Lanai- Hawaii's Most Enticing Island

You won’t find a single traffic light here and that’s exactly how the people of Lanai like it. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lanai can feel like two places. The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class amenities and championship-level golf at The Challenge at Manele and The Experience at Koele. The other is found bouncing along the island’s rugged back-roads in a 4-wheel drive exploring off the beaten path treasures like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) andPolihua Beach. In fact, only 30 miles of Lanai’s roads are paved.

Once called the Pineapple Island, you can still see the open fields where pineapple once grew in the plains of the Palawai Basin. And with only 30 miles of paved roads, many of Lanai’s natural attractions in North Lanai can only be reached with a 4-wheel drive on rocky, unpaved roads.

By: Karli Mihelich 

Natural Wonders of Kauai

Waimea Canyon

Located on Kauai’s West Shore, Waimea Canyon called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is a breathtaking 3000 feet deep chasm with stunning panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. Trek the amazing hiking trails through awesome colors of red, green and beige, and experience the grand vistas of Kauai’s dramatic interior for miles. Take Waimea Canyon Drive to lookout points offering breathtaking views of the canyon or continue into the mountains and explore Kokee State Park. At the end of the road, the famous Kalalau Lookout offers a breathtaking view of Kalalau Valley opening out to the Na Pali Coast. 

Na Pali Coast

Accessible only by sea, air, or an arduous, 11-mile hike, the Na Pali Coast is one of the most spectacular places on earth.  The backdrop for movies like Jurrasic Park,  King Kong, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, it’s an absolute Kauai must-see. Explore pristine beaches, deep valleys, winding mountain trails and the 3,000-foot high sea cliffs that overlook panoramic views of the ocean and valley. Hike the 11-mile Kalalau Trail along the rugged coastline of steep green cliffs and cascading waterfalls, through five lush valleys and ancient Hawaiian ruins to Kalalau Beach

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that plunges into the southeast shore of Kauai at the south end of the Wailua River. A 4-mile trip out of Lihue, through rolling hills and valleys surrounded by mountains, Wailua Falls is where ancient royalty dove over the falls to prove their worth. The Wailua Falls are one of Kauai’s little secrets known not only for its flowing beauty, but also ease of access. This waterfall appears on many postcards, print and media collections and was used as the opening scene for the 1970’s Television series Fantasy Island.

Polihale Beach

Once named America’s Best Beach by the Travel Channel, Poipu Beach Park is a popular beach attraction on Kauai’s South Shore. The picturesque white sand beach invites swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and watching the humpback whales (November through March.) Poipu Beach is also famous for the endangered Hawaiian Monk seals that swim in the waters of Kauai. Polihale Beach is the longest stretch of white sand beach in Hawaii. This is a favorite and beautiful beach for long walks, amazing sunsets and camping with the proper permits. Ocean conditions can be dangerous especially during winter months and high swells. Polihale is exposed to open ocean with no protective reefs and no lifeguard.

By: Cody Woodson

Visit Oahu!

Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, but is by far the most densely populated. Nearly 75 percent of the state's 1.2 million capital city of Honolulu, world-famous Waikiki Beach, and residents live on Oahu, which is also home to the historic Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor: Learn all about the tragic attacks that awoke Oahu and the events that thrust the United States into World War II. Your tour guide takes you on a historic journey throughout your day, and the museums of Pearl Harbor are the perfect place to soak in the history. 

Waikiki Beach: Hawaiian for "Sprouting Water", this is one of the most famous beaches in the world. The two mile stretch of white sand coast is alongside hotels and tourist facilities. The area is excellent for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, catamaran and outrigger canoe rides. 

Honolulu: Honolulu has it all! This is the home of some of Hawaii’s most historic places from Iolani Palace, the Kawaiahao Church, the Mission Houses and the treasured artifacts of the Bishop Museum all the way to  landmarks like the Aloha Tower, the King Kamehameha I Statue, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the historic Hawaii Theatre. Honolulu is also Hawaii’s famous spots for arts, culture and entertainment. From Honolulu's nightlife, live music and finedining of Waikiki to the art galleries and underground bars of the Chinatown arts district. Whether you’re looking for Hawaii’s finest museums, or Hawaii’s finest Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs, the best resorts, festivals, and events, or just some fun things to do, you’ll find it all in Honolulu.

By: Karli Mihelich 

Top 3 Places to Visit on Maui

Maui can be considered one of the best Hawaiian islands.  It has just the right balance of peace and serenity, while not leaving you with the feeling that your stranded on a deserted island.

Makena Beach
Also known as big beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, and bodyboarding by both tourists and locals.  Big beach is 1.5 miles long making finding a spot on the beach a breeze. As with most beaches on Maui, pay attention to the rip tides. Enter the water where the locals are; they know what they are doing.  While sunbathing on the big beach you'll see two other hawaiian islands as backdrops (Molokini and Kaho'olawe) to the gorgeous sand and pristine waters.

Road to Hana
When it comes to driving the Road to Hana on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. Spectacular views of waterfalls, lush forests, and the sparkling ocean are part of the pleasure of the twisting drive along the Hana road. There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls.  A lot of folks simply let the clumps of cars along the road be their guide, big mistake.  There are a lot of great places along the Hana Highway, but there are also several stops you'd be wasting your time stopping at.  A great guide can be found at http://roadtohana.com/

Haleakala National Park
The Haleakala National Park ranges through five distinctly different climates zones. The road to the Haleakala summit is by far the most popular.  Also known as the Haleakala Highway, it currently holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance (38 miles). The dormant volcano's vast moon-like crater floor with its towering cinder cones is an incredible wonder of Maui. From the 10,023 foot summit, the Big Island of Hawaii can be seen off in the distance, usually with a peak or two poking above the clouds.  If you're really adventurous a early morning trip up to Haleakala summit to watch the sunrise is a once in a life time opportunity.

By: Cody Woodson