through Upcountry Maui

We drove south through Maui’s Upcountry area, along Highway 37 through Kula, Pulehu, Keokea, and Ulupalakua.  Highway 37 eventually becomes Highway 31, and it was just past this point that we stopped and turned around, after taking in the view of La Perouse Bay, Molokini Crater, and the island of Kahoolawe. Upcountry Maui is a beautiful place; characterized by pastures, […]

Haleakala Crater, Maui

Haleakala Crater, Maui

Today, Jen and I headed up to Haleakala Crater. The road is heavily switchbacked as it climbs to the 10,300 foot summit.  We ascended through nice pasturelands, through a cloud layer at 5,000 feet, and into bare ground at the summit.  Here, it was clear and sunny, somewhat windy, and very chilly (Jen had on three layers, including the hood […]

The Road to Hana

The Road to Hana

Today, we drove to Hana. From where we are saying, the Huelo Point Lookout, it is 34 miles. This translates to about an hour and a half of sheer driving. Throw in stops for photos and such, and it translates into three or more hours. The road to Hana is not as daunting as it was when I first drove […]

Travels on the Northwest Shore

Travels on the Northwest Shore

We drove from Kaanapali along the northwest coast of Maui today.  This is the route from Kaanapali north and then east on Highways 30 and 340; through the towns of Kapalua, Honokahua, and Kahakuloa; eventually reaching Kahului. The views are pretty good. We saw a fair number of humpback whale pods from the various scenic pullouts. We drove the whole […]

Some Kaanapali Beaches

We went to DT Fleming beach park. Obviously solid boogie boarding here (wish we had brought the boards). Also went to Black Rock in front of the Sheraton on Kaanapali Beach. The waves were a bit big today, but this is a staple for snorkeling and shallow diving (been diving here a couple times in past years).

Arrived in Maui

We finally made it to Maui, on a Hawaiian Airlines flight that was on time (now, there’s a novelty). Picked up our rental car at Thrifty. Nice folks, although we could have done without the timeshare pitch (endure this sales thing and get $100 off the car rental). Drove to the Kaanapali coast, just north of Lahaina. Checked in at […]

Go! is a No-Go

So, over four hours with delays in our Go! Mokulele flight. First a delay to 1pm, that became 1:30, which became 2:00, which became 3:30; at which point we had had enough. So I pulled our bag and we went to Hawaiian Airlines and bought tickets from them. Go! says the problem was a single plane with mechanical problems. This […]

Off to Maui…?

Well, Go! Mokulele airlines is jacked up today. Delayed flights. Cancelled flights. We drew the cancelled flight straw. Waiting to get word on when an how we are getting to Maui.

Kauai, Hawaii: River Kayaking Near Hanalei

Kauai, Hawaii: River Kayaking Near Hanalei

In September 2010, Jen and I returned to Kauai.  This time the goal was to kayak some rivers on the north shore, in the Hanalei area.  We had five days and four nights available. KAYAKING Kayak Rental Companies We started shopping for a kayak to rent at Kayak Kauai in Hanalei.  The woman at the counter appeared to be generally […]

Keaiwa Heiau Trail, Oahu, Hawaii

Keaiwa Heiau Trail, Oahu, Hawaii

We went on a hike on the Keaiwa Heiau Trail, which is also called the Aiea Loop Trail.  It’s a 4-1/2 mile loop that starts and ends at a park located in Aiea Heights, at the upper end of Aiea Heights Road.  It’s a fairly easy trail, without too much up and down by Hawaii standards.  Views are limited, except for […]

Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Hanalei, Lihue, and Waimea Canyon

Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Hanalei, Lihue, and Waimea Canyon

On July 31, 2010, we went to Kauai for five days and four nights.  I had been to Kauai once before, but that was years before and the trip was a vague memory.  This would be Jen’s first trip to the island. The basic plan for the trip was a short hiking and camping stint in the Na Pali Coast […]

Kayaking at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Kayaking at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

We took a quick kayak trip today.  Went from our house in Kailua, down the canal to Kailua Beach Park, and from there to Flat Island.  Returned on the same route. Diablo the Chihuahua went along.  It was his first kayak trip, and he took to it like a champ.  I think he has Viking blood (first evidence that the […]

SCUBA Diving at the Fire Station, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

SCUBA Diving at the Fire Station, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

We went diving at a location called The Fire Station near the town of Pupukea on the North Shore of Oahu.  It’s called The Fire Station because…well…it’s right next to a fire station.  It’s located right between two other well-known North Shore dive sites — Shark’s Cove and Three Tables. It’s a pretty decent shore dive.  The water is flat […]

Hiking on Maunawili Trail, Oahu, Hawaii

Hiking on Maunawili Trail, Oahu, Hawaii

We went for a hike on the Maunawili Trail. This trail runs about 10 miles from end-to-end — from the vicinity of the Pali Lookout, across the base of the Ko’olau Mountains on the windward (Kailua) side of the island, to the town of Waimanalo.  It also connects with the Maunawili Falls Trail, which “tees” into it about three miles […]

Goat Island, Kuhuku Land Farms, and North Shore SCUBA Dive, Oahu, Hawaii

Goat Island, Kuhuku Land Farms, and North Shore SCUBA Dive, Oahu, Hawaii

Today we went SCUBA diving, again…back to The Fire Station at Pupukea.  Along the way, we stopped at Malaekahana State Recreation Area to have a go at Goat Island. Goat Island is more properly called Moku’auia.  It is located just past the town of La’ie as you head toward Haleiwa along the North Shore.  At low tide, the two hundred […]