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Tag Archives: coast

Leaving Istanbul for Bodrum

10 April 20233 May 2025

Our flight departed from Istanbul early in the morning, arriving in Bodrum at 10:30.  After collecting our luggage, we waited for the bus to take us to Salim’s house along the coast where we would spend several days before sailing the Greek Islands.

The bus was half full with tourists and residents visiting their second homes.  Looking out the window, my eyes were taking in all of the beautiful resorts along the coast.  Colorful flowers decorated the rural route where we entered tunnels with exquisite carvings which led to small, populated towns.

Passing by coves, we saw large yachts, small sailboats and the occasional fishing vessel.  Occasionally, a community of homes appeared as quaint villages along the Aegean Sea and within forty minutes we had arrived at the entrance to our resort community.

At the secured entrance, we waited for our driver to take us to the house and help us unload our luggage.   On our short drive to the house, we decided we would first have lunch and the attendant suggested the cafe where we could order the best pizza in town.  We could see the cove where we would be staying and noticed the crystal clear waters, bathing areas and restaurants with outdoor seating.

Our accommodations were conveniently located within walking distance to the beach, pier, restaurants and shopping.  The summer home of Salim was two story and surrounded by delicate flowers, large enough to accommodate the six of us.

We immediately unpacked our belongings, grabbed our swimsuits and walked down the hill to the pier where we found the restaurant to enjoy lunch.  The stroll in itself was full of jaw-dropping views where whitewashed guesthouses were covered with vibrant blooms.  Sitting along the waterfront, we ate fresh watermelon and made-to-order pizzas.

We swam for a couple of hours until it was time to meet up with Salim to discuss dinner plans.  We decided to stay in, ordering takeout from a nearby food stall.  From Turkish köfte (meatballs) to kebabs, we selected a wide variety of local dishes to sample.

After dinner, we strolled down to the swimming area as the light began to dim. Checking out the sailboats that had arrived to anchor off the shore, we eagerly waited for the sun to set.

We posed for photos, listened to Bruno Mars tunes and fought off sleep in fear of missing out.   With what energy we had left, we stopped by the pool and shared bottle of wine before turning in.  On the short walk home, we all agreed that we could have never imagined the beauty of Bodrum and reminisced about Ramadan in Istanbul until we just couldn’t stay awake much longer.

Have you had the wonderful opportunity to visit Bodrum, Turkey?  Which places did you visit or restaurants did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your recommendations if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my Girl’s Trip to Turkey and wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Turkish Flag

Beautiful Flowers in Bodrum

The Evil Eye – This circular symbol keeps evil thoughts from harming you

Enjoying the Sunset in Bodrum

Catamarans and sailboats in the Bodrum Harbor

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A Walking Tour of the Victoria and Albert Harbor

4 August 202222 September 2024

Filled with adrenaline from having swam with the Great Whites at Gansbaai, I was excited to explore the scenic coast of Cape Town before hopping a plane for Johannesburg.  With a couple of days ahead of me, I planned to explore the coast, sample the local wines and study the fascinating life of Nelson Mandela.

Grabbing my backpack, I exited the Protea Hotel in Sea Point and began my forty-five minute trek towards the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.  Known as the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, this lively neighborhood is where I will be catching the jetty over to Robben Island in the afternoon.

Navigating through one of the most affluent suburbs of Cape Town, I quickly reached the coast.  I had arrived in August, the start of South Africa’s winter, greeted with mild temperatures and overcast skies.  The colorful high rises were a welcome site against the gray backdrop and foggy start of my day.

Mounds of seaweed covered the manicured beaches as small whitecaps made their way towards the water’s edge.  The sun was rising and casting a glow on the concrete landscape where locals slowly filled the promenade.  The briny smell of the sea continued to grow stronger as warmer temperatures began to rise.  My walk continued northeast away from Sea Point  towards indigenous gardens, passing the Green Point Lighthouse with a glimpse of the Cape Town Stadium.

Gazing toward the barren mountains in the distance, the palm tree-lined avenue brought me closer to the V&A Waterfront.  Posted signs served as a reminder of Cape Town’s water shortage which was at its peak during my visit.

Within minutes, the landscape grew more beautiful with gardens of purple salvia and elegantly laid brick stretching for miles.  Tall, clusters of palm trees rose from the rocky cliffs sloping down towards the bay. The V&A Waterfront, a part of  Cape Town’s Big 6, includes the Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstensbosch Gardens, Robben Island, Cape Point and Constantia Vineyards.

In the midst of the spectacular countryside was built a beautiful tribute to Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, known by locals as the V&A Waterfront. The venue has become one of South Africa’s most visited historical and cultural destinations.

From the second story of the waterfront’s shopping plaza I noticed the boats moored in South Africa’s oldest working harbor, over 450 shops and restaurants lining the streets and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Signal Hill.  I had purchased a ticket to visit Robben Island and would return to the dock after lunch to board the Robben Island jetty.

Too early for lunch, I strolled the harbor where boats were tied up alongside the dock bringing in the catch of the day and taking out passengers for tours of the coast. Many of the stores and restaurants would soon open, so I strolled the quiet site and found The Harbor House where I decided to dine for lunch.

Starting out with a local Chenin Blanc from Beaumont Wines, I scanned over the menu in hopes of finding a local seafood dish or a platter of sushi for lunch.  The wine was crisp with the flavors of tart apples and melon, chilled perfectly.  Sitting on the second level of the restaurant, the sun was struggling to push its way past the cloudy sky, but its warmth was pressing in.

With each sip, I weighed my options and finally  decided on the Tuna Rainbow Roll and Ultimate Rainbow Roll.  Decadent and full of flavor, I slowly enjoyed each bite as I finished my glass of wine. The weight staff were exceptional and the restaurant views, spectacular.

As I strolled the waterfront with its colorful monuments and museums, I heard the bark of a Cape Fur Seal. Following the sound, I came upon this beautiful mammal tucked in a concrete corner finding a place to rest near the first stop on my self-guided tour, Cape Town’s Clock Tower.

Built in 1882, the Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was once the office of the Port Captain, who managed the schedule of ships coming in and out of the docks.  The clock tower, originally painted yellow, is the oldest building along the waterfront.  One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the red-and-gray tower was refurbished in 1997 and is the home to several Cape Fur Seals.

Located at the base of the Swing Bridge, the African Trading Port is a shop focused on selling local African Art to include sculptures, ceramics, pottery and artifacts.  Drawing works from all over the country, this workshop first opened in Zimbabwe in 1978 with additional shops such as the one in Cape Town, opening in 2001.

Looking out across the port, the location where I am standing is Alfred Basin, where the original docks were built at the port of Cape Town.  In the distance are the picturesque Signal Hill and Table Mountain.

One of my favorite experiences was finding the beautifully painted rhinos placed along the waterfront, part of a program to bring awareness to these endangered species.  Poachers have been hunting the rhinoceros for their tusks, bringing about their near extinction since the 1950s.  TRAC, which stands for “The Rhinos are Coming” is  raising money to stop this practice throughout Africa.  From February 1st to March 31st of 2017, one hundred decorated rhinos were strategically placed throughout Cape Town as an outdoor art exhibit, which remained on display.

The V&A Market is now home to the former Pumphouse.  A vibrant marketplace with over forty vendors offering fresh food and produce as well as gourmet meals and local beer and wine.  I couldn’t resist stopping by The Knysna Oyster Company for a half a dozen oysters on the half shell.

A few steps from the market is Nobel Square, another impressive artistic installation, which opened in December of 2005.   The four statues represent Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, four of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Checking my watch, I realized the ferry would soon be leaving for Robben Island.  Eager to explore the history of this island prison, I was also curious to learn more about Nelson Mandela’s experience here as a political prisoner.

Have you visited the Victoria and Albert’s Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cape Town and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay;

Where to Eat:

What to Eat:

What to Read:

Photo Guide to Capetown:

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Tigang Sasih: A Cultural Experience in Bali

15 January 202222 September 2024

37_DSC1378Visiting a friend while on vacation in Bali, I was invited to a Hindu Nelubulanin Ceremony, a religious gathering that takes place when a child reaches the age of three months.  According to Hindu beliefs, a child born to a family is considered a god until their three month ceremony which is one of the most rights of passage celebrations of the Hindu faith.

The Sunarsas picked me up at my hotel and we began our journey towards the northwestern side of the island.  After a three hour drive and a stop along the way, we arrived in the residential town of Gilimanuk.

We set out early in the morning so that Wayan and his family could present their daily offering at the Monkey Temple.  The traffic was light and the scenic drive included views of the ocean as well as statuesque trees that lined the roadway.

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Prior to entering the village of Pemuteran, home to the Monkey Temple, there were several other Balinese sanctuaries situated along the coast.  Among some of the most dramatic scenery, these places of worship are essential to the every day customs of the Balinese Hindus.

36 Lots of Monkeys

The cliffs behind the Pura Agung Pulaki temple are where the monkeys reside.  According to Balinese legend, these monkeys are believed to be descendants of ancient guardians of the temple that once inhabited the island.

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The Balinese believe that the reincarnated monkeys continue to provide protection to this magnificent temple.  They are known by locals as the “Wong Samar” or “Gamang”.

The Sunarsa family entered the temple, prayed and left their offerings inside.  It was hardly fifteen minutes when they emerged and met me outside where the active monkeys filled the sidewalks.

38_DSC1407

Returning to the vehicle, we noticed over fifty monkeys invading the walkway and curiously exploring the hood of our car and hopping onto the roof.  Candra, Wayan’s wife, explained that these macaques are quite familiar with humans but can be aggressive if provoked.  As we slowly walked towards the car, the monkeys began to scatter towards the trees and we continued our drive towards the coast.

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Within an hour and a half, we arrived at the home where the Nelubulanin Ceremony would be taking place.    On the drive over, Wayan explained the purpose of the celebration and its meaning.

According to the Balinese Hindus, until the day of the child’s three month celebration, the baby is a divine creature and is not permitted to touch the ground with his or her feet.  They believe that the child is pure and sacred and must stay clean before the ceremony to connect with Mother Earth.

Family and friends will bring trinkets and blessings to the child to ensure that they are prosperous, healthy and have a joyous life.  A priest is also in attendance to perform the ceremony and acts as an intermediary with the gods.

27 130103 Family of Wayan

Celebrations are not only a part of the Hindu religion but of the Balinese culture.  Large gatherings of family members and friends come together to celebrate, memorialize or mourn their loved ones.   It is customary that relatives bring a dish for these celebrations and the food that day was an amazing spread of delicious Balinese foods.

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The family of the child prepare themselves for the ritual by participating in a purification ritual.  The parents also ready the baby by adorning him or her with jewelry such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

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Many offerings are presented to the high priest in attendance and he prays over the items that have been prepared for the ceremony.

25_DSC1430The Hindu priest facilitates the offerings and various rites of the event.  He is seated on a platform among the offerings, water and incense.  He is in a continual state of prayer that includes chants in the ancient Sanskrit language.

24 130103, Ceremonial Gift

During this time, the family simultaneously presents their offerings to the priest and praying to the Hindu gods. The contributions are strategically placed within a designated square platform representing goodwill and protection towards the child.

The large number of offerings include earthly items that symbolize the state of the child’s future on earth.   For example, leaves with inscriptions represent wisdom and intelligence, coins represent wealth and jewelry symbolizes the need for desire.

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Fruit and grains of rice and corn represent the child’s future hard work and diligence.  The water containing a goldfish symbolizes the pond of life.  The climax of the ceremony is when the family places the child in the center of the small objects and watches as the child selects one of these items which will represent how he will live his life.

The child is carried around the symbolic offerings three times which represent birth, life and death.  Once the ceremony is completed, the family gathers around to enjoy each other’s company at a wonderful feast which usually includes the suckling pig (babi buling) as well as a wide variety of other Indonesian foods and fruits.  It is a joyous time for the family and their friends and lasts throughout the day.

30 Bali Starling, Male

Male Bali Starling

We stayed long enough to eat and enjoy each others company.  Before sunset, we began the drive back to Lovina Beach.  Nearing the halfway mark of our journey, the family eagerly suggested a stop at the Bali Barat National Park, a sanctuary for the country’s native bird, the Bali Starling.  The reserve was established to protect these beautiful birds from extinction as locals trap them to keep them as pets for good luck.

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Turning into the park, the entrance was paved and lampposts lined the driveway.   The mangrove forest surrounding us is also home to more monkeys and a protected species of cattle.  Not far from the conservation is a popular dive site with a coral reef and a variety of unique, interesting salt water fish.

Bali Starling Female

Female Bali Starling

With over 160 varied species of birds at the Bali Barat National Park, it is the Bali Starling that is the most sought after, and is one of the most endangered species of birds in the world.  The Bali Starling Recovery Project was created to reintroduce the bird back into the island of Bali.

From the beautiful drive to Gilimanuk, attending the Nelubulanin Ceremony, and visiting the Bali Starling Recovery Project, I was happy to have spent the day in the lives of my Balinese friends.  With the Balinese celebrating a variety of ceremonies over the course of a year, it is unusual that an outsider would be invited to participate in the festivities.  I felt honored to have experienced the ceremonial celebration.  I learned so many wonderful lessons that day.  One, the importance of religion and family in the lives of the Indonesians and secondly, their love of sharing their country and values with those that have a respect for their culture.

Have you attended a ceremonial celebration from another culture?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my adventures through Bali!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pulaki Temple
Jalan Seririt-Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Gerokgak
Kabupaten, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 362 92380

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Daily, open 24 hours
  • Amenities:  Public toilet, Beach, Food and Drink Stalls
  • Scenic View:   Beautiful views of the ocean from here and watching the monkeys is extraordinary!
  • Length of the Tour:  Less than 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Dress appropriately for visiting the temple, covering your shoulders and knees.  Watch out for the monkeys on the inside and outside of the temple as they are known to steal car keys, sunglasses, etc. Inside there are plenty of cats, which keep to themselves.

Bali Barat National Park
Kantor Pos Gilimanuk
Cekik, 82253, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone:  +62 365 61060

  • Admission Fee: To tour the park, the cost is 10,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekday and 15,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekend. Because certified guides are required to trek through the park, the costs are varied (i.e., 2 hour trek = 150,000 IDR for 1 – 2 persons and 250,000 IDR for three to five persons).
  • Hours:  Daily, open from dawn to dusk (open for overnight camping)
  • Amenities:  Local Guides, Beach, Hiking, Snorkeling, Diving, Animal Reserve, Birding, Food and Drink Stalls
  • Scenic View:   Beautiful views of the ocean from here and visiting the unique animals is fascinating!
  • Length of the Tour:  Varies, depending on the activities you select
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The best time to visit is from August to December which is the end of the dry season and start of the rainy season. I would also suggest going early in the day to watch the sunrise!  The birding excursions are the most popular.

Where to Stay:

Nirwana Water Garden
Lovina Beach Street
Lovina Beach Bali

Nirwana Water Garden is located in the heart of Lovina Beach.  It is a 45-minute drive to the dive site of Menjangan Island.   Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.  The hotel can provide hotel transfers for a fee.

Nirwana Restaurant serves Indonesian specialties, with the option of in-room dining.  Guests can enjoy a guided tour to visit the dolphins at Lovina Beach, which can be arranged by the Nirwana’s staff.

Where to Eat:

Warung Ibu Wina
Jalan Mawar , Kalibukbuk, Lovina Beach, Anturan
Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Telephone:  +62 813 3759 6912

I could not stop thinking about the Makso soup that I had tried on my first day in Bali.  The ingredients were light and fresh and the soup was downright delicious.  I searched out a warung (a small Indonesian cafe) to find a place where I could find this yummy chicken soup and came across Warung Ibu Wina.

What to Eat: 

  • Babi Guling:  Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
  • Bakso Soup:  Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
  • Gado-Gado:  A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
  • Nasi Goreng:  Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
  • Pisang Goreng:  Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
  • Sate Ayam:  Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
  • Spring Rolls:  Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

  • Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
  • Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
  • Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
  • Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
  • Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

  • Git Git Waterfall
  • Mount Batur
  • Sekumpal Waterfalls
  • Tamblingan Lake
  • Twin Lakes Viewpoint
    22 3 month baby
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And the Drive In Between: East Coast Driving (Massachusetts)

29 December 201716 September 2024

When my friend Dave asked me to join him on a trip to his childhood home, I was so excited to meet his family and to see where he had grown up outside of Boston. Our first day, we would hang out in Boston and Salem and then we had also made plans for a trip to Portland, Maine to meet up with his childhood friend, Alan.

We arrived early in the morning, loaded up the rental car and began our journey heading north.  The scenic coastline was dotted with historical buildings, beautifully built of stone and brick.  Reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, we stopped on several occasions to take photographs and enjoy the scenery.

Stained glass windows, colorful siding and delicate roof tiles added so much character to our drive.  We played a game trying to guess the year in which each year they had been built based on their architecture.  From churches and chapels, we were completely entertained and amusing ourselves over the next couple of hours.

The further north we drove, the natural beauty of the coastal rock formations popped up along the Atlantic.  The occasional inlet would appear filled with yachts and sailboats and I wished we had more time to hang out or at least stop for lunch, but we decided that we would stop at Kelly’s Roast Beef in Saugus for their infamous roast beef and lobster rolls and I couldn’t wait.

I loved seeing all of the old signs in Saugus, like the Hilltop Steakhouse which had been opened by local businessman, Frank Giuffrida in 1961.  The restaurant was a popular spot from the 60s through the 90s expanding to 1500 seats.  I learned that it had recently closed and thought of all of the patrons the restaurant must have served over the years.  It also made me think of how hungry I was and couldn’t wait to order some lobster….are we close to Kelly’s?

It was such a great day driving the coast.  Do you enjoy road trips?  What is your favorite activity when you travel?  I would love to hear about your travels if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my drive around the NE coast and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and Do:

Take a Coastal Drive!

Where to Stay:

Red Roof Inn Plus+ Boston-Logan
920 Broadway, I-93 North to Rt. 1
Saugus, MA  01906
Telephone:  888 665 1356

Where to Eat:

Kelly’s Roast Beef
410 Revere Beach Blvd.
Revere, MA  02151
Phone:  781 284 9129

What to Eat:

    • Boston Baked Beans
    • Cape Cod Potato Chips
    • Clam Chowder
    • Fluffernutters – a sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff….amazing!
    • Fresh Seafood
    • Fried Clams
    • Grilled Blueberry Muffins
    • Hoodsie Cups – baby cups of ice cream
    • Lobster Rolls, of course
    • Seared Scallops

What to Read:

  • Mystic River, by Dennis Lehane
  • Sacred, by Dennis Lehane
  • The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

Photo Guide for Boston:

  • Acorn Street
  • The Amazing Coast
  • Boston Athenaeum
  • Boston Common
  • Boston Public Library
  • Café Susu
  • Fan Pier Park
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • Louisburg Square
  • Marshall Street & Union Oyster House
  • Old Signs Along Saugus
  • Public Garden Foot Bridge
  • Rouvalis Flowers

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Hanauma Bay, Hawai’i: A Snorkler’s Paradise

20 October 201431 August 2024

011007 Haunauma Bay from the Parking Lot

It was a gorgeous day in Hawaii and my best friend Melissa suggested that we visit Hanauma Bay State Park.  Known for its sensational views (from the parking  lot) and spectacular snorkeling, we dressed for the beach, jumped in the car and made our way to Hanauma Bay.

Hanauma Bay State Park is a natural reserve on the Hawaiian island of Oahu located in the Pacific Ocean.  Since 1967, it has been a protected marine life conservation area and in 2002, the marine center was built to continue the efforts to support its health and protect the reefs and sea creatures.  This beautiful state park and beach continues to rank #1 in the list of Top Beaches.

It was once estimated that over three million travelers visited Hanauma Bay each year and ecologists claim that the bay had suffered in the process.  As a result, there have been limitations assessed on the number of daily visitors and they have placed restrictions on the handling of the sea life as well as the touching of the coral in the bay.

playing in Haunauma Bay

The tram was full, so we opted to walk down to the bay and agreed to take the tram on our return.  We were happy for the early start knowing that the bay is such a popular stop for visitors to Oahu.

Since the 1980’s Hanauma Bay has been one of the most visited tourist attractions on the island.   It is an excellent location to see the abundant species of fish for which Hawaii is known.

Prior to entering the state park, we were required to watch the 9-minute video to learn more about the marine life and to understand the park’s efforts to protect and preserve the fascinating sea life within the bay.

Snorkling in haunama Bay

We picked up our snorkeling equipment, found an open space on the beach to drop off our beach chairs and towels before exploring the crystal clear waters.

There are approximately 400 known species of fish as well as green sea turtles at Hanauma Bay.  It is the perfect location for experienced or inexperienced snorkelers of all ages  due  to its  calm  waters and sea life.011012 Haunauma Bay2From the parking lot of Hanauma Bay, there is an amazing view of the crater which was said to have been created over 30,000 years ago.   The 2,000 square foot crescent beach is known for its beautiful white sand and its waters for its abundance of sea life.

Hawaii in itself is one of the most beautiful places in the world.  It is because of the conservation of Hanauma Bay and many of the natural sites that future generations will be able to enjoy what is today, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hawaii.

Where is your favorite snorkeling destination in the world?  Have you had the opportunity to visit Hanauma Bay?  I would be happy to hear about your experience on the island of Oahu if you would kindly leave a message in  the comments section below!  Many thanks for checking out my blog post on Hanauma Bay!  May you have many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
7455 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, Hawaii  96825
Telephone:  808 396 4229

  • Admission Fee: $7.50 to enter the park and parking is an additional charge of $1
  • Hours:  Open Wednesday to Monday from 6AM to 7PM, closed Tuesday
  • Amenities (for an additional charge):  Snorkel Equipment Rental, Locker Rental, Tram Ride, Snack Bar, Gift Shop, Transportation from Waikiki Hotels
  • Scenic View:   Check out the gorgeous views from the parking lot.  In addition, beautiful view of the ocean from the beach and there are some great underwater views of fish and sea turtles.
  • Length of the Tour:  Varies, depending on the activities you select for the day
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early to avoid the crowds.  An early start will also allow for a  more enjoyable snorkeling experience because once it becomes crowded, the visibility is limited. Large backpacks will not fit in the lockers and you can bring your own snacks and drinks.

Where to Stay:

Aqua Bamboo Waikiki
2425 Kuhio Avenue
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii  96815
Telephone: 808 922 7777

Where to Eat:

Duke’s Waikiki
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
2335 Kalakaua Avenue, #116
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Telephone: 808 922 2268

I love the flavors at Duke’s so we decided to share some Pupus (Appetizers) to include the Ahi Sashimi, Duke’s Nachos and the Panko-fried Calamari.

What to Eat: 

  • Kalua Pig:  Hawaii is famous for its Kalua Pig, similar to American pulled pork.
  • Poi:  Made from taro root which is similar to a potato, the poi we sampled was “pounded” into a thick starch.  This cooking technique results in a sticky pudding-like dessert which is purple in color.
  • Poke:  Similar to Japanese sashimi, yet the fish is cut into chunky cubes and usually served over a bed of rice.

What to Read: 

  • Hanauma Bay:  A Marine Guide to Hawaii’s Most Popular Nature Preserve by John P. Hoover
  • Exploring Hanauma Bay: Revised and Expanded by Susan Scott

Photo Guide for Oahu:

  • Diamond Head Crater Hike:  360 degree views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean
  • Hanauma Bay:  underwater photos, photo of the bay from the parking lot
  • Kualoa Ranch: Jurassic Park scenery
  • Kualoa Regional Park and Mokoli’l Island: Palm trees and the triangle island
  • The Pineapple Plantations:  Take the inland route from Waikiki to the North Shore and stop at Dole Plantation
  • Sunset Beach and Pipeline:  the North Shore is the perfect location for surfing, so you will find LOTS of surfers here.
  • Turtle Bay:  surfers and sunsets
  • Waikiki Wall and Beach:  palm trees, surfers and highrise buildings, sunrises and sunsets

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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