Not Deep Thoughts
Monday, June 7, 2010 at 1:33AM - I'm obsessed with Glee. Sad it's over. Only I haven't seen the finale yet so really it's not over.
- Everyone should travel to Australia. Specifically, Sydney. I freaking love that city and it's now in my top 3 favorite places in the world. LOVED IT.
- How come when I get more sleep than I have in 3 years, 14 days in a row, I suddenly come down with a horrific sinus infection? I mean, ? Where is justice?
- What are your summer plans?
-If you've been to Kauai, Maui, or Oahu, what should we do during the 2 weeks we'll be there?
-New plans have been set in motion: Family photo sessions in planning stages for JAPAN in November. Sign up, ok?
-I told you these thoughts weren't deep.
Do you covet this family photo? I do. These are our NYC friends the Kerwins, in case you don't recognize them in disguise.
Reader Comments (17)
Hike the Kalalau trail along the Na Pali coast. You can do the first 2 miles to Hanakapi-ai Beach, then take a side trip up to Hanakapi'ai Falls. Wear sturdy shoes. Get a kayak at Chris the Fun Lady (http://www.christhefunlady.com/, you can rent snorkel equipment here too) and stick it on the top of your convertible and drive down the road to Wailua. You can kayak to a trail that leads to a great waterfall swimming hole (they'll give you a map). Take a boat trip along the Na Pali coast. You'll never see anything like this in your life. If you do one thing, it has to be to see the Na Pali coast. Best guide book: The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook by Andrew Doughty. If I go back again, I'd definitely do a helicopter ride. Oh, and you must stop at Banana Joe's. The pineapple is TO DIE FOR (you'll never eat canned again http://www.bananajoekauai.com/)
Maui:
Drive the road to Hana. I suggest the book Maui Revealed by Andrew Doughty because it gives you, by mile post, a good description of everything you need to stop and see. Watch the sunrise over the Haleakala volcano and then do the downhill ride. Any skill level can do this. I know one company is Mountain Riders, but there's others. Take a sunset cruise out of Lahaina. Go to the Old Lahaina Luau.
Good date night - Mama's Fish House (make reservations, prepare to pay the big bucks), walk around Paia beforehand. Take your camera, they have one of the cutest little beaches and this awesome tree that grows over the sidewalk of little Escher geckos.
If you do the volcano, there's a fun zip line thing towards the bottom. Also, I wish we'd taken the time to hike the little trail down into the crater from the 2nd visitor's center (the one that's second from the top - at something like 9700 feet), but we didn't give ourselves enough time. Definitely walk up to the viewing area at this stop though. It's less than a quarter of a mile. I can't remember if you're taking the kids or not, but this drive, and Hana will make you carsick if you're in the backseat.
If you dive, the back wall of Molokini and the lava tubes off Lanai are fun. I love Lahina Divers - get in the group with the brother with the camera. Dan, I think. Dave? Something like that. If you don't dive, but want to snorkel, we always go with Trilogy, however this year I noticed the Kai Kanani boat is much nicer. We'll probably try them next year. Molokini is fun, but I personally prefer swimming with the turtles. Regardless, take a catamaran over a big boat. And snag the spot on the front for the ride out.
Other stuff: The Ruth's Chris has a fixed price dinner that's relatively affordable. There's also a decent sushi place north of Lahina by the Ritz. Hilo Hatties is the best place to buy the cheap kitchy stuff. Walmart is a close second, although the selection is more limited. Costco has this awesome crusty bread. We made 3 trips just for that, which seems really pathetic now that I think about it. Costco has cheap boogie boards (Walmart too). I think they're less than $30, which beats renting them for $20 a day.
If you bought your tickets from a place like Expedia, you'll find you can't check in online when it's time to leave because they've given you less than an hour to make your plane change in Honolulu. Don't freak out. You'll have plenty of time. Also, there's no place decent to eat over by the airport.
And if you get stuck in a tsunami, the warning system is great. Park the car somewhere high (or buy the insurance), and evacuate up. If your room is above the 3rd floor, you'll be fine. If you decide to go sit up on the hillside, take a roll of toilet paper, some snacks, plenty to drink and a deck of cards. I recommend Phase 10. You can make friends with the locals if you need extra players.
You must photograph some harajuku girls whilst in Japan.
And seriously... matsumoto's on the north shore of Oahu. Best shave ice ever... Get it with ice-cream in the bottom, you will die. And go to heaven. True story.
XOXO
-Spend a few days at "Big Beach". Secluded, perfect white sand and a great spot for kids or those without kids. Bring lots of water though cause it's kinda remote
-Go take some shots at the church in Mackenna. Seriously beautiful
-North shore. The drive can make you car-sick but whatever. It's worth it!
-snorkel tours with "Pacific Whale Foundation". They are so awesome.
See you in Calgary on August 9th! We're looking forward to it!
Can't wait to see you Aussie pics!
I ate the best hamburger I've ever had at The Sheraton, and The Beach House restaurant is a great place for a romantic dinner - very picturesque! And then there's WalMart, though come to think of it, they may have those here.... :)
And for sure -THE BiG Island and volcano. How cool would Isaac think a real volcano is?
If it's flowing and often is....lava streams into the ocean - BOILING the ocean...
and the colors. WAY Cool - for sure.
Oh forgot..BiG Island not on list. Also there's Captains Cooks bay... Swim with small spinner dolphins.
One of my top 10 magic days - swimming w/ dolphins no one but my sister-in-law and I, the water,
the dolphins...Fantabulous
HOORAY FOR ME!!!!!!!!!
going ziplining; it was one of the coolest things i've ever done! i went thru "outfitters kauai" with mitch and kevin as my guides and they were awesomely cool. i did their 6 hr tour which included lunch and it was about $150 per person.
if you're looking for great sushi, go to kintaro (4-370 kuhio hwy). it's a little pricey, but totally worth it!
the best poke i ate was from pono market (4-1300 kuhio hwy) and it was only about $9/lb
the best (and hugest...yes, hugest) sandwich i got was from a cute little stand called coconut cup (4-1586 kuhio hwy). they had avocados there that were the biggest things i've ever seen in my entire life (and they were super yummy on my turkey sandwich).
there was fabulous karaoke at the nawiliwili bar (we met some of the crew from the pirates of the caribbean 4 there)
waimea canyon was great for hiking and sightseeing
I have also been to sydney and to another little city Katoomba (where the three sisters are) it was years ago to run the City to Surf race. I am excited to see all those pictures.
Well, I hope to meet you in the future,
Dawn Hudson