Visit Maui: Molokini Crater with Kai Kanani

 

Visiting Molokini Crater on Maui has been on my bucket list for some time so I definitely wanted to make it happen on a recent trip to Maui. I researched the many tour companies that go out to Molokini and I am happy to report Kai Kanani Sailing surpassed all our expectations! Here’s why we chose their Sunrise Deluxe Snorkel: 

1. They welcome all ages! Infants 1 and under are free and children 2-12 are charged a discounted rate. They also offer 15% off for kamaʻāina with a Hawaii drivers license or state ID. 

2. They leave from Maluaka Beach in Makena, which was just 15 minutes away from our hotel in Kihei! Even better if you are staying in Wailea since they provide a shuttle service to and from the check-in location. 

3. It is a short 3 mile cruise out to Molokini Crater. This was super important to me as I am prone to sea sickness. 

During the short ride, we receive our snorkel gear

4. They are the first snorkel boat into Molokini in the morning. We had about 45 minutes of solitude in waters with up to 200 feet of visibility. It was amazing. As we left, the other tour boats started coming in. 

Water was warm!

Clear visibility

First boat out to Molokini made for a better experience

5. They visit Turtle Town! It was so fun to snorkel up close (but 10 feet away) with the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

Our snorkel selfie

6. They provide a three-course breakfast! The cinnamon rolls are delicious and one of the best things we had our entire Maui vacation.

Best cinnamon roll!

We enjoyed our hearty breakfast!

7. They have an open bar. It was nice to have a drink after a morning of snorkeling while we leisurely sailed down the Makena Coast. 

Cheers to a beautiful day in Maui!

8. The entire tour is just 3.5 hours. We arrived back at the beach by 9:45am and still had the whole day still ahead of us. 

This was the first time snorkeling for many in our group and the staff at Kai Kanani were amazing and really took great care of us. They offered floatation devices as well as boogie boards in the water and all snorkel equipment. Reef safe sunscreen is also provided and there are restrooms aboard the catamaran. The only thing you need to worry about is bringing your own towels. 

The snorkeling was so fun and seeing the many fish and turtles in crystal clear waters was a pretty amazing experience. As a mom, it's always so great seeing the kids learn something new and seeing them enjoy snorkeling and having so much fun jumping off the boat over and over again made for such a great memory.

Lauren had to give me some encouragement to jump off the catamaran.

We loved our snorkel adventure with Kai Kanani!

Kai Kanani is family-owned and operated and has been in business for over 30 years. The Kai Kanani II is the only commercial catamaran that lives in South Maui, moored off Maluaka Beach in Makena. The tours they offer are the Sunrise Deluxe Snorkel, Signature Deluxe Snorkel, Adventure Sunset Sail, Adventure Whale Watch, as well as private charters. Kai Kanani features fresh island foods, all curated by Wailea’s The Market, a chef-inspired deli and café using locally sourced and house-cured ingredients. Their bar features Maui’s Organic Ocean Vodka, Kula Rum, Fy Gin, and wines from MauiWine in Ulupalakua. 

Thank you to Kai Kanani for the media rate. All opinions are entirely my own.

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Visit Island of Hawai`i: Na`au

As most of you may know, I am a part of Na`au on the Big Island, a concept by Chef Brian Hirata that focuses on preserving our local food culture, while progressing our local cuisine.

There really is no other place like it on the island, where the tasting menu features local ingredients and authentic dishes, with no imported luxury ingredients, such as foie gras or truffles.  Below is an example of an upcoming menu, with some previous dishes.

Each dish is rooted in culture, childhood memories, and lifetime experiences.

Visit https://www.exploretock.com/naau/search to book tickets or get more information!

Guests can stay on site at Whitehaven Farm!

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Visit Island of Hawai`i: Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

Despite having been in Hilo during the Kilauea eruptions, I never had an itch to go visit.  But I recently went for an impromptu visit, and it was really a special experience.

We arrived at the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park around 945pm (it's highly discouraged to go between 6pm to 9pm because of traffic and crowds).  

There are 3 recommended viewing spots -  Kīlauea Overlook, Kūpinaʻi Pali, and the eruption viewing overlook near Keanakākoʻi.  

We decided to go to the Keanakākoʻi overlook, which can be accessed by the Devastation Trail parking lot.  This lot is the smallest of the 3 recommended viewing areas, but we lucked out with finding a stall immediately (other visitors began making their own parking on the street).

With headlamps ready and a quick stop to use the vault restroom (portable lavatories were also nearby) we followed other park visitors and signs to get to the overlook.

It was an easy, paved walk for about a mile, with the last few hundred yards on graveled terrain (lights / lamps are imperative, as there are huge rocks that one can easily trip over on the graveled terrain).  

There were about two dozen people at the viewing spot, and it was very awe-inspiring to see the power of Pele. 

We watched the lava flow, the fountains grow - and it was just a neat experience.

For the most part, visitors were quite respectful.  Of course many were there to take photos and selfies.  There was only one visitor we came across that was a little obnoxious, but everyone else we encountered appreciated the beauty and history behind what they were witnessing.

When we went, it was warm, but bring a jacket since I heard it often gets quite chilly.  And don't forget a headlamp!  

 

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Visit Kaua`i: The Fish Express

 I first heard of The Fish Express on Kaua`i when a friend told me years ago that her family owns the shop.  That family has since sold it, but I finally had a chance to visit on my recent trip to Kaua`i, as we picked up food on the way back to the airport.

The Fish Express offers a variety of poke bowl options - simply pick your rice (or greens) base, your choice of poke and how many scoops, and then you can add toppings (priced per pound).  

The combinations are endless!

They also offer items from "Da Grill," such as fish plate lunches or Hawaiian plates, and they even have a Kids and Senior Menu!

Fried Chicken & Shrimp Bento

Grilled Cheese & Fries

Both the Fried Chicken & Shrimp Bento and the Grilled Cheese & Fries were from the Kids Menu, and my kids said the food was "bussin."

The Fish Express also offers other grab-and-go bento options and locally-made snacks.

Note - parking can be very tricky in their lot!

The Fish Express
3-3343 Kuhio Hwy #7

Lihue, HI 96766

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Visit Hawai`i Island: Johnny's Restaurant

We were headed to an event and wanted to get something to eat on the way, and as I was looking online, I stumbled upon Johnny's Restaurant, an eatery on the Waikoloa Village Golf Course that was serving breakfast.

Country Fried Steak

Side Bacon

Vegetable Omelet

The menu is limited, and in terms of omelets, there was only a Ham & Cheese Omelet and a Vegetable Omelet to choose from. I was craving a bacon, mushroom, and cheese omelet, so I ended up getting a Vegetable Omelet, which had mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and cheese, and a side of bacon.

It came with hash browns and toast, for a very hearty meal.

Service was great, and I wouldn't hesitate to dine there again!   

Johnny's Restaurant
68-1790 Melia Street
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

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Visit Hilo: Moon & Turtle Reopens

I am so happy that Moon & Turtle has reopened!

It is my favorite spot to dine and drink at in Hilo.  Chef Mark Pomaski makes such amazing food, and Soni Pomaski makes the best cocktails!

I tried the False Crack Cocktail for the first time, and it's my new fave!

False Crack

Made with Tito's Vodka, fresh pineapple and liliko`i juice, house granadine, and Hawaiian chili pepper, this drink was dangerously good!

The food menu consisted of many familiar faves, along with some items I never tried before.

Smokey Sashimi

Of course, you must get the Smokey Sashimi when at Moon & Turtle!

Sashimi Salad

The Sashimi Salad had a generous serving of kanpachi, and I just loved the Tetsuyaki dressing!

Ahi Korokke

The Ahi Korokke was nice and crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside.

Tako and Potatoes

We were surprised with a Tako and Potatoes dish that was exceptional.  The skill and time it took to prepare the tako they way Chef Mark did is pretty mind-blowing.  

Shumai

The Shumai was filled with Kauai Prawn and Kulana wild boar sausage.  The textures were perfect, and the filling was just so hearty and tasty.  

Campanelle with Oxtail Ragu

My fave dish of the night was the Campanelle with oxtail Ragu.  Tender, flavorful grass-fed beef and tomato soffritto with Kai(n) pasta made for a very delicious dish!  

Mushroom Risotto

I also loved the Mushroom Risotto, which is one of my go-tos at Moon & Turtle.  The mix of Hamakua Ali`i mushrooms, shittake mushrooms and Koshihikari rice with white white, Parmesan, and truffle oil is truly an indulgence!

Service was great, and the food and cocktails were simply wonderful.

I'm already eager to go back!

Congrats Chef Mark, Soni, and the Moon & Turtle team on re-opening!

Moon & Turtle
51 Kalakaua St

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0599

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Visit Big Island: Kapehu Falls Retreat House and Creekside Cottage

In 2019, I stayed at the amazing Kapehu Falls Retreat House, and I was elated to return this past summer as Na`au hosted guests at this stunning property.

The 20-acre Kapheu Falls Retreat House seamlessly intertwines a relaxed ambience with modern comforts and conveniences in the 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home, which includes a fully-equipped modern kitchen, wrap-around lanai, spacious living area, and hot tub.

The Retreat House is simply beautiful. The views are spectacular, and the property owners and manager are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

Some upgrades to the property (eg decor, Wi-Fi, bluetooth speakers, etc.) were made since my last visit to make a guest's stay even more fabulous.

The property has enough room for 10 guests, as well as a private waterfall you can access that's just a short walk away.

The Kapehu Falls Retreat House is the perfect getaway for a small group of friends or family, and our guests absolutely loved the property.

We cooked together in the spacious kitchen and we bonded over a delicious meal overlooking the views.

During this visit, I stayed in the Creekside Cottage, which is smaller (sleeps 4), but cute, comfy, and perfect for a small family.  It's conveniently right on the same property as the Retreat House, but far enough to have privacy.

The Cottage has a full kitchen, living room, 1 1/2 bathrooms, and an upstairs bedroom.  Two lovely dining areas with a view of the lush landscape are perfect for a relaxing breakfast or cup of coffee!

We are all eager to return!

For more information and availability, click here for the Retreat House, and here for the Creekside Cottage.

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Visit Big Island: Ice Cream at the Woodshop Gallery

Ice cream at the Woodshop Gallery?

You read that right.

In the quaint town of Honomu, there are several little cafes and eateries that sell ice cream, including an unexpected venue - the Woodshop Gallery.

At the Woodshop Gallery, you'll find an assortment of fine, crafted wood pieces, as well as a small freezer full of Big Island-made Tropical Dreams ice cream!

I bought two flavors - Strawberry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel.  I liked the Strawberry Cheesecake the best.  The Salted Caramel was much too sweet for my liking.  

If you find yourself in Honomu or nearby, and the wait for ice cream is too long at other nearby eateries, grab a container (or two!) of ice cream from the Woodshop Gallery!

Woodshop Gallery

28-1692 Old Government Rd

Honomu, HI 96728
(808) 963-6363

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