TRAVEL GALORE NEWSLETTER                         1/2020

It has been a rough couple of years for me and my family personally and I am finally read to get back into the game of life.   At least at this moment in time.   Thank you to my loyal customers, clients, and friends who stuck with me and have tried to see me through.    I really appreciate you all.

I often write about Hawaii and its many diverse landscapes with opportunities for adventure, culture, parties, shopping, or just plain old relaxing on a beach.     These ten beaches are listed as “must-sees” because they are unique to Hawaii, with a lot of them off the beaten path.    The 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption destroyed Kapoho Bay and the Ahalunui Beach Park, but in its destruction a new black sand beach was created at Pohoiki on The Big Island.    Also on the Big Island is the only green sand beach in the US, and one of only four in the world!  This is called Papakolea Beach.   This is a two hour drive from Kona just to the parking lot.  Once there, it is a 2.5 mile trek to the beach.  There are shuttles for $15 if you want to avoid the walk.  Here is a link to Papakolea   https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/papakolea/

The two beaches on the list from Oahu are both intense surfing beaches.   Waikiki Beach is great for any skill level and you can rent a board or get a lesson from a concession stand.  Imagine riding a wave to shore with Diamond Head in the background.   If you are an expert surfer, you can’t wait for monster winter surf at Waimea Bay.  From December through February, there are monster mountains of water 4-stories high.  The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Surfing Tournament is held here.

On the romantic island of Maui sits Waianapanapa Beach.  This black sand beach is in the state park of the same name.  You can camp there, or with a permit you can pitch your tent right on the beach or sleep there right under the stars.

On Kauai is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii called Makua Beach aka Tunnels Beach because of the numerous underwater lava tubes.   Crystal clear water and towering coral formations make this a beach to write home about.    On the other side of Kauai is Milolli Beach which is only accessible by kayak.  It takes all day to get there and you should only attempt this from June through August as the waves are much too intense the rest of the year.

Last is Papohaku Beach on Molokai, one of the longest and emptiest beaches in all of Hawaii.   Maybe because there isn’t much tourism here because there was an active leper colony there not too long ago?

 I hope you enjoyed this.  Thanks for reading.    I hope to get another newsletter out once I return from my trip to Alaska in early June.   This is a trip I planned on taking with Bob, but I am taking it with a good friend who also lost her husband Bob.   We both hope it is a great experience and our late husbands are with us in spirit.

With all of the calamities happening around the world right now from earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the Phillipines to volcanoes threatening eruption in Hawaii, to unrest in much of the world, I would like to compel everyone who books a trip to strongly consider purchasing travel insurance.   If something unexpected causes cancellation or trip interruption you will have recourse to be reimbursed.  Well worth the price of the premium in my opinion.

To all of you:   health, wealth, blessings, and happiness in 2020!