Trip to Kaua`i and O`ahu in 2020
I recently booked a trip to Hawaii as my options are limited by the State Department who has had my second passport since July 14th. Today is the official start of the trip as Hawaii is requiring all visitors from the mainland to take a COVID PCR test within 72 hours of departure. More details…
This morning I checked in for my flights. No upgrades on the way to Hawaii on any of the legs, but I did select seats with additional leg room. It’s not very easy to get to Kaua`i. American doesn’t have any direct flights to LAX from Austin (or Houston) at the moment. I’m still waiting…
First day disaster. 3 hour mechnical delay in Dallas caused a 23 hour layover in LAX…
Arrival at my final destination, finally.
Visit to Hāʻena State Park, hiking and scenic views from the Napali Coast
Today I explored the south side of Kaua`i, including snorkeling at Poipu, ancient Hawaiian village of Kāneiolouma and Spouting Horn
Started my day by visiting Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Had local food for lunch and snorkeled a little in the afternoon at Poipu Beach.
Today I visited the Kauai Museum, Kīlauea Point Lighthouse and Lydgate Park and finished the evening with a fine dining experience.
I woke up early this morning to fly near Anahola because of the interesting mountain that was actually featured in King Kong. Because it is on the east side of the island the lighting is best in the morning. After checking in for my flight tomorrow I went snorkeling at Lydgate Park which was much better than I expected. In the afternoon I took an amazing helicopter ride around the island.
Video compilation from my drone flights in Kaua’i
This morning I flew from Kaua`i to O`ahu on Southwest. I spent the day in Waikiki as it wasn’t the best weather (a bit of rain) and I wasn’t in the mood to drive around much.
This morning I visited the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. I spent considerable more time than I expected there. I took a few drone shots in the area and went back to Waikiki to snorkel and watch the sunset. For dinner I ate at the Tim Ho Wan restaurant I found in Hong Kong.
I was planning to go around the east side of the island today and end up on the north shore to see some of the big waves in the afternoon. I started by stopping at the Hālona Blowhole before hiking up to the Makapu`u lighthouse. After a quick lunch in Kane`ohe I stopped at Kualoa regional park to fly my drone in the scenic area. I ended the day watching the sunset and big waves at Waimea Beach.
I started the day by snorkeling at Shark’s Cove which was supposed to be the best place on O`ahu for snorkeling. I got some more delicious fresh fish at a small restaurant. I ended the day at the free Army museum in Waikiki and watching the sunset at the beach.
A lot of flying today. I managed to fly at five different scenic locations today. My first stop was at Pearl Harbor. No flying there due to it’s proximity to the Navy base. My first flight was at the Aloha Tower where the NCL Pride of America and Falls of Clyde were docked. My second stop was at the Lanikai Pillboxes, where I have hiked in the past. The next stop was near the Halona Blowhole to get pictures of Koko Head. After that I stopped between Koko Head and Hanauma Bay to get photos of both. My last stop before sunset was at a park nearby Diamond Head in Waikiki. It was a very productive day, and without the hiking involved it was not exhausting.
I started the day snorkeling at Ala Moana park and had intended to take a Catamaran ride at 11 AM before having lunch, but the Catamaran got rescheduled to 3 PM and I had to make some adjustments. I visited the Byodo-In temple and spent the rest of the day in Waikiki after the Catamaran ride.
My final day in Hawaii. I made the most of it by starting the day with watching the sunrise over Diamond Head and a short swim in the ocean before checking out. A short visit back at the US Army Museum to see the Cobra helicopter. More fresh fish for lunch and then the afternoon at the Bishop Museum before finally flying out on the red-eye.
Last flight from Phoenix to Austin, amazing barbecue lunch and a short drive to Houston