The Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii

Where else in the world can you cliff dive into a waterfall, swim in a sacred pool, dig your toes into a black sandy beach, drive over dozens of one-lane bridges, walk through a lava tube or gaze at the natural and virtually untouched landscapes of the Pacific Ocean off the islands?

If you ever have the chance to go to Maui, one thing is certain -- you simply must drive the road to Hana.  Take the entire day to explore some of the newest beaches on Earth, created by volcanos and carved by the thrashing of waves over the course of thousands of years. 

They offer tours, but I've heard some horror stories of broken AC, bad translators and bumpy-car-sickness-buses.  You're better off renting a vehicle that you feel comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads for 6+ hours, so you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like at each stopping point.  (Note:  Make sure to add multiple drivers to your rental insurance if you plan to share the drive).  We opted for a Jeep Rubicon with the top off, and it worked out perfectly. 

Things You'll Need:

• Maui Revealed guidebook (or another book that lists each attraction by mile marker), or CD
• Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Hand sanitizer
• Old hiking shoes if you plan on walking the paths to more hidden waterfalls
• Bathing suit under your clothes
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Beach towel if you plan on swimming
• Camera

Road to Hana Tips:

• Depending on where you're driving from, make sure to leave early in the morning.  Most tours start around 8-9AM, so it's a good idea to start ahead of the pack at 6-7AM.  At any given stop, there is only enough room in the pullout for 1-2 cars to park.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.  The town of Paia is the last stop with a gas station before you get to Hana.
• If the weather calls for a chance of rain, make sure to bring waterproof clothes/bag for valuables.
• Keep the windows and top down and take in the flowery aromas and breathe in the muggy air.
• Read the legends and history in the guidebook along the way so you know what you're seeing.  Hawaii is full of stories, and reading them made the trip memorable.
• Don't rush.  Take your time on the road.  The road is the attraction.  Once you get to Hana there isn't much to see -- just a sleepy, laid back town.  It's about the trip there, and it's extraordinary for sure!
• Pull off to the side if you're being followed closely.  Locals zoom around the tight curves with ease.  Pulling over is what the locals call "driving aloha".
• Don't drink the water.  It's not safe.  Drink your bottled water.

There are dozens of waterfalls to see along the way.  The guidebook will lead you by mile marker to the easiest ones to see, but there are countless others if you're brave enough to hike for a couple hours in the jungle.  We chose to stick close to the road.  Here are some of my favorite waterfall shots!

Make sure drive with the windows open and top down.  The roads were breathtaking!

I've been to plenty of beaches in my days of travel, but truly had never seen a more vivid contrast of colors, natural beauty and inspiring views until we reached the black sand and black pebble beaches.  They're definitely worth the stop.  You've never seen anything like it!

There a lots of caves, paths and lava tubes to explore in this wonderland.  You have to crouch down low to get through some of them, but then they open up unto a world of bright blue crashing waves on a black sand beach overgrown with vivid green.  This is planet Earth at its finest. 

Toward the end of your journey, you'll come to place the guidebooks call the Seven Sacred Pools, however, after much reseach, we've discovered that there's actually nothing "sacred" about them and there are many more than seven!  The area was originally referred to as O'heo Gulch.  Since the owner of the land wished to share his beloved natural oasis with locals and travelers, he decided to change it to its current name to attract more visitors.  Whichever way you choose to refer to it, these pools are amazing. 

This gulch is where the fresh rain water from the top of the mountain drains into waterfalls, each with their own pool, until the fresh water reaches the sea at the very bottom.  Gradually, each pool gets a more salty as the water combines with the ocean.  Needless to say, this water is not drinkable and even carries bacteria, but it's the perfect place for a quick dip before continuing your journey to Hana.  Highly recommended.

The photos just simply don't do it justice.  The road to Hana is the adventure of a lifetime.  Truly.  You won't be disappointed if you take some chances, get dirty and explore the world around you! 

Coastal Ohio :: Cedar Point

Sounds exotic doesn't it?  The truth is, it's fabulous.  Plain and simple, Cedar Point is the best amusement park on the planet.  That's right, I said it. 

You pull into the parking lot, step out of the car and can already hear the screams of excitement, smell the wafting aroma of carnival foods and feel the warmth and moisture of coastal Lake Erie.  Now it officially feels like summer.

Ever since I can remember, my family and I would make the hour-long car trip to Sandusky every summer at least once.  It was a day we anxiously anticipated -- planning the perfect outfits, packing roadtrip games, stuffing our fanny-packs and breaking in our shoes in preparation of the miles we'd walk around the park.

As a kid, Cedar Point is an experience filled with "firsts" -- your first big kid ride; your first real roller coaster; your first box of authentic salt water taffy; your first live show, and the list goes on.  Before I was tall enough to ride the big rides, I distinctly remember riding the Jr. Gemini 12 times in a row -- the last time, with my hands up like a big kid.  From there, I never looked back. I'd be tall enough for the big coasters by the next summer. 

Cedar Point is a park filled with history.  I just wish I could have seen it at its earliest!

In the 1870s, you could pay local businessman, Louis Zistel, a measly 25 cents for a ride on his boat to the Sandusky peninsula, where he owned and operated a beer garden, bathhouse on the beach and dance floor.  According to old newspapers, Cedar Point "sailing and bathing parties" were all the rage back in the day.   The first coaster was built in 1892, towering at an amazing 25 feet high and reaching speeds up to 10 mph -- What a thrill!  To them, it was one of the first of its kind.  A true rarity.  From there, the park was transformed little by little into the park we know and love today.  It now boasts an incredible 17 roller coasters, and tons of other thrill rides!

We just made the trip to Cedar Point with 2 other couples and had a blast!  As adults, the park is where you'll experience a few more of life's "firsts" -- your first beer in a saloon; your first backache from a wooden coaster; your first case of whip lash -- not quite as glamourous, but still milestones nonetheless. 

You can't call yourself a thrill seeker or roller coaster lover without making the trip to Cedar Point at some time in your life.  Go now before you're too old to ride the coasters ... lest be doomed to the role of "mom or dad" who holds everyone's fanny packs, waiting for the youngsters by the ride photo stand.

If you do decide to test your thrillseeker-ness at Cedar Point, be sure that you can stay past sunset.  Some of the best views from the top of the coasters are at night.  The twinkling lights and laser show make for some awesome landscapes.  I promise you'll love it.

My personal Top 5 coasters:

1)  Millenium Force -- The line is usually long at any time of day, but I promise that the ride is worth it.  It's over 2 minutes of hills, curves, twists and speed. 

2)  Magnum -- Another steel coaster, this one is a classic.  In its day, it was the tallest/fastest coaster in the world.  Now, it's the one you can ride over and over taking silly pictures in the tunnels, since the wait is usually pretty short.

3)  Raptor -- You've gotta ride this one at night.  Your feet dangle, so take off your shoes and air out your feet!  Lots of twists, turns and upside-downs on this one.  Great!

4)  Gemini -- I'm a Gemini, so I might be biased, but this one is fun because it's differnet.  It's wooden, and runs side-by-side with another car, so you race!  The multiple quick hills will surprise you!

5)  Mean Streak -- If you asked me 5 years ago, I'd tell you I hate this ride.  It's bumpy, I'm not gonna lie, and with over 2-minutes of belly drops, it will make you wish you didn't just eat those cheese fries.  I can't stop smiling on this coaster for some reason.  Others hate it and I understand why.

There's always a new ride to try out each year, and the newest, the Maverick, does not disappoint.

Other great rides you should try:

1)  SkyHawk -- This is basically a gigantic swingset for 40 people.  It's a fan favorite, especially for kids.  Lots of belly-dropping good laughs.  Short lines. 

2)  Power Tower -- Both Up and Down are great, but Down is my personal favorite. 

Happy Coastering!

Beach Reads

At the pool last weekend my friend said something that got me thinking.  I warned her that water was creeping up on the paperback she was reading, and she said, "That's okay, I actually love when my books get wet ... seriously."  I realized right then that she was right.  There's nothing better than a good pool or beach read novel with crinkled edges and water spots.  Others love the old library book smell.  They're the signals of a good book -- people have read it.  A lot!

I have a couple of favorite vacation reads that have been through hell and back, and still manage to survive the re-reading, borrowing and torture they've been through. If you're looking for a couple of no-nonsense romantic novels that don't claim to be anything more than the read-for-fun books they are, try out these two:

The Fling by Elda Minger is my all-time favorite book of this genre.  Based in Hawaii, it's a book that will wisk you away to a tropical place filled with emotion, romance, exotic destinations and plot twists.  It keeps you on your toes, but doesn't make you think too much.  I've read this one a few times -- it's kinda like rewatching your favorite movie.  It's a fantasy that never gets old.  Buy it for a penny used on Amazon.  It's worth the $0.01 + shipping! :)

Heartbreak Hotel by Jill Marie Landis is another book to read in a bikini and flip flops on the beach.  Actually, I might prefer reading this one on a balcony under the stars with a glass of wine.  It's a romance, but not really.  There's murder, a widow's walk, mystery, strangers-turned-lovers-turned-strangers again and a character map that's just detailed enough to keep you guessing.  Get it used on Amazon for under a dollar.  Apparently it's part of a trilogy of which I was not aware.  I'll check em out!

Telling the world (or even just your friends) your favorite books is risky business.  Reading a book, especially multiple times, takes true committment.  It's like peering into one's soul!  I hope you like these if you give them a chance.  Like I said, they're nothing groundbreakingly new that we haven't seen before.  They are fun.  Let me know what you think, and do share your favorite beachworthy novels.  I love me a good pageturner!

Packing for a Roadtrip to the Beach!

Can't wait to kick back & soak up the sun!

Only a few more days until we hit the Pennsylvania Turnpike (aka my nemisis) for sunshiney East Hampton, NY.  It'll be a week of family fun on the beach!  In case you're revving up for a roadtrip yourself, here are some tips from a seasoned roadtripper:

Have Cash on Hand:

Pulling up to a tollbooth when you have no cash (or easypass card) feels like the worst thing ever.  Plan ahead to have small bills on hand.  Bring a couple 20s, a few 10s, some 5s, 1s and a roll of quarters.  Quarters may come in handy for street parking later on, depending on your destination.

Road Snacks:

You're going to the beach, so who really wants to stop for body-bloating fast food on the way?  Not me.  Instead, pack healthy, car-friendly road snacks.  Some of our favorites are granola bars (with fiber so they fill you up), string cheese, apples, bananas, lean beef jerky, combos and something sweet like mentos or starburst.  Don't forget gum, energy drinks (coffee!) and lots and lots of water.  Make sure to bring some napkins in case of spills and a bottle of travel purell (antibacterial hand liquid) to use before eating. 

We've found that bringing your own callapsible cooler on wheels is a great way to tote these snacks, and then again to use on the beach!  Bring a re-freezable ice pack to keep your drinks chilled.

Music / Books on Tape
No one likes to drive in silence for 10+ hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.  If you and your driving partner/possy like the same music, you're in good shape.  Bring your iPods with auxilary hookup and shuffle through your mixes, or grab your old CDs for some great throwback favorites.  If you have enough time, create a mix made special with this trip in mind.  Every good roadtrip deserves a themesong!  If music gets old, take a break and pop in a book on tape or comedy CD.  Be careful though, just because you're into the plotline, doesn't mean the rest of your group is anxiously awaiting the next 8 discs. 

A good comedy CD makes an hour on the road fly by, but the reverse is true for terrible comedy.  If you forget to pack any of these things, don't worry!  As long as you have a good positive attitude for the road ahead, just turn on a local radio station.  You'd be surprised at some of the gems you might find.  When was the last time you heard Lisa Loeb's "Stay"?  Yeah ... me neither, until roadtripping on Maui.  It must have come on 4 times in one day!  ... an extremely unexpected theme song of the trip. 

Beach Things

I've already mentioned the collapsible cooler, which I highly recommend double-dutying for the beach, but other than that, some other beach necessities include:  beach sheet/blanket, umbrella, sunglasses, small iPod speakers with water/sandproof casing, towels, beach chair, drink coozie, playing cards, sunscreen, snacks, cornhole boards and bags, a frizbee, a ball of some sort, and a big beach bag to bring it all in.  If you're riding a bike to the beach, remember your helmet, and be sure your beach bag is some sort of backpack. 

One of the awesome things about taking a roadtrip to the beach is the fact that you can personalize your beach fun.  If your family has a game you love to play in grass, chances are you can play it on sand too.  Our favorites are cornhole and bocci ball.  You'd be surprised how much a little bit of sand can change the game completely!  Since you don't need to worry about checking bags or packing limitations, you can bring whatever you want.  A major beachday plus!

The most important thing to remember when roadtripping is to keep an open mind and have a positive attitude.  Driving in the car for an extended period of time is not comfortable, but you can make it great with some creativity and positivity (creatisivity?!).  If you get lost, make a memory in an unexpected place, then turn around.  It's all about how you look at it.  You're not lost if you love who you're with!

Mahalo for Removing Your Shoes - Sunrise at Haleakala

This little sign was the first thing we saw upon arriving at our rented condo on Maui.  The "Mahalo for removing your shoes" sign hung so politely in the breezeway that we couldn't help but take only one step inside before slipping off our shoes and placing them neatly in the foyer.  Mahalo to you for your politeness.  You're very welcome!

We settled in and explored our new home-for-a-week at the Maui Kama'ole.  This place was all laid out for us, and we couldn't be more pleased with its amenities.  The ocean front view was to die for -- perfect for morning reading on the lanai and sipping wine and gazing at the sunset in the evening.  The owners left us authentic Maui Coffee for brewing, a Maui Revealed guidebook, along with several other tip sheets and pamphets, and an assortment of beach-read worthy novels, games and DVDs.  The condo boasted brand new stainless steel appliances, in-suite laundry, 2 flat screen TVs, granite countertops and the lovliest Hawaiian decor we could have hoped for.  It was adorable, beautiful and perfect for our getaway!

Before arriving on Maui we decided that there were 6 things we definitely needed to see/do before heading back to the mainland:

1. Driving the Road to Hana
2. Sunrise at Haleakala
3. Luau
4. Tedeschi Vineyards / Maui Brewing Co.
5. Eat like a local
6. Relax at the beach!

To make sure our trip felt like a vacation rather than a stilted trip with a regimented schedule, we agreed on something very important:  We'd have 1 goal/activity to accomplish every day with the caveat that if we changed our minds we would change our plans, no problem.  If you want to stay up all night and sleep in all day, do it.  If you want to go to bed early and wake up at 5am, do that too.  It's vacation!  My suggestion for Maui, is to follow what the sun is doing to maximize your daytime experience. 

We were surprised to find on that in the Hawaiian time zone, the sun rises around 5:30am and sets at around 7:30pm (much earlier than we'd expected).  Make sure you check sunrise/sunset times and plan your excursions accordingly.  Since the sun rises so early and we were making the 2-hour trip from Kihei to the summit of Haleakala for the sunrise, we had to wake up at 2:00am to hit the road in time. 

Sunrise at Haleakala

Whether or not you're a religious person, you'll be sure to have some sort of spiritual experience atop this giant dormant volcano.  Maybe it's being above the clouds in freezing cold temperatures that messes with your head ... but I prefer to believe that up there you're closer to God, seeing the sun rising in the East from as close to His point of view you can get on foot.  It's a truly remarkable experience that everyone should attempt at least once. 

If you plan to go, pack accordingly.  You might think you're tough -- especially if you're used to Cleveland winters like we are -- but the chill factor up there is a force to be reckoned with.  Plan to arrive at the summit when it's still dark (at least 30 minutes before sunrise) so you can experience the vast nothingness.  It's a void out there with no light, save for the twinkling constellations above.  If you're brave enough to face the wind, be sure to get there early enough to stargaze. 

Things you'll need:

• Layered clothing - think winter tailgate day in Cleveland and double it
• Flashlight
• Big warm blanket
• Winter hat, gloves, scarf
• Camera
• a snack for the road & lots of water

Here's us all bundled up at the summit as the sun was rising.  I'll never forget it!