When I planned our visit to Maui, I had one thing on my mind, The Road to Hana. I had heard so many stories about the winding road with 600 hairpin curves, 54 bridges, many of them narrow, one lane bridges.I could hardly wait to hit the highway. The Hana highway winds through rainforests, past dramatic  waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. There are plenty of photo opportunities, so get an early start and take your time.

We soon learned that it’s the experience, not the destination that is the attraction. There are so many things to see along the way that I highly recommend a guide book, Hana Highway, Mile By Mile: The Road to Hana & Beyond. It will help you decide which stops you want to make instead of blindly following the herd.  Traffic gets backed up in both directions as one car at a time creeps across the bridges while the drivers and passengers strain to see the canyons and waterfalls.  Some of them are a VERY tight squeeze, which makes for a white knuckle experience when you have a rental car. It’s only 52 miles, but the drive can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours because you will want to stop to take a hundred pictures along the way.

  

 If you are looking for the perfect postcard picture, you can find it on the Hana Highway.  We stopped to buy banana bread from a roadside fruit stand, which was excellent. One of the things we enjoy the most when traveling is supporting the local residents. We like to buy locally handcrafted souvenirs and eat with the locals. Don refuses to buy souvenirs made in other countries. We used to buy the trinkets when we first started traveling, but you soon realize that they are all “Been there, done that.”   By that I mean, the souvenirs are all the same. The only thing that changes is the name of the destination.  Take postcards & t-shirts, for example, whether you are in Lahaina, Waikiki or Kaanapali. You will find the same things, “Someone in –fill in the blank- loves me.  So we try to avoid them. The one exception is Santa Claus ornaments. I collect them from everywhere we visit.  Most of them are from China, but on the rare occasion that they are made locally it’s like I won a prize.    

     One of the best stops on the drive was the Garden of Eden.  I have been learning photography by trial and error and this was a great classroom.  The 25 acre garden was started in 1991 by Alan Bradbury, whose vision is to restore the native habitat and as well as including exotic plants and trees from the South Pacific. There are over 600 labeled botanical plants including the most extensive collection of Ti plants.  I brought one home, but forgot about it and never got it planted. Guess I have to go back, darn it. As you exit the Garden there is a display of exotic birds on stands and the owner does what seems to be an impromptu “bird show”. He lets you take pictures and hold the birds and he poses them. When you are done he tells you the charge is $20.  No signs are posted with the cost, so stop if you wish.  It makes a great photo.

                 

  

     Waterfalls are always first on my sightseeing list and there are more than enough to fill the day on the Hana Highway.  The Upper Waikani (Three Bears) Falls, Blue Angel Falls & Pool, Ching’s Pond, Haipuanea & Twin Falls to name a few.  We stopped at every waterfall we could, and even then we missed some of the best because there was no place to park. There is an amazing Bamboo Forest along the way. I didn’t know about it, so it was not on our sightseeing list but it should be on yours! My pictures, taken at 25 mph are blurred because we didn’t stop. If you drive just a bit past mile marker 7, there should be room to pull over for a good look. Another place to see the forest is in Haleakala National Park (Mile Marker 42) you’ll have to pay an entrance fee. The Bamboo Forest can be accessed on the Pipiwai Trail. The trailhead is across the highway. The park has a gift shop, restrooms, park maps, rangers and volunteers to help with any questions you may have.

     Our ultimate destination was the Seven Sacred Pools inside Haleakala National Park.  This is a natural playground for locals and tourists. You can hike the Pipiwai Trail, visit historical sites, try "cliff" jumping, or stay safe with the chickens and just watch the brave daredevils plunge off the cliff. I am in the chicken club.  I prefer not break a leg on vacation.
              

There is a trail to the “swimming pools” for those who don’t want to jump. The weather was beautiful that day, but there had been recent rains so the waterfall and pools were muddy. It was disappointing because I was hoping to swim and get some postcard pictures.  I also was not expecting it to be as crowded as it was. I guess seeing all the guide books with the pictures of crystal clear waterfalls and no people led me to believe it was secluded. Who knew it would be us and 1,000 of our new best friends? The Pipiwai Trail, above the Seven Sacred Pools, is one of the best hikes on Maui. We made too many stops along the way so we didn’t have time to do this either.  It’s 4 miles roundtrip, & takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how many photo ops you do. I am told there are several great waterfalls along the route with the grand finale being Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall.  Along the Pipiwai Trail is Infinity Pool. It has a row of thick rocks that keep you from falling over the 200-foot waterfall. This pool is much more secluded than the Seven Sacred Pools. Add this to the reasons we have to go back. As if we need one!

     A Maui Vacation does not have to break the bank. There are plenty of free activities. The beaches in Hawaii are all free and open to the public. Two worth visiting are on the Road to Hana: The unique black sand at Honokalani beach in Waianapanapa State Park on the road to Hana is more of a photo opportunity than a swimming beach because of the rocks, high surf, and hot black sand. The legend of Waianapanapa Caves says: Once upon a time, a Hawaiian princess named Popoalaea fled from her cruel husband, the Chief Kakae. She hid on a ledge just inside the underwater entrance to the cave at Waianapanapa. A faithful serving maid sat across from her fanning the princess with a feather Kahili symbol of royalty. Noticing the reflection of the kahili in the water, the chief Kakae discovered Popoalaea’s hiding place and killed her. At certain times of the year, tiny red shrimp appear in the pool, turning the water red. Some say it is a reminder of the blood of the slain princess. The other is Hamoa beach; to get there you have to park on the shoulder of Haneo'o Road, and then walk down lava rock stairs to the beach. Additional free activities include whale watching (Northwest Maui), hula shows at Whaler’s Village & Lahaina Center, hiking the Haleakala volcano caldera with over 30 miles of trails, snorkeling right from the beach and taking in spectacular Maui sunsets.

 

     One final note regarding the Road to Hana concerns rental cars-read your contract carefully –because many companies forbid driving their cars to Hana.  Aloha!

                                                             

 

ONCE YOU GO.....YOU WILL KNOW!
The scenery is spectacular, but I guess there are mountains and pine trees to be found in almost all states.  Friendly people are everywhere too. Waterfalls and blooming meadows, pretty common.  So let's see what else Alaska has to offer the not so avid traveler. Glaciers! Tidewater and freshwater Glaciers!  Glacier Bay alone has 26 glaciers flowing into a single bay. The fjords are on par with Norway.  Mt McKinley at 20,320 feet is North America's tallest mountain, located in Denali National Park which is almost walking distance to the Arctic Circle, a mere 200 miles. What about grizzly bears? Add some cubs, and a fast running river with salmon jumping into the waiting paws of a few dozen bears. Whales, puffins and sea lions? Eagles? Caribou & Moose?  Not into wildlife?  How about some wild nightlife? You can spend a night at The Ice Hotel and Museum. What an adventure that would be.




How about Chena Hot Springs, The Ice Hotel AND The Aurora Borealis-The Northern Lights What's the big deal about the Northern Lights? Have you ever seen them?  I haven't seen them in person YET! But I will some day. That alone is enough to keep me going back. Check out this photo taken at EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska by Senior Airman Joshua Strang. Most people will never see anything like this in person. I wonder what it's like at Ester Dome on a crisp clear night silently waiting, patiently watching, praying for them to make an appearance.

The ultimate experience for me would be watching the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of the Chena Hot Springs, with my husband and a steaming mug of coffee (ok maybe just a touch of  Bailey's.) The lights appear most frequently during the spring and fall equinox, March 22 and September 22 on a new moon. They say if you stay at least 3 days you have an 80% chance of seeing them and the hotels will give you a wake up call when they appear.  Our anniversary is March 21st, but my husband HATES to be cold. I HATE to be hot. He wants fire and I want ice.  Opposites attract.

How do you choose between the warmth of Hawaii and the cool of Alaska? Fortunately, both destinations are more affordable than ever. I suggest Hawaii to warm you up in the winter and Alaska to cool you down in the summer. Alaska cruises start at $549pp for early May and late September itineraries. It's not too late to catch a bargain. When you are ready there are several things to consider when choosing your cruise:

Glacier Bay Cathedral   

Northbound cruises begin in San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia,  travel through the inside passage, into the Gulf Of Alaska and will end in Whittier or Seward, Alaska. From there you are taken by bus or rail to Anchorage for your return flight. If you choose this route you should seriously consider the cruisetour packages offered by the cruise line. All the details are taken care of for you. No need to worry about you and your luggage getting to the bus/train and then to the hotel. Sightseeing is included along with free time to explore on your own. Mt McKinley is a must see for Alaska visitors. Princess Lodges in Kenai, Copper River, Denali, Mt McKinley and Fairbanks were specifically designed for the Princess Cruisetours. They can be booked separately if you would rather rent a car and go at your own pace. If you are not interested in cruising, Alaska is an easy destination to visit by car or on a Alaska Rail package. One piece of advice if you rent a car, keep your gas tank full. Some of the towns are hundreds of miles apart, you don’t want to be stranded in the wilderness because you ran out of gas.

 Mendenhall Glacier from the Visitor Center Viewing Platform (Juneau)

Inside Passage cruises have several things to consider also. There are round trips from Seattle.Cruises that depart from Seattle and return to Vancouver or depart from Vancouver and return to Seattle. Passports are required if flying into or out of Canada. The itineraries will include a day of cruising through one of the glacier carved fjords, Tracy Arm, Misty Fjords National Monument, Icy Strait, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Each of these sights has it’s own claim to fame. Whichever you choose, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Glacier Bay National Park includes 16 tidewater glaciers:12 actively calve icebergs into the bay. The thundering sound and resulting splash can be spectacular. As you enter Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska you will cruise into a bay that was completely covered by ice just 200 years ago. In 1794 Explorer Captain George Vancouver found Icy Strait packed with ice. and Glacier Bay was 4000 ft. thick, up to 20 miles or more wide, and extended more than 100 miles to the St. Elias Range of mountains. By 1879 John Muir found that the ice had retreated 48 miles up the bay. Somebody please tell Al Gore to do some more research.
 
Hubbard Glacier is a tidewater glacier on the borders of Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada. Before it reaches the sea it is joined by Valerie Glacier. The glacier routinely calves off icebergs the size of a ten-story building. Most of the ice is below the water line, and icebergs can shoot up quite unexpectedly and dramatically, so that ships must keep their distance.

Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. Both fjords are over 30 miles long and one-fifth of their area is covered in ice. You may see chunks of ice in all sizes from baseballs to 3 stories tall. The twin Sawyer Glaciers, North Sawyer and South Sawyer, are located at the end of Tracy Arm. Waterfalls and wildlife in the area includes bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals and eagles.

Each of these itineraries has it’s own claim to fame. Whichever you choose, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

 

I just finished a seminar on the newest addition to the Disney Family and it is going to be on the top of every family's vacation wish list. The resort is centrally located in Ko Olina,  about 45 minutes from Waikiki, 30 minutes from Pearl Harbor to the south and 30 minutes to North Shore. The Aulani Resort & Spa, pronounced "Owl ahnee"  is scheduled to open August  29, 2011. It sits on 21 acres, has a white sand beach, tropical gardens, waterfalls, turquoise lagoon and will also feature a wedding lawn. The 8200 square foot  Waikolohe Pool has a water slide and cabanas are available for rent-reservations are recommended. There are 4 whirlpool spas that will be the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink and watch for the perfect Hawaiian Sunset photo opportunity.  The Wailana Pool with an infinity edge is sure to be a popular place to congregate. If you've never seen one of these pools you will be awestruck. The first time I saw one was at the InterContinental resort in Papeete, Tahiti. (Pictured below)  I can't wait to see the Disney version.




Additional water features are the Waikolohe Stream. Float down the whimsical stream on a tube, where you will encounter plenty of surprises along the way. Menehune Bridge and Trail is an interactive water play area themed around Hawaii's legendary "little people". The trail winds through the resort.  Rainbow Reef is sure to keep the family entertained. The manmade lagoon will have fish and other local marine life to snorkel with. Bring your snorkel equipment or rent it at the resort.  The Conservation Pool requires reservations and all proceeds support wildlife conservation organizations. This is an interactive stingray exhibit.

The Disney Difference is visible everywhere,  you'll get to know the traditions and culture of Hawaii that is embedded in all aspects of the resort by the Disney Imagineers. The lava rock formations, artwork, storytelling by the fire pit, Disney Characters on their vacations, cooking classes and learning the Hawaiian language.

Disney's Discovery Experiences provide another opportunity to engage in Hawaiian culture, traditions and hospitality through local experts and activities that immerse you in the legends of the islands.

Take A Vacation~~~Because Having Fun Matters!

On previous visits to Oahu I have been to the “tourist traps” and enjoyed all of them. Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona, Hanauma Bay, North Shore and the Polynesian Culture Center.  One historical site that is an absolute MUST is our National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific .  One of the most moving experiences of my life was attending the military funeral of US Navy LT CMDR Joseph William Maguire at the “Punch Bowl”   He was a WWII and Korean War Vet. While we were there we saw the military practicing a 21 gun salute for his service and his daughter was gracious enough to let us attend the ceremony.  What an honor that was! I’ll never forget it, that’s for sure.  Later that day we visited St Andrew’s Catholic Church and there was a wedding taking place.  How lucky is that? Then we were off to lunch at Coconut Willie’s in the International Marketplace. Great food, great music, great souvenirs! 

    

The Wizard Stones of Kapaemahu at Waikiki

Next on our to do list was Da Kine Bail Bonds. I am a huge fan of the Bounty Hunters, Dog & Beth. We went to their office, but they weren’t in.  We did however; see Leland driving in the area.  Couldn’t get close enough for a picture, so you’ll have to take my word for it.  Anyway, their office is near the police department and I didn’t know it then, but have since learned that the “Wizard Stones” are across the street from the police station.  These 4 stones are considered sacred and believed to have healing powers.  I really would have liked to see them.  When I looked up the Wizard Stones, I learned of another ancient site that can be easily reached from Waikiki.  Nu’uanu Petroglyph Park, located on the western side Nu’uanu Memorial Park. Nu’uanu Valley is where King KamehamehaI conquered Oahu warriors and unified Hawaii. The Oahu warriors were caught between the Hawaiian army and the 1000 foot cliffs at Nu’uanu Pali. Over 400 of them were pushed or jumped to their death.  I wish I would have known about these 2 places.  One ancient place I did get to see was the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones in central Oahu.  This is a place where Hawaiian Royalty gave birth to their children.  The chiefs would wait for the baby to be born and they would ceremoniously cut the umbilical cord and take the baby away. The mother would not be reunited with her child until it was grown. This was to protect the children from being murdered by rival chiefs. There are some interesting stories from visitors to this place. It was getting dark so my pictures did not come out. I’ll be sure to go in the daylight next time and  do more research on ancient Hawaii  before I leave home. My husband teases me about trying to see too much at one time and he’s right, but he doesn’t like to take the same road twice so it’s a catch-22.  I guess I’d rather get a glimpse of something on my list rather than skipping it and regretting that I missed it.  So, although we missed some important sites, we did see most of the popular attractions and it was a memorable day for all of us.  Even my cousin, Kathy, who lives in Miliani, had a great time being a “tourist”.

 

I love the famous cities of the world. I admit it! I am a TOURIST and I am not ashamed of it. I read so many articles about how to avoid the tourist traps, but when I travel I WANT to see them. After all they are what made these places famous in the first place. Sometimes they can be disappointing but if I don't go to them I always regret it. Oahu and Honolulu often fall into the list of places to avoid. Most travel agents will tell you to go to Maui or Kauai. As for me I will recommend Waikiki every time. It's a great place to go for your vacation. There is so much to see and do there. Hanauma Bay is just like it looks in the postcards. Snorkel equipment can be rented there and they sell fish food to attract them. Be sure to look for Hawaii's state fish, humuhumunukunukuapuaa. It's a little chilling when the big ones come right up and brush against your legs, but everyone should be a tourist and go there at least once. Honolulu has a great zoo and SeaLife park, Famous Diamond Head, a dormant volcano that was used as a WWII lookout is now a state park, amazing banyan trees, a safe swimming beach and surf lessons. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the International Marketplace right in downtown Honolulu. There are great restaurants like Coconut Willie's, all the souvenirs you could possibly want and great people watching. I always allow time for souvenir hunting. My husband buys a few t-shirts from each city we visit and my mission is to find a Christmas Santa Ornament for my collection that depicts the destination. One of my favorites is Santa surfing on a stingray from Grand Cayman. The popular area around Lewers street has been transformed into The Waikiki Beachwalk with shops, dining, hotels, island style entertainment and cultural events, adding to the excitement of downtown Waikiki. Relaxing at one of the open air restaurants is a great way to relax and enjoy a Hawaiian sunset. I can almost guarantee a great photo opportunity.

My cousin lives in Mililani, on Oahu and she is always up for a visit to the city when we visit. Her husband Keith is a good sport and comes along for the ride. but I'm sure he would rather be in North Shore catching minnows to go fishing at Kaena Point. He took my husband along one night to "catch bait" and as Keith waded in the waist deep water with a flashlight and net, Don walked along the shore. He tried to step over a rock on the beach and when it moved he realized it was a sea turtle. We all had a good laugh about that and it still makes a good story. The next day we all went fishing at Kaena Point and caught some very colorful fish that the locals call "aquarium fish." On our way to the fishing hole we walked thru the Albatross nesting area. They make their nests under the vegetation so it's necessary to have a designated path for tourists so that the nests don't get disturbed.

North Shore is another great reason to visit Oahu. You can swim with the sea turtles in their natural environment, just keep your distance and don't try to touch them. Volunteers are standing by to ensure that they are not distrubed by tourists. Haleiwa is a quaint little town, that is home to several Hawaiian Shave Ice stores. Try Aoki's or Matsumoto's with ice cream in the bottom. As with all tourist traps, the lines can be long so bring some patience with you. Further up the road you'll find the world-renowned beaches of Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and of course Waimea Bay. Then there is the ultimate tourist trap, the Polynesian Culture Center, which I thouroughly enjoyed. The villages, the canoe pageant, the cultural demostrations and entertainment were all very interesting. I would go back there in a heartbeat.

I could go on about Oahu, Waikiki and Honolulu, but don't take my word for it. Be a TOURIST , go to Oahu for your next vacation, you'll be glad you did.

I discovered my love of travel planning while organizing my family reunions. I have been hooked on travel ever since.  I enjoy researching new destinations to learn about their customs, festivals and attractions and planning my visits around them. It’s the best way to experience the people and their culture.  

In the early 90’s a client at the agency I worked in introduced me to The Traveler’s Century Club.  It’s for people who have been to 100 countries.  The Travelers' Century Club's official list of countries is 320. Some aren’t actually countries, such as Alaska and Hawaii, but they have been included because they are removed from their parent, either geographically, politically or ethnologically How long do you have to stay in a country to qualify? Even the shortest visit will suffice — even if it’s  only a port-of-call, or a plane fuel stop. I have been to 20 countries  so far and hope to reach 100 in the next 10 years.  Cruising is one of the best ways to see multiple countries while staying in your floating “resort.”   In 2009 I was on Carnival Dream’s Inaugural Grand Mediterranean  12 nt cruise. The ports included five countries  in one cruise, Barcelona, Venice, Sicily, Croatia and  Monaco.  So at that rate I’ll need to see 8 countries a year to meet Century Club goal in 10 years.

Where do YOU want to go?

In today's world of instant online access to unlimited information on travel options, you might be wondering why it makes sense to plan your vacation with a travel professional like me.

I take the time to get to know you, understanding your approach to travel, what you like to see and do and in what style. Then I will match those factors with your budget, schedule and my insider connections with the best travel providers. I'm always here for you to talk to, answer your questions and design a perfect vacation just for you. No web site or cell phone "app" can do it my personalized way.

While many Internet sites promise special deals, travelers are often unaware of restrictions, exceptions, and fine print. Making the right choices based on price alone is not always the best course of action for travelers. We hear too many stories of travelers regretting that they didn't call us first.

Mello Vacations is a one stop, full-service travel agency. I have been a travel consultant since 1989. Having worked for 3 travel agencies over the years, I knew I could best serve my clients by creating an agency on my own terms.  Customer service is my top priority. 

So the next time a volcano erupts or a hurricane blows don't be left on hold with a call center in a foreign country.
 Use A Travel Agent~~~Because YOUR Vacation Matters!