We just got back from a wonderful vacation to Maui and the Big Island. I had been to Hawaii 22 years ago on our honeymoon but not to the Big Island before. I just thought I would provide some of the highlights of our trip. I will start off with Maui where we were 5 nights.
MAUI KA'ANAPALI BEACH CLUB
We decided to stay in the Ka'anapali area as it has a wonderful beach and many shops and things to do nearby.
We enjoyed the pool and beach area.
So pretty.
Pretty at the beach
We got to see a wonderful sunset our first night.
Picture perfect!
What a beautiful hotel
The lobby area.
FEAST AT LELE
On our second night we went to a luau. I did a lot of investigation and decided the Feast at Lele would be the best to go to as it had a served dinner, drinks all night, and different dances matching up with different areas including fire twirling. Being a fire twirler myself I was really looking forward to that. It was lovely on the beach at sunset as we arrived.
Great performances and 5 course of food representing Hawaii, Tahiti, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Samoa. With a big finale of fire knife twirling!
The dancing was beautiful.
Gorgeous outfits and lots of quick changes.
I highly recommend going.
The food and drinks were awesome.
And the show was fantastic!
ROAD TO HANA
We then drove the road to Hana. We drove ourselves and opted not to do a tour company. We managed the whole road in a day and drove fully around instead of doubling back.
So many gorgeous spots to stop and wonderful views to see. We downloaded some information so we knew what to look for at different mile markers. We stopped and parked and explored.
This was at the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
There was a small fee to enter.
Beautiful
Beautiful waterfalls.
Gorgeous
Evan did the hike 3 miles at Haleakala State Park to get to this waterfall.
On the way back around. They recommended not driving this way but it really wasn't bad.
Loved seeing the cows.
We went on a boat to snorkel. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
Here we all are.
Love the turtles.
So fun!
Molokini
Evan with the turtle.
Lauren and I with the turtle.
A definite must do!
FRONT STREET
A great place with restaurants and little stores. I love Dole Whip so we had to get one at Lappert's. We Not on Front Street but keep an eye out for Manuaela Malasadas. Malasadas are a Portuguese fried dough but in Hawaii they make them in to donuts. So good!
You can get them plain or filled with yummy fillings.
We also did some jet skiing on Ka'anapali Beach. I booked this online and you just go to Whaler's Village and on the beach behind the shopping area look for the red and white umbrella.
They take you out by a small boat to where the jet skis are and you get 45 minutes to ride them.
The view from the jet ski area.
THE BIG ISLAND
GRAND NANILOA HOTEL HILO - A DOUBLETREE BY HILTO
We stated at the Grand Naniloa Hotel. It was the perfect location as it was close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which was the focus of our visit.
We were really excited to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and spent the majority of two days there. The first day it was a bit misty and rained a bit but it was perfect for the longer hike along the crater.
One of the lovely overlooks. You can drive to a lot of the spots. Stopping at the visitor center first is key to get grounded and learn where to go. Also download the National Park Services app.
Crater hike - about 3 miles
We also drove along the Chain of Craters drive which took about an hour and ends at a lovely overlook at the water. You can do as little or as much as you want.
We went through the lava tube. This had just recently reopened.
Another overlook.
We did the one mile hike (which was very flat) at night to see the light of the eruption. This was a highlight of the trip also. Parking is limited at the closer parking lot so arrive early. We got there early to walk there before dark and get a good spot.
Bring a flashlight for the way back as it is very dark on the path.
PUNALULU BLACK SAND BEACH
We did this on one of the same days as Volcanoes National Park as it isn't far. It is one of the most famous black sand beaches with tons of turtles. A highlight for me.
Love this turtle!
So pretty but not great to go in the water.
Covering themselves with the sand.
Lovely!
RAINBOW FALLS
A beautiful waterfall right near the road and easy to get to. It was only 10 minutes from our hotel.
AKAKA FALLS
Another beautiful falls with a short .5 mile hike.
Beautiful flowers.
KONA
KAILUA TOWN
There was a kayak race going on.
MOUNTAIN THUNDER KONA COFFEE PLANTATION
We felt like we had to check out a Kona Coffee Plantation so on our last day we went to Mountain Thunder and took a free tour.
Of course we had to sample their coffee, so good!
They also had a self guided tour we took after the free tour.
The resident cat.
ULULANI'S HAWAIIN SHAVE ICE
At least 5 people told me we had to try it and it did not disappoint.
We had a blast on this vacation! Mahalo Hawaii!
Disclosure: The Feast at Lele gave me a media rate to attend. As always all opinions are my own.
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