Vacations to Go

Home

Twilight-2010

Weddings and Oceans-2010

Banff Weekend-2010

Christmas in Disney World-2010

Future Trips:

Yellowstone-Teton Adventure-2011

Cruisin' with Mickey-2011

Ireland with a Tinge of U.K-2012

Great Short Trips:

Twilight on the Sound

Optional Trips:
Long Trips-

Ireland

Maui and Kauai

Oregon
Coast-a-Thon

Oregon Coast Websites for Vacation Rentals

Waterton-Glacier National Park

Short Trips:

Glacier in a Weekend

Week in Yellowstone National
Park-
Short Trip

Puget Sound Adventure

Day 1
	Depart:	Spokane
	Arrive:	Honolulu
	Arrive	Kahului
	See:	Maui
		Ka'ahumanu Center (Shopping Center on Hwy 32)
		Maureen's Gifts & Christmas Corner-334 Alamaha-Outstanding selection of gifts for the home.
		Swap Meet-Saturday from 7 a.m.-noon.  Park off Kamehameha and Puunene St.
		Costco and Kmart on Hwys 380 and Dairy Rd.
	Lodge:
Day 2
9:00 a.m.	Depart:	Kahului
		(Take Highway 32 (Kaahumanu Road) west out of Wailuku. This road turns into Highway 320 which lead directly to the 'Iao Valley State Park.)
	Arrive:	Wailuku	2
	Arrive:	Iao Valley State Park (Restroom, no water)
	See:	Iao Needle
	Depart:	Iao Valley State Park
		(Go back to the junction of Hwy 30 and 32.  Turn right on Hwy 30.)
	Arrive:	Maui Tropical Plantation (Milepost 2 and 3) (9-5)	3
	See:	Gift Shop
	Do:	Tram $9.50-Our narrated tour takes you past fields of tropical fruits and flowers, with plenty of great photo-op stops along the way. You'll see Hawaii's most popular crops as the tram rolls through our 60-acre working plantation: papaya, guava, mango, macadamia nuts, coffee, avocado, bananas, sugar cane, star fruit and more. We'll even teach you a thing or two about husking a coconut! Lots of fun for the whole family.
	Arrive:	Between Milepost 7 and 8
	See:	McGregor Point and Lighthouse-Great vantage point for seeing humpback whales from land. From here you have a sweeping view of the ocean. Scan the horizon watching for a cloud of "smoke" that rises 10-20 feet above the ocean. The "smoke" is actually water vapor exhaling from their blowhole
	Arrive:	Lahaina (Milepost 21) Old world charm
	See:	Shops - crowded (Parking is free on Front St for 3 hours)
		Banyan Tree Park (Front and Prison)
		Carthaginian Floating Museum- $3/$2 Senior/Free Children, Daily 10-4:30 p.m.  The Carthaginian II is a floating museum dedicated to whaling and to whales. The steel hull ship was brought to Lahaina from Denmark to replicate the original Carthaginian that was lost at sea. The museum contains an original whaling boat found in Alaska, as well as a multitude of artifacts related to the whaling industry that thrived in and around Lahaina during the "golden era of whaling".  Excellent audio-video displays tell the whaling story. Below deck you can hear the singing of humpback whales.
		Lahaina Lighthouse-The lighthouse located in front of the Pioneer Inn was built in 1840 to help aid navigation for the whaleboats that were coming ashore. This is the first lighthouse in Hawaii and predates any lighthouse on the US Pacific Coast.
		Sugar Cane Train-good for kids
		Warren and Annabelle's- best magic show in Hawaii
	Lodge:
Day 3
	Depart:	Lahaina
	Arrive:	Ka'anapali
	Do:	Beachside paved path
		Black Rock-great snorkeling around it.  The rock is almost completely encrusted in coral with a large assortment of fish and sea turtles to make the experience memorable.
		(At Honokowai exit onto Lower Honoapi'ilani Rd.)
	Arrive:	Kapalua (Where Lower Honoapiilani becomes Office Rd., there is a turnout with a parking lot.)
	See:	Makalua-puna Point-5 minute walk-Walk toward the shoreline and a long point of lava separates two large beaches.  You will see Dragon's Teeth (thrusting shapes).
	Arrive:	Molule'ia Bay
	See:	Slaughterhouse Beach (After 32 Mile marker on Hwy 30)-Views of Moloka'i in the morning.  Concrete steps down to the shoreline.
		Nakalele Blowhole-1/2 mile past Mile Marker #38. 1200 foot walk to it.  Trail goes down toward the ocean slightly to the left.  1/2 mile past Mile Marker #40 park on small turnout for another view.  This is a smaller pullout and you are only feet from the overlook Another 2/10 miles along the highway is an even better lookout.
		Kahakuloa Head Viewpoint-2/10 miles past the 41 mile marker
		Bellstone-(3/4 mile past 42 mile marker or 16 mile marker on the right side of the road.)  Hit it at the right spot and it makes a mildly metallic clank.
		Olivine Pools-(Take Highway 30 past the Bellstone going toward Kahakuloa Village. A small gravel road on the left is located just prior to Mile Marker #16. Park and walk toward the ocean. Veer to the right at the second intersection.  A rock platform overlooks the pools. To the left of this overlook is a lava bench and a trail leading down to it and the lava shelf.).   The Olivine Pools were named for this semi-precious gem found encrusted in the surrounding lava and sandstone. These naturally-formed swimming pools are located on a lava shelf stretching along the coastline. When the sea is calm, the area is excellent for swimming, wading and sunbathing.  Notice the unusual lava formations surrounding the area as you bathe in these wonderful pools.  Wear reef shoes when walking on the lava.  Do not wear lotions or oils in the pools as it may harm tiny sea life that make these pools their home.
	Arrive:	Kahakuloa Village-(Between milepost 15 and 14)
	Do:	Panini Pua Kea Fruit Stand-(left side in town) Coconut Candy Bar
		Lower Makamaka'ole Falls (Past milepost 8)  Visible from several turnouts.
	Arrive:	Kahului
	Lodge:
Day 4
10:30 a.m.	Depart:	Kahului
		(Take Hwy. 36 going east.)
	Arrive:	Pa'ia
	Do:	Shops
	See:	Ho'okipa Lookout (milepost 9)- watch the surf
		(Hwy. 36 will become Hwy. 360)
		Lower Puohokamoa Falls- (8/10 miles past 10 mile marker) Look for a turnout with a telephone pole and barbed wire fence.  Take the path along the fence for a few minutes.  200 ft. falls
		Haipua'ena Falls- (l/2 mile past the 11 mile marker) Park in the small turnout on the far side of the bridge and a trail that leads 30 seconds or so to a pool and small waterfall.
		Honomanu Bay view- (7/10 miles past 14 mile marker) - Semi pullout with old wooden benches
		Ke'anae Peninsula- (Turnoff after milepost 16) Restrooms near the ballpark.  Before the ballpark is a stand that sells the best banana bread.  Watch the waves beat up
		Ching's Pond- (just before the 17 mile marker) Park a pullout by the bridge.  The path about 75 feet to the left leads down to a marvelous pool.  Swimming is particularly good.
		Halfway to Hana Stand- (l/3 mile past the 17 mile marker) They have a justifiably famous banana bread, fruits, beverages, sandwiches and burgers.
		View- (2/3 mile past the 17 mile marker) Pull over and walk to the concrete bridge.  Look down on the ocean side of the bridge and you see water gushing out of the mountain, surrounded by flowers and some huge elephant ears (called 'ape) in a garden setting.  This is a spring fed gusher.
		View- (after Wailua and milepost 18) Keep an eye on your right for a glimpse of the enormous, multi-tiered Waikani Falls, which drops 1,000 feet in several stages
		Wailua Valley State Wayside- (Just before milepost 19 on the mountain side.) Take the stairs to the right to the top.  Look to the ocean for views of Wailua and the taro fields below.
		Upper Waikani Falls- (Between milepost 19 and 20)  Popular waterfall to photograph.  At the far side of the bridge (on the mountain side) is a fairly easy short path.  Just the first step is ugly.
		View- (2/10 miles past 21 mile marker, then another 250 feet) One car turnout just up the hill where the water that flows under the highway, plunges off the cliff in a very dramatic fashion.  (When there is water on the highway.)
		Pua'a Ka'a State Park- (Between mile marker 22 and 23) Two easily visited small waterfalls make good photo ops plus restrooms.
		Lava Tubes- (After mile marker 23) Yu will pass caves, a bridge and larger caves.
		Hanawi Falls- (After mile marker 24) Watch for the short guard rail on the bridge if you take a picture from here.
		Makapipi Falls- (Just past milepost 25) Pull over on the far side of the bridge.  Walk out to the bridge and look straight down.
		Nahiku Road- (Next to the above falls turn towards ocean on this 2 l/2 mile road)  Lush plants.  At the bottom is a jaw dropping view of the shoreline all the way back Ke'anae.  A little path on the left leads to a variable, but charming little artesian waterfall and pool right next to the ocean.  In the rainy season pull 150 feet back the uphill road.  Pull over to look at the big pool and small waterfall to your left.  Short path leads to the pool.  (Mosquitoes)
		Wai'anapanapa Park- (Just past mile marker 32 turn left on paved road.) Cabins for rent as well as restrooms, showers, picnic tables and camping.  Rustic cabins that accommodate up to 6 people are also nearby and are by reservations only 808-984-8109.  Freshwater cave great for swimming and a volcanic black sand beach.  The cave is situated next to the black sand beach.  Use caution along the trails as the footing can be difficult. If you hike to the lighthouse, the view is terrific
	Arrive:	Hana	50
	See:	Hana Bay- black sand beach with Tutu's Snack Shop-burgers, hot dogs, chili, and sometimes teryaki chicken.  Open 8-4
		Cell Phone Users-Stop at the school on the left side of the highway in Hana, stand on your right foot, raise your left arm, stick out your tongue and you might get a signal.
	Lodge:
Day 5
9:00 a.m.	Depart:	Hana
	See:	Venus Pool- (Just past the 48 mile marker park on the side of the highway.)  Near the Hana side of the bridge is an opening in the fence or gate and a trail toward the ocean.  Just before the path hits a weird, large, round concrete...thing (it's actually an old Portuguese bread oven), veer to the right toward the stream.  Be careful of slippery rocks and don't jump.  Look for a good place to get in and out of the water.  5 minute walk-great swimming.
		Wailua Falls- (after mile marker 46) After you cross the Wailua Stream look for the next stream.
		7 Pools Smoothies- Sells smoothies and banana bread
		Photo-sized Falls- (9/10 mile past 44 mile marker or park at mile marker 43) There is a short, sometimes slippery path on the other side of the downstream side of the road that leads to a photo-sized falls.  You can stand under it.
		Pua'a-lu'u Falls- (Shortly after milepost 43) Left of the bridge the falls fall under it.
		Blessed Mother Shrine- (Shortly after the falls) Remnant from an old lava tube maintained by a retired woman.
		Seven Sacred Pools- $10 Haleakala National Park fee (Park in the lot past the 42 mile marker.  Lot can be full by 2 p.m.) The loop trail from the lot to the pools and back is just over l/2 mile.  Restrooms, but no water.
		Palapala Ho'omau Church- (l/10 miles past the 41 mile marker) Take the road.  Charles Lindbergh is buried here.  The grave is through the cement post openings, and straight past the older graves on the corner.  Just past the grave is a tiny park.  Walk to the far end for a scrumptious view of the jagged coastline.
		Viewpoint- (6/10 miles past the 40 mile marker) Pull over to the one-car pullout)  If you walk across the street, there's an utterly glorious view of the Kipahulu coastline.
		Kukui'ula Falls- (At the bottom of the first valley, pull over past the second set of guardrails into the short gravel driveway to the ocean.  Looking back the way you came, you will usually see the falls plunging into the ocean.
		Alelele Falls- (l/3 mile past 39 mile marker) At the white bridge with the words Alelele on it there are several trails all leading 5-10 minutes inland.  It's fairly easy, although you will have to cross the stream at one point.  40-50 feet tall and has the cleanest, coolest water you can swim in.  The lower pool is lined with lots of pebbles, making entry easy on your feet.  The pool's about 6 feet deep.
		Kaupo Store- (past the 35 mile marker) Sells soda, chips, ice cream and candy along with antique cameras, clocks and knick knacks.
		Viewpoint- (4/10 mile past the 32 mile marker)  Views of Haleakala.  Look up at Kaupo Gap in the mountains where 5,000 feet deep erosion.
		Pokowai Sea Arch- (past the 29 mile marker) Pull over when the road descends to the shoreline.  Can see the arch.
		Ranch Store- (past the 15 mile marker) Deli/grill
		(Turn right on Hwy 37, then right on Hwy 377.  Turn right on Hwy 378.)
	Do:	Haleakala National Park $10.00 (10 mile marker)
	See:	Visitor Center (after mile marker 11) Restrooms and Phone 7,000 feet high and 41-59 degrees in February.
	Do:	Leleiwi Lookout- (Parking lot past the 17 mile marker) Walk 5 minutes to the end and the crater suddenly appears.
		Upper Visitor Center (After mile marker 20) Great view and restrooms.
		Sliding Sands Trail-Pony Express horseback ride takes 8 people per day aat 9:30 a.m.  $155-4 hours and no restroom
		Spectre of the Broken or akaku anuenue- In the late afternoon, at the crater's edge, if there is a cloud below and in front of you while the sun is low and directly behind you (Leleiwi Lookout is a good place), you can see your own shadow on the clouds with a rainbow surrounding the shadow.  Happens on occasion.
		Summit Road- (10,023 feet) Past the visitor center.  Wear sunscreen.
	Depart:	Mt. Haleakala
	Arrive:	Kahului	32
	Lodge:
Day 6
	Depart:	Maui
	Arrive:	Lihu'e, Kauai
	Do:	Running Waters Beach and Ninini Lighthouse-Take Kapule Hwy/Hwy 51 southwest.  This road leads past the Kiele and Lagoons Golf Courses. Park near Ninini Beach. Follow the trail past the 13th hole of Lagoons Course, past the beach and to Ninini Point.  100 ft. lighthouse.  Ask maintenance volunteer if you could go to the top.
		Halo Halo Shave Ice- Go back to Kapule St.  Turn right on Rice, then left on Kress Street.  Inside Hamura Saimin-good shave ice and ask them to put ice cream in the bottom
		Grove Farm Homestead- Go north to Hwy 50/Kaumuali'i Hwy.  Turn left, then south on Nawiliwili Rd.  Left side of the road.  80 acre sugar plantation with 1864 home.  Groups of 6 are escorted around the grounds and house for 2 hours for $5 each.  Make reservations at (808) 245-3202.  Tours 10 and 1 p.m. Mon, Wed., Thurs.
		Kukui Grove Shopping Center- Go back northwest on Nawiliwili Rd to the junction on Hwy 50/Kaumuali'i Hwy.
		Harbor Mall and Anchor Cove Shopping Center-Take east on Hwy 50 then right on Hwy 51/Rice St east to Nawiliwili Harbor.
		Kalapaki Beach-Behnd Anchor Cove Mall-watch sailboats and cruise ships
		Walmart (Hwy 56 and Ahukini Rd.)
	Lodge:
Day 7
	Depart:	Lihu'e
		(Take Hwy 50 east.  It will become Kuhio Hwy 56.  Turn left pm Hwy 583/Ma'alo Rd.)
	See:	Wailua Falls-Lookout located right next to the waterfall - no hiking required.  Slippery, steep hike down to the bottom of the falls and its pool is 3/10 of a mile down the road.  This majestic, 80(173)-foot tiered waterfall is located close to the roadside lookout for everyone to enjoy. The falls was made famous when it was featured in the opening scene of the popular television show, Fanasty Island.
		(Go back to Hwy 56.  Turn left on Hwy 580/Kuamo'o Rd.  After crossing the Wailua Bridge, turn left on Kuamo'o Road at Mile Marker #6.)
		Wailua River Lookout
		(Follow the road approximately 1 1/2 miles to the 'Opaeka'a Falls Lookout.)
	See:	Opaeka'a Falls
		(Go back to Hwy 56.  Turn left.)
	Arrive:	Kapa'a
		Kaua'i Product Fair-Weekends including craft items and fresh produce at Kapa'a on Weekends (next door to Red Dirt Store OR Sunshine Market on Kahau St. on Wednesdays
		Coconut Marketplace
		Ye Olde Ship Store with scrimshander work
	Arrive:	Anahola	14
	Do:	Duane's Ono-Char Burger-In Anahola-Good place for burgers and shakes.
		King Kong's Profile-Kalalea Mountain-As you drive north of Anahola look back and you will see the striking resemblance to King Kong.  Remake of the film was made here in 1976.
		Hole-in-the-Mountain-Between 15 and 16 mile marker.  Small hole in mountain caused from a lava tube.
		(Take Highway 56 north from Anahola. Turn right just past mile marker 23 onto Kiauea Road just after Mile Marker #23. Follow the road to the end.
	See:	Kilauea Lighthouse- $3 per person open 10-4.  Built in 1913, it was had the largest lens of it's kind and guided ships heading to and from the Orient. In the 1970's its light was turned off and this landmark was replaced by a low-maintenance light beacon.  There is plenty of paved parking available near the visitor center. There is a short hike out to the lighthouse and great views of the entire area above the peninsula at the lookout.	9
		Banana Joe's- North of Kilauea on the mountain side has fresh fruit and smoothies
	See:	Unnamed Falls-l/2 mile past the 24 mile marker is a small pull-out.  Walk 320 yards ahead on the left to the falls.  The stream flows under the road and falls again into the valley.
		Kalihiwai Falls-At Mile Marker #25.  The long bridge past the falls has a narrow walkway.  Visible on the mountain side is the gorgeous, two-tiered falls.  Cannot stop on bridge.
		Hanalei Lookout- Near entrance to Hwy 560 is also the last gas station on the north shore.
		*Bridge etiquette for one lane bridges-All vehicles on one proceed, so if the car directly in front of you goes, you go.  Otherwise, stop and wait for the other side to go first.
		Tropical Taco  and Polynesian Cafe (killer bake goods)-In the Halele'a Building on the ocean side of the highway
		Lumaha'i Beach-After Hanalei ascend the road to a turnout overlooking the beach.  Famous beach for when Mitzi Gaynor washed that man right out of her hair in South Pacific in 1957.
		(On Hwy 560 6/10 miles past the 8 mile marker for easy access.)
		Tunnels Beach- One of the best snorkeling places.
		*Manoa Stream-The stream flows over the road and creates potholes.  Watch out!
		Manini-holo Dry Cave- The Dry Cave is located on the left side of the road, just before Mile Marker #9, across the street from the Ha'ena Beach Park.  This dry cave is one of several sea caves located in the area. The cave, which is about 300 yards deep, used to be much larger but the 1957 tsunami partially filled it with sand.
		Waikanaloa Wet Cave-Located on the left just before Mile Marker #10, past the Ha'ena Beach Park. This cave is on the right of the parking lot and closer to the road
		Waikapala'e Wet Cave-This is the second wet cave located in this area. A short, uphill climb brings you to the entrance.   This particular cave has an unusual effect for those who want to brave the ice-cold water. It is called the Blue Room. At the back of the main cave is a small opening into another, smaller room accessible only by swimming. Once inside the smaller chamber, look toward the main opening. The sunlight reflecting off the freshwater makes everything around you turn blue.
		Ke'e Beach-At 10 mile marker-Fabulous lagoon that offers great swimming and snorkeling when calm.  End of road
	Depart:	Ke'e Beach	15
	Arrive:	Lihu'e, Kauai	40
	Lodge:
Day 8
	Depart:	Lihu'e
		(West on Hwy 50 past mile marker 1 on the right.)
	See:	Kilohana (1935 home) with Gaylord's Restaurant (good lunch prices ) and 10 shops-Carriage Rides $12, Sugar Cane Field Carriage Rides-$25
	Arrive:	Puhi	2
		People's Market-fruit or Hanalima Baking-baked goods
		Sunshine Market-Monday or Fridays at 3 p.m. at Vidinha Stadium
		(At 3 mile marker go left on Kipu Rd.  At the 'Y', bear to the right. Turn left on the dirt road just before the bridge. Park your car by the gate and walk downstream approximately 5 minutes to the waterfall.)
		Kipu Falls- Walk on the dirt road.  Just before the trail begins to ascend, there is a very short (but sometimes slippery) trail down tot he top of the falls on your right.
		(Continue on Hwy 50.  Turn left/south on Hwy 520/Maluhia Rd.)
	See:	Tree Tunnel-Walter Duncan McBryde, a Scotchman who began cattle ranching in South Kauai, planted these Eucalyptus Trees over 150 years ago. The trees once formed a beautiful canopy over the highway before two hurricanes damaged the tops of the trees.
	Arrive:	Koloa	8
	See:	Monkeypod tree-next to Crazy Shirts Store
		Lappert's Ice Cream-Made in Kaua'i.
		Sugar Mill-150 years old mill kitty-corner from shops.
		(Continue south on Hwy 520/Maluhia Rd, then left at Koloa Rd./Hwy 530, then left/south on Po'ipu Rd.  Past mile marker 4 turn right on Lawa'i Rd.)
	Arrive:	Po'ipu	2
		Prince Kuhio Park-Monument to Prince Kuhio and Ho'ai Heiau-entrance towards the rear on the left side.
		Spouting Horn Beach Park-continue on Lawa'i Rd.  A small lava shelf where water from waves is thrust through an opening causing water and air to squirt out a blowhole.  Has an additional hole that blows only air.  If you go onto the bench, you do so at your own risk.  Never stand between the hold and the ocean.
		(Go back the way you came on Lawai'i Rd.  Turn right Po'ipu Rd.)
		Green Sea Turtles-Look for them in the ocean.
		Makawehi Lithified Cliffs-Trail from the parking lot between the Hyatt and the po'ipu Bay Resort golf course.  Formed from cemented sand dunes.
		(Go west, then north on Po'ipu Rd.)
	Do:	Taqueria Nortenos-Good Mexican food.  Around the 4 mile marker on Po'ipu Rd/Hwy 520 in Po'ipu Plaza.  Take-out only.  Closed Wednesdays.
		(Go north on Po'ipu Rd., then left/west on Koloa Rd/Hwy 530.  Turn left/west on Hwy 50.)
	See:	Kaua'i Coffee Visitor Center-past 12 mile marker-Museum
	Do:	Hanapepe Valley Lookout- just past 14 mile marker-	12
		(Continue on Hwy 50.  At Hanapepe/Ele'ele turn left on Lele, then right to park.)
	See:	Salt Pond Beach Park-Make salt out of seaweed.  Safe swimming
		Fort Elizabeth-past 22 mile marker-Vague remains of an 1816 Russian fort.  Continue on the dirt road through the fort to the mouth of the Waimea River.  Beautiful area to linger and watch the interaction of the ocean and river.  Sand is semi-precious gem called olivine, so green.
	Arrive:	Waimea	10
	See:	Menehune Ditch-After mile marker 22 and just past the Waimea River turn right on Menehune Rd.-Built around 300 AD to bring water from the river to the taro fields.  Across from the ditch is the Waimea Swinging Bridge replaced in 1992.
		Captain Cook Monument-Located around Mile Marker #23. The monument is located in the downtown area in Hofgaard Park on the right side-He first set foot here in 1778.
	Do:	Jo-Jo's Clubhouse-across from the 23 mile marker-serves the best shave ice on the island with 60 flavors and big portions.
	Arrive:	Kekaha	2
	Do:	Waimea Canyon Plaza-Menehune Food Mart serves sandwiches, hot dogs and very good bread pudding.
	Lodge:
Day 9
	Depart:	Waimea
		(Take the Waimea Canyon Drive just past the 23 mile marker near a church, after making sure you have enough gas.  )
	Look:	For Ni'ihau, a private island offshore.
	See:	Waimea Canyon Lookout-past 10 mile marker	10
		Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout-Waipo'o Falls are visible after a heavy rain.	3
		Pu'u Hinahina Lookout-past 13 mile marker.  Can see Ni'ihau Island.	1
		Koke'e Museum-past 15 mile marker.  3 dimensional maps	3
		Koke'e Lodge-next to museum is the best place to get lunch.
		Kalalau Lookout-18 mile marker.  Not as good as the next stop.	3
		Pu'u o Kila Lookout-View of the Pacific with the Kalalau Valley below you.	1
	Arrive:	Waimea
		Big Save-sandwiches or picnic food in deli
		Collectibles & Fine Junque-down the street
	Depart:	Waimea
	Arrive:	Lihu'e	23

Vacations to Go....