Kamakou Preserve is located within the primeval rainforest of Kamakou, the highest peak on the island of Molokai, at 4,961 feet (1,512 m). It is on the eastern side of the island and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle to reach.

The preserve is home to more than 250 rare native Hawaiian plant species, many of which exists only in this part of the world. Inside the forest is an other-worldly environment with tree branches covered in moss and the ground lush with ferns.

Aside from the dense exotic vegetation, Kamakou Preserve is also known for its rich wildlife which includes native and endangered bird species such as the Kawawahie and the Olomao. These two Hawaiian bird species are already declared extinct but recent sightings were reported in the Kamakou rainforest. Other animals that call the preserve home are the  Hawaiian owl Pueo, ‘Apapane and the ‘Amakihi.

Monthly hikes at Kamakou Preserve are organized by the The Nature Conservancy, a environmental organization which aims to preserve local plants, animals and ecosystems. Contact them via email at hike_molokai@tnc.org for more information about visiting this preserve.

The Kamakou Preserve hike is relatively easy thanks to the 3-mile boardwalk (AKA Pepeopae trail) that makes exploring the verdant rainforest a breeze. Aside from aiding hikers, the trail was installed to protect the rainforest’s fragile vegetation.  At the end of the trails is a breathtaking overlook of Pelekunu Valley.

What is difficult is reaching the preserve. It requires a four-wheel drive vehicle and an experienced driver to navigate through 10-miles of steep, winding and rugged roads that lead to Kamakou. Coming with an experienced guide is also a must.

But the ordeal one will go through to reach the Kamakou Preserve is well worth it. This nature sanctuary is not called wao akua or “the realm of the gods” by ancient Hawaiians for nothing! Remaining pretty much the same today as it did a thousand years ago, this verdant oasis indeed looks like something only ethereal beings could have created.

Kamakou Preserve in Molokai, Hawaii Photos

The Pepeopae Boardwalk

View of Pelekunu Valley

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Army Beach is part of the Mokuleia Beach in Oahu’s northwestern shore. It sits across the entrance to the Dillingham Airfield. The beach used to be the site of a military recreation center in the 1970 to 1989, hence its name.

It has a long, sandy beach with clear blue waters. There is a small reef area  perfect for swimming and snorkeling during summer season. In the winter months (November to March), the waves can reach heights of more than 15 feet, making it dangerous for swimming and other water activities. When the surf is up, strong currents make entering the ocean too dangerous. Even experienced surfers should take caution when taking to the waters during heavy swells.

This beach offers spectacular ocean and mountain views. It is also almost always deserted.

Army Beach was used as the prime location for principal shooting of the pilot episodes of the TV series Lost. Other beaches of Mokuleia were also used as locations for the top rating series.

To get to Mokuleia’s Army Beach, drive north toward Haleiwa from central Oahu on Highway 99 (Kamehameha Highway), then take the exit for Farrington Highway (Highway 930), which will be headed West. Soon Dillingham Airfield will be visible on the left. As the vegetation on the right ends, Mokuleia Beach Park will become visible.

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Lumahai Beach

Because of the geography of the area, the Lumahai Beach is considered unsafe for swimming and surfing most of the year due to strong waves, currents and undertow. There are numerous signs that warn visitors to take to the waters at their own risk as the pounding waves can easily cause serious injuries. Newbie surfers are advise to heed the warnings as even experienced surfers are cautious when taking this beach on.

Despite its unwelcoming waters, a visit to this beach is still worth it. The beautiful scenery is a great backdrop while you enjoy a picnic under the shade of some trees, soak in some sun on the soft white sand or simply stroll and explore the hidden treasures along the expansive stretch of sand that is nearly a mile long. This beach was used as one of the locations in the 1958 film South Pacific and we will not be surprised if visitors break into song in celebration of its breathtaking beauty.

If you really want to take a dip, walk your way to the nearby Kahalahala Beach on the eastern portion of Lumahai. Over a small lava outcropping is a little cove that is safer for swimming. However, caution is still advised when swmming in this area and watch out for rogue waves that can sweep you out to sea.

How to get to Lumahai Beach:
Located about 2 miles (3.2 km) past Hanalei on Kauai’s north shore. The first (east) section of Lumahai Beach (also known as Kahalahala) is just before mile marker 5. Park at the lookout and walk down the trail that leads to the beach (100 foot down). There are only a few small pullouts next to the highway, so you may not be able to find a parking spot here. To access the larger western section of Lumahai Beach, drive past mile marker 5 and look for the parking area just before the Lumahai River. There is a dirt parking area next to the highway. It is larger than the small pullouts at the other section of Lumahai Beach, but it can still get busy here on weekends or the peak tourist seasons.

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Included in the exhibits are more than seventy species of whales including a 40-foot skeletal remains of a Sperm Whale at the entrance of the shopping center. The museum also presents an extensive collection of whaling implements such as harpoons, sea chests, sailor journals, and ship logs, said to be the largest in Hawaii.

To provide visitors a glimpse of how sailors live in dire conditions during whaling expeditions that could last from 3-5 years, the museum provides a scale model of a whaling ship showing the cramped living quarters of the 25-member whaling crew.

Also displayed are artifacts made from whale ivory such as a 19th-century birdcage made entirely from whale bones and other ornaments and tools constructed from the same materials. There is also a vast collection of scrimshaw or art work made by seafarers during downtime at sea. These pieces are usually engravings on whale bones or teeth, sculpted using very sharp knives and rubbed with ink to bring the designs to life.

The Whalers Village Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission fees are $3 for adults,  $2 for seniors/students/military, and $1 for children below 18 years old. Children 6yrs and under are free.

How to get there: North of Lahaina on Hwy 30, exit a Kaanapali Pkwy and head west, after Leilanis, museum is on left.

Whalers Village Museum in Maui, Hawaii Photos

Harpoons and Whaling Implements

Birdcage made from whale bones

Scrimshaw Collection

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The beach is known for its beautiful stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters. At the back of the beach are lush ironwood trees that provide shade from the sun. Tables and benches under the shade make perfect spots for picnics and relaxation.

The beach park is also much less developed than other Maui destinations such as Ka’anapali Beach, which adds to its charm. Nearby is the world-class Kapalua Resort and the Ritz Carlton.

While the water is usually calm during the mornings, caution is still advised when taking into the waters due to the steep slope of the beach that causes a backwash. There are also instances when water conditions can become dangerous due to high surf with strong rip currents and powerful waves.

The area also tends to be windy during the afternoons, perfect for kite boarding and wind surfing. While preferred by seasoned surfers and boogie boarders, these conditions might be dangerous for individuals who are just beginning to take on the sport. Always obey lifeguards and watch out for posted warnings.

Beach park amenities include lifeguards, barbecue grills, picnic tables, showers, restrooms and parking.

How to get to the DT Fleming Beach Park – Look for mile marker #31.1 along Highway 30 (Honoapiilani Highway) turn on Lower Honoapiilani Rd. to parking at end.

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Kamaole Beach Parks

Numbered from north to south, each of the Kamaole Beach Parks has its own appeal and charm, apart from their incredible views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe and Lanai islands. Kamaole Park I, for instance, has the largest and prettiest beach among the three, with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Kamaole Park II has a smaller beach but water is nevertheless excellent for swimming and other water activities. Kamaole Park III, also the most popular among the three, has the largest park, with expansive grassy areas and shady trees for picnics, relaxing and running around for kids. Having a larger park, Kam 3 also features a children’s playground. The break here can get fairly large during south swells making Kam 3 popular for boogie boarding.

All three parks have picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, outdoor showers and free parking. There are also lifeguards on duty. Sunsets here are amazing and if you are lucky, you can even see whales jumping on the distant waters.

Directly across the street from Kam 1 and Kam 2 are several condominium developments and the Dolphin Center and Rainbow Mall shopping complexes. There are also numerous shops across the street where food, snacks, and sundries are conveniently available.

Despite proximity to the South Kihei Road and various commercial and residential developments, these beach parks never really get overcrowded. There may be a lot of people during peak season but not really as congested as other Maui beaches.

The three Kamaole Beach Parks can be reached via the South Kihei Road (turn off between mile 7 and 9 from Highway 31 AKA Piilani Highway).

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The museum gives visitors a step by step lowdown on the history of sugar production in Maui via fascinating and educational displays comprised of artifacts, documents and old photographs. It also traces what Samuel Alexander and Henry Baldwin have to go through to build Alexander & Baldwin,  one of Hawaii’s biggest real estate and agricultural companies today.

The exhibits are displayed within the six rooms of the small 1,800 sq. ft. plantation-style home. More displays, featuring sugar-making machinery and accoutrements, can be found outside the building, including a working scale model of a sugar cane crushing machine. Other facilities include a gift shop and picnic/dining area located outdoors. There is also a library that is opened to researchers only.

The Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum is located at the intersection of Puunene Avenue (Route 311/350) and Hansen Road, about half mile away from Dairy Road (Route 380). It is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is $7 Adults, $5 Senior, $2 Children 6 to 17 years, Children 5 and under free.

Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum in Pu’unene, Maui Photos

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The gardens is said to be home to more than 2,000 plant varieties, including approximately 225 types of flowering plants and 100 species of fruit trees, some of which were planted by famous personalities.

One of the popular attractions in the gardens is the orchid display, considered as one of the world’s largest collections of orchids with more than 2,300 species that include Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Epiphytes, Oncidium, and Cattleyas.

The garden is subdivided into smaller themed sections showcasing a specific plant species such as anthurium grove, fruit orchard, ginger garden, hibiscus garden and orchid display. There are also areas dedicated to certain regions such as Japanese and European gardens. A wide variety of palms can also be seen throughout the garden. Ponds and water features add to the relaxing vibe of the place.

The Japanese-style bell tower, which was constructed from 20,000 wooden pieces without using a single piece of nail or screw, is another noteworthy attraction. The tower is said to be one of only 3 structures of such kind in the world (the other two are located in Canada and France).

There is also a botanical museum which contains an exhibit about the nature of the island’s tropical plants, the threats to their existence, and their role and uses in Hawaiian culture and art.

The Nani Mau Gardens is open daily including holidays, from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Admission rates are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 years old or younger. There is a restaurant serving Island Buffet lunch and a gift shop selling a variety of gift items and souvenirs.

Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo, Hawaii Photos

Extensive collection of palm and other trees

Japanese Bell Tower

Sprawling lawns

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Used to be a private property, the sprawling preserve was donated by Juliet Rice Wichman (1901–1987) to the National Tropical Botanical Garden in 1967. It sits within a tropical valley bordered by the Ha’ena State Park, Ke’e beach and Makana Mountain. The preserve is off limits to the public.  Only the 17-acre garden is open to visitors for a fee.

One of the popular attractions in the garden is the taro paddies, an ancient terrace system made from lava rocks where taro plants were cultivated. The system provides visitors a glimpse of how the taro, a traditional food source, is cultivated by early Hawaiians. The name Limahuli, which means turning hands, is said to be derived from the process which ancient Hawaiians used to carefully fit lava stones together to create the terraces for the cultivation of Taro.

The Limahuli Stream also cuts through the garden as it snakes its way to the sea. It flows from the top of the valley at 3,300 feet above sea level then plummets over a 1,000 foot waterfall before coursing through the valley floor and merging with the ocean. This spot is sometimes referred to as Bali Ha’i, a name used in the 1958 film South Pacific which was filmed on location in the area.

Aside from taro, the garden is lush with other beautiful tropical plants and blooms which make strolling along its numerous paths an enjoyable and relaxing activity.

The garden is open Tuesday-Friday, and Sundays from 9:30am until 4:00pm. Guided and self-guided tours are available.  It is located along the North Shore of Kauai, past mile marker 9 on Highway 560.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve Kauai Photos

Limahuli Garden and Preserve

Limahuli Stream

Terraces made from lava rocks

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