Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [9]
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THE BIG ISLAND One to Two Weeks
The Big Island offers a continent’s diversity within an island’s circumference. In 320 miles, go from rain forests to snowy summits, from pastureland to dolphin-filled bays, from green-sand to black-sand to white-sand beaches, from artists villages to a working-class city, and from volcanic craters to hot lava.
The Big Island can fill two weeks and then some. Base yourself in Kailua-Kona (Click here) the first four days or so, combining trips to the beach – specifically, Manini’owali Beach (Click here), Kahalu’u Beach (Click here), Hapuna Beach (Click here) and Kauna’oa Bay (Click here) – with the art galleries and coffee farms in Holualoa (Click here), the ancient mana (spiritual essence) of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (Click here), and a snorkel at Kealakekua Bay (Click here). Then, spend two days in North Kohala (Click here): hike into Pololu Valley (Click here), visit Mo’okini Heiau (Click here) and enjoy great eats in Hawi (Click here). Or sightsee in North Kohala and save your appetite for Waimea (Click here), which also has a nice selection of B&Bs. Is that a week already? Well, keep going. Take a leisurely drive along the Hamakua Coast (Click here), making sure to at least peek into Waipi’o Valley (Click here). Spend two days in Hilo (Click here), exploring its downtown area, the farmers market and the excellent museums, particularly ’Imiloa (Click here). If you have extra time, detour either up to Mauna Kea (Click here) for an evening of stargazing or venture into Puna (Click here), lingering along Red Road (Click here) and perhaps getting naked at Kehena Beach (Click here). But leave at least two days for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Click here): hike the Kilauea Iki Trail (Click here), drive along the Chain of Craters Road (Click here), and hopefully trek to see some hot lava (Click here). While adventuring, stay in one of the lovely Volcano B&Bs (Click here). We understand that some have a plane to catch, but with another day or two for Ka’u (Click here), you can admire sea turtles at black-sand Punalu’u Beach (Click here), get in a last hike to Green Sands Beach (Click here) and say good-bye from moody Ka Lae (Click here).
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MAUI One to Two Weeks
For an adventure-packed holiday that doesn’t skimp on the pampering, Maui combines comfy resorts with splendid beaches, whale watching, unbelievable snorkeling and windsurfing, the world’s largest volcanic crater and the harrowing Hana Hwy. Activity hounds: 300-plus miles of driving.
You’re on your honeymoon, right? Well, we’re not waiting around for laggards. Just keep up. Start off in the old whaling town of Lahaina (Click here) and explore its treasure trove of historic sites (Click here), perhaps celebrating your special occasion with the superb Old Lahaina Luau (Click here). Head north into west Maui (Click here). In winter, spot whales breaching offshore, particularly at Papawai Point (Click here) and take a whale-watching tour (Click here). Naturally, at a time like this, money is no object, so indulge in a resort at Ka’anapali (Click here) and enjoy its excellent beaches; spend two days (three if you’re really in love), but then let’s go! Drive around the peninsula, stopping at gorgeous Kapalua Beach (Click here), and, OK, snorkel with spinner dolphins at Slaughterhouse Beach (Click here), but eventually get on the scenic Kahekili Highway (Click here). Stop to admire the legendary jade spire of ’Iao Valley State Park (Click here), then keep going to south Maui (Click here): book a snorkel cruise to Molokini Crater (Click here), check out more whales at Kihei (Click here), and either snorkel around Makena (Click here) or perhaps sunbathe