Travel Inspiration – Maui, Hawaii

Kathryn Frengs — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:04:55 +0000

Though many people may be familiar with America’s island state of “Hawaii” from 1980’s sitcoms or by name alone, Hawaii is in fact a chain of islands in the specific, each with its own highlights and features and each beautiful in different ways. One of my most favourite places that I’ve ever visited is the second largest Hawaiian island, Maui. Far from the hustle and bustle of Oahu and the Big Island and covered in lush green, Maui is paradise on earth and there’s a little something for everyone around every corner. I wanted to share some of my favourite memories from visits to this gorgeous enclave.

Though there is beauty everywhere you turn on Maui, for me the most beautiful part of my visits over the years have been the sunsets. Every night a new brilliant colour combination streaks across the sky, often morphing and changing colours over the course of the evening. Check out these three sunsets on three different nights, all taken from the same spot. Just looking at these photos brings me back to such a happy place and has me missing Maui desperately!

Photo credit (all photos in this post) : Kathryn @Travelfusion

For adventure seekers, Maui offers plenty of opportunity for snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking and more. I always take the opportunity to go snorkelling when I’m on the island and have seen some of the most unique and colourful fish just off the shore. For those willing to make a day of it, there are plenty of daytime excursions out to smaller islands for more serious sea-critter observation. If you’re short on time or money, sticking close to the shore generally allows you to spot some great species as well. One of my favourite travel memories involves me popping up from snorkelling just off the beach of our hotel and realising that I was surrounded by several huge sea turtles who swam around me and didn’t seem to mind that I was staring at them in disbelief.

Another great thing to do on Maui is just drive! The views from the roadways on the island are some of the most amazing I’ve seen, and with such a damp and tropical climate, rainbows are easy to spot as well on the road.

Don’t miss the drive up to Hana, along the Hana Highway that is full of narrow passageways, twists and turns but also spectacular vistas and plenty of waterfalls. Nominate the most steely-nerved driver to take the wheel for this part of your trip as the journey can sometimes take a lot of patience and defensive driving.

Whenever I think about Maui, my thoughts immediately jump to wondering when I can make it back to this wonderful island that I call “my happy place” and in looking at the photos from my last trip in 2006, it’s easy to see why so many consider Maui as a destination for a getaway.

Though it is a considerable distance from the UK, your stresses and worries will melt the minute you step foot on the island for the first time. Trips from London to Maui this winter are around £650 return, and well worth it for the joy of visiting this Pacific paradise!

Sunday Snapshot – Madagascar

Kathryn Frengs — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:00:36 +0000

Today’s snapshot comes from yet another island nation, Madagascar. One of the largest island nations in the world, Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of the African continent. Because of its location and relative distance from the shore, the country is home to some of the most impressive biodiversity and range of species in the world. Many animals found in Madagascar are unique to the area and aren’t found anywhere else on earth.

I’m desperate to visit this fascinating country and hope to do so in the years to come. Have you been to Madagascar? I’d love to hear about your experience!

Photo credit: Effervescing Elephant

Saturday Snapshot – Dominica

Kathryn Frengs — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:00:27 +0000

Known as the “nature island” in the Caribbean for its natural beauty, the island nation of Dominica is the focus of today’s Saturday Snapshot. With a population of well under 100,000 inhabitants and plenty of open space, it’s easy to see how apt the name can be. Originally named by Christopher Columbus, Dominica has played a significant historical role in the history of the region, including being the first British Caribbean colony to have an African-controlled legislature.

Politics and government aside, Dominica looks absolutely gorgeous in pictures and definitely is a place I’d feel lucky to visit one day!

Photo credit: cisc1970

Blog - Travelfusion» Destinations

Travel Inspiration – Maui, Hawaii

Sunday Snapshot – Madagascar

Saturday Snapshot – Dominica