Tag Archives: Play

Hawaii-Kauai-Kee-Beach
Hawaii, Kauai, Play, Trip Ideas

Into the Blue: Best Snorkel Sites on Kauai

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Like the green landscapes of this oldest of Hawaiian Islands, the snorkeling sites around the shores of Kauai are just a bit wilder, but well worth the effort. Not all beaches are suitable for novices, but when conditions are right, anyone with reasonable comfort in the water can enjoy a visit of shallow reefs and lava-rock formations where colorful tropical fish flit in the sunlight.

Kee Beach

Sitting at the literal end of the road, where hikers embark for the rugged pathways of the Napali coast, this state park provides parking and bathroom facilities adjacent to a scenic beach, where there is a lifeguard on duty. A flanking reef shelters the shallows from ocean chop, but the site is best from spring to summer, as winter swells can make snorkeling and swimming challenging or even dangerous. When waters are calm and tides are in, the best snorkeling can be found by swimming out over the nearshore reef to the deeper, clearer waters of the outer lagoon. This also allows you to escape the crowds that sometimes line the shallows.

Hawaii-Kauai-Kee-Beach,Best Snorkel Sites on Kauai

An aerial view of Kee Beach shows both the sheltered inner reef and the deeper outer reefs that are a favorite with advanced snorkelers. This site is best when seas are calm. Photo: iStock

Tunnels Beach

For a slightly wilder take on snorkeling Kauai’s north shore, head for Tunnels Beach, but check the forecast first. When wind and waves are up, this beach is a favorite with surfers and windsurfers. Under calmer conditions, it’s also an excellent snorkel site, with both an inner reef that is novice-friendly and a deeper outer reef that is a favorite with free divers and scuba divers. The best entry is on the sandy areas to the north. Parking along the access road can be a challenge on busy days. Public bathrooms and showers are located within walking distance at Haena Beach Park.

Hawaii-Kauai-Tunnels-Beach

A Hawaiian monk seal rests on the sand at Tunnels Beach, on Kauai’s north shore. In winter, ocean swells can break over the reefs, making them unsuitable for snorkeling. Photo: Steve Heap/iStock

Poipu Beach Park

If you are staying on Kauai’s south side and want to combine snorkeling and quality time on the sand, head for popular Poipu Beach. Not only is it considered one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches, it’s well-suited to families and anyone wanting a safe, easy water entry, coupled with a full range of beachside amenities. Beginners will find sheltered water to practice their basics behind the rock jetty at the beach’s eastern end, while the sand spit at the opposite end leads to deeper water where fish are more abundant. When on the surface, keep an eye open for dolphins and whales breaching offshore.

Hawaii-Kauai-Poipu-Beach

Palm-fringed Poipu Beach is a favorite with families and novice snorkelers, thanks to the protected shallow areas that provide calm water and shallow depths, along with plenty of fish life. Photo: iStock

 

Hawaii, Maui, Haleakala Horseback Riding
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Hawaii Horseback Adventures

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Hawaii and horses. The image just seems right. And, in fact you can saddle with dozens of outfitters and riding stables scattered across all six major islands. There are beginner-friendly walks on groomed trails, fast-paced rides for those with some equine experience and challenging excursions into the backcountry to discover sights few tourists ever see. From this list of possibilities, we’ve come up with four rides that offer something a bit out of the ordinary.

Into the Volcano

The island of Maui offers some of the most diverse horseback excursions in the state—everything from beach rides to explorations of wooded trails and canters on expansive grasslands lying thousands of feet above the ocean. The Valley Isle’s most unusual riding adventure begins at the summit of Mount Haleakala, and descends into this dormant volcano’s central crater. The route follows the Sliding Sands Trail to the crater floor, some 2,500 feet below the rim. This route requires about four hours to complete, including a lunch stop in the crater. The tour outfitters recommend that riders have at least some riding experience, and should be comfortable with higher altitudes, as the trail ranges from 7,500 feet up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Needless to say, the views are unforgettable.

Maui, Haleakala Horseback Riding, Hawaii Horseback Adventures

Riders descend the Sliding Sands trail in Haleakala National Park. Hikers and riders can follow a network of trails from the summit rim deep into the dormant volcano’s inner crater. Photo: iStock

Saddles and Swimsuits

The island of Kauai is known for it’s wild spaces, lush landscapes and cascading falls–especially on the north shore. You can take in all these elements on a two-hour ride through the Kalihiwai Valley that includes a chance to plunge into a mountain stream. The ride, which is suitable for all ages, begins at the Silver Falls Ranch, a private 300-acre estate set in the heart of the valley. Tours pass through an 80-acre botanical reserve where more than 150 species of palm trees grow, then joins Pohakuhonu Creek on a trail lined with ferns, hibiscus blossoms and wild orchids. The destination is Sliver Falls, where the ranch’s namesake cascade feeds a refreshing pool of water. Riders can enjoy a refreshing dip while the guides prepare a picnic lunch.

Riding the Rim

The Big Island is home to several working cattle ranches, and visitors can saddle up to ride the ranges where Paniolo, aka Hawaiian cowboys, still work the herds. For a different take on trail riding that includes some breathtaking vistas, head to the east coast village of Kukuihaele, which overlooks the remote Waipio Valley. Flanked by tall ridges and facing the sea, this expansive cleft in the coastal mountain range is often referred to as the “Valley of the Kings,” as it was home to many of the island’s traditional chiefs. The 2.5 hour-ride takes you along the upper rim of the valley, and on to the top of Hiilawe Falls, which is one of the highest and most scenic cascades in the state. The views are unmatched, and if you want more, you can opt for a five-hour ride that continues upstream of the falls, following the fern-clad banks to the river and into a pristine rainforest to discover a series of hidden pools and smaller falls.

Hawaii Big Island, Waipio Valley Horseback Riding

A panoramic horseback perspective of Hawaii’s Waipio Valley from the upper rim. This verdant cleft in the mountains northeastern shore of the Big Island was once home to Hawaii’s kings. Photo: Sharron Miller/iStock

Moonlight on the Trail

The island of Oahu certainly has its share of exciting nightlife. But if your idea of a light show isn’t spinning-mirrored balls, check your calendar for the next full moon, and reserve a spot on Hawaii’s only moonlight horse ride. The adventure is staged from the Gunstock Ranch, which is located on the island’s less-settled north shore, far from city lights. The ranch overlooks Kalanai Point and the Malaekahana State Recreation Area, with the Koolau Mountains rising just behind. These 90-minute rides are scheduled to begin at dusk to take in twilight views of the mountains and ocean as you climb to a scenic overlook just in time to watch the moon rise over the Pacific. The ride back takes place under the light of the full moon. This ride is offered just two to three times a month, so it’s best to reserve well ahead.

Dominican Republic, Cabarete Kiteboarding
Belize, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Panama, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Five Adrenaline-Filled Trips in the Caribbean

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Picture the Caribbean and what typically comes to mind is lounging on white beaches, pina colada in hand. And while this is certainly the place for chilling out, you can also score big thrills. There are plenty of ways to jump— or rappel, snorkel, kayak, kite- board or surf—out of your comfort zone for a bigger adventure. After all, a little bit of adrenaline goes a long way toward making any Caribbean getaway much more memorable. Besides, that colada will always be waiting for you upon your return.

Swim with Humpbacks off Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Grand Turk, the largest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a stop along a whale super-highway leading to an offshore breeding and birthing grounds called the Silver Banks. When the captain of the Oasis Divers’ snorkel tour gives the command, leap into the water and just start kicking. Once the bubbles from your splash-in clear, you’ll behold one of nature’s most marvelous wonders. Responses to encountering these jumbo-sized mammals range from speechless awe to tears of joy. Whatever you’re feeling, keep your legs moving because these big animals swim fast.

Rappel in Belmopan, Belize

Only the first few feet of the descent feel truly dangerous—as if you’re free falling into nothingness. Then the harness catches on the descent line. You breathe. You look around and realize that the vista from 200 feet above the Belize rainforest canopy is stunning. You feed rope through the carabineer to control the speed of your drop into Actun Loch Tunich sinkhole. It’s all perfectly calming—just don’t look down.

Kayak a Bio-Bay in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

The only rule of hunting bioluminescence is: The darker the night, the better. Bioluminescence, or biolume, is a neon light certain creatures emit. In the ocean, the organisms are microscopic, so dipping a paddle into the drink stirs up thousands, even millions of dinoflagellates reacting to the movement. Biolume is easiest to see in bio-bays formed when water rich with these organisms stays in a concentrated area unimpeded by tidal exchange. Fajardo, a city on Puerto Rico’s northeast tip, has just such a location. For the best experience with this green and blue light, join a kayak tour on a night with no moon.

Kiteboard in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

In Cabarete, those staying for last-call on the water are usually kiteboarders. Conditions here follow a consistent pattern, and since surf is best in the early morning, that crowd hits the hay early. The wind starts to pick up in the early afternoon, so kiters don’t gear up until after lunch. The reliable conditions also make this beach city one of the best places to learn to rig a kite and ride the waves. The Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding School will hook you up with gear and the know-how. Next thing you know, you’ll be body-dragging—that is, letting the kite power you across waves sans board—and having so much fun, you won’t stop laughing. And don’t worry, it’s just as entertaining with the board.

Surfing in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Timing is everything in surfing, so good instruction up front is key. Guides at the Mono Loco Surf School begin with theory in the classroom, so you understand the whys behind riding waves. Then in the water, nothing is more helpful than a pro shouting “now” when it’s time to pop up and find your balance on the board. Plus, the idyllic location of Bocas del Toro in Panama—an area more chilled out and undeveloped than the neighboring eco hotspots in Costa Rica—does wonders for the psyche.

Caribbean, Grenada, Play, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: Au Coin Falls, Grenada

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The island of Grenada is home to several scenic waterfalls that are staples on the tour bus route. The most popular of these is Concord Falls, where passengers can disembark and descend a short set of stairs to take in a classic jungle-clad cataract that spills into a cool pool. This site is also referred to as the Lower Falls, because it is actually just one of three waterfalls that interrupt the river’s path as it flows down from the green highlands. For those willing to do some walking, there is an upstream option that offers a more private view.

The hike to Au Coin Falls begins with a ramble though the grounds of a former nutmeg plantation. The route crosses back and forth over the stream in a series of fords and collapsed stone bridges. The going can be a bit muddy in places, requiring sturdy shoes, but the route is not especially strenuous. Fast walkers can make the trip in a half hour, while a more leisurely pace still gets you there in under an hour.

Local guides will offer their services at the start of the trail, but the route is sufficiently obvious for those who want to go it on their own. Au Coin is a tall waterfall that emerges from an enveloping wall of greenery to spill into an alluring pool. You’ll have to resist the temptation to jump in, however, as this body of water is upstream of a local village’s water supply. Take in the view, and save the swim for your return to the Lower Falls.

South Walton Paddleboarding, Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida
Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Miami Beach, South Beach, South Walton

Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida

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With 1,197 miles of coastal waters, plus numerous rivers, lakes and an Intracoastal Waterway, Florida is a mecca for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) enthusiasts who want to hone their skills in various types of water. But even with so many options, outfitters are coming up with new ways to enjoy the sport. How about gliding the seas on a clear- bottom paddleboard, doing yoga moves on a board, yes, on the board, or engaging in a full workout while balancing? You can even join a group for Nightboarding—and don’t tell me you never heard of Nightboarding.

Key West

Day or night the waters around Key West are nature’s playground for both man and fish. Backcountry guided tours on a stand-up paddleboard offer a different perspective—and viewing—from that of a traditional kayak. Quietly glide along the edges of mangrove islands and spy into the prop roots of the red mangrove trees, which serve as rookeries to ibis, herons, pelican and their fledglings. For underwater viewing, rent one of the clear-bottom boards and observe fish in the sea grass below. The mangroves happen to be the perfect setting for a yoga session because the area is protected from wind and tides. Using breathing techniques and an om or two, you can work at improving your balance, gaining core strength and connecting with nature during a yoga SUP session offered by several area outfitters. Those up for an after-dark adventure can go Nightboarding with Ibis Bay Paddle Sports. The group sets out for the open ocean 20 minutes after sunset on paddleboards equipped with the NOCQUA 2000, a white LED light system that attaches to the board. The powerful LED lights shine into the crystal-clear water below, illuminating the ocean floor where at night you’ll see nocturnal creatures and activity you normally don’t see in the daytime. Lobsters, crabs, colorful sponges and tropical fish are among the sea life to keep an eye out for.

Miami Beach

If you enjoy the sport but want a more urban experience, paddleboarding Miami’s Intracoastal Waterway and Biscayne Bay is a great way to sightsee. From a stand-up paddleboard, you can admire downtown Miami’s skyline of swooping steel and glass towers and the million-dollar manses that sprout up on the Intracoastal islands nestled between Miami Beach and the Miami mainland. You can even take in the slow-moving boat traffic, which usually includes sleek yachts and powerboats. At dusk, Miami Beach Paddleboard offers Neon Tours that depart from South Beach on boards outfitted with those dazzling purple, green and orange neon lights that not only scream SoBe, but actually allow you to see 5 feet underwater and 15 feet around the board. If you want to venture into Biscayne Bay, you can join TKS Miami on a tour and glide past the waterfront of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, where industrialist James Deering’s historic 1922 mansion and boat dock are in clear view.

South Walton

Paddleboarders hit the jackpot when they visit South Walton in Northwest Florida. Here you can choose from the Gulf of Mexico’s flat waters and a chance to see dolphins, the protected Choctawhatchee Bay, crystal-clear springs, flowing rivers and placid 6,000-year-old dune lakes that blend fresh water and saltwater. Does it get any better? In fact of all the Florida destinations, the beach communities skirting the panhandle and the Gulf may be among the best spots in the state for a SUP adventure. Several outfitters rent boards for the day and deliver them free of charge. A great spot for beginners to get out on a board is at the Watercolor Inn & Resort’s Boathouse, where the YOLO Board company rents the equipment. Here you can launch into protected waters to practice and then venture into the Western Lake. Yoga SUP and Run SUP, which involves a mile run followed by a paddle, are regularly scheduled events at the Boathouse.

Panama, Boquete
Central America, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Play, Trip Ideas

Hiking Central America’s Volcanoes

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Central America is a land shaped by subterranean fires and violent eruptions. A geological formation known as the volcanic arc stretches some 900 miles from southern Mexico into Panama, encompassing hundreds of active and dormant volcanoes and lava domes. These peaks dominate the landscape and influence weather patterns. They are also the setting for a new type of adventure travel: volcano hiking. Climbs can range from easy hour-long rambles up lesser peaks to strenuous all-day ascents of summits rising more than two miles in the air. Here is a sampling of what awaits.

Acatenango, Guatemala

Western Guatemala is dominated by towering volcanic peaks, some dormant, some still very active. The tallest ones rise to heights of more than 12,000 feet, providing challenging but manageable climbs for the fit and adventurous. The historic city of Antigua is the starting point for the most popular ascents, including the trek up the country’s third highest peak, Acatenango. It’s possible to tackle the four-hour uphill route to the summit as a day trip, passing from farm land to cloud forest, pine woods and finally open slopes to enjoy 360-degree views that include a bird’s-eye view of the active eruptions of the nearby Fuego volcano. If the long march doesn’t appeal, some outfitters break up the trip with an overnight campout on the upper slopes.

Guatemala Acatenago Fuego Volcano Hiking

The adjacent peaks of Acatenango and Fuego tower over the Guatemalan city of Antigua. The former is a favorite hiking destination, while the latter remains too active for safe access. Photo: iStock

Cerro Negro, Nicaragua

Nicaragua has 20 active and dormant volcanoes, many of which can be hiked or climbed. The most unusual of these is the Cerro Negro, or black hill. This ominous cinder cone, which rises to an elevation of 1,600 feet above the countryside, is actually Central America’s youngest volcano, having first erupted in 1850. It’s been quiet since 1999, giving hikers a chance to make the 45-minute uphill climb on an exposed but manageable slope of ash and rock. After taking in the 360-degree views, the more adventurous can opt to slide back down on a toboggan-like board. Many tour operators end the day with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of nearby Asososca Lake.

Nicaragua Cerro Negro Volcano Hiking

Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro is a young volcano comprised almost entirely of black volcanic ash. After making the climb to the top, some choose to descend on sled-like sand boards. Photo: iStock

El Tigre, Honduras

Honduras is no longer a hotbed of volcanic activity, but the country’s highlands are home to dozens of long-dormant peaks crossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails. A more unusual hike is Volcán el Tigre, which is a classic cone-shaped volcanic mountain that not only provides a challenging half-day hike, but also makes for an interesting arrival. To reach the base of the slope, you must first take a boat trip across the Gulf of Fonseca to Isla del Tigre. This region of Honduras doesn’t see much tourism activity, so you may have the trail to yourself as you ascend some 2,500 feet for views of the Gulf and the mangrove-covered coastal lowlands that stretch into the distance.

El Tigre Honduras Volcano Hiking, Hiking Central America’s Volcanoes

El Tigre volcano presents a classic conical that dominates the coastal mangrove forests of Honduras’ Gulf of Fonseca. It rises from an island that can be reached by ferry. Photo: iStock

Irazú, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has several active volcanoes. Some such as Arenal can only be viewed safely from a distance, while others offer bubbling crater lakes, geysers and steaming vents, which can be reached by user-friendly trails. One of the most popular of these is Irazú, which, despite being the country’s highest volcanic peak at just over 11,000 feet, is easy to reach, thanks to a paved road that leads right to the summit. From the parking area, trails spread outward to a lunar-like landscape that includes four craters, the largest of which holds an unusual green-water lake. Overlooks around the crater rim take in vistas that can stretch from the Pacific to the Caribbean on a clear day.

Irazu Costa Rica Volcano Hiking

Irazú is Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, and the easiest to reach. Near the summit, the crater lake known as Diego de la Haya is filled with waters tinged green by volcanic activity. Photo: iStock

Volcán Barú, Panama

The ridge of volcanic peaks that stretches through much of Central America tapers as it reaches Panama, but not before the peak known as Volcán Barú rises to a height of two miles. Starting from the highland village of Boquete takes care of the first mile, but there’s still nearly 6,000 feet of climbing needed to reach the top. A nine-mile trail rambles through grasslands and wooded slopes before emerging onto a rock-covered upper slope. Along the way, there are stops to view historic craters and the lands below. Rather than attempt to make the summit and return the same day, most tour companies set up camp about a half mile below the top, giving trekkers a chance to sleep under the stars and make the short climb to the peak the following morning to view the sunrise.

Panama Baru Volcano Hiking

Volcán Barú rises above its namesake national park. A hike to the top takes one from farmlands into highland forests and on to an open peak with panoramic views. Photo: Alfredo Maiquez/iStock

 

SUP Paddleboard Hawaii
Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Hawaiian SUP Adventures

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Like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has deep roots in Hawaiian culture, and the islands remain a hotbed for the growth of this evolving sport. The appeal is easy to understand. Compared to surfing, the learning curve is much easier. Novices can be cruising calm waters almost immediately, and venture into friendly shore breaks soon after gaining sea legs. At the other end of the spectrum, the sport’s innovators are pushing the limits with open ocean crossings and big wave rides. Whatever your interest and skill level, you will find ample opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands to take to the water on a SUP. To give some idea of the variety of adventures that await, here are three unique and memorable ways to enjoy the ride while standing up.

Hawaii SUP

Experienced stand up paddleboard enthusiasts are taking their sport into the waves, which actually represents a return to the sport’s original Hawaiian roots. Photo: iStock

River Runs

Kauai’s Hanalei River flows northward from the island’s mountainous interior to the north shore. The lower half of this winding and scenic waterway offers expanses of calm water that are free of motorized boat traffic. This is an ideal venue for mastering the basics of SUP riding, or for embarking on an upstream paddle through riverside taro farms and on into the forested banks of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Several companies in the Hanalei and Princeville areas can provide rental boards, but if you are new to the sport, it’s probably best to sign up for a tour. Guides typically provide instruction in the basics of the sport, which will make the experience far more enjoyable. If you plan to stay in the area, a good choice is the Hanalei Colony Resort.

Whale Watch

With a bit of practice and the right board, most people can comfortably manage a SUP in the ocean, provided they stay near a calm lee shore such as the western coastline of Maui. The Wailea area offers ideal conditions for a coastal paddle, along with a spectacular seasonal bonus. Between the months of December and April, humpback whales gather in the waters around Maui to mate, give birth and nurture their young. Dozens of tour boat operators offer whale-watching tours, but viewing these magnificent mammals from the deck of a motor vessel can’t compare to getting up close on a paddleboard. There’s no engine noise or crowded decks to come between you and the experience, and the SUP’s upright paddling position gives you a great vantage point for spotting breaching whales. Private tours and small group excursions are available, and though it helps to have some practice handling a board in small swells, guides can often coach even novice paddlers to success. The premier property to book when planning a SUP adventure is the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

Wave Ride

As the sport evolves, a growing number of SUP riders are venturing into the surf, and in some cases riding big waves. This trend is actually a return to the roots, which came about when Hawaii’s first generation of surfing instructors started using longer boards and canoe paddles to provide themselves with a more versatile and mobile platform from which to teach. Novice riders don’t belong in crashing surf, but SUPs are ideal for riding smaller waves. Compared to the average surfboard, they are more stable and can catch less powerful waves earlier while providing longer rides. This makes them ideal for Waikiki Beach, where there are a number of rental concessions. Novices will want to include some lesson time, and are often able to catch some waves on the first session. If you are looking for a room near the beach, the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach continues to provide a top-rated combination of value, location and amenities.

 

Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

10 Things to Do on Oahu

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The island of Oahu overflows with attractions and activities- far more than anyone could take in on a single visit. From this long list, we’ve chosen a few of our favorites. Some are simple and obvious, others not so well known, but certainly worth pursuing.

1  Enjoy a Close Shave

Though its made with ice and a sweet liquid, Hawaiian shave ice is much more than a snow cone. Rather than just trickle syrup over a cone of crushed ice, a frozen block is shaved into micro-fine particles that resemble powdery snow. Fresh fruit juices such as pineapple, guava, mango or passion fruit are then added, and absorbed by this fine powder to create a cool treat that is more creamy than crunchy.

2  Catch the Fireworks

Fireworks over Waikiki Beach. Photo: iStock, things to do on oahu

Fireworks over Waikiki Beach. Photo: iStock

There are few things more spectacular than a fireworks show over water, and in Honolulu, you don’t have to go far or wait long to enjoy such a spectacle. Each Friday night, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa stages a traditional luau that ends with a big fireworks show over the water. You don’t have to attend the party to reap the benefits of the aerial light show, as the colorful explosions are visible from points all along Waikiki Beach. Make your way to the waterfront and settle in with a chair or blanket to enjoy the show.

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3  Ride an Outrigger

There are many ways to take to the water in Oahu, but one of the most memorable is aboard a traditional outrigger canoe. The fun escalates when you join a group paddle at Waikiki Beach, where long breaking waves of moderate height are ideal for canoe surfing. These rides are suitable for all age levels, and don’t require the balance or water skills of surfing. All you need do to catch a wave is dig in your paddle when the canoe master says go, and then sit back and enjoy the ride.

4  Watch the Ponies

You don’t need an ascot or oversize sun hat to take in a match at the Hawaii Polo Club, but you might want to pack a bathing suit and beach blanket. These Sunday afternoon matches have become a favorite island tradition. For a modest admission fee you can set up on the beach side of the playing field, where picnics and barbecues create an atmosphere akin to a stadium tailgate party. For added refreshment, the ocean is just a few steps away.

5  Tour the Harbor

Oahu, Arizona Memorial, Hawaii

USS Arizona Memorial. Photo: iStock

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor should be a must-do stop on any visitor’s list, as it is one of Hawaii’s most significant historic landmarks, and the final resting place of many U.S. servicemen. But there’s more to see and do at this busy naval port, enough to fill an entire day. Other noteworthy stops on a tour of our nation’s history could include a tour of the decommissioned USS Missouri, a trip through the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and a visit to the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, which tells the story of the air war.

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6  Eat a Plate Lunch

For a taste of how the locals eat, stop by one of the many downtown cafes or any of the roadside diners across the island that serve up a traditional plate lunch. Choose your meat from savory offerings such as kalua pork, Korean barbecue, chicken katsu, beef teriyaki or fresh mahimahi, and it will come with a couple scoops of rice and a helping of macaroni salad. Ask for the mixed plate if you want to sample two different meats.

7  Take in History

Delve into Hawaii’s rich cultural and natural history at Oahu’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. In addition to telling the story of the islands through displays and programs, it houses an extensive regionally-themed library, the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts and a suite of flora and fauna displays that include some 13.5 million specimens of bugs. For a more in-depth experience, sign up for one of the numerous lecturers and educational presentations the museum offers.

8  Summit the East End

Koko Head Crater, Oahu, Hawaii

Koko Head Crater, Oahu. Photo: iStock

If you’ve done Diamond Head and are looking for another climb that ends with a big view, head to Koko Head District Park near the island’s easternmost point. Here, a relatively short but fairly steep trail will take you up 1,000 feet to the top of Koko Crater, where you can take in 360-degree views of Molokai Channel, Haunama Bay and the Kiliouou Valley. Once down from the summit, you can find easier paths in the nearby Koko Crater Botanical Garden, which is a prime example of a dry-land garden, with plants from the Americas, Hawaii, Madagascar, and Africa growing within a 60-acre crater.

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9  Get a Taste of Sugar

Discover a tasty bit of the island’s past at the Hawaii’s Plantation Village. This living history museum and botanical garden occupies the grounds of a former sugar plantation and tells not only the story of the agricultural process, but also the various ethnic groups who worked the cane fields and processing plants. The settlement consists of some 25 original and restored plantation-era homes and buildings, which house a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits.

10  Ride a Rickshaw

Settle in and let your guide do the work and share some local knowledge on a pedal rickshaw trip through Honolulu’s eclectic Chinatown and notorious (but safe) red light district. Other highlights of the trip could include the Hawaiian Capitol building and landmarks such as the Iolani Palace. Along the way you’ll not only pick up some cultural and historical facts, but also some great insider tips on lesser-known places to visit.

 

Key West Sunset, Cat Sail, Florida
Florida, Key West, Play, Trip Ideas

10 Things to Do in Key West

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For island-obsessed travelers, Key West is Florida’s most tropical, most funky and most laid-back destination, where days are packed to the brim with things to do. Here’s our list of 10 fabulous ways to experience this very cool island, after you’ve lolled on the beach and drank margaritas poolside of course.

1  Cruise with the Sun

Sail off into the sunset on a catamaran while Jimmy Buffett tunes play and margaritas flow. This is one of the best ways to sightsee from the water and get in the party mood. A popular choice is the Commotion on the Ocean Fury cruise that departs from the Historic Seaport. The two- hour trip into the Gulf sails pass Sunset Key and alongside Mallory Square, where sunset gazers congregate at dusk. Bring a camera because the day’s-end views are spectacular.

2  Pay Homage to Papa

Hemingway House, Key West, things to do in Key West

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Photo: iStock

The name Ernest Hemingway is bigger than life on this tropical island. The spirit of the American novelist, who lived in Key West in the 1930s and wrote To Have and Have Not while on the island, is evident in the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Visit the two-story house and its tropical garden, which are still occupied by descendants of Hemingway’s cats (said to have six toes). The writer’s old typewriter, period furniture from Spain and a vintage safe are among the intriguing items on display.

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3  Go Treasure Hunting

Poke into the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum to learn about the fascinating story of underwater treasure hunting. Artifacts from the 1622 legendary Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha, which sunk off Key West, were recovered by diver Mel Fisher and his team in 1985. Exhibitions feature gold and silver bars, coins and an impressive gold chalice among other treasures. Photographs documenting Fisher’s underwater excavations are also on display.

4  Discover the Key Lime

One must-stop is Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe on the corner of Greene and Elizabeth streets. Dressed in traditional baker attire, Kermit Carpenter welcomes customers to his cheery lime green-and-yellow cottage store. Sample his tart yet sweet, creamy pie with a graham cracker crust and swirls of whipped cream, but also take home a bag of Key lime taffy, a bottle of the juice and maybe even a package of Key lime cookies.

5  Visit Mallory Square

Key West Mallory Square

Sunset at Mallory Square. Photo: iStock

Join the sunset crowd at Mallory Square on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico at dusk. First browse the carts where vendors hawk everything from beaded jewelry to primitive artwork and signs with island sayings, like “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere.” Second, catch street performer Will Soto’s balancing act as he jungles and walks the tightrope. Third, snap a few selfies with the flaming golden orb in the background.

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6   Hang with the Locals

Put these drinking stops on your list. Local dives, like the Green Parrot where regulars claim the same bar stool and island musicians know how to keep the party going, and Hog’s Breath Saloon whose reputation for serving stiff drinks is reason enough to go, will give you a different perspective of island life.

7  Take an Eco-Friendly Bicycle Tour

Book a spot on Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Away from the tourist hub, you’ll explore tree-lined streets and stop to smell the flowers. Guide Lloyd Mager entertains with his conch shell music, and sampling freshly picked tropical fruits like mango, carambola and coconut water, along with stops to meet cockatoos and iguanas, are on the itinerary.

8  Snap a Photo at the Southernmost Point

Southernmost Point, Key West, Florida

A must photo op. Photo: Debbie Snow

Although it’s the quintessential tourist thing to do, having your photo taken at the red, yellow and black Southernmost Point marker, a concrete buoy mounted on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, is proof you really are in Key West. The best time to visit the monument is at sunrise when crowds are almost non-existent and the morning sky provides a gorgeous backdrop. At this point, Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba.

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9  Study the Architecture

Take a self-guided walking tour of Old Town to admire the historic architecture, predominantly wooden buildings dating from 1886 to 1912. Find Bahamian settlement homes and gingerbread-dripping Victorian styles. The Old Island Restoration Foundation provides a comprehensive walking guide to historic Key West on their website (oirf.org).

10  Raise Hell at Fantasy Fest

October’s Fantasy Fest is the event to attend for a full dose of the zany energy that thrives on Key West. Outrageously daring costumes, wild street parades, burlesque stage shows and even a clothing-optional body painting soiree bring folks of all sorts together during the 10-day festival. Just be sure to bring fantasy clothing and makeup; the official website even provides ideas and links to costume shops.

 

 

 

 

 

Florida Keys Seven Mile Bridge
Florida, Florida Keys, Play, Trip Ideas

Pedaling Florida Keys’ Seven-Mile Historic Bridge

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One of the main attractions on the Overseas Highway, the main road linking the Florida Keys from Miami to Key West, is the Seven-Mile Bridge. Besides being a favorite with sunset gazers, bridge enthusiasts and marathon runners, it separates the Middle Keys from the Lower Keys. Standing parallel to the paved bridge are the remnants of what was considered an engineering feat back in 1908: the Seven-Mile Historic Bridge, affectionately known as “Old 7.” Exploring this relic of steel and concrete by bicycle is a fun way to learn some Florida Keys history. Constructed more than a century ago by Henry Flagler as part of his efforts to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to Key West, this 2.2 mile section of the original span is closed to car traffic and has been preserved for fishing, walking, jogging and bicycling. Blocks from the bridge, the Overseas Outfitters rents single-speed, gear and road bicycles perfect for traveling the old bridge.

From the shop pedal southwest on sidewalks alongside the highway to the bridge; its first section connects the tip of Knight’s Key with Pigeon Key, a spit of land a mile off shore used by Flagler as a workers camp and staging area for the next link. Stop and peer over the rusty I-beam rail into the glistening green waters below and you’ll spy the silhouette of a manta ray or the silver flash of a fish swimming by. Poles along the bridge serve as perches for osprey that surprisingly sit still long enough for you to sneak up and snap a picture. And, of course, the water view of the Florida Bay is breathtaking. At the end of the line nestled under the bridge is Pigeon Key. Its five acres are home to a railroad museum filled with artifacts and historic photographs that tell the story of the bridge’s construction.