Two Down unders - Two Weeks in Hawaii
May 17th, 2012, 05:03 PM
#22
I found a Mill Room at the Wailuku Guesthouse, not to be confused with the The Old Wailuku Inn ....and some not-so-good reviews. Is this where you stayed?
http://www.wailukuhouse.com/
http://www.wailukuhouse.com/
May 18th, 2012, 04:19 AM
#23
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Sorry Tomsd - not beer drinkers - just good, heavy bodied, Cab Savs.
Too late to have cancelled Wailuku Guest House 210 South Market Street - we had paid for the entire stay in advance - the only way she would take a booking. Our arrival around 9.00pm in the rain certainly put paid to us going anywhere looking for other accommodation and ofcourse we would have lost the entire amount paid.
sylvia3 - I think the payment at the Akaka Falls has been going on since early this year. There has been a lot of messaging about it. One person who lived locally said that she had come here regularly but that this was the first time she had to pay - she was not a happy bunny.
Day 6 Maui - Road to Hana
Decided not to let the Mill Room get us down so we shot off to Paia with a stop at Anthony's Coffee for coffee and breakfast. Very busy. Great food. Paia definately lives off the "Road to Hana" traffic through it.
Somehow we missed the Nakalehe Blowhole. Some call the road to Hanna "the highway to heaven" but we did not really enjoy driving the 55 mile long, winding road with 600 curves and about 50 one lane bridges . I know there will be posters who will be outraged at my comment. We have the Great Ocean Road here in Victoria - it is also windy and one lane but the scenery is beautiful, the towns are lovely and the food is great.
The road to Hana was just dangerous. As for walking the bamboo forest, we have walked through these in Malaysia and Thailand, so it was nothing new for us.
We did like stopping at Nahiku Road. The shops and open air restaurants were a good break. Very good Thai food and Costco sorbets. We drove on to Hana, turned around and came back for a second sorbet and some Thai food to take away.
A bit of supermarket shopping on the way back and we ended the day with catching up on calls to Australia.
Too late to have cancelled Wailuku Guest House 210 South Market Street - we had paid for the entire stay in advance - the only way she would take a booking. Our arrival around 9.00pm in the rain certainly put paid to us going anywhere looking for other accommodation and ofcourse we would have lost the entire amount paid.
sylvia3 - I think the payment at the Akaka Falls has been going on since early this year. There has been a lot of messaging about it. One person who lived locally said that she had come here regularly but that this was the first time she had to pay - she was not a happy bunny.
Day 6 Maui - Road to Hana
Decided not to let the Mill Room get us down so we shot off to Paia with a stop at Anthony's Coffee for coffee and breakfast. Very busy. Great food. Paia definately lives off the "Road to Hana" traffic through it.
Somehow we missed the Nakalehe Blowhole. Some call the road to Hanna "the highway to heaven" but we did not really enjoy driving the 55 mile long, winding road with 600 curves and about 50 one lane bridges . I know there will be posters who will be outraged at my comment. We have the Great Ocean Road here in Victoria - it is also windy and one lane but the scenery is beautiful, the towns are lovely and the food is great.
The road to Hana was just dangerous. As for walking the bamboo forest, we have walked through these in Malaysia and Thailand, so it was nothing new for us.
We did like stopping at Nahiku Road. The shops and open air restaurants were a good break. Very good Thai food and Costco sorbets. We drove on to Hana, turned around and came back for a second sorbet and some Thai food to take away.
A bit of supermarket shopping on the way back and we ended the day with catching up on calls to Australia.
May 18th, 2012, 04:36 AM
#24
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Forgot to mention that on the way back we stopped in Paia again. This time at the Aloha Bead Shop. It has a great cafe at the back - DH said it actually made good drinkable coffee. Aloha beads is a shop to visit if you are at all interested in jewellery. I have a jewellery business myself and was interested in what was available. Some of the items were more expensive than I could source else where but the variety was excellent and the lady who owned it was a delight to speak to. She even got a chair for DH to sit in and read some Nat Geographic magazines she found for him while I filled trays with goodies.
May 18th, 2012, 05:02 AM
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Day 7 - Maui - Haleakala
The next day we decided to drive up to the Haleakala (pr Halay akaala). Decided against doing the early morning sunrise thing as we had done something similar when we were a lot younger on Mt Bromo in Java - that was bitterly cold and we decided not to repeat that experience.
Stopped at the first visitor's centre and found that there was a ranger guided walk at 10am. Off we scurried stopping only at the Leleiwi lookout. This lookout is easy to miss as the trail from the road to it is not well marked and you have to scramble over rocks to get to it. Once there, there is a beautiful panorama of part of the crater. The changing cloud patterns change the atmosphere from minute to minute. It is very cold and windy and one is thankful for the small glass shelter there. We got to the main Visitor Centre just before the walk started. It was not a long walk but a very interesting one. Emma provided a lot of information about the volcano and the wildlife that live there. We finally reached the end point for another spectacular view. This view was different to the one at Leleiwi lookout but gave a complete picture when you put the two views together. We could see a group of horseriders decending into the crater. Think we should have done that. Decided that we would like to walk part of the Sliding Sands walk - but in the end it was so cold and windy that we passed on that idea. We did see the beautiful Silver Sword plants both growing naturally along the road and also a close up at the visitor Centre. What a stunning plant. Unfortunately a lot of people do not obey the rules and step off the trail or path to get a better view. Little do they know that they are killing the plant. The Silver Sword plant has a tap root that grows side ways not downwards. Any pressure on its delicate roots will kill the plant. Large signs should be put up on Japanese and Chinese and all tour groups should be made to give an undertaking to educate their passengers before letting them out of the bus or they are required to pay for a ranger to take them around in small groups.
The drive up to the summit gives another perspective. Everyone crowds into the small viewing room to avoid the wind and cold. It is a good spot to have your lunch if you brought it with you and gaze out at the vastness and feel thoroughly insignificant.
Glad we did not take a helicopter ride. The cloud was so changeable and low that we would have seen little of the crater area.
Stopped at the Kalahaku Overlook which you can only do on the way down from the Summit. Another interesting lookout.
Stopped at the Skyline Eco-Adventure Zipline but the day had been a slow one and they were closing up for the day. Booked for the next day.
Drove down to Lahaina but only spent a short time there visiting the immense Banyan Tree. I have grown up with banyan trees but this one really took my breath away. I was so glad to see that it had been preserved and could be enjoyed by everyone. We also went into the Courthouse behind it. This was interesting as it contained photographs of the Banyan Tree from 1900s, History of the town and the last Hawaiian flag that was taken down when Hawaii became an American State. It was preserved by the man who took it down and his grandson returned it 100 years later. There was a beautiful flourescent feather necklace that had also been dedicated to the return of the flag. The colour is superb and one hopes that the little birds that gave up their feathers are not extinct.
We stopped into the Art Gallery on the ground floor looking for watercolours by Tim Terry - but was told that he was not exhibiting there until a few more weeks. It is a great opportunity for local artists to showcase their work.
We regret not staying in Keihi or Lahinia but had decided on Wailuku because of our late arrival. We did not want to be driving far on unfamiliar and dark roads. The road to Lahinia is also one way and has great views of the ocean.
We were tiring by this stage and DH had read about a bookshop - Barnes and Noble and he wanted to visit it. He went into a "Tourist Information" shop only to find that it was in fact a front for Timeshare. He did however get directions to Barnes and Noble and off we went. So in fact we saw very little of Lahinia.
Barnes and Noble is a great bookshop and DH could quite happily have spent several hours there. The coffee shop however does not make good coffee. Purchased some books there and then decided to go on line and purchase some more and have them delivered to us in Oahu (so much cheaper than in Australia).
The return road was a different route through the residential area and it was interesting to see the houses, schools, playing fields etc.
Ordinary dinner with a Silly Duck Chilean wine bought by mistake. Made sure not to drop red wine on the bedspread (it is a nice Hawaiian one) or else there would have been *** to pay as the reminder notes around the room pointed out.
The next day we decided to drive up to the Haleakala (pr Halay akaala). Decided against doing the early morning sunrise thing as we had done something similar when we were a lot younger on Mt Bromo in Java - that was bitterly cold and we decided not to repeat that experience.
Stopped at the first visitor's centre and found that there was a ranger guided walk at 10am. Off we scurried stopping only at the Leleiwi lookout. This lookout is easy to miss as the trail from the road to it is not well marked and you have to scramble over rocks to get to it. Once there, there is a beautiful panorama of part of the crater. The changing cloud patterns change the atmosphere from minute to minute. It is very cold and windy and one is thankful for the small glass shelter there. We got to the main Visitor Centre just before the walk started. It was not a long walk but a very interesting one. Emma provided a lot of information about the volcano and the wildlife that live there. We finally reached the end point for another spectacular view. This view was different to the one at Leleiwi lookout but gave a complete picture when you put the two views together. We could see a group of horseriders decending into the crater. Think we should have done that. Decided that we would like to walk part of the Sliding Sands walk - but in the end it was so cold and windy that we passed on that idea. We did see the beautiful Silver Sword plants both growing naturally along the road and also a close up at the visitor Centre. What a stunning plant. Unfortunately a lot of people do not obey the rules and step off the trail or path to get a better view. Little do they know that they are killing the plant. The Silver Sword plant has a tap root that grows side ways not downwards. Any pressure on its delicate roots will kill the plant. Large signs should be put up on Japanese and Chinese and all tour groups should be made to give an undertaking to educate their passengers before letting them out of the bus or they are required to pay for a ranger to take them around in small groups.
The drive up to the summit gives another perspective. Everyone crowds into the small viewing room to avoid the wind and cold. It is a good spot to have your lunch if you brought it with you and gaze out at the vastness and feel thoroughly insignificant.
Glad we did not take a helicopter ride. The cloud was so changeable and low that we would have seen little of the crater area.
Stopped at the Kalahaku Overlook which you can only do on the way down from the Summit. Another interesting lookout.
Stopped at the Skyline Eco-Adventure Zipline but the day had been a slow one and they were closing up for the day. Booked for the next day.
Drove down to Lahaina but only spent a short time there visiting the immense Banyan Tree. I have grown up with banyan trees but this one really took my breath away. I was so glad to see that it had been preserved and could be enjoyed by everyone. We also went into the Courthouse behind it. This was interesting as it contained photographs of the Banyan Tree from 1900s, History of the town and the last Hawaiian flag that was taken down when Hawaii became an American State. It was preserved by the man who took it down and his grandson returned it 100 years later. There was a beautiful flourescent feather necklace that had also been dedicated to the return of the flag. The colour is superb and one hopes that the little birds that gave up their feathers are not extinct.
We stopped into the Art Gallery on the ground floor looking for watercolours by Tim Terry - but was told that he was not exhibiting there until a few more weeks. It is a great opportunity for local artists to showcase their work.
We regret not staying in Keihi or Lahinia but had decided on Wailuku because of our late arrival. We did not want to be driving far on unfamiliar and dark roads. The road to Lahinia is also one way and has great views of the ocean.
We were tiring by this stage and DH had read about a bookshop - Barnes and Noble and he wanted to visit it. He went into a "Tourist Information" shop only to find that it was in fact a front for Timeshare. He did however get directions to Barnes and Noble and off we went. So in fact we saw very little of Lahinia.
Barnes and Noble is a great bookshop and DH could quite happily have spent several hours there. The coffee shop however does not make good coffee. Purchased some books there and then decided to go on line and purchase some more and have them delivered to us in Oahu (so much cheaper than in Australia).
The return road was a different route through the residential area and it was interesting to see the houses, schools, playing fields etc.
Ordinary dinner with a Silly Duck Chilean wine bought by mistake. Made sure not to drop red wine on the bedspread (it is a nice Hawaiian one) or else there would have been *** to pay as the reminder notes around the room pointed out.
May 18th, 2012, 06:43 PM
#27
I'm certainly not outraged. I was underwhelmed with the drive to Hana too. I've also driven the GOR.
If you ever find yourself in Western Australia, be sure to check out Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive, which rivals the GOR IMO - no dramatic cliffs, but those views!
May 19th, 2012, 01:59 AM
#28
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Day 8 Maui - Kauai
This is our last day in Maui and we are happy to be leaving Wailuku Guest House - banana bread or not (placed in our room while we were not there - I suppose to check up on how we were maintaining the room).
We went to the local supermarket to get something for breakfast and then off back to Haleakala to do a zip line.
If you have not done a zip line then this is the place to do it. I would have preferred to have done the 9 line one in the Big Island that when over waterfalls, but I guess as a start this was a good one to do. There were about 10 of us and none of us had zip lined before. DH decided that he would instead go looking for petrol as the car was low and he did not think that we would make it back into town.
Despite directions and asking other locals, he did not find a gas station.
A walk through eucalyptus forest make it feel like home. The company was great and the two guides were characters. One a large Hawaiian with long dreadlocks - we needed his strength to stop us on the last line!
Along the way they explain about the flora and fauna. it is quite a leap of faith to step off the first platform even though you know that you are all strapped in. After that each line becomes a little more difficult until the last which takes you over a valley at speeds of 40 miles per hour. You zip back and forth each time decreasing in speed. If you are able to make sure that you do not swing around, you will travel higher and faster up the line on the first run. Then the Hawaiian guide catches your feet and hauls you down. If your partner does not want to do the zipline, just ask the guide to bring him/her back with him at the last line and they will be able to photograph you. Only on one line is there a photographer. The photographs cost $25.
I am now a zipline junkie. Where is the next one!
Back down the mountain coasting most of the time to save petrol. Did not use the GPS and missed the turning but we did get the petrol. Off to the Ioa Needle. I had heard so much about this that I would have been disappointed not to have seen it. DH was not so excited as he was the one driving the dreadful Kia Soul
We passed the local sporting field and there were crowds of people for the weekend bout of sport.
Again the Ioa Needle is not particularly well marked but we finally got there. We just drove as slowly as we could enjoying the tropical foliage along the way. And ofcourse being careful not to hit any roosters, hens or tiny chicks along the way. When we got to the parking lot (fee $5 in the honesty machine) we saw a lovely fat black hen (a good picture for the nursery rhyme) and about eight chickens - all of them different colours. They were just delightful to watch cheeping and running around her and trying to push their way under her. Finally she got a bit frustrated with all the attention she was getting from the tourists and fluffed off in a huff taking her brood with her. The toilets (locked) blocked the view of the needle and we were not sure how much time we would be able to spend here as we had a 12 noon flight to Kauai. The setting even in the car park is lovely - misty and mysterious, heavy torpical vegetation and sharp mountain peaks. Just around the toilets is a slope leading to the iron bridge over a fast flowing rocky stream. A path leads down to a garden that has some lovely ginger plants in flower - like fat white and yellow grubs. At the bridge you get your first view of the Needle. Over the bridge to a resting place with a bench where you can sit and rest and listen to the water splashing on the rocks below. Up another path to a viewing point for the Ioa Needle. You can imagine why the ancient Hawaiians thought this a special place. Difficult to get to and unique. It was very wind, wet and cold dayfor our visit and so we did not stay long at the view point.
Back to the car and drive off to the airport - sufficient time to see the Ioa Needle. On returning the car we advised Dollar that we were not happy with the Kia and that we wanted to make sure that we did not get it again in Lihue. They said that they could not guarantee that and that the manager loved the Kia and drove it all the time. However they did offer a $25 refund.
Maui airport does not seem to be as well organised as Hilo and there was no live music or dancing. The garden however was filled with the Hawaiian national flower - the yellow hibiscus. DH was busy photographing every one of them I think - he loves them and is disappointed that they won't grow in Melbourne - we have tried and the frost kills them off every time.
The Dollar check in person was Ruth and she delightfully tried to sell us everything under the sun. We were so taken with her we bought the upgrade to a Chevy Charger (Hey Charger! - always wanted to say that) a red one and gave her a packet of Tim Tams. Tim Tams, Violet Crumbles and Cherry Ripes became our presents to everyone who was nice and helpful and they were always well received particularly if they happpened to know of them before hand.
Get into the Charger and where is the key? Where is the handbrake? How to maneuver the seat? They had to get the mechanic to come out and give us a run down. We remember the last time we were in the States - running out of petrol - drove into a service station and then - Where is the lever to open the petrol tank?
DH decided to do all the driving as he said the Charger was a tank - heavy and difficult to drive. I think he just liked the red car myself. The GPS got us to the Kauai Inn where we were greeted by the delightful Corrine. We originally had room 207 but the Queen Bed was not large enough and we queried it the next morning, they immediately upgraded us to a King Sized bed room (307) at no extra cost. Tim Tams and Cherry Ripes all around to a very appreciative staff. I was even happier as my parcels had arrived - lots of wonderful things from Panda Express and Cool Tools to look through.
GPS to the rescue to get us to Time Supermarket in the dark to get something to eat. Decided on Pizza (Rizzo's Pizza) since that was the only place open late at night. $2.50 per slice.
This is our last day in Maui and we are happy to be leaving Wailuku Guest House - banana bread or not (placed in our room while we were not there - I suppose to check up on how we were maintaining the room).
We went to the local supermarket to get something for breakfast and then off back to Haleakala to do a zip line.
If you have not done a zip line then this is the place to do it. I would have preferred to have done the 9 line one in the Big Island that when over waterfalls, but I guess as a start this was a good one to do. There were about 10 of us and none of us had zip lined before. DH decided that he would instead go looking for petrol as the car was low and he did not think that we would make it back into town.
Despite directions and asking other locals, he did not find a gas station.
A walk through eucalyptus forest make it feel like home. The company was great and the two guides were characters. One a large Hawaiian with long dreadlocks - we needed his strength to stop us on the last line!
Along the way they explain about the flora and fauna. it is quite a leap of faith to step off the first platform even though you know that you are all strapped in. After that each line becomes a little more difficult until the last which takes you over a valley at speeds of 40 miles per hour. You zip back and forth each time decreasing in speed. If you are able to make sure that you do not swing around, you will travel higher and faster up the line on the first run. Then the Hawaiian guide catches your feet and hauls you down. If your partner does not want to do the zipline, just ask the guide to bring him/her back with him at the last line and they will be able to photograph you. Only on one line is there a photographer. The photographs cost $25.
I am now a zipline junkie. Where is the next one!
Back down the mountain coasting most of the time to save petrol. Did not use the GPS and missed the turning but we did get the petrol. Off to the Ioa Needle. I had heard so much about this that I would have been disappointed not to have seen it. DH was not so excited as he was the one driving the dreadful Kia Soul
We passed the local sporting field and there were crowds of people for the weekend bout of sport.
Again the Ioa Needle is not particularly well marked but we finally got there. We just drove as slowly as we could enjoying the tropical foliage along the way. And ofcourse being careful not to hit any roosters, hens or tiny chicks along the way. When we got to the parking lot (fee $5 in the honesty machine) we saw a lovely fat black hen (a good picture for the nursery rhyme) and about eight chickens - all of them different colours. They were just delightful to watch cheeping and running around her and trying to push their way under her. Finally she got a bit frustrated with all the attention she was getting from the tourists and fluffed off in a huff taking her brood with her. The toilets (locked) blocked the view of the needle and we were not sure how much time we would be able to spend here as we had a 12 noon flight to Kauai. The setting even in the car park is lovely - misty and mysterious, heavy torpical vegetation and sharp mountain peaks. Just around the toilets is a slope leading to the iron bridge over a fast flowing rocky stream. A path leads down to a garden that has some lovely ginger plants in flower - like fat white and yellow grubs. At the bridge you get your first view of the Needle. Over the bridge to a resting place with a bench where you can sit and rest and listen to the water splashing on the rocks below. Up another path to a viewing point for the Ioa Needle. You can imagine why the ancient Hawaiians thought this a special place. Difficult to get to and unique. It was very wind, wet and cold dayfor our visit and so we did not stay long at the view point.
Back to the car and drive off to the airport - sufficient time to see the Ioa Needle. On returning the car we advised Dollar that we were not happy with the Kia and that we wanted to make sure that we did not get it again in Lihue. They said that they could not guarantee that and that the manager loved the Kia and drove it all the time. However they did offer a $25 refund.
Maui airport does not seem to be as well organised as Hilo and there was no live music or dancing. The garden however was filled with the Hawaiian national flower - the yellow hibiscus. DH was busy photographing every one of them I think - he loves them and is disappointed that they won't grow in Melbourne - we have tried and the frost kills them off every time.
The Dollar check in person was Ruth and she delightfully tried to sell us everything under the sun. We were so taken with her we bought the upgrade to a Chevy Charger (Hey Charger! - always wanted to say that) a red one and gave her a packet of Tim Tams. Tim Tams, Violet Crumbles and Cherry Ripes became our presents to everyone who was nice and helpful and they were always well received particularly if they happpened to know of them before hand.
Get into the Charger and where is the key? Where is the handbrake? How to maneuver the seat? They had to get the mechanic to come out and give us a run down. We remember the last time we were in the States - running out of petrol - drove into a service station and then - Where is the lever to open the petrol tank?
DH decided to do all the driving as he said the Charger was a tank - heavy and difficult to drive. I think he just liked the red car myself. The GPS got us to the Kauai Inn where we were greeted by the delightful Corrine. We originally had room 207 but the Queen Bed was not large enough and we queried it the next morning, they immediately upgraded us to a King Sized bed room (307) at no extra cost. Tim Tams and Cherry Ripes all around to a very appreciative staff. I was even happier as my parcels had arrived - lots of wonderful things from Panda Express and Cool Tools to look through.
GPS to the rescue to get us to Time Supermarket in the dark to get something to eat. Decided on Pizza (Rizzo's Pizza) since that was the only place open late at night. $2.50 per slice.
May 19th, 2012, 03:42 PM
#32
Tim Tams are the national cookie (or biscuit) of Australia 
. I bring them home by the suitcase load for my family when I visit the US. They're all hopelessly hooked.
They sell them at Target in the US now under the Pepperidge Farm label, but only a few varities and only at certain times of year, last I heard anyway.
http://www.arnotts.com/our-products/...s-tim-tam.aspx
. I bring them home by the suitcase load for my family when I visit the US. They're all hopelessly hooked.They sell them at Target in the US now under the Pepperidge Farm label, but only a few varities and only at certain times of year, last I heard anyway.
http://www.arnotts.com/our-products/...s-tim-tam.aspx
May 19th, 2012, 03:44 PM
#33
May 21st, 2012, 01:59 AM
#34
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Christi Frieson also takes Tim Tams back by the bucket load. What she can't eat is used as bribes!
When Campbells took over Arnotts (a family run company) I said I would never eat Arnotts again - ah well, Tim Tams are hard to avoid. The double dipped dark chocolate are the best followed by the mint and then the chilli (all dark chocolate). The rest, black forest, caramel, white etc etc pale in comparison. At least Campbells had the sense not to change the recipe.
I am sure the Pepperidge Farm label has not quite got the right texture.
When Campbells took over Arnotts (a family run company) I said I would never eat Arnotts again - ah well, Tim Tams are hard to avoid. The double dipped dark chocolate are the best followed by the mint and then the chilli (all dark chocolate). The rest, black forest, caramel, white etc etc pale in comparison. At least Campbells had the sense not to change the recipe.
I am sure the Pepperidge Farm label has not quite got the right texture.
May 21st, 2012, 02:18 AM
#35
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I used to think that Oreo's were great before I tasted Tim Tams. Now I won't touch an Oreo.
Day 9 Lihue Kauai
DH likes bookshops and throught he noticed a "Borders" in the dark last night.
Today is a visit to the Waimea Canyon. As we rounded the corner from our hotel we were confronted by a gigantic cruise ship. I think every available van and taxi on the island was at the dock to take groups of people on tours. The ship was so huge that they were letting people off in groups - guess after they had breakfast. So there was a constant stream of people all day.
We zipped through the towns along the way and avoided being distracted by roads leading off to the coast. The towns along the way seem to be uninteresting. Crossed the Wiamea River and the Menuhune Ditch.
The signs to Waimea Canyon were again not clear and we almost drove to Kekaha. We had in fact driven past the turn off and were headed for the military/naval diving base and the end of the road (you cannot drive all the way around Kauai). Turned around and found the right road. Then the glorious sight of the Gold trees. They are absolutely magnificent and were just as stunning being viewed from the plane the next day. These trees live up to their name. They are just a brilliant head of vibrant yellow. We could not find out too much about them. Some were planted by the High school and some were planted in 1930. The town is somewhat run down and there did not appear to be a lot to see.
The road is a little windy but there are lookouts where you can pull over for views down into the canyon. It is called the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Like its big brother its colours are stunning - the green and red and everything in between. Early morning is the best time to take this drive when you can get out at each and every stop and enjoy the scenery - either the canyon or out to sea on the other side. There are a couple of stops where there are small water falls pouring over red rocks. We took every opportunity to stop even if we did not take photographs at every point. So the journey to the first lookout took us 1.5 hours from our hotel.
On to the next look out for another view and then to the Visitor's Centre - great historical exhibition and displays. Good gifts. There is a shop/restaurant next door. Watch out for the roosters and hens - they own the road and are everywhere and will unnervingly step in front of cars - yet we never saw a single roadkill.
Beyond the visitor's centre - who will provide maps for the main trails there is a further stop with toilets.
Then you drive to the end where you can walk along the top of the Na Pali coast. We watched the helicopters buzz by overhead. The scenery is breathtaking and we wondered about taking a boat trip in addition to the plane trip.
On advice from the visitor's centre we decided to do just one short walk. It was 2.5 miles return journey. However, we were a little disappointed. It was certainly lush tropical vegetation and an easy path - however it was devoid of bird life and the orchids had all finished flowering. When we came out the other end we decided not to retrace our steps but instead walk back along the road to the car. Drivers in both directions must have thought us crazy. However we did see some pheasants and the pink grape tree and other beautiful flowering plants. We also came across a dog - we were not sure whether it was injured or not, as it was in thick scrub and we could not see whether its tail was wagging. We decided to leave it alone - rabies being an issue. It did not look thin or scrawny.
At the car park we saw the delightful Brazilian red crested cardinals. Along with the red cardinals these are endangered birds but they are not indigenous and therefore not on the Hawaiian list of endangered birds. They must eat some plant that gives them boundless energy as they never stop for a second. They are on the go all the time and it is hard to get a photograph - you end up with a lot of blurred shots or shots of car park concrete. We felt tired just watching them!
Back to Times Supermarket for more food and wine. DH found out that Borders just a closed store. This time we decided we would try Thai and went to the Gingbua restaurant in the Harbour Mall. DH refused to go slumming at the Marriot - they must have beautiful gardens. The cruisers were at the Harbour Mall for a hula show.
The large cruise ship left overnight and was replaced the next morning by "the Pride of America". This ship only cruises the islands and is not as large as the other one that was there.
Day 9 Lihue Kauai
DH likes bookshops and throught he noticed a "Borders" in the dark last night.
Today is a visit to the Waimea Canyon. As we rounded the corner from our hotel we were confronted by a gigantic cruise ship. I think every available van and taxi on the island was at the dock to take groups of people on tours. The ship was so huge that they were letting people off in groups - guess after they had breakfast. So there was a constant stream of people all day.
We zipped through the towns along the way and avoided being distracted by roads leading off to the coast. The towns along the way seem to be uninteresting. Crossed the Wiamea River and the Menuhune Ditch.
The signs to Waimea Canyon were again not clear and we almost drove to Kekaha. We had in fact driven past the turn off and were headed for the military/naval diving base and the end of the road (you cannot drive all the way around Kauai). Turned around and found the right road. Then the glorious sight of the Gold trees. They are absolutely magnificent and were just as stunning being viewed from the plane the next day. These trees live up to their name. They are just a brilliant head of vibrant yellow. We could not find out too much about them. Some were planted by the High school and some were planted in 1930. The town is somewhat run down and there did not appear to be a lot to see.
The road is a little windy but there are lookouts where you can pull over for views down into the canyon. It is called the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Like its big brother its colours are stunning - the green and red and everything in between. Early morning is the best time to take this drive when you can get out at each and every stop and enjoy the scenery - either the canyon or out to sea on the other side. There are a couple of stops where there are small water falls pouring over red rocks. We took every opportunity to stop even if we did not take photographs at every point. So the journey to the first lookout took us 1.5 hours from our hotel.
On to the next look out for another view and then to the Visitor's Centre - great historical exhibition and displays. Good gifts. There is a shop/restaurant next door. Watch out for the roosters and hens - they own the road and are everywhere and will unnervingly step in front of cars - yet we never saw a single roadkill.
Beyond the visitor's centre - who will provide maps for the main trails there is a further stop with toilets.
Then you drive to the end where you can walk along the top of the Na Pali coast. We watched the helicopters buzz by overhead. The scenery is breathtaking and we wondered about taking a boat trip in addition to the plane trip.
On advice from the visitor's centre we decided to do just one short walk. It was 2.5 miles return journey. However, we were a little disappointed. It was certainly lush tropical vegetation and an easy path - however it was devoid of bird life and the orchids had all finished flowering. When we came out the other end we decided not to retrace our steps but instead walk back along the road to the car. Drivers in both directions must have thought us crazy. However we did see some pheasants and the pink grape tree and other beautiful flowering plants. We also came across a dog - we were not sure whether it was injured or not, as it was in thick scrub and we could not see whether its tail was wagging. We decided to leave it alone - rabies being an issue. It did not look thin or scrawny.
At the car park we saw the delightful Brazilian red crested cardinals. Along with the red cardinals these are endangered birds but they are not indigenous and therefore not on the Hawaiian list of endangered birds. They must eat some plant that gives them boundless energy as they never stop for a second. They are on the go all the time and it is hard to get a photograph - you end up with a lot of blurred shots or shots of car park concrete. We felt tired just watching them!
Back to Times Supermarket for more food and wine. DH found out that Borders just a closed store. This time we decided we would try Thai and went to the Gingbua restaurant in the Harbour Mall. DH refused to go slumming at the Marriot - they must have beautiful gardens. The cruisers were at the Harbour Mall for a hula show.
The large cruise ship left overnight and was replaced the next morning by "the Pride of America". This ship only cruises the islands and is not as large as the other one that was there.
May 21st, 2012, 02:21 AM
#36
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Day 10 Kauai
It's our day for our flight with Wings over Kuaui. Drove to the airport and checked in with Bruce and Ellen. Although we had booked early and asked for front seats, Bruce has to consider the weight of the passengers, so we got the last two seats - not too bad.
What a great experience. Bruce has a lot of knowledge and points out all the interesting sights and provides background on his own life and how he is able to provide so much information. The coast was so interesting that by the time we got to the Na Pali coast (the reason for coming to Kauai and Hawaii) I had run out of video and had to switch to the still camera. I won't spoil the trip for anyone by describing the wonderful scenery - just know that the Waimea canyon, abiza trees, the waterfalls and the wonderful Na Pali coast are just gorgeous. For the golfers you will fly over some very interesting golf courses.
Get your cameras ready when you are flying in to land and you will have just one shot at the waterfall from Fantasy Island.
Bruce presents you with a commemorative CD put together by his son who is in the film industry, of the places you have flown over. The photography and music are a beautiful souvenir.
Having had a taste of the Na Pali coast from the air we thought we would like to see it from the water. We tried to get on to a company that worked out of Hanalei (it is closer to the Na Pali Coast) but could not raise an answer on their phone number. The Port Allen companies spend too much time out of the Na Pali Coast for our liking.
Also interested in doing an ATV course but that too had to be booked in advance and we could not get on on the last day. No ziplines either - could not spend the time (unfair to DH).
Spent the rest of the day at Walmart and driving up to the Coconut Plantation shopping centre. Lovely views of the mountains as well as sea views.
Coconut plantation however was very much a let down. We had read so many posts about it and the wonderful restaurants there. There were no restaurants open and most of the shops were empty. It had a very despondent air about it. I did however manage to do a little bit of shopping. If you are interested in American number plates, dont get them here but at the International Market in Oahu.
It's our day for our flight with Wings over Kuaui. Drove to the airport and checked in with Bruce and Ellen. Although we had booked early and asked for front seats, Bruce has to consider the weight of the passengers, so we got the last two seats - not too bad.
What a great experience. Bruce has a lot of knowledge and points out all the interesting sights and provides background on his own life and how he is able to provide so much information. The coast was so interesting that by the time we got to the Na Pali coast (the reason for coming to Kauai and Hawaii) I had run out of video and had to switch to the still camera. I won't spoil the trip for anyone by describing the wonderful scenery - just know that the Waimea canyon, abiza trees, the waterfalls and the wonderful Na Pali coast are just gorgeous. For the golfers you will fly over some very interesting golf courses.
Get your cameras ready when you are flying in to land and you will have just one shot at the waterfall from Fantasy Island.
Bruce presents you with a commemorative CD put together by his son who is in the film industry, of the places you have flown over. The photography and music are a beautiful souvenir.
Having had a taste of the Na Pali coast from the air we thought we would like to see it from the water. We tried to get on to a company that worked out of Hanalei (it is closer to the Na Pali Coast) but could not raise an answer on their phone number. The Port Allen companies spend too much time out of the Na Pali Coast for our liking.
Also interested in doing an ATV course but that too had to be booked in advance and we could not get on on the last day. No ziplines either - could not spend the time (unfair to DH).
Spent the rest of the day at Walmart and driving up to the Coconut Plantation shopping centre. Lovely views of the mountains as well as sea views.
Coconut plantation however was very much a let down. We had read so many posts about it and the wonderful restaurants there. There were no restaurants open and most of the shops were empty. It had a very despondent air about it. I did however manage to do a little bit of shopping. If you are interested in American number plates, dont get them here but at the International Market in Oahu.
May 21st, 2012, 02:26 AM
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Day 10 Kauai - Oahu
Holiday end drawing near.
Spent most of the morning trying to get on to Skype without any luck.
Wandered down to the shopping centre and found Sears - made a few purchases. This was my first Sears shop. As a child I had always pored over the Sears and Roebuck catalogues from which we chose our dresses and had the tailor make up copies for us. However, this Sears appeared to be more geared towards hardware, motor mowers and electronics.
Checked out and returned the car at the airport. Got on our last inter-island flight to Oahu.
Took the Speedishuttle to Waikiki. Dropped us right at the Condo. Managed to work all the codes for the doors. The Waikiki Marina is an odd shaped building - sort of a triangle with just four apartments on each floor. We are on the 38th floor. The apartment is also sort of triangular in shape with a tiny bathroom and shower. Airconditioner, TV, DVD player and fan. Very clean. Full kitchen - could have done with some more condiments and cooking oil.
King sized bed with a small table and two chairs and another large chair and ottoman. Plenty of drawer space and a small wardrobe with an unusable safe.
And what a view. Can't be built out. Overlooking the marina. Rainbows every morning. Great views of the sailing craft and surfers.
You also get use of a car space but we did not need it.
The Equus hotel next door has some apartments in the building and guests can use the tennis court and the very clean and small pool.
The funny thing about the room is that the light over the kitchen area and the fan over the bed are switched together, so you cannot turn one off without the other - so if you have the fan on, the light stays on. The air conditioner is too noisy and cold to have on at night and we cannot turn the light off!
We had rented through Alii beach rentals and they were very pleasant and tried to fix the fan/light problem without success. They also took delivery of a parcel for us at their office and delivered it to us.
We took the bus to Ala Moana Centre (not realising that in fact it was just a 8 min walk from our apartment)! Wandered around Maceys and found Foodland for dinner. That cold salmon is just great and so cheap. Found a Mondichino wine - great - we will stick to this for the rest of the holiday.
Waited an inordinate time for the bus back.
Had we known where we were, we could have just walked back and been back at the apartment in just a few minutes!
Holiday end drawing near.
Spent most of the morning trying to get on to Skype without any luck.
Wandered down to the shopping centre and found Sears - made a few purchases. This was my first Sears shop. As a child I had always pored over the Sears and Roebuck catalogues from which we chose our dresses and had the tailor make up copies for us. However, this Sears appeared to be more geared towards hardware, motor mowers and electronics.
Checked out and returned the car at the airport. Got on our last inter-island flight to Oahu.
Took the Speedishuttle to Waikiki. Dropped us right at the Condo. Managed to work all the codes for the doors. The Waikiki Marina is an odd shaped building - sort of a triangle with just four apartments on each floor. We are on the 38th floor. The apartment is also sort of triangular in shape with a tiny bathroom and shower. Airconditioner, TV, DVD player and fan. Very clean. Full kitchen - could have done with some more condiments and cooking oil.
King sized bed with a small table and two chairs and another large chair and ottoman. Plenty of drawer space and a small wardrobe with an unusable safe.
And what a view. Can't be built out. Overlooking the marina. Rainbows every morning. Great views of the sailing craft and surfers.
You also get use of a car space but we did not need it.
The Equus hotel next door has some apartments in the building and guests can use the tennis court and the very clean and small pool.
The funny thing about the room is that the light over the kitchen area and the fan over the bed are switched together, so you cannot turn one off without the other - so if you have the fan on, the light stays on. The air conditioner is too noisy and cold to have on at night and we cannot turn the light off!
We had rented through Alii beach rentals and they were very pleasant and tried to fix the fan/light problem without success. They also took delivery of a parcel for us at their office and delivered it to us.
We took the bus to Ala Moana Centre (not realising that in fact it was just a 8 min walk from our apartment)! Wandered around Maceys and found Foodland for dinner. That cold salmon is just great and so cheap. Found a Mondichino wine - great - we will stick to this for the rest of the holiday.
Waited an inordinate time for the bus back.
Had we known where we were, we could have just walked back and been back at the apartment in just a few minutes!
May 24th, 2012, 07:33 PM
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Day 10 - Honolulu
Did not sleep so well with the light on all night.
This is our day to climb Diamond Head. Took the bus from in front the Ilakai Hotel. It dropped us off at the road to Diamond Head. On the way we passed the Filipino Festival. Marked that to return later. Also many of the passengers on the bus got off at a market. Marked that too for later.
We did not start off as early as we would have liked and it was Saturday so there were more people (particularly runners) out to do the climb as well as the fashionistas with their designer sports wear!
The path started off as a gentle concrete slope (lulled us into a false sense of security) then came the switchbacked rubble pathway. On we went, DH definately struggling. However we made it and have the photographs to prove it. What a great view of Honolulu and the bay from up there. Nevertheless I won't be doing the walk again! It was on my bucket list and I've done it.
When we came down, we found the market still on, so we walked around and bought some great ice cream and brownies. Some of the stalls were closing down for the day, but the meal type stalls were still going.
Caught the bus back but missed out on the Filipino festival as the bus went a different way.
A rest and then shopping at Ala Moana
Did not sleep so well with the light on all night.
This is our day to climb Diamond Head. Took the bus from in front the Ilakai Hotel. It dropped us off at the road to Diamond Head. On the way we passed the Filipino Festival. Marked that to return later. Also many of the passengers on the bus got off at a market. Marked that too for later.
We did not start off as early as we would have liked and it was Saturday so there were more people (particularly runners) out to do the climb as well as the fashionistas with their designer sports wear!
The path started off as a gentle concrete slope (lulled us into a false sense of security) then came the switchbacked rubble pathway. On we went, DH definately struggling. However we made it and have the photographs to prove it. What a great view of Honolulu and the bay from up there. Nevertheless I won't be doing the walk again! It was on my bucket list and I've done it.
When we came down, we found the market still on, so we walked around and bought some great ice cream and brownies. Some of the stalls were closing down for the day, but the meal type stalls were still going.
Caught the bus back but missed out on the Filipino festival as the bus went a different way.
A rest and then shopping at Ala Moana
May 24th, 2012, 08:44 PM
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Day 11
End of holiday fast approching.
Pearl Harbour today. Caught the #42 (Ewa Beach) bus from outside McDonalds on Ala Moana Blvd. We prebooked tickets and the audio guide on line. Since we did not know the Sunday timetable for the buses we did not take the chance and book a very early tour (the memorial opens at 7.30am). We booked for 9.30am. The bus journey was long but was an eye opener to see the real state of the Island. There is a lot of poverty just a few streets from the touristy area. The homeless are a very strong presence.
We had heeded the advice that bags were not allowed and we took nothing but our cameras. Other people were stopped at the barriers and they had to put their bags into lockers. The ticket collection area is efficient and we were swept on to the audio guide collection point with a reminder of where to meet for the tour.
There are rest rooms and a small snack bar before you get to the two museums.
We had a little time so we started off in the museum "Road to War" which was very interesting, although because of the crowds even at that early hour, you could not get to read all the information or get a good photograph of some of the exhibits. The audio and video reports of survivors was very moving and spoke volumes about the situation at the time.
Although we have no connection with America and Pearl Harbour this was a monumental moment in world history - a turning point and we were very pleased to know more about it. We had ofcourse read a lot about it and seen the movies. Perhaps many people do not know that Pearl Harbour was not the only to be hit in the Hawaiian Islands and there are places around Oahu that were also hit.
The headset tour does not start in the museum as some reports have indicated.
We kept an eye on the time and went directly to the tour waiting area wanting to make sure that we did not miss out allotted time. This is where the headset tour starts. There is a 15 minute presentation to the left of the tour court area. The theatre holds about 200 people - the same number that the boats hold. You come into the theatre at the top, but the exit doors are on the side. There are two or three and these only open at the end of the presentation. If you are wanting to be choosy about your seat on the boat, then it is best to identify one of these doors and to seat yourself at the end of the row. The lower door opens first.
The crew on the boats are so smartly dressed. We separated the took seats on either side of the boat to ensure that one of us got some photographs. You get a good view of the harbour area and of the Battleship Missouri off Ford Island. The boat docks and you enter the foyer area with the flags. Waiting to one side is the previous group who will return on the boat you have just disembarked from.
A brochure we picked up indicated that "overtones of sadness have been omitted to permit theindividual to contemplate his own person responses". Perhaps this is why people who do not know the history and go just because it is there on the tourist map, appear out of place and almost not giving the reverence a cemetary deserves.
The time limit on the memorial is 15 minutes. It does not seem much,but is sufficient time to appreciate the memorial. The small chapel to one side is poignant with the tree windows. The gigantic flag flying above is also a fitting memorial.
When you disemark at the boat dock you turn to the left and follow the path to the Contemplation Circle. From here too you have a good view of Ford Island and the Memorial. Use the audio guide here too. Follow directions on the the Remembrance Circle and the several photographs stands along the path, to the USS Arizona Anchor.
Continue on to the extremely well laid out Waterfront Submarine memorial. From here you will get views of USS Bowefin.
Following the path will lead you to the left to the gift shop and the USS Bowfin museum. The ticket for the museum also covers the Submarine. If you turn right you will walk past a missile and back to the entrance, gift shop and toilets.
Near the Bowfin museum is a pearl trolley (just like the ones in the International Market) where you pay over money for a peal. The gift shop was interesting and we purchased a couple of clever souvenirs. You could also purchase a copy of a newspaper (1 sheet) for about $10. The only food to eat here is hot dogs.
Some posters wrote about a flea market that you could visit between waiting times but we saw none.
The bookshop at the entrance and the gift shop at USS Bowfin are not connected so if you buy something at the giftshop and find something better at the bookshop you cannot change it nor can you collect the souvenirs that are provided if you purchase above a certain amount.
The bookshop is very interesting for anyone who follows American War history. They also had an author who has written a new book, signing books or taking orders that would be posted if you so required.
It is a shame that they do not provide better eating facilities rather than just the junk food. I sat and ate a packet of chips and drank a bottle of coke while DH went to the second museum "Attack".
You can either exit to take the tour of the USS Missouri. We decided not to take that tour. Or you return to the exit.
Finding the bus back was puzzling as you cannot pick it where it drops you off. We had to exit to the main road. It is also confusing trying to remember which side of the road one must be on to catch the bus if you come from a country that drives on the left hand side!
Back for a rest and then off to Ala Moana Left DH to go back to the apartment after a while and made my way to Walmart. It was dark when I left and it was kind of spooky walking down the darkened roads and through the car parks. By this time the homeless were out in numbers. I have a good sense of direction and all was well.
End of holiday fast approching.
Pearl Harbour today. Caught the #42 (Ewa Beach) bus from outside McDonalds on Ala Moana Blvd. We prebooked tickets and the audio guide on line. Since we did not know the Sunday timetable for the buses we did not take the chance and book a very early tour (the memorial opens at 7.30am). We booked for 9.30am. The bus journey was long but was an eye opener to see the real state of the Island. There is a lot of poverty just a few streets from the touristy area. The homeless are a very strong presence.
We had heeded the advice that bags were not allowed and we took nothing but our cameras. Other people were stopped at the barriers and they had to put their bags into lockers. The ticket collection area is efficient and we were swept on to the audio guide collection point with a reminder of where to meet for the tour.
There are rest rooms and a small snack bar before you get to the two museums.
We had a little time so we started off in the museum "Road to War" which was very interesting, although because of the crowds even at that early hour, you could not get to read all the information or get a good photograph of some of the exhibits. The audio and video reports of survivors was very moving and spoke volumes about the situation at the time.
Although we have no connection with America and Pearl Harbour this was a monumental moment in world history - a turning point and we were very pleased to know more about it. We had ofcourse read a lot about it and seen the movies. Perhaps many people do not know that Pearl Harbour was not the only to be hit in the Hawaiian Islands and there are places around Oahu that were also hit.
The headset tour does not start in the museum as some reports have indicated.
We kept an eye on the time and went directly to the tour waiting area wanting to make sure that we did not miss out allotted time. This is where the headset tour starts. There is a 15 minute presentation to the left of the tour court area. The theatre holds about 200 people - the same number that the boats hold. You come into the theatre at the top, but the exit doors are on the side. There are two or three and these only open at the end of the presentation. If you are wanting to be choosy about your seat on the boat, then it is best to identify one of these doors and to seat yourself at the end of the row. The lower door opens first.
The crew on the boats are so smartly dressed. We separated the took seats on either side of the boat to ensure that one of us got some photographs. You get a good view of the harbour area and of the Battleship Missouri off Ford Island. The boat docks and you enter the foyer area with the flags. Waiting to one side is the previous group who will return on the boat you have just disembarked from.
A brochure we picked up indicated that "overtones of sadness have been omitted to permit theindividual to contemplate his own person responses". Perhaps this is why people who do not know the history and go just because it is there on the tourist map, appear out of place and almost not giving the reverence a cemetary deserves.
The time limit on the memorial is 15 minutes. It does not seem much,but is sufficient time to appreciate the memorial. The small chapel to one side is poignant with the tree windows. The gigantic flag flying above is also a fitting memorial.
When you disemark at the boat dock you turn to the left and follow the path to the Contemplation Circle. From here too you have a good view of Ford Island and the Memorial. Use the audio guide here too. Follow directions on the the Remembrance Circle and the several photographs stands along the path, to the USS Arizona Anchor.
Continue on to the extremely well laid out Waterfront Submarine memorial. From here you will get views of USS Bowefin.
Following the path will lead you to the left to the gift shop and the USS Bowfin museum. The ticket for the museum also covers the Submarine. If you turn right you will walk past a missile and back to the entrance, gift shop and toilets.
Near the Bowfin museum is a pearl trolley (just like the ones in the International Market) where you pay over money for a peal. The gift shop was interesting and we purchased a couple of clever souvenirs. You could also purchase a copy of a newspaper (1 sheet) for about $10. The only food to eat here is hot dogs.
Some posters wrote about a flea market that you could visit between waiting times but we saw none.
The bookshop at the entrance and the gift shop at USS Bowfin are not connected so if you buy something at the giftshop and find something better at the bookshop you cannot change it nor can you collect the souvenirs that are provided if you purchase above a certain amount.
The bookshop is very interesting for anyone who follows American War history. They also had an author who has written a new book, signing books or taking orders that would be posted if you so required.
It is a shame that they do not provide better eating facilities rather than just the junk food. I sat and ate a packet of chips and drank a bottle of coke while DH went to the second museum "Attack".
You can either exit to take the tour of the USS Missouri. We decided not to take that tour. Or you return to the exit.
Finding the bus back was puzzling as you cannot pick it where it drops you off. We had to exit to the main road. It is also confusing trying to remember which side of the road one must be on to catch the bus if you come from a country that drives on the left hand side!
Back for a rest and then off to Ala Moana Left DH to go back to the apartment after a while and made my way to Walmart. It was dark when I left and it was kind of spooky walking down the darkened roads and through the car parks. By this time the homeless were out in numbers. I have a good sense of direction and all was well.
