I shot this on Hawaii, the Big Island.

These two chairs were perched on a little peninsula of black lava hovering about 25 feet above the ocean.  Each morning, you could witness folks frantically vying for this prime spot on the beach.  It brought a smile to my face as I witnessed this daily display of human behavior.

When I’m out on a photo shoot, I am always looking for ways to bring human emotion into my photographs.  Here, the man is captured by the beautiful scene in a quiet trance, while his wife is busily trying to get the cap off of her bottle of sunscreen.

The temperature was a perfect 80 degrees.  There were no clouds in the skies.  If you closed your eyes, you were immediately transported to a very still place as the gentle ocean breeze caressed your face.

Isn’t this a place where you’d like to spend the day?

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Adding to the allure  of the restaurant is its ocean-front setting on ‘Onea Bay in historic Kailua Village where boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops await you for an after dinner stroll.

In 1982, Eric von Platen Luder took over the day-to-day operation from his parents and restaurant founders, Shirley and Hugo, and carries on its family-owned traditions with a touch of  “New Hawaiian” cuisine.

After we were seated, I snapped the photograph above to share with you the wonderful setting and ambiance Huggo’s restaurant offers its guests.

We ordered a nice glass of wine and began our gastronomical journey with Tempura Big Island Ho’i'o Fern Shoots (Namasu and Ponzu Dipping Sauce). The fern is known in Maui as pohole ferns, ho’i'o on Hawaii, called pako in the Philippines and known as warabi in Japan and kosade in Korea.  The ho’i'o is a wild fern that grows in the moist rainforest environments of Hawaii, the Big Island. (Source: Specialty Produce Website)

Disposed to trying new things, we ordered and enjoyed!

Next on our journey was Half Dozen Big Island Farm Raised Kumamoto Oysters (Local Citrus Mignonette and Wasabi Tobiko).  Carol isn’t big on oysters, so I enjoyed five of these babies all by myself.  YUM!

For our third appetizer, we enjoyed Locally Caught Ahi Tuna Poke (Maui Onions, Hawaiian Chili Peppers, Exotic Chips and Poi Vinaigrette).  Major yumminess and worthy of applause!

We then shared an Arugula Salad and moved on to Huggo’s piéce de résistance:  Island Fresh Catch (Swordfish, Spicy Sichimi Togarashi, Molokai Sweet Potato Puree, Asian Sprout Salad, Lemongrass Haupia Sauce).  Wow!  This was right up there with the best fish we ever had.  Absolutely fantastic!

Well, we were ready to call it a night, but Huggo’s wouldn’t hear of it.  They insisted that we try their Hualalai Ice Cream Pie (Kona Coffee Ice Cream, Chocolate Cookie Crust, Topped w/ Fudge and Whipped Cream).  Not wanting to offend our hosts, we had to agree.  Right?

Wowza!  We didn’t put a dent in this monster, but it sure was good!

Well, as much as we hated to see the beautiful ocean sunset turn to darkness, it was now time for our wonderful journey to end as well.

We enjoyed a wonderful dining experience and can wholeheartedly recommend Huggo’s restaurant to you when you visit Kailua Kona on Hawaii, the Big Island.

Disclosure:  this wonderful dining experience was provided by the kind folks at Huggo’s restaurant.  Thanks!  Photography by David A. Porter.

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St. Regis Princeville Resort ~ Kauai, Hawaii – When I was a kid, we didn’t get a color television set until I was 16 years old.  A striking childhood memory was watching the Wizard of Oz in full living color at a friend’s home.  I was completely awe-struck when my black-and-white television experience exploded into technicolor on their television.

The island of Kauai brought back to my mind the sharp distinctions between bright, vibrant colors and the potential for gray muted colors with its rainforest draped mountains.

Mount Waialeale, in the center of Kauai, is said to be the rainiest place on earth and receives as much as 460 to 600 inches of rain per year.

What this means to a baby boomer traveler is that a visit to the North Shore of Kauai is likely to expose you to its tropical rains, and a properly adjusted set of expectations is well in order.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you will never see the sun.  However, the possibility does exist.

Our visit to the beautiful St. Regis Princeville Resort was beset by a massive winter storm system that sat overhead for the whole duration of our visit.

Disappointing?  Sure.

But, this storm brought hundreds of waterfalls into life, and we were able to experience unfathomable sites that we would not otherwise have seen.

My photograph of Bali Hai (above) illustrates my point precisely.

Most fortunately, if we grew weary of wet weather, we always had the remarkable St. Regis Princeville Resort to make our escape and bathe in pure four-star luxury.

Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the St. Regis Princeville opened in 2009 and became Hawaii’s first St. Regis property offering the legendary brand’s unparallelled services and amenities.

St. Regis Princeville is located on the North Shore of the magnificent island of Kaua‘i, built on historic grounds beside the emerald green Hanalei Valley and overlooking the awe-inspiring Napali Coast.  The St. Regis Princeville Resort is surrounded by five majestic mountains, a patchwork of taro farms, a wildlife refuge, equestrian paths and hiking trails.

Our Favorite St. Regis Princeville Memories

• The St. Regis Princeville serves up a very powerful first impression.  After the very attentive staff quickly checked us into our room, the first views of the bay, with the tropical mountain backdrop was nothing short of stunning.
• Sitting on our patio, and gazing upon the unbelievable panorama left us completely gobsmacked!  (love that word)
• The sand beach, the spectacular infinity pool, the lime-colored umbrellas to lounge underneath, the large black boulders strewn along the shore, the smell of perhaps the freshest air on earth, and the mystique that this is home to Puff the Magic Dragon and Bali Hai all combine to make this a very magical place.
• Our peek-a-boo shower was an interesting first experience.  The glass shower formed the wall in the main area of the room.   If you so desired, you could watch your lover shower while working at your desk.  For those who might be far more discrete, a simple flick of a switch in the bathroom fogged the glass so that there was complete privacy.
• Dining at the Kaua‘i Grill, and reveling in the exquisite cuisine of internationally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.  To add significant drama his cuisine, the restaurant featured spectacular views of Hanalei Bay with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.
• The resort’s service was impeccable in every way.

The significant romance, and the penultimate luxury found at the St. Regis Princeville left a pronounced impression in our minds, and has earned a place in our hearts that we definitely, most assuredly, must again visit.

If you want a place dripping in romance, surrounded by inexpressible beauty, and desire pampering fit for the Royals, then we highly recommend the St. Regis Princeville.

We both want to go back.  Now!

Disclosure:  A portion of our experience was provided by the kind folks at the St. Regis Princeville Resort.  Thanks!  Further, a portion of our travel expenses were provided by the kind people of the State of Hawaii through their Visitors and Conventions Bureau.  Thanks Hawaii!

The Four Seasons Hualalai is just such a resort.

From the moment we enjoyed warm towels and tropical punch at registration, until we sat gloomily in our room awaiting the bellman to whisk us away to our soon to be leaving rental car, we enjoyed luxury, pampering, world-class dining, stunning landscapes, outgoing and hospitable resort staff, and a location that was simply breath-taking.

Even as I write these words, there is a pining to be back at Four Seasons Hualalai, enjoying the beach and taking in the sight of my wife’s toes sticking out from under her canopied beach chair.

Take a look at the impressive list of awards amassed by the Four Seasons Hualalai:

• AAA Five Diamonds – Four Seasons Resort Hual?lai (13 consecutive years)
• AAA Four Diamonds – Pahu i’a restaurant (11 consecutive years)
• Forbes Five Stars – Four Seasons Resort Hual?lai (2 consecutive years)
• Forbes Four Stars – Hual?lai Spa at Four Seasons Resort Hual?lai (7 consecutive years)

Four Seasons Resort Hual?lai at Historic Ka‘?p?lehu remains Hawaii’s first and only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star resort.

Further, Four Seasons Hualalai was named the #1 hotel in Hawaii, #1 hotel spa in Hawaii and is included in the list of Top 100 Hotels Overall in Travel + Leisure’s 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ poll.

There were a number of things that really stood out for us as we reflect on our visit to the Four Seasons Hualalai.  One of them was the Beach Tree Restaurant.

Beach Tree is renowned for its signature style of “barefoot elegance”, is overseen by  Chef de Cuisine Nick Mastrascusa – formerly of 57 restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel New York, and offers a menu featuring California cuisine with Italian influences.

This is gourmet cuisine where the very acceptable attire is flip-flops!

If I am completely honest with you, I was a little “pissy” that the Four Seasons was hosting us in what I thought was a fancy burger joint.  Burgers and pizza are available at Beach Tree, but where I was completely mistaken was that Beach Tree is also an out-of-this-world, world-class gourmet restaurant set right on the beach!

My dear bride, after I took my first bite, gave me “the look” for being such a foodie snob.

Let me also say, that after my first bite, I was completely entralled with Chef Mastrascusa’s offerings.

We enjoyed a wonderful wine-paring with each course as we sampled Ahi Carpaccio, Gnocchi, Ox Tail Ragout, and the most incredible, stand on your table and scream for joy Veal Osso Bucco Lasagna.  Unbelievable.  I was such a dork for being “pissy” about the Beach Tree Restaurant.  The food was EPIC!

Take a look at my Veal Osso Bucco Lasagna.  Melt in your mouth, simmered for hours-on-end goodness!  Holy thank God for the Italians Batman!

Our Favorite Four Seasons Hualalai Memories

• Well, obviously Beach Tree Restaurant! 
• Hawaiian breezes blowing into our ocean-view room.  Saweet!
• Snorkeling in King’s Pond, a 1.8-million gallon “aquarium” carved out of natural lava rock with over 3,000 tropical fish, including a spotted eagle ray.
• Sunsets over the ocean.
• Walking the beautiful 1/2-mile beach w/ moon and stars overhead.
• Laying on the beach in a covered chaise-lounge.
• Relaxing in the adults-only Palm Grove Pool.  It’s set amidst a garden of palm trees, and features day beds, hammocks, and a heated saline/chlorine pool and whirlpool.  Ahhhh!
• The contrast of ancient black lava rock with towering coconut palms, white sand beaches and the azure Pacific ocean.  A photographers dream.
• Exploring the magnificently manicured grounds.
• Sitting in the wooden beach chairs with the wind in our faces as we watched the sun set.
• Viewing a 14,000 ft volcano over the lush green golf course.
• A smile and greeting from everyone on the staff.

The Four Seasons Hualalai easily climbs its way into one of our personal top-10 destination resorts.  We highly recommend it, and can’t wait to return.  Besides, I want some more of that Veal Osso Bucco Lasagna!

Disclosure:  A portion of our experience was provided by the kind folks at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu.  Thanks!  Further, a portion of our travel expenses were provided by the kind people of the State of Hawaii through their Visitors and Conventions Bureau.  Thanks Hawaii!

We took off from the Kona International Airport, and headed counter-clockwise around the whole island.

Although the skies were predominantly cloudy, I was still very pleasantly surprised with the beauty we witnessed, and the photographs I was able to bring home.

We flew over black lava fields, massive macadamia nut farms, rocky coastlines which met with beautiful turquoise Pacific waters, absolutely stunning lava flows, massive deep canyons, rain forests, countless waterfalls, two 14,000 foot dormant volcanoes,  thousands of acres of lush cattle country, and the beautiful sandy beaches of the Kohala Coast.

Even though there were clouds in the sky, our pilot was able to maneuver around them, thereby keeping our flight surprisingly smooth.

The cost to own and maintain a helicopter isn’t cheap.  Therefore, these tickets are quite expensive.

However, let me tell you from experience — if you can swing the ticket price, you will come home with a memory of a lifetime.  Where else will you see such splendid diversity?  We went from sunny beaches, to rain forest, to a live erupting volcano!

Absolutely unbelievable!  Here’s a short glimpse of what we saw…

Those who are interested in eating food that is locally produced, not moved long distances to market, are called “locavores.”

As we have been roaming about, we have noticed that locavore has become a movement in the United States, with its proponents very interested in sustainability and eco-consciousness.

22ºNorth is a true locavore restaurant as they feature Kauai-grown meats, fish and produce, including items from its own 1-1/2 acre garden and the 60 acre Kilohana orchard and agricultural park!

As they say at 22ºNorth, “your dinner is grown on the farm, and eaten there too“!

Leading the culinary team is Chef de Cuisine Aaron Leikam. Aaron studied under such notable chefs as Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill and Cafe? Topolobambo, and Chef Melissa Kelly, the James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Primo in Rockland Maine. Aaron’s soulful treatment of estate-grown, up-to-the-minute seasonal ingredients, served in a warm, comfortable setting are not to be missed.

When we arrived at 22ºNorth, we were seated in a romantic outdoor table where we could watch the sun set over the mountains, and further enjoy the never ending show from the farm cats playing with the island chickens in front of the distant 22ºNorth gardens.

Our waiter was one who loved to put on a show, and kept us in stitches as he brought out our first entree:  Fried Green Tomatoes (local green tomatoes, cornmeal crust, field greens and cherry tomatoes, red onions, buttermilk-chive dressing).  YUM!

Our next “little bite” had Carol smilin’:  Olive Poppers (kauai kunana chevre olives, house smoked bacon-tomato vinaigrette).   Carol loves food with “poppers” in their name. 

Our third appetizer taste was ‘Quick’ Opakapaka Ceviche (cara cara orange, avocado, alae salt and olive oil).  Wowza!  Most excellent!

Fourth, on our appetizer tasting journey was Spiced Pork and Cabbage Bundles (rice, ground pork, cinnamon, raisins, fresh tomato sauce).  It’s lunch-time as I’m writing this.  This appetizer would make a wonderful lunch.  I wonder if they deliver from Kauai to Arizona?  Probably not, but healthy and wonderful, it was!

Now, it’s time for our entrees.  Carol is a raving fan of beef shortribs, and by golly, A’akukui Ranch Braised Beef Shortib (oregano soft polenta, crispy onions, petite greens) was next.  Holy jump-up-and-down Batman! That was good!  Perfectly prepared with the most wonderful creamy polenta.  Mr. Roaming Boomer LOVES polenta.

For my entree, I selected Pan-Roasted Snapper (green papaya remoulade, garden parsley, fennel, meyer lemon and crimson quinoa).  A fresh fish is always first on my agenda when we dine at a gourmet restaurant, and this was absolutely delightful in every way.  In fact, I kinda wish Arizona bordered an ocean so that we always had fresh day-caught fish at our disposal.

Ah, but that’s why we should frequent the island of Kauai.  Right?

Just look at that.  Don’t YOU want some?

Well, the sun had set.  The distant cats and chickens had finished their dance and retired, and it was time for just a little taste of dessert chased by a wonderfully bitter double-espresso.  Such a wonderful thing:  sweet and bitter.

For that, 22ºNorth brought us these wonderful French Beignets.  Wow!

We like to let our photographs do the heavy lifting when we are describing our dining experiences.  A great imagination is a wonderful thing, but how would you possibly imagine these perfectly crafted farm-to-table dishes?

22ºNorth is a fabulous example of what a gourmet, farm-to-table dining experience can be like.  We highly recommend them, and further feel a little jealous of the folks who live on the island of Kauai.

Disclosure:  Our wonderful dining experience was provided by the kind folks at 22ºNorth.  Thanks!  Further, a portion of our travel expenses were provided by the kind people of the State of Hawaii through their Visitors and Conventions Bureau.  Thanks Hawaii!

The Beach House Restaurant ~ Kauai, Hawaii

The restaurant is a consistent winner of Honolulu Magazine’s “Best Kauai Restaurant”.  Further, their fish is sourced from Island fisherman, with their beef and coffee coming from neighboring ranches.

Our visit found us at a spectacular oceanfront table, in front of large, opened sliding glass doors, so that we might enjoy the sound of the surf and the coming sunset.

After a nice glass of bubbly, we started our Hawaiian gastronomical journey with The Beach House Ceviche (served in a Half Coconut with Island White Fish, Scallops, & Tiger Prawns marinated in Citrus & Passion Fruit Juices with Cucumber, Tomato, & Avocado).  YUM!

Next, we shared Seared Island Fresh Fish Ahi Poke (served in a Crispy Lumpia Bowl with Asian Slaw, Wasabi Mirin Aioli & Tabiko Caviar).  Most delicious, and a hint that we were in for a consistent and fabulous journey.

Next up was Watermelon Salad (with Omao, Kauai Greens, Red Onion, Carrot, caramelized Macadamia Nuts, Gorgonzola Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette).  Nice!

We further shared Seafood Corn Chowder (with Crab, Fresh Fish, Chive & Sherry).  Yabba Dabba Doo!  That was good!

As we were enjoying our appetizers,  we noticed quite a crowd building outside to photograph our table-side sunset view.  Very nice, don’t you agree?

Now, for her entree, Carol opted for the night’s fresh catch: Opaka (Grilled and Sesame Crusted over a Braised Artichoke Salad and Mustard Greens.  Served with two Jumbo Furikake Crusted Shrimp with a Sweet Thai Chili Aoli). Wow!

For my entree, Mr. Roaming Boomer ordered Wasabi Crusted Fresh Island Mahi Mahi (with Lilikoi Lemongrass Beurre Blanc).  Major Mouthgasm Alert! Have you ever enjoyed a dish so much that you were tempted to stand on your tabletop and sing your entrees praises?  Seriously, this just may have been the best fish entree of my entire life.  Absolutely, out of this world, incredible!

I don’t smoke, but I think I need a cigarette after such a wonderful rush of endorphins.

As the final round of our majestic gourmet symphony was about to conclude, out came Molten Chocolate Desire (A Flour-less Chocolate Tort, Baked to Order & served hot with Lappert’s Vanilla Bean Ice Cream & Espresso Créme Anglaise).  With a double espresso in hand, this was the absolute perfect ending to a most romantic, and delightful evening.

To Chef Todd Barrett, and the whole Beach House Restaurant Kauai team:  Bravo!  A perfect dining experience in every possible way!

Disclosure:  this most wonderful dining experience was provided by the kind, and cool folks at the Beach House Restaurant.  Thanks!

Kaua’i is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Isle,” which is an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs, aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls.

The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa is a luxurious 602-room resort, recognized by the most respected travel publications as one of the top resorts in the world. Located on 50 immaculately-landscaped oceanfront acres, the resort is elegant, yet casual, capturing the classic and timeless essence of the islands. With open-air walkways opening to courtyards and lush gardens, the design blends with nature. Its architecture is reminiscent of Hawaii in the 1920s and ‘30s, creating a romantic “sense of place”. The resort is built into a hillside overlooking beautiful Keoneloa Bay. Blending into the verdant mantle of green mountains, the resort gently slopes down to meandering lagoons, a white sand beach, and the sea. The four-story low- rise design which conforms to the island’s quaint building code: (“no buildings can be higher than the tallest coconut tree”) is open to spectacular ocean views and soft island breezes.

Just take a peek at some of the awards they have garnered:

• TRAVEL + LEISURE, TOP 500 WORLD’S BEST HOTELS 2011: Readers rated Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa as the best on Kauai. (Also ranked from 1997 – 2010)

• CONDE NAST, GOLD LIST 2011: Chosen by readers as one of the best in the world for excellence in accommodations, service and amenities. (Also ranked from 1998 through 2010)

• AAA, FOUR DIAMOND AWARD 2011:    Twentieth year the resort has received the award, recognizing high levels of hospitality, attentiveness to detail, upscale design in lodging, restaurants, and amenities. Dondero’s honored as well for its accomplished staff, menu creativity and complexity, presentation and fresh ingredients.

One of the best places in the world to chill out!

Our Fondest Memories

• Walking the beautiful 500 yard white-sand beach
• Chillin’ on the beautiful beach
• Watching whales swim by from our ocean-front patio
• The Anara Spa, and especially the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage!
• Exploring the stunning, immaculately-landscaped 50 acre grounds
• Hanging out at the freshwater swimming area which featured a quiet pool, a meandering river pool, waterfalls, a 150-foot water slide, and Jacuzzis.  Nice!
• The saltwater lagoon with its beautifully landscaped islands
• Listening to nightly entertainment, sipping island drinks as the sun was setting
• Having seven different restaurants spread around the resort to choose from
• Sushi in Stevenson’s Library
• A smile from everyone on the property
• Proximity of the Poipu Beach resort area for shopping,  the farmers’ market, and exploration

We can’t say enough about our visit to the Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa.  From the moment we were wowed with the open ocean-view lobby, to the moment when we sadly looked in our rear-view mirror as we left, we were touched with enchantment.

Disclosure:  A portion of our experience was provided by the kind folks at Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa.  Thanks!  Further, a portion of our travel expenses were provided by the kind people of the State of Hawaii through their Visitors and Conventions Bureau.  Thanks Hawaii!

It’s not just locals and tourists who sing the praises of this amazing restaurant: not only has it been voted Best Restaurant on the Big Island, but has also received the coveted Zagat rating of “Excellent” and received 2-stars from Foder’s. Rachel Ray has also paid a visit to Bamboo, highlighting its popularity and good eats. As we walked into the restaurant, we saw a tongue-in-cheek sign that set the mood for our dining experience:

While we can’t confirm the “Naked Chefs” part, we do know that the atmosphere was fun and lively with great music & dancing and delicious food. We started our meal off with drinks: I had a Passion Fruit Mojito, while Carol enjoyed a Passion Fruit Mai Tai, which was perfectly fruity.

We then asked Joan to bring us a house specialty, and before we knew it, the Big Bamboozler showed up on our table. This sampler platter had 3 of their most popular appetizers, all three of which were unbelievable. The Chicken Sate Pot Stickers were hands-down the best pot stickers we’ve had in our entire lives. Wow!

They were served with their famous, spicy, sweet chili mint sauce, which added a really nice finish. The Thai Coconut Prawns also had a delicious sauce of coconut milk, garlic and ginger. The finale to the trio was a Kuala Pork Quesadilla which was topped with tropical fresh fruit salsa and sour cream. The flavors were all very familiar to us, but we’ve never before enjoyed them together in that combination.

Holy gastronomical adventure Batman!

After our appetizers, we enjoyed the Bamboo Salad which had organic locally grown greens, local macadamia nuts, and local papaya seeds. The great thing about this restaurant is that all of their ingredients come from Hawaii, so you know it’s going to be fresh and yummy! The salad was outstanding! We wished we could have another, but we knew it was time to move onto the Main Event, the entrees!

We ordered the Barbecued Pork Babyback Ribs or ”broke da mouth” ribs, as they’re called, with homemade roasted pineapple barbecue sauce. This was absolutely wonderful, and a TON of food! It was very sticky and messy, but they kindly brought us warm, damp washcloths to clean up.

Psst …  don’t tell anyone, but Carol was a real mess after eating these! 

Joan then made an announcement to the entire restaurant, asking for those that had previously visited Bamboo to raise their hands. She welcomed those back, and then welcomed the first-timers. It was a lovely gesture that we really appreciated. Next,  Chasity Cazimero began a traditional hula dance. We really enjoyed seeing some of the local culture up close and personal while dining.

We were getting full, but we kept going so that we could share as much as possible about this place! We tried the Bamboo Sliders which were Hawaiian BBQ pork sliders cooked Luau-style  in a traditional Imu underground pit, then served on sesame buns.

We put up our red flag, as we didn’t think we could fit anything else into our bellies, but Joan convinced us otherwise, and served us a Small Bites sampler of three of their most popular sweet treats. This was perfect for a chance to have a little something sweet without a full dessert.

Each selection was just wonderful, and we think this is the best casual dining restaurant on the entire island! Next time you’re on the Big Island, stop in to the Bamboo Restaurant and Bar for a delicious, local dining experience!

Disclosure:  this wonderful experience was provided by the kind folks at Bamboo Restaurant and Bar.  Thank you very, very much!

During our recent trip to Hawaii, weather and other circumstances shut us out of three adventures that we were really excited about.

When this happens, we can whine and pull our hair out, like this poor guy, or we can learn to take these changes in stride.

Therefore, even though we didn’t get to participate in the following planned activities, we would really encourage you to check them out when you travel to the Hawaiian Islands.

Missed Adventure #1 – Zip N’ Dip Adventure

When we were on Kauai, we experienced a three-day-long massive storm that prohibited our ziplining adventure with Princeville Ranch Adventures.  Nonetheless, we think you should check it out.  We intend to when we next visit to Kauai.

Missed Adventure #2 – Captain Zodiac Whale Watching & Snorkeling

On Hawaii, the Big Island, we didn’t get to go out with Captain Zodiac to watch the whales dancing in the ocean.  Furthermore, we didn’t get to snorkel in the Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii’s finest marine snorkel preserve and the site of Captain Cook’s Monument.

Just because the weather shut us out, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go!

Missed Adventure #3 – Snorkeling in Puako Reef

Unforeseen circumstances kept us from snorkeling with Kohala Kayak in the protected and pristine lava tubes of Puako Reef.

Just because we couldn’t go doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.  Check it out when visiting Hawaii’s Big Island.

Well, there you have it.  Three great adventures that we didn’t get to share with you.

However, we are undaunted and plan to visit next year when we embark upon our annual trip to Hawaii.

If you happen to beat us to these adventures, please come back and share your stories.