the turquoise trail

Hawaii; the big island I like to think of the big island of Hawaii as the rural island; it's raw, far less developed & has lots of wide open space (relative, of course.. you can still drive across the island in less than 2 hours..).  This is the island to come to if you like getting off the beaten track and nature is more your thing!  Some of my favourite things from a week on Hawaii.. {hiking} Kaumana Caves Park I did very little hiking during my stay on the big island.. the hiking I did do was mainly short sight-seeing type hikes.  Unfortunately, the Waipio Valley was closed due to a dengue fever outbreak, but I hear it has great hiking!  Kaumana Caves Park is just outside of Hilo and has a lava tube that you can follow for at least 1km!  It's really neat to see.. I'd recommend taking a light & coming back through the lava tube - the surface trail isn't well maintained or marked.  Green Sand beach is on the southern part of the island and requires a 6

Maui; the valley isle Maui was probably my favourite island; it features a huge variety of landscape & packs in a multitude of things to do!  It's absolutely gorgeous, and completely different around every bend!  From rainforest to desert, lava rock to white sand beach, quaint country towns to artsy boutique towns.. this island's got it all.  Some highlights from 7 days on Maui.. {hiking} Haleakala Crater There are some fantastic hiking trails scattered over Maui; the highlight for me was Haleakala.  The different minerals left behind from the volcano are displayed in the variety of colours in the crater.  It's a sight to behold, and well worth the trip up - try to go on a clear day!  There are plenty of other opportunities for nature hikes, beach walks & window shopping, no matter what area of the island you're on.   {food} I didn't actually eat out too much during my time on Maui, but there are plenty of farmer's markets that are worth