What could be better than sitting on a spectacular, internationally-renowned beach watching some of the best surfers in the world compete right in front of our eyes? It was like watching magicians of the waves performing just for us. They are so at ease in the water. I didn’t get close enough to see if they’ve got webbed feet, but they might… Continue reading Pro surfing as a spectator sport →

There is always a food truck nearby when you’re hungry on the island of Oahu. Some have a reputation reaching far beyond the island. Others seem a little quirkier.

We ate at one of the most famous – Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. It began in 1953 in a converted bread truck that stopped at different spots  to offer their limited menu – Shrimp scampi, Hot and spicy shrimp, and Lemon butter shrimp. Continue reading Food truck dining →

By definition the tropics are wet, rain keeps the vegetation lush and abundant. Coming here in the rainy season, we knew what to expect. Turns out we’re here during a particularly rainy stretch. We even got rain on the “dry” side of Maui where typically the grass crunches underfoot. Rain showers are often short but intense, and it seems to rain just as we’re about to do something.

So instead of spending time on the beach we’re exploring the island. Continue reading What do you do when it rains in paradise? →

The truth about Hawaii so far: it’s been colder than expected and rainy. Several nights, the wind and driving rain have woken us up. We’re very happy that our little tent is holding up and keeping us dry. It’s all worth it, though. The rain is filling the streams, feeding the waterfalls and glossing the tropical forest. Continue reading Maui’s black sand beach →

Hawaii was formed by volcanoes. On Maui, the eastern part of the island is dominated by Haleakala, a dormant volcano 3,055 metres high (10,023 ft). At this elevation, we’re not in the tropics anymore, it’s an alpine climate so bring your woolies.

It’s a big thing to go to the summit of Haleakala for sunrise. Continue reading Walking in a Volcano →

You’re probably thinking about the movie, but that’s not what I’m talking about. On the North Shore of Maui there is a world famous surf spot called Pe’ahi. It can claim some of the biggest waves ever surfed in the world. But beware, it’s also been known to chew up surfers and spit them out broken and damaged if they are not up to the challenge. Surfers call it Jaws. No surprise then that it’s the first place we went to after settling into our digs on Maui. Continue reading Jaws →

Hula dolls, Tiki torches and picture-perfect sunsets – does Hawaii come to mind? That’s where I’ll be in less than two weeks. Ken and I are flying to Maui. We’ll spend some time there and on to Oahu.

Hawaii has been on my radar since I was a teenager. Continue reading GOING TO HAWAII! →