rnlMusings: guide

Showing posts with label guide. Show all posts

11/18/2011

Big Island, HI Recap

Big Island Recap:
The Big Island was the first stop on our Hawaii vacation. We stayed at the Fairmont Orchid, and I can not say enough good things about this place and their staff!! They even have this perfect (man made) lagoon where we laid out every morning and where I learned how to paddle board! Our second day on Big Island we drove to Volcano National Park, this was about a 3.5 hour drive. Volcano National Park was beautiful, we hiked over old lava flows, checked out pit craters, went through a lava tube, and saw steam coming off the active volcano. The only downside was that there was no flowing lava that you could hike to or see via a boat. We also stopped at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach which was beautiful and we saw a beached turtle! In retrospect our return trip should have been through Hilo and thus seeing both Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls in the same day.

Our favorite eats would include Sansei, where we had sushi and Upcountry Veggie Pasta- delicious! Our other sushi recommendation would be Norio's at the Fairmont Orchid, with their fabulous array of yummy sushi. On our way to Volcano National Park we ate at Kaiwe Kitchen, where we had delicious wood fired pizza. This is right next to a general store, which is perfect, if you need to stalk up on goodies for your drive.

on the drive to Volcano National Park

Volcano National Park- steam from the crater

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Thurston Lava Tube

lava rock

Our first sunset in Hawaii!

the Mister chillin in the lagoon

Akaka Falls

road to Hilo, no editing, it just really is that beautiful

Rainbow Falls

Hapuna Beach State Park

11/15/2011

Maui, HI Recap

Maui Recap:
Maui was our second stop on our Hawaii vacation. We spent 4 fabulous days at the Hyatt Regency on Kaanapali Beach. (There was some construction going on but we were in the Napili Tower and thus heard none of it.) If you're in Maui and you have the time, you should definitely do the road to Hana. We started with breakfast and a picnic lunch at Anthony's in Paia, Charley's is also another great spot. The road to Hana is only 30 miles but it will take you an hour and a half to drive through it, that's without stops. And you'll want to make stops at the many waterfalls, scenic points, and beaches along the way.

If you make it to Hana, take Highway 31 for another 30 minutes to the Haleakala National Park to see the O'heo Gulch also known as the 7 sacred pools. These 7 pools flow directly into the ocean.

Our favorite Eats:

Cane & Taro in Whaler's Village. The calamari salad is delicious as was the mahi mahi of the day. You can do some shopping at Whaler's Village, and there's also a free shuttle that goes to all the hotels and resorts in the area.

Front Street: There are plenty of little shops and restaurants on this strip. We frequented Uhu Lalni's, during our trip, it's the best shaved ice! My personal favorite is the Haleakala (coconut & lychee - party in my mouth). We also had lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate - it's a great spot for trying traditional Hawaiian food. We had the chow fun and ribs.

We tried to go snorkeling, but the weather was not cooperating (too windy). But of all the snorkel trips I've ever been on, this was the best. The Pacific Whale Foundation has the best staff - super friendly and knowledgeable (they're all marine biologists).

We also ate at Star Noodle. I loved this Asian place so much we ate there twice. Things to try: The Ahi Avo (if you like Ahi poke, you'll love, love, love this), their malasadas (aka Portuguese donuts- pictured above) are delicious. Noodles: I loved their Lahaina Fried Soup and Fried Saimin noodles. And their Soho Berry Sparkler is amazing. We also had the pork buns and Vietnamese crepes.

My other must have for Maui is Mama's Fish House. It's such a Hawaiian experience, and the food is phenomenal and a bit pricey. We had the Ahi Poke and the Upcountry Fish (the best fish I've had in a long time). If you do go here, you should hit up Ho'okipa Beach it's a mile up the road and you can see some of the best wind surfers there, it's breath taking (pictured above).
A couple of really good places that were recommended to us by our friends that we didn't get a chance to eat at are: Pacific O's and Merriman's. Other than that we relaxed, soaked up the sun, and I learned how to surf! We can't wait to go back.

8/31/2011

Door County Recap, Pt 2

What we did:
~ Fruit Picking: If you're in Door County from June to early August, it's cherry season. And no trip would be complete without a trip to the cherry orchard. If it's late September you can visit the apple orchards.

~ Wineries: We went to Door County Peninsula Winery, where they specialize in fruit based wines. They have a huge selection and you can have tastings of anything you like. They also have a distillery where they produce their own vodka. Their sister winery Simon Creek Vineyard is located down the street and specializes in grape based wines.

~Peninsula State Park: We biked the sunset trail for a couple hours, you can rent bicycles, boats and mopeds in the park. And lounged by the beach.

~ Sailing: We chose a charter by Sail Door County. Which was both relaxing and reasonably priced.

~ Skyway Drive-In: For $7 you get to enjoy 2 movies and an abundance of snacks.

~Golfing: At any of the numerous golf courses, driving range, or mini golf locations.

Where we stayed:
~Door County Lighthouse Inn. For our first B&B experience, this was fabulous. The owners, Claire and Frank, were the sweetest people. They were so helpful and Claire's breakfasts are delicious!

Where we ate: Places we would recommend-