Poʻipū, Kauaʻi – I spent my last full day on Kaua’i hiking the Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail, a fantastic 3½-mile shoreline trail that leads past stark cliffs, pounding seas, tide pools, blow holes, secluded bays and beaches, heiau (temple) ruins, a…
Lawai International Center
Lāwaʻi, Kaua’i – Today I took a break from beaches and gardens to visit a site of deep historical and spiritual significance – the Lawai International Center. Occupying 32 verdant acres in the Lāwaʻi Valley, this was originally the site…
Spam Musubi
Lāwaʻi, Kaua’i – Spiced, canned ham may not be universally appreciated as a culinary masterpiece. But in Hawaiʻi, Spam is a household staple, beloved for its versatility, affordability and long shelf life (ever since World War II, when meat was…
Sea Turtles of Poʻipū Beach
Poʻipū, Kaua’i – For my second week in Kaua’i, I moved from the North Shore to the South Shore. The epicenter of South Shore tourism, Poʻipū is less of a town and more of a well-manicured resort area (similar to…
Nāpali Coast, Two Ways
Nāpali Coast, Kaua’i – Pristine and hauntingly beautiful, the Nāpali Coast is a 16-mile-long stretch of soaring green-clad cliffs, white-sand beaches, turquoise coves and gushing waterfalls. Each of the five major valleys – Kalalau, Honopu, Awa‘awapuhi, Nu‘alolo and Miloli‘i –…
Where Food Comes From
Kīlauea, Kaua‘i – Kīlauea and nearby Moloa‘a are known for the fertile land and abundant small farms that blanket the landscape, producing fruit, chocolate, cheese and more. As a city girl, I sometimes forget that this is where food comes…
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei, Kaua’i – The town of Hanalei wraps around its namesake bay, flanked by three magnificent mountains – twin-peaked Hīhīmanu, pyramidal Māmalahoa and soaring Nāmolokama (4421ft). The three emerald giants are famously laced with waterfalls and often adorned by rainbows.…
Garden Island
Princeville, Kaua’i – There is a reason they call Kaua’i the Garden Island: today was the first of many garden tours to come over the next two weeks. Princeville Botanical Gardens is a private property in the Anini Stream valley.…
Birding at Makai Golf Course
Princeville, Kaua’i – Princeville is the North Shore’s tourist hub, where swanky resorts and sprawling golf courses dominate the landscape. Indeed, the centerpiece of the Princeville peninsula is the Makai Golf Club. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 18-hole…
Full of Gratitude
Princeville, Hawai’i – Appropriately, this Thanksgiving weekend has provided many reasons and reminders for me to be grateful. I feel super fortunate to have so many opportunities for joy and wonder and love in my life! Turkey Trot The WHOLE…