Around The World Part 2

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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Flight to Kauai
April 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
We fly to Kauai today. The weather forecast doesn’t look great for the next week there. Lots of rain expected. The other side of the island is the drier side. Good thing we have a rental car reserved for the week. Update …. We spent two hours at the car rental place! Kim lined up for 45 mins, then, they couldn’t find our car! We eventually arrived safely, in a different car, at our resort, only to discover that the door lock wouldn’t work. We had the owner’s maintenance person come & she showed us how it worked. Who knew, the deadbolt looking knob had to be in the vertical position before closing the door!? Needless to say, we’ve finished our first bottle of wine…Read more
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Northern Kauai
April 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
This morning, we took a walk along the beach directly in front of our resort, Kapaa Beach, which is a good size with a cement walking trail adjacent. It isn’t particularly good for swimming because the surf is quite strong. We shopped in some local shops & came back to our room for lunch. We then drove to the northern town of Princeville to take in some local music at the Makai Music & Art Festival which takes place every Wednesday afternoon. Afterwards, we drove to the Northern end of Hwy 56, which is as far north as one can drive in Kauai. We checked out Animi Beach on the way back. It was drizzling, so we didn’t walk on the beach. We stopped in the village of Hanalei on the way back to browse. Like some French Polynesian islands, roosters & chickens are wild here!Read more
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Helicopter tour, Waimea Canyon, Turtles
April 6, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
We’ve been looking forward to today for a long time. We chartered an “open door”, private, one hour, helicopter tour, which took us around Kauai. Our safety briefing was thorough & we had to empty our pockets, etc, since there were no doors beside us! We were free to take pictures with no window in between. Our seat belts were the only thing that kept us from being sucked out! The views were spectacular to say the least! It was a little turbulent in places, & the pilot changed our flight path to keep us safe, as there were 40+ mph wind gusts in places. We flew over the rainiest place on Earth, according to our pilot, Mt. Waialele, which averages nearly 10m of rainfall per year. We flew over the Waimea Canyon, numerous mountain ranges, and the Napili Coast. We viewed many waterfalls up close including the Jurassic Falls which are featured in the Jurassic Park movie. After our tour, we drove to see Waimea Canyon, & waterfalls from the roadway lookout spot. We drove back through a few small towns, & ate some Shave Ice at Jo Jo’s in Waimea. We finally stopped at Poipu Beach, on the Southern tip of the island & got to see 6 sea turtles resting on this busy beach. We saw two Monk Seals playing in the water, as well. We figured they would have come ashore if not for all the people on the beach & in the water.Read more
TravelerNicer views than my time with Environment Canada in a helicopter! And no stinky fish traps... Very jealous.
4/7/23Reply
TravelerWow ! What AMAZING scenery ! Is the red colour in some of the rock formations newer volcanic stones ?
4/7/23Reply
TravelerWhen a volcano erupts here there’s lava that flows along the ground, but what is spewed into the air creates a red dust that coats everything. The soil is reddish, much like PEI, & it sticks to everything.
4/7/23Reply
TravelerOhhh. Thanks. I am still learning stuff ! LOL
4/7/23Reply
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Vanillary, Wailua (Fantasy Is) Falls
April 7, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
This morning, we drove inland 30 mins or so to a local vanillary. We had made a reservation for an 11am tour. It turned out to be a wonderful, hour long, experience. It was a couple’s private home. They grow vanilla which they harvest & sell, along with many other plants which they use themselves. They’ve just started to make chocolate bars from several cocoa trees they planted 15 years ago. We knew growing vanilla was a very labour intensive process, making it quite expensive. but we had no idea how much time and effort it took. They do everything by themselves, including pollinating each flower using a thorn, hand picking the bean pods after 10 months, soaking the pods for 18 days, drying the pods for 6 weeks, or more, grading the pods, cutting the pods into one inch pieces to add to the 80 proof vodka (to make the extract) for another 3 months. We purchased some dried beans & vanilla extract, & now have a contact to order more. We try to support local farmers/businesses where we can! We drove a short distance to view the waterfalls shown in the original Fantasy Island TV show, Wailua Falls.Read more
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Princeville, Kauapea Beach
April 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
We took it easy today. We drove to Princeville, a town on the North end of the island, and bought a couple of things for the house at a Craft Fair. We checked out Kauapea Beach on the way back. There was a short, steep, muddy trail to get down to the beach, but it was worth it, since it was a lot less crowded than any of the beaches we’ve been on in Kauai.Read more
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Hanging Around at the Resort
April 9, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
Today, we learned that our resort sits on the site of a pineapple cannery that once employed over 2000 people. The cannery operated from 1913 to 1962. We walked along the beach & back on the main road. We came upon a yard with some very cute pet pigs in a pen. We saw some Easter eggs “hidden” on a church lawn & on our resort lawn, this Easter Sunday.Read more
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Spouting Horn, Gaylord’s Plantation
April 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
This morning, we drove to Poipu to view Spouting Horn which is directly across from the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. The Horn is a blow hole, which regularly spouts sea water into the air. The surf wasn’t strong today, so the stream of water wasn’t as high as it could be. Unfortunately, the gardens were closed today. We did visit the Kiahuna Plantation Orchid Garden. We also drove through the Koloa Tunnel of Trees, (Eucalyptus trees forming a canopy over the road) before stopping for an Acai bowl, consisting of almond butter, coconut milk, chia seeds, local honey and fruits. We then visited Gaylord’s Plantation where we rode the train around the grounds, learning the local history of the former Sugar Cane Plantation. We made one stop to feed the pigs, horse, & donkey. We enjoyed a couple of tropical drinks with appetizers after our tour.Read more
Traveler How beautiful !
4/11/23Reply
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Flight to Maui
April 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
We fly to Maui at noon today. Update… we arrived safely in Maui. As we flew in, we noticed that this island is quite different than Kauai & Oahu. It appears that it’s much drier because much of the grasses are brownish, rather than the lush green of Kauai. We noticed we can see farther into the distance here. There are no tall shrubs, bushes & trees blocking our vision. We bought lunch at a Shrimp food truck next to Costco, where we bought some groceries for the week. We plan to eat out more here, as we are in Lahaina, where lots of restaurants are close by.Read more
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Driving Around - Maui
April 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Today, we drove South to swim at Big Beach. It’s near the town of Wailea. We spent the morning on the beach, swimming for the first time in Hawaii. We found the beaches too crowded, the sky too overcast & the surf too high in Kauai. We drove into Wailea and had lunch at Monkey Pod Restaurant. Then, we drove North to the town of Kaanapali to check out the beach & do some browsing in some high end stores. All in all, a relaxing day. We have a big day ahead tomorrow, so it’s early to bed tonight,Read more
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Road to Hana & Beyond
April 13, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 19 °C
We were picked up this morning in a 12 passenger van at 6:45am to join the Road to Hana & Beyond tour. We travelled in a loop around Haleakala Volcano with stops in the rainforest along the way. We stopped to look at some rainbow bark eucalyptus trees, panoramic views of Keanae Peninsula, and a number of waterfalls. We had the chance to swim at a couple of waterfalls & at a black sand beach in the ocean, but because it was rainy & cool, we didn’t. Our driver pointed out several properties owned by celebrities, including Weird Al Yankovic, Willie Nelson, & Oprah Winfrey. We had planned to drive this route ourselves in April of 2020, but decided against it this time, when we discovered there are over 600 hairpin turns & 40 one lane bridges, along the narrow, rough, mostly paved route. Overall, it was a good experience, but a long, 10 hour day.Read more
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Shopping in Lahaina, Feast at Lele
April 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
This morning, we walked on the beach in front of our resort. It’s a protected beach as there is a reef around 75 metres off shore. There were some beginning surfers riding the small waves further out. The beach has lots of small rocks on it, making it a bit hard on our feet. We then walked along Front Street (the street our resort is on) which is where the shops & restaurants are. Along the way, there is a huge Banyon tree, which is the largest one in all of Hawaii. Kim bought a new dress, & I bought an Aloha shirt for tonight’s Feast at Lele, which is also on our street. We ate lunch at Kimo’s which has been in business for 46 years. It is famous for it’s Original Hula Pie. We shared a huge burger & a Hula Pie, which is macadamia ice cream, toasted mac nuts, hot fudge, whipped cream, on a chocolate cookie crust. It was delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed the Feast of Lele tonight. The meal was spread over 2.5 hours & it included traditional dishes from Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti & Samoa. The dancers performed traditional dances of each nation as we enjoyed that nation’s food. It was a memorable evening.Read more
TravelerI hope that you are bringing me back a whole Hula Pie . LOL !
4/17/23Reply
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Swap Meet, Sea Turtles
April 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
This morning, we drove to the University of Hawaii, Maui Campus located in Kahului to attend the Maui Swap Meet, which happens every Saturday morning. We were both expecting a little more in terms of local arts & crafts. Most of the tents contained the same “touristy trinkets” that we’ve seen in stores. There were a few unique items that were interesting to look at. We each had a Maui Smoothie & then headed to Paia Bay Beach, where we got to watch two green sea turtles come ashore & many others swim close to the beach. We had planned to have a Maine Lobster dinner tonight, but the restaurant ran out of them before we arrived.Read more
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Makawao, Mama’s Fish House
April 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
This morning, we drove to Makawao in the “up country”. This place is just beyond Paia. The village is unique with some very old store fronts. We then checked out Baldwin Beach near Paia. We can see why it’s rated as one of Maui’s best. We had lunch at the World Famous Mama’s Fish House. Kim made lunch reservations here 9 months ago. It’s a very popular, fine dining, restaurant with Valet Parking. Many celebrities & famous athletes have dined here. Our lunches were excellent.Read more
Traveler Beautiful photo. XOXO
4/17/23Reply
Traveler Finally, a photo of the two of you.
4/17/23Reply
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Last Day in Maui, Magic Show
April 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
Today, we drove back to Big Beach & swam for the last time on our trip. The beach wasn’t crowded, so we enjoyed our time there. Back in Lahaina, we walked to a store which enlarges photos & prints them on various media. We picked out 3 photos & tried to get the process started to print them on metal, but their system was down. We then walked to Warren & Annabelle’s Comedy & Magic Show. A husband & wife bought the old 78 seat theatre & lounge in 1999, & have been operating it since. In the busy season, the two nightly shows sell out. The package that we bought included appetizers & two drinks each, prior to the 6:30 show. We were entertained by two very good comedians/magicians, who specialize in slight of hand magic & card tricks. It was a nice way to end our 9 week trip. Tomorrow, we start our long journey home.Read more
TravelerSafe travels. ♥️♥️
4/18/23Reply
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Around The World Part 2 Traveler
Flights Home
April 18, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Today, we begin the long journey home. We’re leaving Maui airport just before 1pm (Hawaii time) & if all goes well, after 3 flights, we’ll land in Ottawa at 9:15am tomorrow morning (Eastern time). Update …. We’re on Canadian soil (Pearson Airport in Toronto) after two full flights. One last short flight will get us to Ottawa. We arrived safely home after 64 days.Read more
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Trip end
April 19, 2023