Aloha Hawaii.. Our summer's super travel to the most famous of United States Minor outlying islands

After months of preparations and reservations are finally ready to leave for our super summer trip, this year the choice fell on Hawaii + New York. Trip I organized everything myself, intercontinental flights, domestic flights, hotels, pensions, car rental. After 21 hours of flying, 6 planes, 2 taxis, 1 bus, 1 car (our rental), 6 hour delay on a flight (not closed the door of the aircraft), one night in New York ... We arrive with a small palne so I finally called "hope" in Maui. The airlines we have the following choices:
Bologna - London - New York: British Airways
New York - Los Angeles - Honolulu United Airlines
Domestic Flights: Island Air + Hawaiaan
Within the islands have almost always flown with Island Air (tickets very cheap like $ 80 x comes) working with the 36-seat airplanes (with props) that inspire very little confidence but really seem to say that sure .. we went well. Then we took a flight with the Hawaiaan and say that tt is another thing ... we say large planes are taking less and seem to be empty + security.
Hotel selected:
Maui: Kai's B & B (very cozy family hotel, lovely room and location in Kihei)
Kauai: Sand Beach Hotel (great hotel on the beach, huge rooms, clean and convenient location Wailua)
Oahu: Aqua Beachside (hotel right on Waikiki Beach, rooms small but clean).
Kauai and Maui rental cars: Budget (A Oahu bus ....)
Now begins the real story that divides dates below:

 

Arrival in Maui

Arrival in the evening and almost destroyed in Maui after the rental of our hideous gray car we go to Kihei from Kei's B & B. We accepted the lady told us their habits at home and showed us our Mango room.Carinissima, all yellow, wooden floor and balcony with table and chairs surrounded by their garden. Breakfast brings the lady inside a wicker basket and left outside the door the night before not to bother. Provides beach towels, sunscreen, books, hats, body board, washing machine etc etc.. They maintain a very strict collection ... We pulled into town in Kihei, where there are shops, supermarket and restaurants and we parked SHAKA PIZZA ... their pizza is very good but be careful ... Take the slice (slices) because the whole pizza could feed a rugby team! After dinner we go to bed even if we do not understand well if it is day or night ....

Maui, we're ready!

We wake up fresh as 2 Tiarè flowers and two chips as we head to Big Beach near Makena. This wide beach is fantastic and semi-desert. The sand is golden. The waves are seriously (I say this from experience ...) though it seems. And the beach boys suits and Hawaiian Bodyboard see that a lot of fun and make some numbers ... bodyboard go on with your hands, upside down ... Cats seem! We just throw ourselves into the water and the waves take us immediately and we enjoy a lot! The waves crashing ashore practically. At one point I look back and see a wall of water and do not have time to think about anything that attracts to itself (the incredible power of water), well, I was crushed to the ground where I sgrugnato his face and I "vomited" on bagnoasciuga to 4-5 meters from the shore practically almost without costume ... oh my god! What a shame ... Robby laughed like crazy and not just him ... emphasize that control the Baywatch beach with binoculars .... imagine! Okay! After a good laugh I got thrown back into the sea and washed those extra pounds of sand that I had stored! Now I'm in Hawaii! Robby look like a kid having fun with his bodyb ... was caught by peterpan syndrome, help! We continue our. around and go to Wailea Beach, another beautiful beach.

Hana Road

You can not go without coming to Maui's famous Hana Road. You can avoid it if you have a weak stomach because of the over 600 curves and bends ... but it is not our. case! Before arriving here we stopped along the way x admire the famous surfer's beach of Hoo'kipa, stormed, I dare not imagine the winter when the waves said to be high from the ... To follow this diabolical, yet charming way it took us 2 hours and 50. It 'a road that runs through the forest, sometimes on coastal cliffs overlooking the sea and sometimes on mountain walls. Must exceed fifty of suspension bridges over waterfalls and streams. Nature here is unbelievable, never seen a road like that! Are famous beaches that meet on this path and do not lose the certain. We start with Waianapanapa State Park, famous as the beach + black. Beautiful and very unusual ... strange black sand pitch that attaches to the foot .... Kaialulu continue towards the red sand beach, beautiful too. But then we come to Koki Beach Park and that is where I'll leave my heart in Maui. This bay is for me a breathtaking beauty, the wild call. Surround the mountains behind the dense vegetation and high coastal eroded by wind and the waves where they form a sort of cave on the left side of the beach. Under the golden sand that show the colors of this beautiful bay. I remain enchanted and kidnapped and watch in silence. We continue to Hamo Beach Park, another beautiful beach, beautiful view from above. We continue the path and arrive all'Haleakala National Park (admission $ 10) where the river forms the Oheo Gulch 7 pools. Basically there are 7 waterfalls that descend to follow one another, forming seven pools where you can swim. The water eventually reaches the sea waves dashing against the rocks at the end of this path. When the sea is very rough because it overwhelms everything and close it becomes extremely dangerous to reach the pools ... An otherworldly atmosphere would define it, I know there are no words. The road ends here, is not allowed to continue and rental cars so you have to go back and retrace all the curves, bends and bridges. A tip, hold the ticket for Haleakala NP, valid 3 days and you can visit the volcano without pay as remains in the same park (entrance opposite of this).
Return with a stop in Paia with promenade and shops x dinner in Kihei from the legendary chain Denny's.

Kaanapali Coast

Today we decided to visit the Kaanapali Coast and start with the Black Rock beach. A beautiful beach a bit hard to find xchè hidden by large hotel chains that rise behind him. And 'ideal for snorkelling at the right, near the rocks, just black. The water is bright blue and becomes deep quickly. We dried and we head Kakekili Beach Park in Kapalua, where we visit the following beaches: Kapalua Bay, DT Fleming Beach Park Honolua Bay. Tt and have 3 beautiful but my favorite of the day is the Black Rock. Honolua Bay offers sweeping views from breathtaking indeed! We continue our. around and we look further north to the Blow Hole Point Nakalele. It is a hole formed on the rocks that sprays water up to several feet when the wave arrives. the height of the spray depends on the wave of violence .... Good show ... but what nature can do! We end the day with a healthy dinner Shaka Pizza!

Haleakala Crater and Kihei

Today we go to visit the Haleakala Crater National Park nell'Haleakala and use the other entrance ticket purchased at the Hana Road for 7 pools. This volcano is extinct for many years but is always exciting to visit. There are several vantage points. The last ends at 3055 meters and you can imagine that you can enjoy the view from there. The lunar landscape is a mix of black lava, the red rocks and green plants that take up little by little their space. You can see many craters and a plastic inside the Visitors Center gives an idea of what a mess when it was unleashed in eruption! For $ 1 donation you can have a cute certificate Haleakala NP 6 where it says "survivor" to this experience as the park says the only place in the world where a road 36 miles from the sea level and comes in so short a distance at 3055 Mt Indeed overhang is significant and ns. Cobalt hobbled between the curves of this park! At the top every movement requires a great effort and consequently a great pant! On the top you will see an astronomic observatory which however is clearly forbidden to enter. Do not miss this visit to the volcano, which characterizes the island of Maui. The signs of the presence of this volcano and previous eruptions are visible on the island tt in certain beaches where the contrast between the black lava, golden sand, blue water and green vegetation creates a brilliant play of colors I think unique. The other half day we spent on the beach in Kihei and waiting for the sunset or the shopping stalls.

Last day in Maui

The last day in Maui we spend everything on the beach ... We start with Honolua Bay (we had seen only from above). Should go to see this beach just to the path you have to do to get there. It 's a walkway in the middle of a beautiful forest full of lush ferns, really wonderful. At the end of the trail opens this beautiful bay, ideal for snorkelling. The beach is pebbly and therefore quite uncomfortable but worth it just for a bath and walk in the wing "jungle"! we continue our day to another semi-deserted beach we found on the road near Kailili Beach. This is also suitable for snorkelling. The water has some crazy blue stripes that make a great sight! Given the low turnout and the melancholy of perhaps having to leave Maui with the iPod I sang in his ears at loud and dancing some of my favorite songs, and not caring arcifregandomene few who enjoyed watching me ... but that I envied me because finally free from the prejudices to which we are continually subjected in everyday life! So I felt very style and HANGLOOSE ALOHA! Beautiful gift of Maui!

From Maui to Kauai

Here's another airplane terror is waiting to take us in Kauai! Mamma mia! Actually comfortable flight. We come to Kauai in the afternoon and welcomes us with a time not exactly beautiful. We decide to do some shopping and go to the Coconut Market Place, right next to the ns. hotels. There are plenty of souvenir shops and one in particular has very nice necklaces and bracelets at reasonable prices (just ahead of the main entrance on the right). For the evening we take the direction of Punta Allen and we have dinner by Pizzetti Old Koloa Town, a very nice room where we ate well.

Waimea canyons and beaches

Time is a wolf and it rained cats and dogs all night ... smettere.Ci no sign of a suspect: Kauai is called the Garden Isle for its lush vegetation .. but not that green is because it always rains here, right? But I picture the sun I've seen ... After several risky assumptions is decided today you go to Waimea Canyon, rain or no rain ... better the alternative beach! Map in hand we reach the ns. destination .... we get on top and you see a pipe of nothing .... fog hinders our necks bristling with. visual .... turn up and down all the points of view, we arrive at the visitors center, we return to the top and then a sudden gust of wind to fear ... than we could have done with our sweatshirts paragliding, sweeps away all the clouds and the spectacle that we see incredible, a canyon depart from colors, classical flowing river bottom and waterfalls surrounding peaks, vegetation explosive , almost violent and orange-red rocks. Crazy (even though the canyon itself can not stand the confonto with his cousin Grand Canyon in Arizona, as many argue it's another thing that .... The vegetation around instead is unique and I think this is something only here throughout the rest of the world ... this is why the island garden!). The weather continues to improve and take the opportunity to take a stroll through one of the many routes ... really nice and charming landscape. We begin to see the cars climb to the top cabrio convertible ... good sign ... the beach is sunny .... arriviamooo! We sling at Salt Pond Beach Park (near Port Allen), a very very nice beach, sheltered by the current, ideal for swimming. Incredible a few hours ago there was a time a wolf and now the sun is crazy and we made a spectacular bath! We continue to Poi'pu beach. Beach beauty disarming .... blue water blue and low, in front is a small island that is reached by walking in the water and on which no one was ... how nice! Also miss the sunset from this beach! Return to the hotel and prepare for dinner but before we go to Port Allen to the book 'ie the Na'pali Coast tour with Blue Dolphin for the next day after several estimates seemed like the best boat and as a program. We choose a restaurant on the road, after P. Allen, Kalahes cafe where we ate divinely. I got the Mahi-Mahi with mango (fish typical Hawaiian and Polynesian). I recommend it highly!

Beaches of north

Today we look at the famous beaches of the north. Starting from the farthest to get closer to where there is our Kapa'a. hotels. The road to the north, especially the last part is very similar to Hana Road in Maui as landscape. Driving is also covered by vegetation and totally enraptured by the beauty Kauai offers visitors. The weather is beautiful and the morning before the rains have swollen rivers and waterfalls are visible that are launched by the impressive mountains ... here is the garden island tt its beauty! It seems an Eden. We get healthier x miracle (having avoided an accident with a car on a bridge in alternating direction and there he saw a branch of a tree that fell almost on top of ns. ... Bonnet) and the first beach visit Ke'e Beach is a paradise ... go to this beach is really nice and gave us a wonderful surprise to say the least let me and my husband was speechless. The beach is crowded on the piece at the entrance and if you travel on the left side is completely deserted. Robby and I decide to go for a walk on foot on that side and at some point we notice a big thing lying on the sand ... but what, what is not ... maybe it's a big rock .. well, boh ... As we get closer we realize that this thing is animated and is nothing but a nice relaxed seal which takes a bit of sun on the beach .... amazing! I literally went down the head ... I love animals and was the first time I saw a seal .... I think I was good 1 hour stop impaled x fear of disturbing to scrutinize in great detail and made him an entire photo book ! I tr. happy! Oh my god! Unbelievable, he told an American and I too ... now infected by their language! The nose seal ... but no one has ever looked in detail? Well if you let it happen ... seems to be a dog! I would be there indefinitely, but my husband took that off! We return to the beach, if you want to snorkel here is ideal, there are many fish and beautiful coral formations. The aesaggio around is wonderful. Behind there is a mountain peak that falls to the bay and several boulders that seem perfectly placed there (perhaps by an architect !!!!") create a unique setting! A bit Seychelles .. We leave for another wonderful beach paradise too (but did not seal) that is Tunnels Beach, the sea is the same, remains in the bay over the creek and is really beautiful, the sea is a clear color ! Let for Wainika Bay but we do not stop because of rain days before and the river that flows right here brought mud and water was blue and red clay! Come to Anina Beach Park, beautiful and isolated, there was almost no. The day is nearly over and back we stop to see the Kilauea lighthouse that stands upright on the bay are home to numerous species of birds. In winter you can spot whales from here. And 'possible to visit the lighthouse inside ($ 5) but note that it closes at 16 ...! We have dinner at Cafe Kapa'a all'Olimpic with excellent steaks that would have fed an entire rugby team ... but kill what they eat 'sti Americans .... you can also see, eh!

Na'pali Coast

The mid-August we spent on a catamaran in Na'pali Coast with the Blue Dolphin ("only" $ 273 in two). Starting at 8 am and return from Port Allen for 14 hours, breakfast and lunch on board, drinks all inclusive. I do not know how to describe the beauty of Na'pali Coast, I can not make the idea of the beauty of this stretch of coast ... rounded by forest-covered mountains that seem actually covered with bright green velvet, waterfalls that flow everywhere, stunning coves, enchanted corners, rock arches on the sea .... We saw dozens of dolphins that were playing right under our catamaran, and even turtles! Tip: if you suffer from seasickness is not the vs. good day! The sea was rough and not only believe in the day when we went we ... The day we reserved another surprise ... finished the hike we went to the beach in Anahola where there was a Hawaiian wedding! E 'was great to see their traditions! The bride dressed in white like us, the groom in white too, then had 5 slaves, dressed in red and white and five bridesmaids who had the same shirt to dress the bridesmaids! All accompanied by the sound dell'ukelele! On a sandy expanse of fragrant flowers Tiara .... We are sitting on the beach, among others nearby, have a look ... We attended a Hawaiian wedding! And yes we have seen the picture rite of water, where the maid did a mega gavettone newlyweds .... After the ceremony the newlyweds and the guests went away happy and we are left to dream about how it was ns. marriage 7 years ago if we had done a sandy beach in Hawaii! While we waited we tried a beautiful sunset coconut, we opened and we enjoyed the fruit on this beach was deserted! Dinner by the legendary Burger King (if you like ... we are fans of fast food!)

Last half-day in Kauai

We decide to go this last half a day to a beautiful beach in Kauai, Kalihiway. At left is a river that is thrown into the ocean, like being in the jungle ... landscape really strange! From this beach start canoeing ... and before all pray in a circle! Then when she gets a little wind surfers and I also get to observe their movements, charm and decided harmonious! Later we change and go to the beach Kealia Beach, where there are waves and all enjoy a lot! Lunch at Pizza Hut with a buffet of pizza (pasta and vegetables) for $ 10 per person. There was also (among many) Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple ... Excellent! Late afternoon we took the flight to Oahu. Arriving at the airport we find that the buses do not load large packages from the plane and as we are without a car somehow we also do ... the airport is really big, baggage weighing an accident and does not seem real when we find the Roberts Hawaii buses for $ 9 apiece us to Waikiki.Si then reveal a very affordable price! We get that by now it is evening, we arrange the hotel and go to see Waikiki Beach this evening! The hotel is on the beach and we just cross the street. The hotels which stand tall above and that reflected enlightened Ocean is a sight not easily forget .... Waikiki I like this a lot already! Let's turn x shops ... and shopping! The promenade is very elegant and full of people, mostly Japanese. It seems to be in Milano Marittima! Then one gelatone from Hagen Daz and a lullaby!

Hanuama Bay

Today I just want to go to Hanuama Bay! Also because tomorrow is closed! REMEMBER, TUESDAY HANUAMA BAY AND 'CLOSED! We walk to the bus stop and wait for the 22. Tickets cost $ 2.25 each round trip, you give money to the driver who does not rest. This bus runs once an hour and we had to wait two hours before we load because it was always full. Pending bath in Waikiki ... but this is convenient bus stop! At the 3rd step of the bus when the driver told us he was still full and that there would be uploaded, I planted a mess that eventually made up only between me and my husband all these .... W hen I want one thing .... we say that often get it! We come to hanuamo Bay after about 45 minutes and the line to get to the beach (it is a natural park) is very long ... patience, wait! We pay $ 7 for entry and home video after a compulsory for all of 10 minutes (which explains the formation of the bay, due to the volcano and what can and can not do) can be finely access to the beach! The descent to it is paved and steep (then return to take the train that x $ 1 mark on it .... never better spent my money!). The top view is spectacular, the bay has incredible colors and can distinguish all forms of coral! A paradise indeed. Famous for snorkeling really do not see a pipe! But it's worth cmq! Bring water and not eat if you peel .... Take the bus to return again and again delirious and I do not want to wait another hour, so you do not know how we got to stop them and we got to the top .... I had said I wanted to take the bus!
We spend the rest of the afternoon at Waikiki Beach, this beautiful beach, one of my favorites in the world ... I could even think of moving there one day ... Turning back to the sea, on the right is a mountain with slopes up to the beach and left a harmonious succession of beautiful skyscrapers which follows the crescent-shaped bay. The ocean is an incredible blue. Here life is very busy and a continuous street-surfers go to the board under his arm walks on the beach! Strange people, beautiful people, people of all kinds populate this beach belongs to everyone. Entice us to watch a guy who surfs while raising a girl who does the figure of the angel above him .... I'm not saying a hoax, I saw with my own eyes, guys! Wait for the sunset and I assure you that the show is guaranteed! PF Chang's to have dinner with an excellent fish Mahi-Mahi with fruit ... strange combinations but always well done ... for my taste!

Last day in Oahu

Today is the last day in Ohau and I absolutely want to move to Waikiki, I love the madness! Robby rent a surfboard on the beach now completely infected by all (x $ 15 first hour, then every hour after that $ 5). I see from the classic surfer position, lying on the table rowing arms. Reaches all the others and placed in position waiting for "the right wave! Let's say he is not just good ... Sounds easy but is complicated! At the end falls on the beach exhausted but happy, I can see from his eyes!
Lunch at McDonald's is right on the beach. we are also the apple here and we spend between a bath and a walk! Towards evening we go to the mall Ala Moana Center with autous 8. The center has shops of famous brand these forthcoming (or not) and beautiful. It is to be lost! We arrive in time for dinner and eat here in devastated from California Pizza (with $ 33 in all) really good and the place is nice. Continuing with another little shopping and then running away from the tired ...

Aloha and Mahalo Hawaii

ARRIVED THE DAY OF DEPARTURE AND THE HEALTHY HAWAII WITH ALOHA AND THANKS WITH A MAHAL! They got really beautiful moments in the heart and we will always rainbows, volcanoes, vegetation, ocean, surfers and the magical Hawaiian people from which we have much to learn ....
Salute to Hawaii with mega HANGLOOSE and head to the airport, where three flights ahead (Kahului with Hawaiaan + San Francisco and New York with United) ... NEW YORK ARRIVED! But that's another story!
----- Aloha to the world! ----- Annalisa!