A quick intro to this article. This is a guest post from Cassidy who is now 20 years old and has been featured in a couple of our articles such as: climbing Half Dome and our recent Banff trip. She has become a new member of the family over the past couple of years. Apologies for the photo quality.
In this article, she talks about her experience growing up traveling on a boat with her parents and young siblings and hopes that her family's success story will help others take the leap!
A common debate when considering traveling with young kids; how young is too young? My parents didn’t dwell on this question for too long before deciding to move all of us aboard our homebuilt catamaran with my (then) six-month-old brother. There were eight of us total; I was the eldest child by 7 years, the next was 6 years old, then 5, 3, 1, and the baby. Add my parents and we made eight high-sea explorers, ready to sail south from California.
By the time we had reached Panama, Val gained his sea legs and was comically tipsy on solid ground. He had become vocal and very friendly to anyone who would listen. He was no longer in diapers, no longer nursing, no longer NEEDED naps, yet he didn’t break his desire for fishing lures. He and his older brother were obsessed with fishing and had learned how to troll while underway. They would ask questions about the kinds of fish they caught and, as a family, we would do the research. Within a few weeks, everyone knew where the fish came from, what they ate, if they were any good to eat, and all about their lifecycles. Their curiosities became a great way for everyone to learn more about a big part of our lives on the boat.
I was young during our travels, but the age gap allowed me to experience my siblings’ childhood through a more mature lens. I have seen each of them develop into confident and compassionate young adults. They are well-rounded and talented thanks to their life experiences. Experiences that they would not have had if my parents continued to dwell on whether or not a six-month-old was too young to travel with. But the line isn’t drawn at six months. If you are contemplating an adventure with your family, make it happen. I am not saying it will always be easy (when is anything easy with young kids?), but they will thank you for the life experiences you gave them. I couldn't imagine my life today without those experiences.
In this article, she talks about her experience growing up traveling on a boat with her parents and young siblings and hopes that her family's success story will help others take the leap!
Here is Her Experience Growing up and Traveling with Young Kids on a Sailboat
The youngest – Val – had barely mastered crawling, let alone walking or swimming. He needed his afternoon naps, was still nursing, still wore diapers (a fun product to stock and dispose of properly on a boat and in foreign countries). He was adventurous, quick to take up an opportunity to explore, and he was all too fond of fishing lures. Val took up a lot of our energy, but what six-month-old doesn’t? This is the time in a child’s development where they have gained the freedom of mobility and the curiosities of the world are at their fingertips. What better time is there to introduce more of that world to them?
As for my other siblings, the four of them quickly mastered swimming with ice cream bribes. While Val chased after hermit crabs on the beach, the others would practice diving with snorkel gear along the shore. Competing with each other – who can hold their breath the longest, who can find the biggest shell, who can catch a fish (an unsuccessful endeavor). On occasion, my stepdad would bring out the SCUBA gear and they got even more comfortable in and under the water.
During our time hiking through Costa Rican jungles, I would create wild stories about pirates and talking monkeys. The kids would run around in character and add to the story as they discovered a “magical beetle” climbing a tree or a "secret path leading to buried treasure". Just because they’ve been mobile for years doesn’t make them any less excited than little Val about the world around them. I ask again, what better a time to expand their access to that world?
Our long-term plans involved pinballing through the South Pacific Islands. Sailing to some of the planet’s most remote locations did sound lonely at the time. Being a teenager, I was concerned about how I would make friends or even meet people of any caliber. My siblings as well. Just because the crew all get along, doesn’t mean outside interactions aren’t beneficial. But even in Central America, we interacted with the locals much more than I initially expected. While my parents and I attempted charades to get our minimal Spanish across to the adults of the village, my siblings would seamlessly connect with the local children.
Our long-term plans involved pinballing through the South Pacific Islands. Sailing to some of the planet’s most remote locations did sound lonely at the time. Being a teenager, I was concerned about how I would make friends or even meet people of any caliber. My siblings as well. Just because the crew all get along, doesn’t mean outside interactions aren’t beneficial. But even in Central America, we interacted with the locals much more than I initially expected. While my parents and I attempted charades to get our minimal Spanish across to the adults of the village, my siblings would seamlessly connect with the local children.
They found other ways to communicate despite a lack of shared language. They would be up a tree with four other children within five minutes of landing. My sisters traded toys for woven trinkets and eventually learned how to weave themselves. The boys would go out on treasure hunts or build driftwood rafts. Sometimes, their roles would be reversed and you would find boys with woven baskets and girls with rafts. Either way, the day usually ended with everyone jumping off of the bow of the boat and having a blast!
We later found that within the small boating community there was an even smaller community of family cruisers that we would cross paths with as often as possible. Even though we always found ways to interact with locals wherever we were, it was still nice to have some people we could easily communicate with. We met a lot of like-minded people in the community that led to lifelong friendships despite the long distances. Including my best friend of now 6 years.
I was young during our travels, but the age gap allowed me to experience my siblings’ childhood through a more mature lens. I have seen each of them develop into confident and compassionate young adults. They are well-rounded and talented thanks to their life experiences. Experiences that they would not have had if my parents continued to dwell on whether or not a six-month-old was too young to travel with. But the line isn’t drawn at six months. If you are contemplating an adventure with your family, make it happen. I am not saying it will always be easy (when is anything easy with young kids?), but they will thank you for the life experiences you gave them. I couldn't imagine my life today without those experiences.
I hope you enjoyed this little piece about my time growing up on a boat traveling with young kids! It is my first time writing about my life in this way and I hope it helps more people take the great leap as my parents did. Please feel free to leave a comment below about your experience!
Written by Cassidy
Everything was looking good. We were ready. And then catastrophe struck! We had found out two weeks before that the trip had been moved a week sooner than planned and we weren’t going to make it. I, however, had already booked a ticket to California for the trip. So, I grabbed my best hand luggage and was off without a plan in sight.
After my arrival, we began to research other things we could explore in Yosemite. We figured we could drive up to the park on our own and see whatever we could without permitting. We were under the assumption that there was no way to climb Half Dome without the permits that must be reserved months in advance. So, we began our search for all the exciting things to see throughout the park and found that even without our previous goal, there was still enough to keep a nature lover busy for years.
We discovered an article explaining the reason why you needed a permit to climb Half Dome was to keep the crowds down to a controllable level. The only way up is with two cables lifted off the rock face to form a handrail. Even with strict permitting, these cables are insanely mobbed during the summer months. What we didn’t know was that the cables don’t go up until mid-May and go back down at the end of summer. However, the cables don’t actually go anywhere. They’re only lowered off the stands that hold them up for easy access.
Even though they can’t legally stop you, anyone you ask in the park service will explain the danger of a 400-foot vertical gain on a 45-degree slope of slick granite. All that on top of the 8,000 + feet in elevation. We were also told that in this “shoulder season” there are no rangers up there so we would be alone should something happen. Needless to say, they don’t want you up there when they aren’t in control.
Being young and crazy, we decided to go for it anyway. Without an ounce of a plan, we called a couple friends and picked a date. And by the time we all met up, we had a grand total of one day to buy and pack everything we would need in the car. Walmart was surprisingly good for our tight budget. We were able to get everything on our list for a three-day camping trip. With, food out of the way and other camping gear acquired from a friend we were as prepared as we were ever gonna be. Here’s how it went!
The only campsite we could find for the first night was just outside the boundary of the park and was flooded with people overflowing from the limited camping available in the park. We stopped only long enough to set up camp and then we were off to explore what we could before the sun went down. The drive to the main entrance got more and more stunning the closer we got. Every corner revealing a new unbelievable view. And that wasn’t even the park yet! Once through the main gate, the road entering the park goes through a series of tunnels as it traverses the dramatic landscape.
Finally, we made it down into the Yosemite Valley and decided to drive the main loop around the park and stop when we saw something interesting. Which incidentally was everything. Before we even got to our first pick on the map we saw a group of people off the side of the road looking at something. And of course, we stop to see only to find a family of bears casually strolling by. I guess I can check seeing wild bears off my bucket list.
Back at camp, we discussed the game plan over dinner. Which was to get up at the crack of dawn and go straight down to the ranger station to get on the waiting list for the first come first serve camping permits. Our plan was to camp at the Little Yosemite Valley campground which is the halfway point. Even though the hike can be done in a day we decided to try for the permit and break it up. By the time we got up to the counter, I was frantically doing the math on how many permits were left. And just as we took the last step I realized there were exactly four left. It couldn’t have been luckier. The universe was on our side. And we were finally ready!
Our next big challenge and probably the biggest was trying to find a spot in the overnight parking lot. Three of us split up and searched for a spot while the other drove. And by the time we found a spot, it was a race to get on the trail. We popped the trunk, threw our packs over our shoulders and just like that we were underway.
Vernal Falls
It started with a huge boost of excitement and energy as we marched up into the mountains. We climbed higher and higher up through valley and passed two of the most famous waterfalls in Yosemite, Vernal and Nevada falls. I started to realize why it was called the “mist trail” when we passed just under Vernal falls and got blasted by mist the whole time. By the time we reached the top, we were soaking wet from climbing the steps beside the 300-foot waterfall.
Nevada falls with Half Dome behind it
The next five miles to our campsite felt like ten from all the zig-zagging we did up the mountains on the more primitive trail. As we approached the campsite we all got a boost of energy knowing that we could soon relax once we set up camp. We split into teams, two of us went to collect and filter water from the nearby stream and two stayed back to pitch the tent. I excitedly asked to be on the water team. Something about collecting water from a beautiful stream in the middle of the forest just felt right. I was very pleased with myself as I carried everyone’s water back to camp. After scaring off a coyote from our camp we cooked dinner with our little Bunsen burner. With our bellies full we went to bed early for the big day.We woke up with the sun and got right to it. Leaving most of our gear at camp we were able to take only what we needed for the final climb. Then we set off on the four-mile hike to what is called the sub dome. The sub dome is where the cables began and were the finale 400 vertical foot stretch of our journey. On our way up the trail, we snapped a selfie with the sign telling us the cables were down and it was “highly dangerous to climb” at this time of year. We figured if we didn’t come back at least there would be proof of our stupidity. I’m happy to report that we made it!
After pushing past every obstacle in our path we finally made it. We were standing in front of the dome. No one in sight, just two little cables swaying in the wind. All the joking and conversation stopped abruptly, and I was hit with a sudden adrenaline rush at the thought of scaling this giant in front of us. I broke the silence and told everyone we should take a break to plan our ascent.
The way down was relatively uneventful aside from the buff rock climbers we met who thought we were “savage” for climbing with nothing but our hands. It was a great feeling knowing we didn’t die!
There are so many ways to travel and explore the world around you. But the road trip is one of my favorite ways to explore the U.S. The U.S. has developed roads to pretty much any sight and adventure you would want to see. And the ability to navigate via smartphones makes planning a trip like this easy and fun.
If you are wanting to plan a road trip of your own but feel anxious about everything involved than continue reading to find out just how easy it can be.
As an 18-year old, I joined my girlfriend and her family on a road trip from Los Angeles to Colorado. We had been planning a white-water rafting trip down the Green River in Colorado for months. We considered flying or even taking a train but neither of those options granted us the freedom we wanted for the trip.
Driving allowed us a few extra days in Colorado to visit my girlfriend's family who she doesn’t get to see often. So, we concluded that a road trip would give us the most flexibility.
We started our trip from Bakersfield, California where my girlfriend and I drove down to meet her family in LA. Upon arriving there we packed up the minivan as light as possible and we were off the next morning. We left as early as possible to insure we made it to our destination 12 hours away.
Leaving early gave us the freedom to take our time and stop along the way for gas and rest stops. I have no doubt that this is the best way to go because as you'll discover there’s always going to be reasons to stop. Especially with a bigger group like we had.
Our first stop was a totally Greek themed restaurant in the desert that lies between LA and Las Vegas. Certainly an odd thing to find out in the middle of nowhere, but makes a great place to stop and enjoy some delicious gyros. Don't disregard the smaller road side attractions or eateries. I've found that they are often times some of the highlights of any trip!
TIP: Stopping at small-town attractions can help a lot to break up the trip and stretch your legs.
After resting for a bit it was on to Vernal, the town where we joined our rafting group. On our way into town we stopped by the Dinosaur National Monument on the border between Utah and Colorado. We went on a short hike up on a ridge overlooking the canyon we would soon be drifting down. The panoramic view of the winding river was stunning.
We stayed that night in an affordable hotel in town preparing for the beginning of our four-day trip down the Green River.
We got a quick introduction to rafting by our guides and then we were off on the river. Our days were spent floating through beautiful canyons, exhilarating rapids, day hikes into the valley, camping under the stars, spotting petroglyphs, and devouring gourmet camping food. As well as enjoying the excellent company of course!
It was an unbelievable experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good adventure but doesn't want anything too dangerous.
For anyone trying to plan a road trip, it can be as easy as getting in your car and going. We were fortunate enough to have a perfect size car to fit everyone and plenty of licensed drivers to take turns. But if you're visiting, you can easily rent a car in the USA to drive to countless destinations.
Staying in budget hotels, camping, and picnicking helped us save money on our road trip vacation.
As an 18-year old, I joined my girlfriend and her family on a road trip from Los Angeles to Colorado. We had been planning a white-water rafting trip down the Green River in Colorado for months. We considered flying or even taking a train but neither of those options granted us the freedom we wanted for the trip.
Driving allowed us a few extra days in Colorado to visit my girlfriend's family who she doesn’t get to see often. So, we concluded that a road trip would give us the most flexibility.
We started our trip from Bakersfield, California where my girlfriend and I drove down to meet her family in LA. Upon arriving there we packed up the minivan as light as possible and we were off the next morning. We left as early as possible to insure we made it to our destination 12 hours away.
Leaving early gave us the freedom to take our time and stop along the way for gas and rest stops. I have no doubt that this is the best way to go because as you'll discover there’s always going to be reasons to stop. Especially with a bigger group like we had.
Our first stop was a totally Greek themed restaurant in the desert that lies between LA and Las Vegas. Certainly an odd thing to find out in the middle of nowhere, but makes a great place to stop and enjoy some delicious gyros. Don't disregard the smaller road side attractions or eateries. I've found that they are often times some of the highlights of any trip!
TIP: Stopping at small-town attractions can help a lot to break up the trip and stretch your legs.
After resting for a bit it was on to Vernal, the town where we joined our rafting group. On our way into town we stopped by the Dinosaur National Monument on the border between Utah and Colorado. We went on a short hike up on a ridge overlooking the canyon we would soon be drifting down. The panoramic view of the winding river was stunning.
We stayed that night in an affordable hotel in town preparing for the beginning of our four-day trip down the Green River.
We got a quick introduction to rafting by our guides and then we were off on the river. Our days were spent floating through beautiful canyons, exhilarating rapids, day hikes into the valley, camping under the stars, spotting petroglyphs, and devouring gourmet camping food. As well as enjoying the excellent company of course!
The bigger rafts were fun and exciting, but my favorite were the "duckies" as the guides called them. The rapids we were hitting weren't the craziest out there for sure. So, these smaller inflatable kayaks made things more interesting for someone like me looking for a little more adventure. Although the the bigger rafts get knocked plenty, there isn't as much risk of falling in.
It was an unbelievable experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good adventure but doesn't want anything too dangerous.
For anyone trying to plan a road trip, it can be as easy as getting in your car and going. We were fortunate enough to have a perfect size car to fit everyone and plenty of licensed drivers to take turns. But if you're visiting, you can easily rent a car in the USA to drive to countless destinations.
Staying in budget hotels, camping, and picnicking helped us save money on our road trip vacation.
I hope this helped inspire to get in your car and see where the road takes you!
Ever have one of those perfect, adventure filled days that leaves you pinching yourself wondering if this is really your life?? A week or so ago we had one of these days and it was all due to the best zip lining experience on the Big Island of Hawaii.....the Umauma Falls zip line experience!
Located just 30 minutes North of Hilo, Umauma falls is a beautiful spot. While zipping you have breathtaking views of the ocean, the ability to see stunning waterfalls not open to the public, and access to knowledgeable and entertaining guides.
The zip lining course is 9 lines of varying heights and lengths with the longest being over 2000 feet! You also traverse a 200 foot suspension bridge that was honestly scarier than the lines. The grounds are stunning with unparalleled views, gardens, and of course the waterfalls. You can do a zip and dip combo, which I highly suggest, where you can do all 9 lines then have a provided picnic lunch down by the waterfall. After that you can enjoy a cool swim, jump off the rocks, paddle around in a kayak or paddle board or just relax on the side watching the fun.
We arrived early in order to sign all the waivers, get weighed, and look around the gardens. Once everyone is there you can use the bathroom and gear up. Everything was set up for us and we basically just needed to step into the harness. It was far more comfortable and easy to get on than I was expecting. The guides buckle everything for you, get you fitted in your helmet, explain what is going to happen, and triple check everything to be sure all is safe.
Once geared up we piled into the 4x4 vans and headed to the top of the course. Now I went with all 3 of my kids who are 17, 12 and 8. The 8 year old and I were beyond nervous about zipping as it was our first time. As we descended the first staircase the butterflies were so bad it was hard to focus but I had to act brave so my little guy wouldn't become more nervous.
The head guide explained exactly what would happen at the first line, and at each subsequent line he also explained before we started. I loved knowing how long and how high each line would be. The very first line is not high or very fast. I thought it was a great idea to help people like us get past the jitters and understand exactly how it was all going to work. The second line is a lot longer and higher, not sure I could have done it if that was the first one!
The staff does basically all the work for you. Safety was of utmost importance and everything had a secondary and even tertiary safety component. The staff hooks you in and double checks everything before you leap off. They are in constant communication with the landing platform so you can feel assured there will be no banging into anyone else. As you approach the landing platform the staff slows you down to a stop, no need to fumble with the lines. I loved not feeling responsible for stopping myself.
There is a weight limit of about 280 pounds and as I later learned that has nothing to do with what weight the lines can hold as they hold infinitely more than that but rather due to the fact that the guides have to stop you and if you weigh 400 pounds you are going to be coming in way too fast for them to do it safely. There is also a minimum weight and size. My 8 year old was well over it. He weighs about 65 pounds and on 2 of the lines momentum alone didn't carry him all the way but the guides quickly shimmy out and pulled him in the rest of the way. They also taught him to tuck his legs in like a cannonball so he would go faster, he loved that!
After all his nerves I could barely keep up with him as he was the first in line to zip! The staff was so encouraging and had great energy so we all had a blast and felt confident.
The first half of the course is a double line so you can zip next to each other. It was a blast, my older 2 raced each other and then my 8 year old and I did. Not a fair race since I outweigh him by so much. I kicked his butt is an understatement!
Check out this video to see what the experience is all about!
After the zipping we were given a chance to change our clothes and jumped in another van to the dip portion of the day. It was a short drive and even shorter hike down to the waterfall. They had a great picnic lunch packed for each of us and after eating we were able to swim in the pond under the waterfall. There is also a stand up paddle board and kayaks to use which was so much fun. The brave were able to climb up to a few spots on the rocks to take a huge plunge into the water. I declined but my boys were leading the charge!
After all that excitement we were exhausted but alas the Umauma Experience has one more trick up its sleeve. The Giant Swing! Now this is no play of words, it truly is a giant swing. NO way was I getting on it but my 2 youngest insisted so up, up, up they went. Sound the gong, pull the cord, and they dropped like rocks. They said, "it was scary, fun, and my stomach dropped out for a second". You can also tour the facility on an easy nature hike but since we did the zip, dip, and swing we saw it all!
If you are looking for a fun family adventure day with thrills, amazing views, and a great crew to hang out with then Umauma is the place for you!
Located just 30 minutes North of Hilo, Umauma falls is a beautiful spot. While zipping you have breathtaking views of the ocean, the ability to see stunning waterfalls not open to the public, and access to knowledgeable and entertaining guides.
The zip lining course is 9 lines of varying heights and lengths with the longest being over 2000 feet! You also traverse a 200 foot suspension bridge that was honestly scarier than the lines. The grounds are stunning with unparalleled views, gardens, and of course the waterfalls. You can do a zip and dip combo, which I highly suggest, where you can do all 9 lines then have a provided picnic lunch down by the waterfall. After that you can enjoy a cool swim, jump off the rocks, paddle around in a kayak or paddle board or just relax on the side watching the fun.
We arrived early in order to sign all the waivers, get weighed, and look around the gardens. Once everyone is there you can use the bathroom and gear up. Everything was set up for us and we basically just needed to step into the harness. It was far more comfortable and easy to get on than I was expecting. The guides buckle everything for you, get you fitted in your helmet, explain what is going to happen, and triple check everything to be sure all is safe.
Once geared up we piled into the 4x4 vans and headed to the top of the course. Now I went with all 3 of my kids who are 17, 12 and 8. The 8 year old and I were beyond nervous about zipping as it was our first time. As we descended the first staircase the butterflies were so bad it was hard to focus but I had to act brave so my little guy wouldn't become more nervous.
The head guide explained exactly what would happen at the first line, and at each subsequent line he also explained before we started. I loved knowing how long and how high each line would be. The very first line is not high or very fast. I thought it was a great idea to help people like us get past the jitters and understand exactly how it was all going to work. The second line is a lot longer and higher, not sure I could have done it if that was the first one!
The staff does basically all the work for you. Safety was of utmost importance and everything had a secondary and even tertiary safety component. The staff hooks you in and double checks everything before you leap off. They are in constant communication with the landing platform so you can feel assured there will be no banging into anyone else. As you approach the landing platform the staff slows you down to a stop, no need to fumble with the lines. I loved not feeling responsible for stopping myself.
There is a weight limit of about 280 pounds and as I later learned that has nothing to do with what weight the lines can hold as they hold infinitely more than that but rather due to the fact that the guides have to stop you and if you weigh 400 pounds you are going to be coming in way too fast for them to do it safely. There is also a minimum weight and size. My 8 year old was well over it. He weighs about 65 pounds and on 2 of the lines momentum alone didn't carry him all the way but the guides quickly shimmy out and pulled him in the rest of the way. They also taught him to tuck his legs in like a cannonball so he would go faster, he loved that!
After all his nerves I could barely keep up with him as he was the first in line to zip! The staff was so encouraging and had great energy so we all had a blast and felt confident.
The first half of the course is a double line so you can zip next to each other. It was a blast, my older 2 raced each other and then my 8 year old and I did. Not a fair race since I outweigh him by so much. I kicked his butt is an understatement!
Check out this video to see what the experience is all about!
After the zipping we were given a chance to change our clothes and jumped in another van to the dip portion of the day. It was a short drive and even shorter hike down to the waterfall. They had a great picnic lunch packed for each of us and after eating we were able to swim in the pond under the waterfall. There is also a stand up paddle board and kayaks to use which was so much fun. The brave were able to climb up to a few spots on the rocks to take a huge plunge into the water. I declined but my boys were leading the charge!
After all that excitement we were exhausted but alas the Umauma Experience has one more trick up its sleeve. The Giant Swing! Now this is no play of words, it truly is a giant swing. NO way was I getting on it but my 2 youngest insisted so up, up, up they went. Sound the gong, pull the cord, and they dropped like rocks. They said, "it was scary, fun, and my stomach dropped out for a second". You can also tour the facility on an easy nature hike but since we did the zip, dip, and swing we saw it all!
If you are looking for a fun family adventure day with thrills, amazing views, and a great crew to hang out with then Umauma is the place for you!
As we are preparing to leave the Big Island of Hawaii there is a mental check list of places I want to explore a little more deeply. The small town of Hawi is one of them!
2 years ago a monk seal was born on the beach up in Northern Kohala and when we went to check him out a bit we drove through the charming little towns up there. Each blends into the next with no clear distinction but they are charming, sleepy and places I knew I wanted to spend more time in.
We are leaving in May so only have a little over a month left. With my birthday coming and the fact that we almost always choose experiences over gifts I knew this was my chance. So we booked a hotel, researched what we wanted to do while there and after stopping at Tex's for hot malasadas we were on our way for a 3 day adventure!
Hotels
For starters there really are not very many hotels in the area at all. One that stands out though is the Kohala Village Inn. More than just a place to lay your head this is a beautiful property in the heart of Hawi that is more a community space or hub as they call it. There are beautifully appointed plantation style rooms, a cafe, food shop, CSA where locally grown food is the centerpiece, a children's playground, and a large barn where they hold community programs and workshops. I love how invested in the community they are.
The room we stayed in was lovely for a family as it was 2 adorable rooms connected with a shared bathroom, giving everyone a little more space. 1 room had a Queen bed and the other room 2 double beds, perfect for our family of 5. The rooms had a really authentic feel, something I really appreciated. It felt so welcoming and more like a hostel because of the communal vibe but with much nicer rooms and privacy. There is an open area with books, couches, water cooler, a large dining table as well as a refrigerator (had a private one in our room as well) and microwave available for every one's use.
Comfort is a vital component to any hotel stay and the Kohala Village Inn had that in spades but another component that we have found through the years, that is almost as important as comfort, is location! That was the other great thing about this hotel, it was perfectly placed right in the middle of Hawi, so easy to walk around and enjoy the art galleries, restaurants and cafes but it was set back enough that there was no noise issue at all at night or in the morning. It was also right across the street from a nice locals mini mart type store as well as the meeting spots for some of the more popular adventure activities in the area.
We stayed 2 nights and loved it. The town is quite sleepy at night but we brought games, and there was a TV with cable in each room not to mention the great playground my younger boys loved!
Flumin'
One of the coolest things to do in the area is to flume, or kayak, down the old ditch system. 100+ years ago when there was a lot of sugar cane production in the area an irrigation ditch was built to provide enough water for the crops. When the sugar cane production left the island the ditch remained. It is actually in remarkably good shape due to these companies and the upkeep they provide.
You start the tour in a 4x4 van looking at various lookout points around the area, most of which are off limits unless you are doing a tour like this one with Flumin' Kohala. The tour then moves on to a short walk through the jungle to reach the starting point of the flume. The best part about it was all the information that the guides were able to share. They were helpful, fun, and so passionate about the area. You are required to wear a small life saving belt and closed toed shoes and that's about it for requirements. We wore our suits and had a chance to jump out and swim a bit, which was a nice reprieve from the heat.
I put together a little video below that shows what the flume is like. We had a great time and learned a great deal about King Kamehameha and the surrounding area.
Tip: Bring water there was none provided until the end of the tour and we got pretty thirsty. Also good to bring some towels along with you. You WILL get wet!
Views
I've been hearing about Pololu lookout for the past few months. For some reason I didn't even know it existed when we went all the way up there to see the baby monk seal so as I contemplated the what to do aspect of this trip I knew that had to make the list. I had heard the hike was a bit rough so I decided to wait and make a decision when we got to the lookout.
As soon as we approached the lookout we were blown away, stunning seaside cliffs, large valleys, and waterfalls drifting off the cliffs into the ocean below. I took a look at the hike starting point and although quite steep I decided to go for it. It was just my oldest son and I as the littles had enough and wanted to stay at the playground.
The hike down took about 30-40 minutes because it was a little slick and muddy. It was beautiful really, loads of spots to sort of stand to the side, take a break and soak in one stunning vista after another. At the bottom there is a lovely black sand beach and a small little river, loads of balancing rocks, some hammocks, and just a generally cool vibe. We hung out for quite some time enjoying the peace as not very many people were there at all and then hiked back up. The way back only took about 20 minutes but was much harder cardio wise. The path is mostly covered too so not too hot.
Tips: Definitely bring some water and a snack. Try to take any valuables with you as there is some theft from the cars at times. Watch the current well before getting in the water. It was deceptively calm while we were there but upon more inspection there was quite a strong current and no lifeguards anywhere. Also as you head over to Hawi be sure to drive slow and look around, it is my favorite area on the island with sloping green hills and stunning 180 degree + sweeping ocean views!
Beaches
North Kohala does not have any white sand beaches unless you head down towards Southern Kohala and visit Hapuna, Spencer, or Mauna Kea beaches. Those would be about a 40 minute drive from Hawi. The beaches up in Hawi area are Pololu beach (the black sand beach I mentioned above), Keokea beach where we were honored to see the baby monk seal a few times but is more of a rocky beach, Kapa'a Beach park which is also a rocky beach where monk seals often rest, or Mahukona, also a rocky beach.
We visited all these beaches and they all have facilities like bathrooms and showers. But definitely bring water and snacks as there is not much of that kind of thing around.
History and Culture
As I said before I did a lot of research for this little mini trip. I quickly realized that there was a lot of cultural experiences to be had in this area of the island. But sadly we were unable to actually get to any. They all involve at least a little bit of hiking and after all our other activities we were just out of daylight. A reason to return soon I guess.
If you want to head that way try and visit King Kamehameha's birthplace within Kohala historical sites state monument and Lapakahi state historical park. I don't have a wealth of knowledge about these spots but they can offer you a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian life.
2 years ago a monk seal was born on the beach up in Northern Kohala and when we went to check him out a bit we drove through the charming little towns up there. Each blends into the next with no clear distinction but they are charming, sleepy and places I knew I wanted to spend more time in.
We are leaving in May so only have a little over a month left. With my birthday coming and the fact that we almost always choose experiences over gifts I knew this was my chance. So we booked a hotel, researched what we wanted to do while there and after stopping at Tex's for hot malasadas we were on our way for a 3 day adventure!
Hotels
For starters there really are not very many hotels in the area at all. One that stands out though is the Kohala Village Inn. More than just a place to lay your head this is a beautiful property in the heart of Hawi that is more a community space or hub as they call it. There are beautifully appointed plantation style rooms, a cafe, food shop, CSA where locally grown food is the centerpiece, a children's playground, and a large barn where they hold community programs and workshops. I love how invested in the community they are.
The room we stayed in was lovely for a family as it was 2 adorable rooms connected with a shared bathroom, giving everyone a little more space. 1 room had a Queen bed and the other room 2 double beds, perfect for our family of 5. The rooms had a really authentic feel, something I really appreciated. It felt so welcoming and more like a hostel because of the communal vibe but with much nicer rooms and privacy. There is an open area with books, couches, water cooler, a large dining table as well as a refrigerator (had a private one in our room as well) and microwave available for every one's use.
Comfort is a vital component to any hotel stay and the Kohala Village Inn had that in spades but another component that we have found through the years, that is almost as important as comfort, is location! That was the other great thing about this hotel, it was perfectly placed right in the middle of Hawi, so easy to walk around and enjoy the art galleries, restaurants and cafes but it was set back enough that there was no noise issue at all at night or in the morning. It was also right across the street from a nice locals mini mart type store as well as the meeting spots for some of the more popular adventure activities in the area.
We stayed 2 nights and loved it. The town is quite sleepy at night but we brought games, and there was a TV with cable in each room not to mention the great playground my younger boys loved!
Flumin'
One of the coolest things to do in the area is to flume, or kayak, down the old ditch system. 100+ years ago when there was a lot of sugar cane production in the area an irrigation ditch was built to provide enough water for the crops. When the sugar cane production left the island the ditch remained. It is actually in remarkably good shape due to these companies and the upkeep they provide.
You start the tour in a 4x4 van looking at various lookout points around the area, most of which are off limits unless you are doing a tour like this one with Flumin' Kohala. The tour then moves on to a short walk through the jungle to reach the starting point of the flume. The best part about it was all the information that the guides were able to share. They were helpful, fun, and so passionate about the area. You are required to wear a small life saving belt and closed toed shoes and that's about it for requirements. We wore our suits and had a chance to jump out and swim a bit, which was a nice reprieve from the heat.
I put together a little video below that shows what the flume is like. We had a great time and learned a great deal about King Kamehameha and the surrounding area.
Tip: Bring water there was none provided until the end of the tour and we got pretty thirsty. Also good to bring some towels along with you. You WILL get wet!
Views
I've been hearing about Pololu lookout for the past few months. For some reason I didn't even know it existed when we went all the way up there to see the baby monk seal so as I contemplated the what to do aspect of this trip I knew that had to make the list. I had heard the hike was a bit rough so I decided to wait and make a decision when we got to the lookout.
As soon as we approached the lookout we were blown away, stunning seaside cliffs, large valleys, and waterfalls drifting off the cliffs into the ocean below. I took a look at the hike starting point and although quite steep I decided to go for it. It was just my oldest son and I as the littles had enough and wanted to stay at the playground.
The hike down took about 30-40 minutes because it was a little slick and muddy. It was beautiful really, loads of spots to sort of stand to the side, take a break and soak in one stunning vista after another. At the bottom there is a lovely black sand beach and a small little river, loads of balancing rocks, some hammocks, and just a generally cool vibe. We hung out for quite some time enjoying the peace as not very many people were there at all and then hiked back up. The way back only took about 20 minutes but was much harder cardio wise. The path is mostly covered too so not too hot.
Tips: Definitely bring some water and a snack. Try to take any valuables with you as there is some theft from the cars at times. Watch the current well before getting in the water. It was deceptively calm while we were there but upon more inspection there was quite a strong current and no lifeguards anywhere. Also as you head over to Hawi be sure to drive slow and look around, it is my favorite area on the island with sloping green hills and stunning 180 degree + sweeping ocean views!
Beaches
We visited all these beaches and they all have facilities like bathrooms and showers. But definitely bring water and snacks as there is not much of that kind of thing around.
History and Culture
As I said before I did a lot of research for this little mini trip. I quickly realized that there was a lot of cultural experiences to be had in this area of the island. But sadly we were unable to actually get to any. They all involve at least a little bit of hiking and after all our other activities we were just out of daylight. A reason to return soon I guess.
If you want to head that way try and visit King Kamehameha's birthplace within Kohala historical sites state monument and Lapakahi state historical park. I don't have a wealth of knowledge about these spots but they can offer you a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian life.
Have you been to Hawi? What did you think? Where did you go? Tell us about it in the comments below!