Hawaii Part 2:
So Many Islands, So Little Time
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Our last Lovejoy Travel Agency newsletter talked about Oahu and Hawai'i, The Big Island. (
Click here in case you missed it.
) This time, I want to chat about the other two very popular Hawaiian Islands
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Kaua'i and Maui
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to give you a feel for the difference between the islands and detail what there is to do. Whereas Oahu is bustling with people and the Big Island is, well, big, Kaua'i is quaint and quiet while Maui is the best blend of all the islands. Each island has it's unique beauty and charm and now it is your turn to decide which island(s) is right for you.
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Kaua'i
Kaua’i is the island most people think of when they think of Hawaii. The lush vegetation, the deep cliffs and hidden waterfalls that we have all seen in Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar and Lost all took place in Kauai’i. This is an island that people go to if they want to get away from busy schedules and truly want to slow down a whole heck of a lot. It doesn’t have a big city, but rather quaint, small towns. Only 10% of Kaua’i is accessible by car, which makes it the perfect opportunity to check off a helicopter ride from your bucket list.
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Resort Area:
- North Short is the picturesque area of mountains, beaches, and cliffs. Lumahai Beach is where “South Pacific” was filmed and Kee Beach is a great spot to catch some sun. Most notably is the Napali Coast with cliffs 3,000 feet tall that house waterfalls and lush valleys.
- East Side is the most populated area of the island yet it’s small town. The “Royal Coconut Coast” is a great place for first time snorkelers and hanging out at Wailua River State Park.
- South Side is a cute little area with charming boutiques and the Spouting Horn—a blowhole that releases water up to 20 feet into the air.
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Top Attractions:
- Na Pali Coast has those stunning emerald-hued cliffs and razor-sharp ridges that is best viewed from sea or air. The 17 miles of natural, almost untouchable beauty encompasses the scenes from Jurassic Park.
- Waimea Canyon, AKA The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, was created when its volcano fell along the fault line paired with the running river of Waimea. You can take fairly easy hikes through the park and check out some of it's amazing lookouts.
- Wailua River Valley is the only navigable rivers in Hawaii and the most sacred as it use to run past seven temples (heiau) and feeds into Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls. You can explore this river via kayak, SUP or outrigger canoes.
- Koke’e State Park is covered in 45 miles of hiking trails with the best birding and botany experience. Within the 45 miles, you can hike through everything from swampy bogs, wet forest, red dirt and clifftop views.
- Po’ipu Beach is a great place to take the family for humpback whales and monk seals sightings. The crystal clear water is also a great place for snorkeling, body boarding and fishing.
- Hanapepe is "Kauai's biggest little town" full of history and charm. The town is still very much the same since WWI when G.I.s and sailors were stationed there.
- Lihu’e is where the airport and the cruise ship port is located, making it the most traveled part of Kaua'i. It offers well known resorts, Kalapaki Beach and some museums for you to explore.
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Maui
Voted "The Best Island in the US" for more than 20 years, Maui has it all. Second most populated of the islands, Maui has the luxury accommodations, night life and award winning beaches. They pride themselves of farm-to-table dishes and the most beautiful sun rises over the Haleakala creator. I especially enjoy the tale and legend of the demigod, Maui, who pulled the islands up from the sea and lassoed the sun from the top of Haleakala. What a great image as you stroll through the beautiful island and notice the power of mother nature.
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Resort Area:
- Wailea has plush accommodations paired with great beaches, fantastic golf and world class restaurants.
- Kihei is the beach town located on the dry end of the island where humpback whales come to breach and nature lovers enjoy the bird watching.
- Lahaina has the rustic charm with weathered storefronts where ancient Hawaiian royals, missionaries, whalers, and sugar plantation workers would gather.
- Ka'anapali is chic with flashy resorts that attract those that want to let loose and celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries, and girls getaways.
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Top Attractions:
- Haleakala National Park offers the best sunrise there is. In fact, this is one of the most popular activity there is in Maui. The way the sun glistens through the clouds will take your breath away.
- Road to Hana is a 2-4 hour drive along the highway, leading you to rain forests, waterfall, and plunging pools
- Old Lahaina Luau is the award winning luau, featuring traditional Hawaiian cuisine, open bar, authentic hula leis, in the most perfect oceanfront setting.
- ‘Iao Valley State Park is home to the 'Iao Needle, surrounded by the most beautiful shades of green. You will enjoy this magical hike through the forest where King Kamehameha I battled Maui's army to unite the islands.
- Big Beach is Maui's signature beach with white sand stretching along the cost that overlooks Molokini.
- Molokini Crater. Yes, yes and yes. You must make a visit to the crescent shaped crater in the ocean to snorkel and dive with over 250 species of fish that make this area it's home. Once a target for bombing practice by the US Military, it is now protected and restored.
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