Having survived the Hana Highway, we could feast our eyes on the rest of Maui.
Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii, USA.
Known as the Little Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon in Kauai is breathtaking. There are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore to pass a day or even a week.
What makes a great beach? Privacy, sun, sand, a nice swimming area and places to explore.
Breathtaking view from the top of Haleakala National Park in Maui, Hawaii.
This beach is known as possibly the best place in the world for windsurfing. It is the site of two major world-class competitions.
The Makapuu Point Lighthouse was installed in 1909 at the Eastern end of the Oahu Island.
Take an early morning drive out of Honolulu along Highway 72 (Kalanianaole Hwy) east past Kaloko Beach. Find some parking along the side of the road and hike out to the viewpoint above the lighthouse before the sunrise.
Waihee Ridge Trail
Maui, 4½ mile out & back trail, medium difficulty.
Elevation gain: 1,560ft (from 1,000 – 2,560ft)
Ascend the Waihee ridgeline trail up Maui's western peak of Pu'u Kukui and you'll be hiking above the sightseeing helicopter tours and admiring the lush rainforest valleys and coastlines beyond.
Hiking on the windward side of any Hawaiian island means wet weather, muddy conditions and the threat of heavy rains. This trail is subject to all these factors, but the wet weather means waterfalls are plentiful, the vegetation is greener and the cooler conditions make for a nice comfortable hike.
More information on this hike at Trailspotting.com.
Sleeping Giants
Kauai, 4 mile out & back trail, medium difficulty.
Elevation gain: 1,100ft (from 200 - 1,300ft)
Nounou Mountain rises from the leeward (Eastern) lands of Kauai. Local legend tells of a giant who feasted so much at a party in his honor that he laid down for a nap and never awoke, and since the hike up East Nounou Mountain trail takes you straight over his head and up his nose, you might want to cross you fingers that he doesn't wake up while you're around.
This is a nice little hike if you're in the area, and a great way of sampling some of Kauai's exotic plantlife and bird population.