La Perouse Bay

'La Perouse Bay? Lindsey, you nitwit, that's French'

So true. Why on earth do we have a place in Hawaii with a French name? Does it look like France or something? Not quite. The area is an untouched field of lava and it is huge. The lava goes on forever and there is nothing along the way. If you go a little farther up, you can drive along it, but there isn't much to see. So what's so special about this place? It has three things going for it.

1.) Snorkeling, when it's not closed down, is amazing.

2.) Dolphins are very regular here.

3.) The a'a lava fields are pretty monotonous, but they are still amazing because of how diverse they are.

Also, a little bird told me that there is a trail to a secluded beach in the middle of these lava fields. We have never gone there, but I've seen pictures and hope I get to soon.

Makena Ranch is a great place to ride at sunset for anyone who wants to.

What else? Oh yeah, the reason this place has a French name is because of the French explorer who found the Hawaiian islands. Was he the first to discover them? No. Did he land here in this cove? I don't know, do a little research if you want to know.

Hmm. This is embarrasing

I really hope I haven't lost readers to my... unroutine (don't care about grammar at the moment) blog entries. Hey, Hawaii is cool every single day but that doesn't mean something new happens every single day. But I have a few things I can share from the past couple weeks.

I went surfing! Yep, I feel like I am higher on the awesomeness scale now. I conquered that 20 foot wave like it was nothing, gliding around like the water princess I was born to be...

Pfft. Not likely. I surfed 1-2 foot waves (which, surprisingly, are bigger than they sound) with an instructor yelling things at me to keep me up for 5 seconds before falling into the water. But I did surf the second wave I ever rode. And I did do pretty well. It was so much fun. Well, except for the fact people in helicopters were searching for sharks in that area. And the water is waist deep with rocks underneath so you may come crashing into a poor, unsuspecting fish. I saw the reef below while I was surfing - saw a big fish and it was just awesome. And I honestly think I could help someone surf already.

We've also been hiking on trails a lot. Some are worth the constant uphill climbing, some make you stop and think "Whose idea was this again?" But after all is said and done, when you look back on hikes you never have bad memories not matter how painful it was at the time.You may end up with scars though. *Puts on another band-aid*

Been hanging with my horse a little less. She hates when I come 3-4 times a week (I have to come every. day. before she is happy) But when I finally get land for her I'll see her 3-4 times a day. Maybe then she'll get sick of me.

If you are still reading this blog, which I really hope you are, please leave a comment letting me know you're still here ;) Or vote in my new poll.

Aloha!

Hana

I decided to dedicate a whole post to Hana. Not because we went there today or anything (I wish) but because I think I will start making posts about different places on the island. And since Hana is my favorite, I'll do it first.

So what is Hana? Hana is actually a little town that never has much going on. So, why on earth is it so popular? Is it the very odd general store in the town - selling anything and everything? Is it the greenery, stretching as far as your eye can see? Or maybe it's the quietness of this little town - so laid back you may wonder if it's made any movement in the last 100 years.

Actually, it's none of those. It isn't even Hana. The reason Hana is so famous is because of the amazing road you have to drive to get there. This is no normal road. It has so much to offer. For such a relatively short drive, you will see and experience a lot. Take your pick: Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, hikes to secret pools and tropical gardens, exotic colored beaches, bamboo forests, lava tubes, history, culture, swimming.... The Road to Hana has it all and more.

Even though trying to list every site on the way to Hana is nearly impossible, I'm going to describe some of my favorites. Warning: There are LOTS!

The first would have to be the Twin Falls and the Twin Falls fruit stand. Some say this is overrated, but I don't agree. The waterfalls themselves may not be the best you'll see, but the hike is wonderful and when I went there was a rope swing into a pool. It's a great way to start the road to Hana. Next is a stop whose name fails to come into my mind at this point. It isn't someplace you're gonna stay for more than a half hour, but it has bathrooms, picnic tables, views, and wild cats and roosters. Pretty neat.

Pretty much all of the waterfalls along the way are amazing... I couldn't name them all here. (Neither could I remember them all) One of the most picturesque, however, has no spot to pull over for a picture. Another thing that there is a lot of is hikes. We have gone on many; all have their own charm. If you like hiking, poke us on the way and remind us of the promised (and sometimes easy) hikes you can take. We will be happy to take you to what we've found.

Some of the sites are located in Waianapanapa park. You'll be greeted by some road side fruit stands, most empty and on the honor system, and then pull into a parking lot. Yes, you do have to hike to some of the better sights (darn) but don't worry: most are easy and worth it. If you feel like swimming in water that is so cold it will take your breath away, enjoy some freshwater cave swimming. This hike is very short and you will love the little caves. We also have the * da - da- da- da!* black sand beach! The sand is coal black, not grey or some weird shade, but the current is usually strong. A lot of people swim in it, so apparently it isn't too dangerous, but I stick to swimming elsewhere. You will enjoy an unusual sea cave... well I don't know how to explain this one. Come over to see it.

When in Hana, actual Hana, we will make you go to the red sand beach. That is, if you're sure-footed. If not, this can still be hikeable but follow our lead and don't believe any idiots that say going over, not across, the beach at the bottom is an easier way to get there. Don't want you leaving with broken bones... and we definitely don't want you staying because of a very unfortunate accident. ANYWAY. The red sand beach is said to be clothing optional but has been only clothes friendly when we went. The snorkeling here doesn't have great coral but the fish are prettier here for some reason. I even saw an octopus.

Hmm, what else could there possibly be? A lot more, most of which I have yet to write about/explore. But I'll end this with Oheo Gulch. AKA... Seven Sacred Pools. A lot of people come for the pools but the more I swim in them the more I think how overrated they are. A must see for first timers, don't let us convince you otherwise. But the trail in the same park is great. It's two miles each way but it is well worth it. You can hike to an Infinity Pool, very tall waterfall, and through a huge bamboo forest. I don't care how much you hate hiking, you are going on this one. End of story.

I guess I should stop before I lose attention or give away all the surprises and secrets Hana has to offer. You can never overestimate Hana; it's impossible. You can say it's the most beautiful, exciting, diverse place in the world and it's true. Hana rarely disappoints. Come on over, I can't wait to share it with you!