Secrets Of The Islands - Tranquil Hawaii

The choices are countless and the difficulty is not finding a beautiful spot to romance your loved one, it is in the decision of which to choose. The focus here is not on the well-travelled or popular, but more on the secret gems hidden from view.

The Big Island: Hawaii

The island that is continuously growing and continuously changing-volcanic activity add square mileage to this beautiful hunk of rock almost continuously, ever evolving and changing. You can find anything you wish, city life, country life, sand, surf and pretty much any clime you can imagine-11 of the 13 climate zones are represented.

STAY HERE:

Aloha Guest House Bed and Breakfast
84-4780 Mamalohoa Highway
Captain Cook, HI 96704
800.897.3188 - Toll Free
808.328.8955 - Home
alohaguesthouse.com

Located on the sunny western Kona side of the island, this is the place to go if you want to experience as close to the "real Hawaii" as you are going to get. Set about 1,500 feet above sea level and accessed by a private road, the resort borders a state forest preserve. Laze the day away in bed, looking out over the spectacular panorama of coastal Kealakekua and Honaunau (every room has an ocean view), or spend the afternoon on the spacious lanai soaking in their oversized hot tub.

HIDDEN SPOT:

Ahalanui Pool

Known locally as "Pele's Bath"-this is a naturally heated pool that the 1960 Kapoho volcanic eruption created. Secluded, it is heated to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit and is surrounded by palm trees-your own tropical paradise. You can find Ahalanui Pool east of Pahoa on the Big Island's east side on Highway 137 past the ten-mile marker.

Kauai

Its nickname is the "The Garden Isle," You can hike it, swim it, surf it, scuba it to your heart's content and you will never see it all. The North Shore sea cliffs of NaPali, the lush denseness of Waimea Canyon, the endless beaches-all 69 of them scattered along the island's 113 miles of shoreline-state park anyone? There are 67!

STAY HERE:

MahinaKai OceanVilla
4933 Aliomanu Rd
Anahola, HI 96703
800.337.1134
mahinakai.com

Mahina Kai means "moon over the water," and is a traditional Japanese Villa, complete with a teahouse next door. More panoramic views of the ocean, a reef protected beach across the street, a lagoon pool and spa in a tranquil garden setting. Gay owned and operated, this is a bed and breakfast style resort is perfect and unique. They have been charming travelers for over two decades so they must be doing something right.

HIDDEN SPOT:

The Blue Room

Just before the end of the road on Kauai's North Shore, another of Hawaii's multitude of unique geological formations awaits. A lovely secluded grotto or "wet cave" with timeless sun shining through the clear waters, creates the mystical blue interior lighting. To get to the cave entrance, park in the lot on the makai (ocean) side of the highway just before the end of the road at Ke'e. On the mauka (mountain) side, look for a short trail leading up to the wet cave.

Maui

Demigod? No thanks, I already have one named Maui and he built this island paradise-totally impressive. This namesake is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain with miles and miles of everything you could want in a tropical paradise.

STAY HERE:

Aloha Cottage
1879 Olinda Road
Makawao, Maui, HI 96768
888.328.3330
alohacottage.com

One of their guests once said, "If Maui is paradise, then Aloha Cottage is simply heaven on earth!" A long driveway deposits you at this secluded destination filled with manicured lawns, bamboo thickets, lush tropical flowers, a symphony of birdcalls and fresh mountain air. Located in Olinda on a five-acre private estate situated in the eucalyptus forests of upcountry Maui, away from the more arid sides of the island.

SECRET SPOT:

Venus Pool

Want to bathe where the ancient Hawaiian royalty bathed? Waikoa Pond or Venus Pool is located in southeastern Maui and is not easily found. The trailhead is next to mile marker 48 on Hana Highway before the bridge. On the other side of the fence there follow the well-worn footpath that parallels the stream. Turn right toward the stream and take the path down to the smooth rocks above the stream.

Molokai

Some say this is the most "Hawaiian Island" because there is no sign of the city here. If your taste is leaning toward nightclubs, the city rush and high- rises, this is not the place for you. Serene is the key mood here and the vibe is hospitality.

STAY HERE:

Hotel Molokai
Kamehameha V Highway
Kaunakakai, HI, 96748
Reservations: 877.553.5347
Information: 808.553.5347
hotelmolokai.com

Welcome to your very own Polynesian village! The kitchy A-frame bungalows of the Hotel Molokai are located on the beach known as Kamiloloa, situated adjacent to Hawaii's only barrier reef. Enjoy the tropical trade winds as you lounge on your private lanai and enjoy the place known as"The Friendly Island."

SECRET SPOT:

Moloka'i Mule Ride
Kalaupapa National Historic Park

If you fear heights, this is not the ride for you. The descent is among the highest sea cliffs in the world (go ahead check Guinness), located on the central northern coast. It's a mere 1,700 hundred feet down-by mule! The trail is 2.9 miles long and has 26 switchbacks to navigate. Truly unique this is an opportunity of a lifetime-and lunch is included! muleride.com