Coming home from a trip is either the best part or the worst. This time around I'd have to say it was the worse. We got home Saturday afternoon - the four hour time difference kicked all of our butts, but I guess that's what you have to sacrifice. Being in Hawaii this year was totally amazing - I got to see dolphins, turtles, and whales. I really wish I hadn't had to come home, because sitting on the beach listening to the waves is my favorite place to be in the whole world. We already have our trip planned for next year - a week on Maui will have to do, because with me going off to college I can only afford to go over Spring Break. I guess that's okay, it's better than nothing. I love to travel and I'm totally going to continue it throughout my life and with my family.
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While on the big island, we stayed at the Hilton Waikloa Village! This place was massive, so big, in fact, that you took trains or boats to get around the 62 acre resort. The resort had three separate hotels, 3 pools, an ocean-fed lagoon, several restaurants, and several dolphins on the property. We snorkeled in the lagoon a few different times - we saw sea turtles, Humuhumunuknukapau, and eels. We stayed out there each time for hours on end and seeing all the different creatures swimming below you was a magical feeling. Snorkeling has always been a favorite for us while traveling to Hawaii - we've gone off of Molokini, Turtle Town, Kaanapali Beach, and Black Rock Beach. One time we could even hear whales underneath the water. While on a tropical vacation -- Snorkeling is a must!!!! Today we went whale watching off the coast of Maui! It was absolutely beautiful! We left the harbor in Lahaina at around 1:30 on an ocean raft. We saw whales almost immediately - they breached, fluked, and competed for a mate. This time of the year, the whales migrate from Alaska, along the coast down to California and then across to the waters of Hawaii - however this is all just a theory, because there is no actual documented tracking of any Humpback Whale's migration pattern. The reason for coming to Hawaii is to breed and during this period neither males nor females eat. We learned a lot about how females choose a mate and about how a baby whale survives - how much milk it drinks, how it learns to jump, etc. We saw the beginning of competition pods - group of males that fight to get the attention of a female. These can cause males to get scars on their backs - because a big fighting technique is slamming their gigantic tails - covered with sharp barnacles against their opponent. A whale's tail is the strongest muscle in the entire animal kingdom. We saw babies with their mom's - the mom was teaching the baby how to breach. The crew on the boat explained what possible predators of this gigantic creature could be - they said the biggest are killer whales - which can gang up a humpback and drown it. They, then, break open the jaw to eat the tongue - that's all that they really want from the dead whale. We ended our tour with a really cool suprise - Spinner Dolphins! They're native to the Hawaiian islands. We chased them for quite a while and they were within an arms length away from the boat. It was a completely amazing experience and will be something I will never forget. I would recommend doing a whale watching your if you travel to Hawaii in the winter months. We went whale watching with Hawaii Ocean Rafting - http://www.hawaiioceanrafting.com If you want an unforgettable experience do this, you won't regret it! Top 10 tips for packing for efficiently
1. Unless you are going somewhere, where stores are not nearby plan to just buy soap and hair products when you get there - I usually do this, except for like the really expensive salon hair products or special products. 2. Make a list of everything you are going to need or want - I'd recommend starting two to three days before, so you can give it some thought so you don't forget anything. 3. Since I'm going from the cold climate of Iowa to the beautiful Hawaii - I'd recommend bringing a t-shirt or tank top in your carry-on that you can slip on when you get to the island, because the heat will really hit you. 4. Roll all your clothes when you pack - this not only saves space, but it keeps your clothes from becoming super wrinkled. 5. Use space wisely - put rolled up socks into your shoes to use all the space allowed. 6. Weigh your suitcase (before & after you pack). BEFORE: this allows you to know how much the suitcase itself weighs (We had one that was 13 lbs. alone); AFTER: this allows you to know how much the suitcase will weigh when you check it in at the airport and if you know there will be extra charges. 7. Keep all important papers (passport, ID, tickets, itinerary, car rental agreement) in your carry-on so that they are handy when you need them. 8. Pack your heavier items towards the bottom of the suitcase - this keeps your suitcase from being top heavy and falling over in the airport. 9. Find out if there is laundry access at your hotel - if there is, it will significantly cut back on how much clothing you will have to bring. 10. Only pack what you are going to need - when we go to Hawaii, I bring some shorts, tank tops, swimming suits, a pair of flip-flops, and a nice dress. I like to keep at least a quarter of my suitcase empty, because I know I will end up buying too many souvenirs. Websites with other information http://www.wikihow.com/Pack-a-Bag-or-Suitcase-Efficiently http://www.prolificliving.com/travel-like-a-pro-21-smart-and-efficient-packing-tips/ http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/how-pack-suitcase-efficiently-and-perfectly.html Hawai'i Volcanoes National ParkLocation: On Highway 11 (30 miles southwest from Hilo; 96 miles southeast of Kona) Times: 9am - 5pm Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm Description: The islands of Hawaii were all created by volcanos, however most of the volcanos on the islands lay dormant, except for the Big Island. There is an active volcano on the big island and many people enjoy taking a helicopter ride over the lava flows or just view it from the National Park look-out. There are hikes in the area as well. Rainbow Falls - Wailuku River State ParkLocation: West of Hilo Times: No times Website: http://www.gohawaii.com/en/big-island/regions-neighborhoods/hilo/wailuku-state-park/ Description: It's the location of the Rainbow Falls, as well as the "Boiling Pots". Rainbow Falls is nicknamed this because it has an 80 foot drop off and the mist that surrounds the falls gives a rainbow look. The "Boiling Pots" are pools of water that are fed from the nearby PeePee Falls - the water has a look as if it was boiling, hence the name. Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)Location: North of Kona Times: No times Website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/kua-bay-beach-park-kailua-kona Description: A beautiful white sand beach with waves all year round and clear water. South Point (Ka Lae) & Green Sand BeachLocation: Naalehu, Big Island Times: No times Website: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60596-d146751-Reviews-South_Point_Ka_Lae_and_Green_Sand_Beach-Naalehu_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html Description: It's a 3 mile long hike to see this beautiful Green Sand Beach on the southern part of the big island - but you can also drive it. Ocean Rider Seahorse FarmLocation: Kailua Kona, Hawaii Times: 11am - 7pm Website: http://www.seahorse.com/ Description: Located in Kona, Hawaii is a seahorse farm. This is where many seahorses live while the staff works to save reefs to ensure that the seahorses are safe and healthy. You are able to tour this facility and see live seahorses up close. |
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