Hilo Highlights Before making our way to Green Sand Beach, we stopped at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. I was really looking forward to seeing it, but unfortunately, there was construction going on while we were there, so we didn’t get to experience it the way I had hoped. Still, seeing an actual beach covered in… Continue reading The Beach We had to Earn
Tag: travel
Calm Water, Rough Edges
Hilo Highlights Carlsmith Beach Park was probably one of the most peaceful places we snorkeled in Hilo. The water was so calm and serene, which is almost funny considering you're surrounded by these lava rocks. It's such a weirdly beautiful marriage of opposites. The lava surrounding you is dark, jagged, sharp and rough, while the… Continue reading Calm Water, Rough Edges
Nahuku: Was it Worth It?
Hilo Highlights It's pretty cool to say we walked through Nāhuku, also known as Thurston Lava Tube, inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. But.. it's short. You walk in thinking you're about to embark on this underground lava adventure, and before you know it, you're coming out the other side. Don't get me wrong, it's worth… Continue reading Nahuku: Was it Worth It?
Beauty & the Beast: Rainforest Meets Lava
Hilo Highlights If you're only going to do one hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, make it the Kīlauea Iki Trail. On AllTrails, it's about a 4-mile loop, but if you're anything like us and can't resist exploring every side trail that catches your eye, don't be surprised if it turns into an 8-mile adventure.… Continue reading Beauty & the Beast: Rainforest Meets Lava
Kenichi: A Must Eat in Hilo
Hilo Highlights Some of the best meals I've ever had haven't come from upscale restaurants or places with long waitlists, they've come from the little hole-in-the-wall spots that most people would drive right past. Kenichi in Hilo was exactly that kind of place. From the moment we walked in, the service was warm and welcoming.… Continue reading Kenichi: A Must Eat in Hilo
Camping at Kings Canyon
Peace, Pines and the Perfect Escape If you're looking for a camping trip that lets you truly unplug, Kings Canyon is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. One of Mai favorite parts of the trip was that we were able to turn the drive into an adventure by exploring the giant sequoias… Continue reading Camping at Kings Canyon
Yellowstone: Masterpiece in Real Life
Montana Memories There are moments in travel that imprint on your soul. And then there are places that seem designed just to create those moments. Artist Point in Yellowstone is one of those places. After a morning filled with exploring geysers and winding trails, we made our way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. I read that… Continue reading Yellowstone: Masterpiece in Real Life
Yellowstone: Chasing Geysers & Stillness
Montana Memories From the moment we entered Yellowstone National Park, it was like stepping into a world untouched by time. Vast open landscapes stretched as far as we could see, painted with ever-changing skies and dotted with wildlife that made us stop in awe more times than we could count. There’s a quiet power in… Continue reading Yellowstone: Chasing Geysers & Stillness
From Plane to Forest: Ousel Falls
Montana Memories After checking into our hotel, we couldn’t wait to get out into the Montana air. Instead of settling in, we headed straight to the trailhead- ready to stretch our legs and soak in the wilderness. It's so grounding stepping from the buzz of travel into the stillness of the forest. Towering trees, the… Continue reading From Plane to Forest: Ousel Falls
Desert Peace: Our Airbnb Escape
Journey to Joshua There’s something magical about the desert. The kind of quiet that sinks into your bones and makes you breathe a little deeper. We stayed at an Airbnb in Joshua Tree, and let me tell you, it was exactly what Mai Family needed. Spacious, peaceful, and packed with thoughtful touches, it checked all the boxes… Continue reading Desert Peace: Our Airbnb Escape
Mai Household Mayhem 