Travelrific® Travel Journal

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Archive for hawaii

The Cliffs of Kauai

By Linda Tancs

Sheer cliffs with crayon hues descending into the deep blue sea, playing host to an array of dolphins, sea turtles, whales (in season) and colorful fish. That’s the promise along Na Pali, the rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest inhabited island. Widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful views in the world, it is best viewed by sailing, rafting or hiking the Kalalau Trail (an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach). Rainbows are virtually guaranteed.

The Legend of Twin Rocks

By Linda Tancs

Although identified plainly as “a garden in a valley on the ocean,” the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is anything but ordinary. A natural greenhouse, the 40-acre valley just miles north of Hilo on the Big Island features nearly 200 species of palms alone and over 2,000 species of tropical plants from around the world overall. Its location on the site of the ancient village Kahali’i at Onomea Bay gives rise to the legend of twin rocks. According to the tale, two young lovers were recruited to stand guard over the bay during the night to protect against enemy sails spotted by the local chieftain. When day broke, the lovers were gone and two attached rock formations stood in their place, forever standing sentinel at the head of the bay. These days the enemy sails are just cruise ships, and passengers will be glad to know that garden staff will meet you at the pier for a day’s visit.

Happy New Year

By Linda Tancs

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou.  That’s Happy New Year in Hawaiian–and what a wonderful time to visit!  Those tubular waves made famous in print and film are in full vigor this time of year.  Surf’s up.  Are you ready?

Celebrate At a Refuge Near You

By Linda Tancs

It’s National Wildlife Refuge Week, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wants you to celebrate at a refuge near you.  You’ll find an open house this week at the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island in Hawaii.  Take a guided bird hike or a tour of the greenhouse where native plants are being propagated.  Among the lower 48, why not join the staff at New Jersey’s Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for a sunset nature walk to view the migrating ducks.  As the poet William Wordsworth so aptly put it, “Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher.”

The Royal Coconut Coast

By Linda Tancs

In Kapa’a, Hawaii, they’re eager to celebrate the coconut.  This typical island delicacy was cultivated in plantations along Kuhio Highway from Wailua to Kapa’a, giving this coastal region the designation Royal Coconut Coast.  So what better place to hold an annual Coconut Festival than at Kapa’a Beach Park (next to the library).  Taking place on 6 and 7 October, the event will feature entertainment on a main stage and children’s stage, cooking demonstrations by Kauai’s best chefs, the largest gathering of Kauai artisans, coconut games, pie eating contests, and a coconut cook-off contest.  They’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts just waiting for you.

Lost on the Beach

By Linda Tancs

Remember the secluded and pristine sandy beach of the TV show “Lost”?  That’s Mokuleia Beach Park, a popular kite surfing spot.  Tucked away on Oahu’s North Shore across from Dillingham airfield, there’s not a lifeguard in sight on this miles-long stretch of paradise.  What you will find are scores of marine life (particularly sea turtles) and a long flat reef ideal for snorkeling.  Find a local hotel and get lost for a while.

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U.S. Fishing Tournaments

By Linda Tancs

Sport fishing is a popular activity. Tournaments abound throughout the U.S. for this competitive pastime. Learn more about these nationwide events for grown-up peeps and pee wees alike at Travelrific® Radio.

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Happy Earth Day

By Linda Tancs

Today marks a worldwide celebration of our natural resources.  What better way to commemorate the day than to see what’s on in some of Mother Nature’s most glorious natural environments.  How about Hawaii?  Many Earth Day-related festivities have already started–and ended.  However, the Kona Earth Festival is still kickin’ until 21 June.  In Thailand, morning chants at Dhammakaya Assembly Hall started off the annual salute to our environment, ending tonight with fireworks at the Grand Meditation Square.  Calgary is celebrating with a call to action to Ward 9 to pick up litter for 22 minutes!  And the U.K.’s North Norfolk coast, an eco-friendly paradise for backpackers, is hosting an exhibition on environmental technology and initiatives at Deepdale Farm.  What’s on in your neighborhood?

If you enjoyed this post, please share it on sites such as StumbleUpon, vote for it on Digg, or bookmark it on del.icio.us.  Thanks for your support!  Travelrific® was featured as Blog of the Day on NJ.com!