Hawaii

Between the frequent rains and the often overcast forecast, Kauai is not always the typical Hawaiian tropical getaway people dream of. But there are few islands that offer the same majestic waterfalls, luscious valleys, world renowned breaks, and more. Like a handful of the island's other gems, Q...

Just off the road to Hana before entering the town, Waianapanapa State Park is a great place to stop and explore along the drive. Wainapapa SP offers tent and cabin camping, there is a great black rock beach with access to snorkeling and other beach activities, and lots of short trails for explor...

When driving along the Kalonianaole Highway, traveling towards east from Hawai'i Kai, keep an eye out for the Hanola Blowhole lookout... Park at the lookout and walk out towards the highway. It is here, next to the entrance, that you will find a trail heading down into the cove. From the road it ...

Getting There:   Traveling from Honolulu, follow signs toward Waianae: the H1 turns into Farrington highway (93) as you reach the west side of the island. Continue on Farrington highway until you reach the yellow gate marking the end of the road and Yokohama will greet you. As you drive through t...

On the South Shore you can find the Spouting Horn. There's a small beach park with a great lookout where you can watch a blowhole spout a plume of thundering water into the air. This waterspout occurs whenever the waves are forced under the rocky shelf and up through a lava tube. The water someti...

Among all of the places in the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is my favorite. It's what you imagine when you think of Hawaii. It's still relatively undeveloped and there are no freeways on the island. Waimea Pier, which is located at Waimea Beach, epitomizes the old feel of Kauai.Located on the west sid...

Getting There:  From Honolulu, head west on the H1 and follow signs for Waianae. Continue as the H1 turn into Farrington highway and drive along the coast. On your way to Makua Beach you will pass through Waianae and a couple small towns; depending on your schedule you may stop at a couple beache...

This beach lives up to Hawaii’s stunning fame. You can park in the curved area that is set away from the road, or along the street. Follow the little signs down the trail to the beach. It’s a bit of a scamper down some lava rocks to get there, so be careful.  A highlight of this beach is that it ...

Looking for a good photo opportunity while on Oahu? Mokoli‘i is one of the best you can find. Not only is it a scenic and unique view, but you can also have some fun with perspective. Located only 20 miles from Honolulu, hop on H1 W for about 2 miles before turning onto HI-63 N for 7 miles. Then...

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is on my list of the top ten most beautiful nature places you can drive to. Hoʻomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility."  This breathtaking gem was built in 1982 by the US Army Corps of Engineering to prevent flooding.  There’s a lot to do here, you...

This beach is a great if you're looking for a more secluded beach in Waikoloa Village.  Rarely are there more than ten people there even during sunset when people flock to the beach.   If you aren't staying at the Hilton next door then this spot is a little harder to access. There are two beach a...

Spitting Cave is a short loop trail located in Eastern Honolulu, Hawaii near Hanauma Bay. The trail is a little steep and rocky, sturdy shoes are recommended. This is a great location to see the sunset if you'r e near Hawaii Kai during the right time of day. 

Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park is located just off of Bay Street in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, Hawaii. There is a parking lot with additional street parking nearby. The beach offers a very shallow shelf for quite a ways offshore. This doesn't make for a great place to swim, but is good...