Time for an October Getaway in the U.S.

Photo by Timberly Hawkins on Pexels.com

Sunset Viewing
Photo by Chad Sparkes
Oahu
Photo by Deb Nystrom
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Photo by Mark Bonica

A Road Through Autumn
Photo by Andy Thrasher

Which Hawaiian Island Should I Fly To?

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You have to admit, Hawaii is, hands down, the most gorgeous state in the United States. It is located in the south-western part of the U.S., nearly 2,000 from the mainland. It is the home of 137 volcanic islands, as well as, Polynesian culture, whether it be cuisine, traditions, mythology, or etiquette.

The state is comprised of 8 main islands, 7 of which are inhabited and only 6 of which can be visited by the public. So, which of the 6 should you catch a flight to? I’ll help you decide by giving you a summary of each one.

Kauai

Kauai Hawaii-185.jpg
Photo by Imogene Huxham

Kauai is filled with valleys, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and cliffs, which is why it is referred to as the “Garden Island.” The bad part is that the average annual rainfall is high, and it is generally humid. But if you don’t mind either of those conditions, Kauai could be the island to pick.

It is less of a tourist-filled location, and more of a rural area. However, the extraordinary sunsets and beaches make this island attractive for some travelers.

Kauai was also the set for the films Honeymoon in Vegas, South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, Jurassic World, Soul Surfer, The Descendants, Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides, Avatar, and King Kong.

In addition, there is an array of activities to choose from, such as horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking along the river, ziplining in the jungle, taking a helicopter tour, visiting historical landmarks, farmers markers, playing a round of golf, or riding ATVs.

Points of interest:

Waimea Canyon

Na Pali State Coast Wildnerness Park

Limahuli Garden & Preserve

Princeville Botanical Gardens

Hawaiian Trading Post – shop with souvenirs and hand-crafted gifts

Spouting Horn Blowhole

Queen’s Bath

Ha’ena State Park

Wailua Falls

Maniniholo Dry Cave

Kapa’a – popular town known for colorful storefronts, and restaurants including local cuisine

Poipu Beach

hawaii – the big island

Hawaii Big Island
Haena Beach – Photo by Pedro Szekely

The largest island named Hawaii is often called The Big Island. It is absolutely one-of-a-kind, with the varying landscapes of different-colored sand beaches, mountains with snow-covered peaks, lava deserts, and rainforests. While this big island feels less crowded than others due to its size, there is still much to see and do.

On the Kona coastline, you have the opportunity to view the bluest water with sea turtles and dolphins.
If you prefer water excursions, you could swim with manta rays, go sailing, scuba dive, kayak, parasail, go deep sea fishing, canoe, and paddleboard. If you would rather participate in land activities, you can take a scenic drive, visit one of the several breathtaking beaches, ziplining over a river gorge, go on one of the greatest hikes you’ve ever been on, or play golf at one of the world-class courses on the Kohala Coast.

Points of Interest:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hapuna Beach State Park

Heiau – historic site with ancient Hawaiian temples

Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Hulihe’e Palace

Hilo Farmers Market

Akaka Falls State Park – Akaka Falls & Kahuna Falls

Punaluu Beach – known for black sand

Historic Hilo Town

Mauna Kea – the tallest volcano in the world/highest point in the state, renowned for stargazing

Papakōlea Beach – known for sand with a green hue

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Waipi’o Valley Overlook

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

OAHU

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Photo by Alan Light

The bustling island of Oahu is urban, luxurious, and consists of resorts sitting on the golden, sandy beaches, some of which are more secluded than others. The nightlife is vibrant, the weather is warm, and the adventures are endless. Plus, it is a great place to get the feel for the Polynesian culture and traditions!

Sitting on the south shore of Oahu is Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu. It was previously the home of Hawaii’s monarchy. Now, this city is centered around its dining and shopping.

Points of interest:

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

Byodo-In Temple

Waikiki Beach

Lanai Lookout

Kaneohe Sandbar

Pearl Harbor Museum

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Laie Falls

Tantalus – botanical region popular with birdwatchers

Waimea Bay Beach Park – perfect for surfing

Diamond Head State Monument

Maunawili Falls

Pu’u O Hulu Trail

Lanikai Beach

Crouching Lion

MAUI

Falling water
Photo by Brett Samuel

Compared to the other 5 islands, Maui could be considered mid-sized. Being more developed than Kauai, but less tourist-filled than Oahu is a main reason that people enjoy traveling here. In this spot, you will uncover wildlife, culture, history, and Hawaii’s most note-worthy beaches. From Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, is a spectacular view of the sunrise, through a set of clouds.

In Maui, you can enjoy their frequent festivals, underwater reefs, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and jungles abundant with flowers.

Visitors adore swimming with sea turtles, horseback riding, whale watching, windsurfing, snorkeling, and surfing, if you know how!

Points of interest:

Wailea Beach

The Garden of Eden

Kaanapali Beach

Maui Ocean Center

Paia – beach town with coffee shops and boutiques

Ali’i Kula Lavendar Farm

Iao Valley State Monument

Haleakala National Park

Waianapanapa State Park – known for its black sand

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Napili Beach

Hana Lava Tube

Old Lahaina Luau – great for experiencing hula, traditional dancing, and a Hawaiian buffet

Pua’a Ka’a Waterfalls

lanai

Lanai
Photo by Curt Smith

Lanai could be considered the most exclusive island of the 6, having remote beaches, high-end resorts, world-class amenities and services, professional golf, and exquisite cuisine. It is ideal for relaxing and healing in a peaceful setting at the spas, which offer lava stone lomilomi and algae body wraps. While this island is private, it does not lack adventure with off-roading in a four-wheel drive vehicle and swimming in tide pools that have been naturally carved out of volcanic rock.

When exploring, you will find unique rock formations and colorful underwater reefs. Popular activities here are lawn bowling, deep sea fishing, shooting clays, scuba diving, private boat charters, and whale watching,

Points of interest:

Lānaʻi Art Center

Keomuku Village

Shark’s Bay

Koloiki Ridge

Lanai City – with restaurants, shops, a park, and theater

Shipwreck Beach (on the north shore)

Kaunolū Fishing Village

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Hulopoe Beach

Sweetheart Rock (at the end of the Puupehe Trail)

Keiki Tide Pool

Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)

Fisherman’s Trail 

Polihua Beach

The Cavendish – 9-hole, free public golf course

Molokai

Kawaaloa Bay

This would be the quietest and least developed island listed in this blog, therefore, probably not for everyone. It is more for those who don’t mind straying from the beaten path and connecting with nature rather than being pampered at a four-star hotel. That being said, Molokai still has wonderful beaches, rainforests, and the tallest cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Points of interest:

Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove

Murphy’s Beach

Kalaupapa National Historic Park

North Shore Sea Cliffs

Halawa Tropical Flower Farm

Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm

One Ali’i Beach Park

Molokai Forest Reserve

Hālawa Valley – can only be explored on a guided hike

Molokaʻi Heritage Site

Halawa Beach Park

Aliʻi Fishpond

Pāpōhaku Beach

Moaula Falls

Kamakou Preserve

Palaau State Park

I know it seems tough to choose which one to visit still, but hopefully helped a little in knowing the difference between the islands and what they have to offer.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

Which U.S. Cities To Stop In This February

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington
Photo by Amy Meredith

This is a pretty spot to travel to in the winter due to the snowfall. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed city approximately 2.5 hours from Seattle. Popular activities include skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, visiting a reindeer farm, enjoying the hot springs, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, viewing the Christmas lights that are hung until February, and walking around the German Christmas Market.

The Florida Keys

Key West Sunset (3)
Key West – Photo by R Boed

Personally, escaping the cold by traveling to a warm destination is my dream. If it’s the same for you, the Florida Keys is an incredible choice. The daily average temperature down there is 71 degrees. In addition, the Annual Old Days Art Festival takes place at the end of the month, with nearly 25,000 visitors and over 100 artists. It is also a nice time to explore the historic treasures and watering holes of the islands. And you can’t forget about stepping foot on the gorgeous beaches, or even taking a swim in the ocean.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Photo by Domenico Convertini

If you want to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you have to go in February. Here, you can attend parades, picnics, listen to music, and of course, party! And the best part is that it’s not too cold during this month. You could also spend Valentine’s Day here, at a romantic restaurant or taking a riverboat cruise.

Austin, Texas

Downtown Austin, Texas at Night
Photo by Ken Lund

Austin, Texas is a good place to stop at during the second month of the year, as it is less crowded, the rates for accommodations are cheaper, and the weather is typically pleasant. This city engulfs a variety of interests such as fitness, food, history, music, and art. A few things for you to participate in could be the marathons, exploring museums, distilleries, ice skating, film festivals, or a drive-in movie.

Breckenridge, Colorado

View from a slope
Photo by Jarrod Doll

This is the perfect time for hitting the slopes on the fully open terrain in Breckenridge, Colorado. You can partake in pretty much any of the winter sports here as well. Not to forget the museums, live music, the outdoor sculptures, yoga, the large historic district, and drinking at one of the several bars in the town.

Honolulu, Hawaii

View of Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay – Photo by Daniel Ramirez

Though Hawaii is wonderful to travel to year-round, February is less busy than other months, the rainfall is minimal, and the temperature is usually between 68-79 degrees every day. It is still a nice time for snorkeling, hiking, surfing, mountain tubing, surfing, and festivals.

Are you thinking about traveling to one of these destinations soon? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

Power Couple Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds Love to Vacation Here

Where does everyone’s favorite celebrity couple like to go on vacation? Let’s take a look!

Africa

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

After getting married in 2012, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds went on their honeymoon in Africa.

Maldives

Maldives
Photo by Selda Eigler

A year later, in 2013, the couple spent their wedding anniversary in the beautiful Maldives.

Vancouver, Canada

Not only is this Reynold’s hometown, but it is also where he filmed his movie Deadpool 2, so he enjoys taking Lively here with him.

Paris

Paris
Photo by Patrick Nouhailler

After finishing up her work on the Gossip Girl set in December 2012, Lively, along with her husband, Reynolds, flew to Paris, where they were spotted kissing on the Pont des Arts Bridge.

Hawaii

Hawaii Big Island

In April 2017, the two took a vacation to one of the gorgeous Hawaiian islands.

Ireland

Above you’ll see some shots from their 2019 Ireland trip.

Hope you enjoyed this post! If so, please like and subscribe.

-xo, Nicole (:

Popular International Spots for Beyoncé, Nina Dobrev, and Zac Efron

Saint Tropez, France

St tropez Riva
Photo – JimsBack

Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé and Jay Z are among some of the A-list celebrities who have traveled to the coastal town of Saint Tropez, located in the French Riviera. 

Hawaii

Hawaii
Photo by Erik Cooper

Nina Dobrev, Billie Eilish, Owen Wilson, Selena Gomez, Jason Mamoa have visited one of the gorgeous Hawaiian islands before. 

Aspen, CO

Photo – Perfect Zero

The Kardashain/Jenner family, Mariah Carey, and Rebel Wilson have all hit the slopes in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. 

Bora Bora

Bora Bora
Photo by Benoit Mahe

Courtney Cox, Keith Urban, and Halle Berry have taken a trip to this blue-water paradise in French Polynesia. 

Dubai 

Dubai
Photo by Michaela Loheit

A few well-known stars who have been to this luxurious city on the Persian Gulf are Zac Efron, Will Smith, and David Guetta. 

The Hamptons

2007 - The hamptons
Photo by Jens Karlsson

The Hamptons is a place where many celebrities actually own vacation homes, such as Neil Patrick Harris, Anderson Cooper, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Brooke Shields. 

Los Cabos, Mexico

Great Taxi Ride in Cabo
Photo by Carolyn Savell

The cast of The Hills, including Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, and Brody Jenner shot an episode of the show in Los Cabos. Oprah Winfrey and Cameron Diaz are among others to have been here as well. 

Lake Como, Italy

Varenna, Lake Como, Italy

Another location where multiple celebrities have homes is Lake Como. A couple of them are Madonna, George Clooney, and Johnny Depp. 


Thanks for the read! 🙂

-xo, Nicole