Maui is the Best
How much do I love Maui? Let me count the ways: the beaches; the beauty; the people.
There are no words, so I'll just let pictures around Maui do the talking.
Mai Poina Beach Park, Kihei, Maui you can walk this beach all the way around to Haycraft Park in Ma'alaea. When the afternoon trade winds pick up hang out and watch the wind and kite surfers.
Twin Falls, Haiku, Maui. This is usually everyone's first stop on the Road to Hana. It's even better to enjoy if it's your only stop.
‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Reserve Area, Makena, Maui. It's not the most easiest place to snorkel but it's the best on the south side. You have to hike through a lava field and there's a narrow rocky entrance into the ocean. No showers.
Other worldly Haleakalā National Park, elevation 10,023 feet. Most tourists go up to watch the sunrise or sunset but I think the middle of the day is best to better see the colors inside the crater.
Mākena State Park aka Big Beach aka Break Neck Beach is the most beautiful beach on the south side. Soft powdery sand but has notoriously dangerous shore break which means if your feet are touching the ground you're going to get slammed. No showers.
Snorkeling Molokini Crater is like being dropped into an aquarium. The visibility is incredible.
ʻIao Valley State Monument is my favorite place to recharge. I always feel better after coming here.
Maui Alpaca and Bunny Farm I came for a tour 2 days after they'd been sheered. It was still fun to pet them though.
Pick your own strawberries at Kula Country Farms. A beautiful stop for a refreshing strawberry lemonade.
The view from Ulupalakua, you can see the island of Lanai to the left.
The view from Monsoon Bar and Grill in Kihei overlooking an ancient fishpond.
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge after it turned pink from bacteria.
Moonlit morning walks.
Crossing paths with big wave surfers like Kai Lenny.
Crossing paths with Hawaiian Monk Seals.
Crossing paths with Hawaiian Sea Turtles aka Honu.
Sunsets like these.
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Hawai'i
Some tips on how not to piss off locals when traveling to Hawaii, from a resident.
Kauai
My first trip to the Garden Isle of Kauai in more than 20 years.
Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit
Each Hawaiian Island has it's own vibe, which Hawaiian Island should you visit?
Maui One Day Itinerary
Here is a list of places I took my friends who I only had one day with on Maui.
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Hobbiton, New Zealand
Visiting Hobbiton is one of my most favorite things I've ever done! It's well worth the journey to New Zealand.
Auckland, New Zealand
I finally made it to New Zealand! Here are some highlights from Auckland.
Wētā Workshop
Wētā Workshops are so much fun! Wētā is a must visit for movie fans and creative people.
New Zealand
New Zealand Home Page
Wilderness Tour
I took a Wilderness Tour, to Waitakere Rainforest and Piha black sand beach, just 40 minutes from central Auckland.
Wai O Tapu
Walking through Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is quite the experience as the sites, sounds, and smells of the land show you that it's undeniably alive.
Redwoods Treewalk
I felt like one of the Lost Boys in Hook, while up on the numerous suspension bridges in Rotorua's Redwoods Treewalk.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most popular vacation destinations for good reason. It's stunning natural beauty.
Coromandel
Coromandel is home to world renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, where you can build your own spa in the sand.
Wellington
Windy Wellington is New Zealand's capital city and basically Middle-earth for Lord of the Rings fans.
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Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland, the home of my ancestors and Game of Thrones!
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is a highly photogenic lane lined with Beech Trees, that was used as the King's Road in Game of Thrones.
Giant's Causeway
Giant's Causeway is a geological phenomenon of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is a medieval cliff-top ruin that served as the inspiration for Castle Pyke of House Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
Carrick-a-Rede
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is a beautiful location and served as inspiration for a memorable scene in Game of Thrones.
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Edinburgh, Scotland
I love Edinburgh's medieval Old Town with it's castle looming over the city. It's such a cool city to explore.
Scotland
Scotland Home Page
Temple Old Kirk
Temple Old Kirk is located in Temple Village outside of Edinburgh. This site was the headquarters of the Order of Knights Templar in Scotland.
Rosslyn Chapel
Medieval Rosslyn Chapel was made famous for being featured in the The Da Vinci Code. It's intricate carvings are associated with many legends and secrets.
Royal Military Tattoo
Edinburgh's Royal Military Tattoo is an event worthy of your bucket list. It's a unique performance from military bands across the globe and of course bagpipers!
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh is a haunted graveyard best known for providing inspiration for Harry Potter characters.
St. Cuthbert's Cemetery
St. Cuthbert's cemetery is another one of Edinburgh's cool old cemeteries. The oldest headstone is dated 1606. It has great views of the castle.
Dean Village & Cemetery
Dean Village is a gem worth exploring. Dean Cemetery is a Victorian era graveyard with grand monuments and old trees making it one of my favorite cemeteries.
Drummond Castle
The gardens of Drummond Castle are spectacular. They were filmed in Outlander as a stand in for the Palace of Versailles.
Killin
An unexpected detour on our road trip around Scotland led us to the picturesque village of Killin.
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London
London played a huge role in laying the foundation for who I was to become. I love visiting. No matter how many times you go you'll never see it all!
Stonehenge - Glastonbury - Avebury
Stonehenge, Glastonbury, and Avebury are some of England's most fascinating and mythical sites with links to King Arthur's realm and the world's largest stone circle.
Cotswolds
Costswolds is home to some of the most picturesque villages in England, they are so lovely and peaceful. You can spend hours just strolling taking it all in.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is the only nonroyal palace in England. It's the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It's truly magnificent. It's been used in a number of films.
England
England Home Page
Harry Potter Studios
As a Potterhead visiting Harry Potter Studios was on my bucket list. It was maybe the most fun ever and everything I wanted it to be!
Oxford
Oxford is home to Britain's oldest university. It's been educating students for 800 years and been an inspiration to many famous writers.
Cambridge
I was lucky enough to be able to stay on Cambridge's campus while studying abroad years ago.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, was the Queen's weekend home. She and her family are buried here. It's the oldest and largest lived in castle.
Alnwick Castle
The first two Harry Potter movies were filmed at Alniwck Castle. The elaborate gardens might be the most magical thing about Alnwick.
