Category: tropical destinations

Categories
national parks tropical destinations

A Memorable One Night Backpacking Trip to Santa Cruz Island 

Channel Islands National Park encompasses a small five-island archipelago and the expanse of ocean that surrounds them, off the coast of southern California. This rugged yet enchanting landscape is home to one-of-a-kind plants and animals– found nowhere else on the planet. The rustic charm and cultural identity of the Channel Islands make this national park unique in the midst of California’s impressive array of national parks. Located approximately 12 miles off the coast, Santa Cruz is the easiest of the islands to reach. Not only that, it tends to have the most amenable weather as well as the most opportunity for recreational exploration… all the best ingredients for memorable backpacking escapades.

What makes Santa Cruz Island extra special? The remote and wild island may not have any restaurants or concessions, but it boasts quite the seascape. The Pacific ocean is an alluring backdrop to the unforgettable island coastline— the perfect amalgamation of tranquility and pristine panoramas that make for the ideal backpacking adventure. In addition to the natural beauty, Santa Cruz is historically and ecologically meaningful as well. Santa Cruz was once home to the Chumash Indians and remains the only home of the island scrub-jay-only as well as some small island foxes. We were lucky enough to see both while we were there– as well as lots of yarrow, fennel, and California sage bush! 

Fast Facts About channel islands National Park

Size: 249,561 acres

Visitors: 328,746 visitors (data from 2023)

Distance from LA: 1-1.5 hour drive + a ferry ride

Became a National Park: March 5th, 1980

Highest point: Diablo Peak at 2,450 ft (on Santa Cruz Island)

Fun Fact: in 2023 there were 23,881 visitors that camped in the backcountry

While I’ve done my fair share of camping before, this was my first non-Army backpacking trip for pleasure. Having a tent, sleeping pad, and jetboil is fancy digs!! The rolling 1,500ft total climb certainly wasn’t easy peasy but the untouched, remote wilderness is hard to beat and so very worth the sweat equity. 

Ferry Ferry, Quite Contrary 

The rather remote nature of the park means a little extra time and coordination is necessary to plan your arrival. The ferry to Santa Cruz Island is operated by Island Packers. The ferry departs from Ventura Harbor and takes a little over an hour to reach Scorpion Cove. While this is the more popular of the two stops, you’ll want to sit tight a little longer. The ferry waits ~20 minutes to allow everyone time to disembark before cruising to its second destination. About 30 minutes later, you’ll find yourself at Prisoner’s Harbor. Overall you can expect the ferry time to be about 2 hours. 

important notes: 
  1. you MUST bring all the water you anticipate needing with you onto the ferry because there is no water available at Prisoner’s Harbor and there’s definitely not a tap at the back country campground. 
  2. On the ferry, fuel and water cannot stay in your pack → the packs get stacked, so you don’t want the water bursting. Your water should be either in bladders (place in the back of the boat you can store it) or you can also bring gallons and distribute it when you arrive on the island. 
  3. When you check in for your ferry, they give you physical tickets to get on the ferry both ways aka do not lose your return ticket!!!
  4. Double check your return time!! Some of them are only 30 min off from one another, but you have to get on the right time (aka actually aim for 30 min early) or else there won’t be enough room for everyone. You don’t want to get left behind! 
These Boots Were Made for Walking 

Once everyone’s off the ferry, it’s time to get those packs all ready to go! If you plan to bring extra water (to consume after you’ve returned but before you depart on the ferry again) there are fox boxes to store your water in to ensure it’s safe from the wildlife. Just for planning and packing purposes, one gallon of water per person per day is recommended. 

Del Norte is a backcountry campground a little over 3 miles from the Harbor. Getting there requires navigating a bit of a rolling hill landscape as you’ll find yourself climbing, descending, and climbing again, for a total elevation gain of around 1,000’. There’s only 4 campsites, and even in April, it was warm enough that we were glad to have the two campsites in the shade! Reservations are required in advance… it’s a bit too long of a trek to be a first come first serve campsite! Reservations are easiest to make online (link here), but you can also call to reserve a campsite (877) 444-6777. 

Campfires are prohibited, but jetboils are very much allowed, so it’s still very possible to enjoy a nice hot dinner. The picnic tables make for a breezy spot to relax and play cards together. It’s a lovely spot to spend the evening together, and perfect for stargazing into the night.

Prisoner’s Harbor and Del Norte exude peace and make it easy to imagine what a simple life would have been like hundreds of years ago. The simplicity can be quite the reprieve from the every-day hustle and bustle, but it also means you’ll need to bring EVERYTHING you need with you. This is by no means an inclusive packing list, but here’s a handful of things you’ll be glad to have with you regardless of the time of year!

Packing Up and Packing Out

When morning rolls around, it’s time for a spot of breakfast and then packing everything back up! The trail to the Del Norte campground is an out and back, so you shouldn’t feel too worried about getting lost on the way back— it should all be rather familiar to you. 

If you’re wanting to take the path less traveled, there is an option to come back a different way, if you are so inclined (we highlighted this below). Just in general downloading the trail on AllTrails was nice to have, just as a safeguard against any accidental wandering off the intended path. 

Keep on Keepin’ On

Once you make it back to Prisoner’s Harbor, take a little break and enjoy a snack because you’ve got more hiking on the itinerary! The ferry should be back by 11am at the latest, which is worth noting because there’s a naturalist aboard that will lead a guided hike (pro-tip: sign the waiver right after you buy your ferry ticket so you don’t have to worry about this later)!

The hike is along the Pelican Bay trail, and is less of a hike to a specific destination and more of a let’s-enjoy-the-journey hike. This can be a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife! We saw a small Island fox while we were on this hike– this fox only exists on Santa Cruz Island!! The Island Scrub Jay is also found only on Santa Cruz and is more commonly seen around Prisoner’s Harbor! 

Shippin’ Out

The ferry typically leaves to head back a little after 3pm, so even if you explore along the Pelican Bay trail, you’ll find yourself with a little extra time. We just went down and relaxed in and by the water, but if you bring a snorkel mask, there’s a kelp forest along the shoreline worth exploring. While sea kayaking is a popular activity on Santa Cruz, this is more commonly pursued on the east side of the island, near Scorpion’s Cove. 

Before you know it, it’ll be time for the ferry to head back to the mainland, so soak up all the secluded serenity while you can! Keep your eyes peeled as you head back— we spotted a mama whale and her calf on our way back…. an incredible experience!! 

Alternate Options

While we found the one-night backpacking trip to be a perfect sampling of Santa Cruz, here’s a few other ideas for folks a little less inclined to backpack or camp overnight. 

  1. If you hop off the ferry at Scorpion Anchorage, you’ll want to check out the Potato Harbor Overlook hike. This out-and-back hike clocks in at just over 5 miles, with 660’ of elevation, making it moderately challenging, but nothing too tricky. Definitely worth the effort to take in the gorgeous vista! 
  2. Have you ever been sea kayaking? Santa Barbara Adventure Company is the only company on Santa Cruz Island that offers guided kayaking trips. This is another Scorpion Anchorage stop, and it’s the perfect way to take in the iconic caves of the Santa Cruz coastline. Depending on your comfortability in a kayak, there’s a few different options regarding length of time out on the water. They also offer snorkel rentals and guided snorkeling tours! 
  3. Island Packers doesn’t just ferry people back and forth, you can opt for a nice day trip adventure with them. After departing from Ventura, you cruise into the Painted Cave, experiencing one of the biggest sea caves in the world. The colorful cave is named for the naturally occurring pigmentations, derived from various rock types and algae that make up its walls. The cave is also home to varied sealife as well– keep your eyes peeled for seals! After the cave exploration, the boat will head over to Prisoner’s Harbor to do the Pelican Bay trail hike (same one we did!). From there you’ll get to head back to Ventura. 
the memorable Prisoner's harbor with a simple dock and the hilly green backdrop
final thoughts

Santa Cruz Island, particularly Prison’s Harbor, is an almost-untouched sliver of California’s coastline that calls back to a bygone era of symbiosis between nature and the Chumash Indians that once inhabited. The wild island and its impressive seascape make for an amazing backpacking trip– you won’t regret making the trek out! 

Our friend made a lil vlog of our memorable backpacking adventure— check it out here!

If remote, warm island parks are your jam, we sure to check out Dry Tortugas National Park the next time you’re near the Florida Keys! 

written by Kayla 

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in Fort Irwin, California. When she’s not fixing up folks up in the emergency department, she is likely to be found running, walking, or hiking outside. She also has quite the green thumb and keeps all her plants alive… not just surviving but thriving! Before moving to CA, Kayla was stationed in Washington for a few years, where she discovered her her love for camping and the general woodland-fairy ambiance she exudes while out adventuring. Still rather new to the southern California region, Kayla is in her desert-girl era, exploring her new state with gusto.

Categories
national parks tropical destinations

Everything You Need to Know About the Remote Dry Tortugas 

Out in the Gulf of Mexico, with nothing in sight for miles, sits Dry Tortugas National Park. ​​This sparkling 100-square mile park is predominantly open water, with seven small islands included in the protected ecosystem. Boasting amazing snorkeling, unique birdwatching, and a little slice of history, this isolated park is worth the effort! Having been a couple times, we can fill you in on everything you need to know about the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. 

Dry Tortugas National Park was one of the first national parks we visited, and we went in a most unusual fashion! Growing up in Florida afforded us the opportunity to learn all kinds of water sports, and sailing was one such sport! Every summer the organization we sailed with would plan a sailing trip from our hometown in Fort Myers down to the Dry Tortugas, and we would spend a week down there before heading back. 

The natural beauty here really is amazingly untouched. When we went down, we would live on the sailboat for the duration of our adventure— an adventure girl’s overwater bungalow if you will. It was amazing to peer down into the crystal clear water and see nurse sharks, massive goliath grouper, barracuda, and all kinds of fish just swimming by… every single day. Not only is the water clear, but it’s the most beautiful shade of blue. It’s so peaceful to stare off into the horizon and not be able to distinguish where the sky ends and the water begins. 

Fast Facts About Dry Tortugas National Park

Size:  100 square miles

Visitors: 83,817 visitors annually (data from 2021)

Distance from Key West: 68 miles

National Park Initiation: became Fort Jefferson National Monument in January 1935 and graduated to Dry Tortugas National Park on October 26th, 1992 

All About Location

Where is this secluded park hiding?? About 70 miles west of Key West you’ll find Garden Key which houses the park headquarters, a visitor center, and a campground… plus some great snorkeling areas! Below we have detailed everything you need to know about getting to the park, things to do once you’re there, and everything that makes this coastal national park unique.

Fort Jefferson

A military fort? On an island in the middle of the Gulf? Yup, you read that right… or at least it was for a while. Fort Jefferson stands as a tremendous but unfinished fortress, making it the largest brick masonry configuration in America, with over 16 million bricks utilized to bring it to life. 

Originally scouted as a potential lookout site to suppress piracy in the Caribbean, the fort is located along a busy ship traffic route, so the port served as a harbor for United States ships needing to resupply, refit, or seek refuge during a storm. While the fort was never finished (under construction from 1846-1875) or fully armed, it served as a symbol of protection, for at the time, was a young nation. 

The fort was briefly used as a prison for Union deserters during its construction— most notably housing Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician accused of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth (he was eventually pardoned by President Andrew Johnson in 1869). 

Dry Tortugas National Park was established in October 1992 to protect the islands and underwater ecosystems of the Dry Tortugas, to preserve both Fort Jefferson as well as submerged cultural resources nearby (i.e. shipwrecks), and to allow for public access in an organized manner.

Things to pack 
  • Reef safe sunscreen — don’t just pack any old sunscreen… if you plan on doing any snorkeling, be sure to pack a reef safe sunscreen (our favorite reef safe face sunscreens). It’s sometimes a little strange to think of a coral reef as a compilation of living, growing organisms, but the chemicals in some screens can be damaging to the reef systems. 
  • Hat — man oh man can the sun get hot out there, and the sun is strong!! You will never regret packing a sun hat or a baseball cap to protect your head and give you a little extra shade
  • Water bottle — while water may be provided to you, it’s never a bad idea to bring a water bottle along for the ride. Florida is known for its year-round warm temperatures and its position close to the equator means you might have to be a little more intentional about hydration than you’re used to… even in November! 
  • Change of clothes — not necessary for everyone, but if you’re visiting in the summer you might get a little sweaty and salty after wandering around and snorkeling. Sometimes it’s nice to have a clean, dry outfit to change into for your journey home! 
the shady spots are few and far between!!

How to Get There

With the park being accessible exclusively by boat or seaplane, you have to put in a bit of planning to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. With the nearest drive-able location being Key West (check out our Key West blog post here), you’ll get to enjoy the south Florida archipelago before embarking upon the sparkling blues of the national park. Each option has its pros and cons, and the size of the group you’re going with as well as the direction of your overall interests (day trip, camping, etc) will largely dictate what will be best for you. 

Option #1: The Yankee Freedom from Key West 
The Day Trip Scoop

The best part about a remote part is that you are privy to a two-for-one experience. Not only is this a means of transportation but the ferry ride also takes you on a gorgeous ride through the Gulf of Mexico. Holding 250 people, the ferry isn’t a ‘small group’ experience, but it’s nowhere near as hectic as a cruise ship at port. It’s nice to have a large boat to wander around while you’re cruising. She gets up to a top speed of 30 knots! 

Everyone on board receives a complimentary breakfast and lunch, so it’s nice to not have to worry about packing a lunch before your 7am check-in time. The good times keep rolling once you arrive. The cost of the tour includes your admission into the park as well as a fully narrated 45 minute tour of Fort Jefferson. Also super convenient, snorkeling equipment is provided… one less thing to pack is always music to my ears! 

Timeline for the day:

Snorkel gear is available to Yankee Freedom sailors upon arrival at Ft Jefferson, and I cannot recommend highly enough how much you MUST give this a try during your day of exploration. Since the Dry Tortugas are protected waters, the marine life is amazing. We’re talking swimming with the biggest lobster you’ve ever seen, colorful coral arrays, and hundreds of curious fishes. 

The ferry allows for 5 hours of exploration around the fort and snorkeling. Which is more than enough to get the essence of the Dry Tortugas. The fort sits on a small, 14 acre island, so there is only so much overground exploration to be had on the island itself. If you consider yourself a casual to moderate purveyor of U.S. national parks, this will likely be more than enough time to make you feel you can robustly check Dry Tortugas off your park bucket list. 

One Day Isn’t Enough! 

For those potentially looking to do a bit more kayaking or camping, the ferry is still an awesome option for you (likely your best option), but you’re going to need to make your plans in advance. The Yankee Freedom transports no more than 10 campers per day to Ft. Jefferson (for a max stay of 3 nights). Interested parties must decide in advance how long they plan to stay, to ensure both their outbound and inbound trips are scheduled. Even more exclusive, no more than three kayaks or small canoes may be transported on any trip, so these spots go fast…. like booking 6 months in advance still might not get you a kayak spot. 

If you plan to go camping via the Yankee Freedom, you don’t necessarily have to pack light, but it won’t be a free-for-all. Each camper must be able to contain their gear, food, water, and ice into one storage bin (max capacity 27 gallons), one bag (a < 75L backpack or duffel) and one cooler per person. The combined weight of the storage bin and bag cannot exceed 60 pounds. There is no weight limit for water and ice, but campers must be able to carry and lift their own coolers. It goes without saying, but you must supply your own containers. You can get the full scoop on Yankee Freedom camping information here. 

Camping Notes

A packing note: per US Coast guard regulation, no compressed gas (i.e. propane bottles) or liquid fuel are allowed, so you must use self-starting charcoal or Sterno gel if you want to get a flame going. Per Yankee Freedom safety guidelines, no weapons are allowed on board, so any knife blades cannot be more than 2.4 in. length or .5 in. width. 

An important cash-money note: for those just visiting for the day, you do NOT need to bring cash for your admission to the park as this is included in the cost of your ferry ticket. However, for those camping, you DO need to bring cash to pay for your campsite ($15 or $30/night) — this goes to the NPS and is not included in your ferry transportation costs as everyone’s length of stay is different. 

The primitive campground is just a short walk form the public dock, and it offers 8 individual campsites. Reservations are not required, as campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis. If there happens to be more campers than campsites, there is an overflow camping area. Once a camper arrives, they will be guaranteed a place to camp. If you have any other questions about camping, check out the NPS page here.

the Price is Right

This is the current pricing for adults (age 17-61), but they do offer various discounts for students, seniors, military personnel, and those that already have an annual parks pass. You can see the full rates list here. 

  • $200 pp
  • $220 pp for campers 
  • $240 pp for camping with kayak (the extra fee includes transportation of a kayak, not the provision of a kayak) 
Option #2: Key West Seaplane Adventures

The two-for-one special with a zippy flight to Fort Jefferson is that you get to enjoy a flight-seeing, birds eye view of the park as you make your way there… and then you further get to explore all that Garden Key has to offer! The perk of flying is that it cuts your transportation time in thirds, only taking 40 minutes each way. 

If you hear seaplane transportation calling your name, you have a couple options: visiting either a half-day or a full day. Half day options will have either a morning or afternoon departure, while full day excursions only leave in the morning. 

The cost of your admission into the park is NOT included in your seaplane adventure experience, so be sure to either pack cash or your national parks annual pass card.

What to know

Besides getting you to Fort Jefferson, with arguably the best view, they also provide bottled water and soft drinks to quench your thirst as well as snorkel gear to help facilitate your island exploration (you are certainly allowed to bring your own snorkel gear if you so chose). For adventurers embarking on a full-day tour they do not provide lunch, but they will have coolers to ensure any lunch you pack will still be tasty by meal time. Be sure to arrive with enough sustenance packed to last through your trip duration.  

They cannot and will not carry dive tanks, weights, knives, underwater scooters, flammable liquids, gas stoves, large coolers (or styrofoam coolers), pets of any kind, beach chairs, shade umbrellas, or drones. So be sure to leave all these items behind! Besides, who needs a drone when you’ll be the one up in the sky getting a bird’s eye view?! 

The Key West Seaplane Adventures contract with the NPS is only for half day or full-day round trip tours. As such they cannot leave passengers on the island overnight and are not a viable option for adventurers looking to go camping. 

Option #3: Private Charter 

A private charter is the perfect option for someone that’s looking to do a little bit more and get there according to your own schedule. The 12-hour day trip gives you a full day to explore, meaning you can go fishing, see the fort, hit up a couple snorkeling spots, and still make it back by the end of the day. While there’s a few options to choose from, Good Times Key West and Hillbilly Hookers are both well rated, with similar price points. This option is going to be the spendiest, but it will also provide the most flexibility to create your perfect itinerary. 

Things to Do

Self Guided Tour

While there’s no ranger-led tours of the fort, they do have a nice self-guided tour of Fort Jefferson available. It’s super easy to follow the signage, and you can always inquire at the visitor center if there’s anything additional you’re curious about.

Snorkeling 

Over 99% of Dry Tortugas National Park is under water, which means you’ve gotta get that snorkel mask on to really appreciate its beauty. The park sits at the southwestern corner of the Florida Keys reef, and the snorkeling here is exactly as amazing as you would expect in an area of protected waters. It’s illegal to spear-fish, lobster, and collect coral or shells within the park, so the marine wildlife are thriving.

The secluded nature of the park, in conjunction with an easterly flowing gulf current means there’s not only a greater plethora of the varied marine life, but the animals themselves tend to be bigger than their counterparts elsewhere in the keys. Even though it’s been years since we’ve been, I recall seeing the largest lobster, just living his life unbothered. It’s beyond special to experience nature in such a personal way. 

Visit Loggerhead Lighthouse 

Loggerhead Key is about three miles west of Garden Key, and is home to a quaint lighthouse as well as some excellent snorkeling. Day trip adventurers arriving by boat or seaplane are unlikely to have time to visit this dive site, but it is totally doable for those planning to camp (and bring a kayak) or any group planning on a private charter. 

The lighthouse has been standing since the mid-1800’s and is certainly fun to go seek out, but the crown jewel of Loggerhead key is the Windjammer wreck. This popular snorkel and dive spot found its resting place on the ocean floor in 1901 and has been integrating itself ito the coastal ecosystem ever since. Before you start paddling out to the wreck, be sure to grab a laminated underwater map from the visitor center to help guide your explorations! 

Bird-Watching 

Dry Tortugas National Park is a renowned birding destination— especially during the spring migration season. Almost 300 hundred different species of birds have been spotted down in the Dry Tortugas… with the elusive magnificent frigate bird and sooty tern nesting exclusively in the park… you won’t find them nesting anywhere else in the continental United States! Bird watching can be a pretty niched hobby, but park visitors of all interests are likely to be delighted by these little feathered national treasures. 

Fishing

The abundant marine life in the Dry Tortugas makes for some gooood fishing. That being said, you have to make sure you’ve crossed your t’s and dotting your i’s before you start casting.

As mentioned above, spearfishing and lobstering are not allowed in the park, so leave your best spears at home. Fishing in the Natural Resource Area is also prohibited. You will want to ensure you have a Florida saltwater fishing license and some “circle” hook (“j” hooks are not permitted). Be sure to pack any gear you might need before you head out, because there is, unsurprisingly, not a bait and tackle shop on Garden Key.

If you still need clarification, you can check out the current rules and regulations here. Sometimes you gotta know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em… or in this case when to release them back. You can find more catch and release information can be found on the here.

This tends to be an awesome area to catch some tasty snapper and grouper! Best of luck fishing… here’s to hoping the biggest fish you see isn’t the one that got away!

fishing in the remote dry tortugas national park as birds fly in the background

Dry Tortugas National Park holds so many special memories to us, and we hope you have a lovely time taking in all there is to see, do, and learn in this beautiful, remote park. Happy adventuring!

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Categories
tropical destinations

Sailing to Bimini: Fire & Sunset Soirées with Virgin Voyages

All aboard! Virgin Voyages’ Fire & Sunset Soirées cruise is a five day, four night Caribbean nautical adventure— the perfect length of time to relax into the luxury, adult-only ambiance and take in the sparkling blues of the ocean. From bar crawling in Key West to spa days on the boat to snorkeling in Bimini, your perfect, dreamy beach vacation awaits.

Growing up in Florida, all five of us sisters learned how to sail in the Caloosahatchee River… much less glamorous than the Caribbean Sea! Over the summer, we’d put our skills to the test, taking a sailing trip from our hometown in Fort Myers down to Dry Tortugas National Park— 70 miles west of Key West (read more about Dry Tortugas National Park here). As such, we’re used to days on the open ocean and life on the boat, but man oh man is the Scarlet Lady an upgrade from SeaQuest (the boat we used to sail down, pictured below).

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your tenth, we’ll break down the itinerary, the stops, activities to explore on the boat, and most importantly, the scoop on the Beach Club at Bimini. 

We’re not always big cruise or multi-day organized tour people as it can sometimes feel limiting to our independent exploration; however, with relaxation high on the priority list, we took a chance on the cruise life and LOVED it! Four nights was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the luxuriousness of the boat without getting cabin fever— the time spent exploring Key West and unwinding at the Beach Club certainly helped! 

Living the Good Life 

Curious what all is included while you’re cruising around? More than you might think! While cruises can feel like a hefty up-front cost, it’s your accommodations, food, activities, and transportation cost all rolled into one! When you hand over the big bucks, you’re getting your room PLUS: 

  • Food, food, and more food— you read that right, all the delicious culinary options on the boat are available to you at no additional cost… you already paid for it! You can check out all of your 20+ dining options here. 
  • Gratuities! Even though this seems small, this is a cost we usually factor into our trip budget as we always want to make sure to alot and/or pull out cash to tip everyone properly. Virgin Voyages pays everyone on board a livable wage, so they don’t rely on sailor tips. There’s no expectation for gratuities here. 
  • Wifi is complimentary. In this day and age, it would honestly be more surprising if wifi wasn’t available! If you want to unplug on vacation, you certainly can, but if you’re keen to talk or post, you’ll have all the access! 
  • Activities!! From on-board bar crawls and pajama parties to sunrise yoga and outdoor boxing, there’s complementaries activities and events for everyone. While there’s certainly additional services you can purchase (can anyone say massage please), the complimentary activity itinerary stays packed to the gills, so you can stay as involved as you like. 
  • They’ve got you covered for all you can drink “essentials”. This includes drip-coffee, sparkling water, tea, soda, non-pressed juices, etc. While fancier drinks and cocktails may cost ya, they’ve got the basics covered free of charge. Can’t have you getting dehydrated on the beach in the Bahamas!! 
  • A child-free atmosphere— Virgin Voyages operates all their cruises as adult-only, meaning your inner child is welcome to come out to play, but everyone’s favorite tykes will be at home. Virgin Voyages cultivates a rather fun and flirty energy aboard their cruises, so it’s not really a child appropriate atmosphere. A perfect place to cut loose and have fun though!! 

Bottoms Up 

If alcohol isn’t included, how does that work? This really depends. When you’re signing up for your cruise initially, the may be an option to add a bar package for a “deal” – i.e. $200 for a $300 bar package. Or perhaps if Virgin is running a special, they may offer a $300 bar tab for “free” to incentivize prospective sailors. As such, whenever you order a drink, your bracelet gets scanned. If you have a pre-paid tab, the cost of the drink is subtracted from your tab; if not, the cost of the drink gets charged to your room. The cost of the drink is the same regardless of which payment option you utilize. 

Room with a View

Or should I say a room with a Sea Terrace? We rather enjoyed our room, but the best part by far was the lovely terrace and the cozy hammock. Nothing beats peacefully swinging as you watch the ocean float by. While cruise-rooms are notoriously conservative on space, we felt we had enough room and found the rain-shower to be lovely! We would definitely stay in this room again.

The Itinerary 

Five days and four nights of sunset soirées and fiery fun. What does that look like? What’s a gal to do? Well, each day has a vague plan made for you, and you get to customize it to your liking from there. We have some suggestions of things we like as well as things we would potentially do differently!

Day 1: Miami

Even though the superyacht departs at 6:00pm, boarding begins at 4:00pm, so everyone can be in prime relaxation mode by the time your sea voyage begins. We found both the embarking and disembarking processes to be very smooth, both as we were departing and returning. As soon as you arrive at the Virgin “Terminal V” someone is taking care of you and ushering you to your next step. There’s a place to drop your bags off, (they will get brought to your room within a few hours), ample space to relax while you wait for your boarding time, and so many friendly faces around to answer any question you might have. 

As you make your way on board, someone will graciously direct you where to go, while a DJ mixes some fun and funky tunes to make sure the vibes are right. While there are more than enough complimentary activities to keep you entertained, if you want to book any spa services or anything you couldn’t book/didn’t think to book in advance, you’ll want to do that pretty soon after you get your things sorted, so we recommend either going to do that in person or getting the Virgin Voyages app downloaded to sign up that way. 

To get the vacation mood going, a pool party starts right around 5pm, so that everyone is well on their way to a good time by 6pm when the cruise leaves port. Once the sun starts to set, a pajama party ensues, but we will warn you, the saucy vibe Virgin Voyages is known for is very evident in some of their night time programming. 

Day 2: Key West

What’s on the agenda for today? Key West, baby! With practically a whole day (8:00am- 5:00pm) set aside to explore, there’s so much to see! Having been to Key West before, we have a whole blog post of our own recommendations for some fun spots to grab a bite, great cocktail spots, and fun things to do for the day! Getting a picture at the southernmost point is a must!

Key West is known for being a colorful place where people come to have a good time, and it certainly delivers. If your ideal vacation involves zero planning on your behalf, Virgin does have various tour options you can be a part of (click here for a complete list of paid shore excursions for Key West).

The friends we were with really wanted to do the Bar Crawl through Virgin, which was fun enough, but if you have a bit of adventurous spirit and don’t mind making a bit of a plan yourself, we recommend striking out on your own to explore some of the nooks and crannies of this small island. Just make sure you make it back to the boat before 5pm! 

Just a note: People often mistake Key West for being an open container city, but it is not, so make sure you don’t get too cavalier with your sidewalk sippin’! 

Day 3: Sailing at Sea

The third day of the cruise is all about exploring the boat and taking advantage of everything there is to do, because this is the “at sea” day. We woke up and spent the morning in the spa, which I highly recommend! The massages are spendy but sooooo worth it if you’re looking to splurge. Plus, if you purchase any spa treatment, you have access to the thermal spa for a few hours afterwards, and it was beyond relaxing to just bask in the Himalayan sea salt rom. 

From there it’s really a choose your own adventure dealio. Still kinda needing some R&R to recover from last night? Take a nap in a hammock. Feeling like you need to move your body? Explore the impressive gym on board or take a fitness class? Looking to make some new friends and keep the party going? Grab a lounger and hang out poolside.  

The options continue as the sun sets, because the Scarlet Lady boasts a wide variety of entertainment options. From an arcade room to a casino to an interactive theater experience to an organized bar crawl ending at a nightclub, each sailor really does get to tailor their cruise experience to fit their personality and expectations. We enjoyed their dinner and a multi-act show. It’s really rather interesting to wander around the ship and see all the nuance they’ve put into making different spaces unique! 

The Ship Show on Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirées cruise

As it happens, Key West & Bimini aren’t very far apart, so you might look out into the horizon and notice you’re not moving along very quickly. Welp, you won’t be moving at all for a majority of the day. To create the illusion of a “day at sea”, you actually stayed posted up about 100 miles off the coast of Miami, just enjoying the endless blue ocean, before eventually heading to Bimini to dock for the next day. 

Favorite Restaurants on Board
  • The Wake— the spot to go for amazing steak and seafood options
  • Pink Agave— serves both tasty Mexican cuisine as well as a perfect Mezcal pairing
  • Pizza Parlor— amazing made-to-order pizza (with gluten-free crust options!)
  • Test Kitchen— a unique part-cooking-school, part-eatery that makes dining an interactive experience
  • The Dock House— refreshing, casual-yet-specialty Mediterranean plates
  • Lick Me Til Ice Cream— when does homemade ice cream ever not hit the spot???
Day 4: Beach Club at Bimini

The fourth day of the cruising adventure, and arguably the most exciting because today is all about Bimini— or more specifically the Beach Club at Bimini! From 8am to 7pm, the club is available exclusively to the Scarlet Lady sailors. There are endless beach chairs and loungers set up, so there’s more than enough room for everyone aboard to spread out and feel comfortable.

Beach games are set out for people to enjoy, a DJ stays spinning, keeping everyone hype, and every 20 minutes or so dancers will perform to keep the party momentum alive. Ordering drinks works exactly the same at the Beach Club as it does on the boat, so just keep scanning that bracelet and having yourself a time. 

We were more than content to nap on the shoreline and stare off into the gorgeous hues of blue, but if you are one that has a hard time sitting still, there’s loads of opportunities to explore. If we were to do it all again, we just might go take a jet ski tour, snorkel with stingrays, or perhaps even scuba dive with hammerhead sharks. If you’re feeling intrigued, you can find a complete list of Bimini’s shore excursions here. 

Day 5: Miami

All too soon, the final day arrives. The Scarlet Lady will arrive back in Miami by 6:30am, and everyone is transitioned off the boat by 10am. While the crew definitely promotes the having of a good time, the push for a partying vibe in notably less the last night, in an effort to help groggy, partied-out travelers make it off the boat in time.

Final Thoughts

We’ve flow Virgin Atlantic, but we’d never sailed with Virgin Voyages, so we were curious how the nautical expedition would go. We must say Virgin Voyages puts on a pretty comprehensive cruising experience!

Our gripes are few and far between. The countertop space is a bit lacking in the bathroom, but this is easily remedied with a hanging toiletry bag. We also generally felt that the food sat a little heavy, but this is honestly more due to “eating out” for every meal as opposed to a refection of the preparation, because all our meals were truly very tasty!

Would we book another Virgin Voyages Cruise? Definitely! The rooms, dining options, drinks, shows, activities, and Beach Club at Bimini were all amazing! Cheers to your next maritime adventure!

written by McKenna 

If you look up diva in the dictionary, you will find a picture of McKenna Lee. Loud-mouthed and overly opinionated she may have the biggest personality (read: attitude) of us all. McKenna is in college at FGCU, but her passion lies in her small business Mack Swimwear and running her small group through church.  She lives for days spent in a bathing suit, and tries to go surfing in every new beach town she visits. 

Categories
tropical destinations

An Amazing Girl’s Weekend Trip to Tampa, Florida

Tampa is a vibrant city in southwest Florida, perched along the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of almost 400,000, it’s the third biggest city in the state, surpassed only by Miami and Jacksonville. Its diverse appeal and year-round warmth make this a perfect spot to visit any time of year. Whether you’re keen to explore picturesque beaches, creative eateries, outdoor exploration, curated museums, unique cocktail bars, or till-you-drop shopping, Tampa has everything you need for an amazing girl’s weekend! 

Tampa holds appeals for visitors of all ages, but being a family of girls, we ALWAYS have a girls weekend on the brain. From a mother-daughter trip to a bachelorette party and every celebration in between, Tampa offers the quintessential assortment of entertainment for anyone looking to have a little fun down in Florida. 

What do we know about Tampa? Growing up two hours south in Fort Myers, it wasn’t uncommon to visit Tampa a couple times a year, and we’ve continued visiting for all the fun to be had as adults. It’s been fun to watch Tampa grow and evolve over the last ten to fifteen years. We may be biased but we firmly believe the West coast is the best coast…. or at least that’s true in Florida! 

Can you feel the warm, wonderful day that awaits you down in southwest Florida? Below we have detailed the most amazing itinerary for your girls weekend in Tampa.

DAY 1

Whether you drove in or flew in, chances are you just might be ready to stretch your legs. Upon arrival, head to the Tampa Riverwalk to meander along the riverside and take in both the delights of the city as well as the peace of the river. It’s a beautiful way to explore…. don’t just take our word for it— the Tampa Riverwalk snagged the 2nd place spot in USA Today’s ‘America’s Top 10 River Walks’.

While you will find a plethora of different spots to stop, Sparkman Warf is a unique community investment integration area. The market-esque ambiance includes both restaurants and retails to make for a perfect medley of waterfront views, craft beers, local shopping, and exceptional dining— plus it’s not uncommon to hear live music here as well. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrefMtMFTh4&ab_channel=VisitTampaBay
Night Cap

Depending on how far you wander, you just might find yourself near the Hotel Bar— a charming cocktail bar serving classic cocktails inspired by an array of international hotels. The ambiance is very retro chic, with classy sipping cocktails and a fun bar that just oozes character. If a fresh craft beer is more your style, Magnanimous Brewing is one of the best, if not the best, breweries in Tampa. Not only are the beers amazing, but they have a welcoming outdoor seating area that makes for the perfect place for an evening hang.

DAY 2

Madeira Beach

Saturdays are for the girls, and in south Florida, Saturdays are meant to be spent on the beach. Pack your sunscreen, a towel, and your favorite book, and start heading to Madeira Beach. But first a couple stops along the way! If your day starts the second you smell coffee, a pit stop at Buddy Brew Coffee is going to be a must. Not only is the coffee sublime, they also have gluten free donuts and other baked good options that are delicious. 

Just before you cross the bridge to get to Madeira Beach, swing into the Publix for your you’ll-thank-me-later lunch. March yourself over to the deli and order literally any sandwich you want… they’re all amazing. Nothing is better than a tasty pub sub on the beach with a cold beverage. Just make sure that the seagulls don’t snatch it right out of your hand. As someone who is a sandwich-lover and a bird-hater, it is simply the worst to lose your pub-sub to a bird!

Once you get to the beach, snag your own little slice of shoreline and let the relaxation begin. You might even see dolphins from your perch on the beach! The water is amazingly refreshing, whether you’re looking to splash around or take a soothing dip after waking up from a warm beach nap. Time on the beach always has a way of flying right by! Beach traffic can get a little crazy, so you’ll want to bounce around 3pm or so. This usually works perfect to allow everyone to have time to shower and get ready before heading out for dinner!

girl laying on beach having an amazing girl's weekend
Dinner & Drinks

Up next? Dinner! Hope you’re hungry for some delicious Mexican food. Urban Cantina is in the heart of downtown Tampa and they do dinner just as well as they do drinks— which is fantastic! 

If you’re looking to do a bit of bar hopping, Gin Joint should be the next stop for the evening. This upscale yet inviting gin bar makes a mean drink but also curates a fun environment that’s perfect for girl’s night. 

Last but certainly not least, head to the top of The Current Hotel, where you’ll find the tallest rooftop bar in Tampa: Rox Rooftop Bar. A perfect spot for a gorgeous view and a lux cocktail. If you’re visiting in the summer, this makes for a sublime spot to catch the sunset and wind down with your girls.

DAY 3

Can’t start the day without a coffee kick? Bandit Coffee does their own roasting in house every Tuesday, so it’s guaranteed to be fresh. They make all the fun coffee drinks as well as some tasty teas.

Once you’re armed with caffeine, head to The Salvador Dali Museum. You don’t have to be an art savant to enjoy this museum, and I actually recommend paying for the guided tour as the guides were so knowledgeable, provide such incredible details about the art and life of Salvador Dali. There’s a lovely outdoor garden area to enjoy and last time I was there they also had an additional (temporary) Picasso exhibit, so it’s beyond worth it to stop by and wander through for a few hours. 

You’ve saved the best meal for last…. grab lunch at The Columbia— above all the other restaurants in town, this is truly the best and definitely our favorite. The Columbia’s been filling hearts and stomachs since 1905, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Florida. They’ve used that time to completely master the art of sangria… as well as just about every dish on the menu! 

If you have time for some shopping before you leave town, swing by Hyde Park. This historic yet posh shopping center is the perfect place to wander around and pick up anything that strikes your fancy before it’s time to jet set out of town. Cheers! 

written by McKenna 

If you look up diva in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of McKenna Lee. Loud-mouthed and overly opinionated she may have the biggest personality (read: attitude) of us all. McKenna is in college at FGCU, but her passion lies in her small business Mack Swimwear and running her small group through church. She lives for days spent in a bathing suit, and goes surfing in every beach town she visits. 

Categories
tropical destinations united states

The Perfect Four Day Itinerary for Big Island

The largest in the Hawaiian archipelago, the Island of Hawai’i is fondly referred to as Big Island. The moniker is certainly well suited as the breadth of landscape here is unmatched. From snow-covered mountains to black sand beaches to active volcanos to luscious green valleys, there is truly no end to the adventures that await on Big Island. Our perfect four day itinerary includes everything you must see and do to maximize your time.

Each Hawaiian island has its own ambiance or draw. Big Island is unmatched in its sprawling landscape and diverse microbiome. It’s also one of the best places in the world to snorkel with manta rays, which is a surreal experience. Big Island is a perfect destination for anyone looking for both the beautiful coastal scenery Hawaii is known for, as well as endless breathtaking hikes, catching a peek at some molten lava, and watching the sunset from an almost 14,000-foot snowy mountain top.

If you’re headed to Hawaii, it’s common to combine two or three island visits into one trip. With Big Island being as large as it is, we recommend at least four days to sample the island’s robust variety. While you might not see everythinggg, you’ll definitely get to hit the highlights and capture the essence of Big Island.

While you may think of Hawaii as a beachy keen relaxation destination, you will assuredly miss out if you spend your entire trip at the beach… or even worse, the pool. Below we have detailed the perfect itinerary for anyone looking to make the most of their days adventuring around on Big Island. 

The Nitty Gitty Before Paradise City 

When you’re only spending a few days on Big island, you’ll want to pick one city to base yourself out of. Kona and Hilo are the two biggest cities on the island, but we recommend bunking down in Kona. It’s on the west side of the island and tends to have a sunnier, drier climate. 

Remember, Big Island is just that…. rather big, which means in order to see everything, you will want a rental car. In order to hit all the highlights, you will be putting in some time in the car driving around, but all your drives come with breath-taking views, so it won’t feel like a hardship.

map of Big Island of Hawaii with starred locations for the perfect four day itinerary

DAY ONE 

Pololu Valley 

On the first day of adventures you’re heading north to explore Pololu Valley. The drive from Kona should take less than an hour and a half, but it will be your first sampling of just how amazing it is to get a little lost in the countryside of Hawaii. As you drive, keep an eye out into the ocean (or perhaps just have your passengers stay on the lookout), because it’s possible to see whales breaching from the road as they migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters from December to March. 

The farthest north of the seven valleys etched into the northern coastline, Pololu Valley is immediately gorgeous. Upon arrival, you are greeted with magnificent views of the valley from the lookout point. From there, the trail leads down to a gorgeous black sand beach.

The black sand beach and peaceful creek make this a nice area to relax. The Awini trail previously continued to a lookout over the Honokane Nui Valley, but in the years since our last visit, this trail has closed down. This serves as an important reminder to be a respectful visitor… if the land isn’t preserved and respected, opportunities (and unique hikes) will disappear!  

Pro tip: if you’re adverse to a nature-pee, make sure you stop at a gas station or grocery store before you reach Pololu because there are no facilities there. No bathrooms, no place to fill your water bottle… nothing. On a busier day, a business savvy local may be found perched near the lookout with a chest full of ice cold waters, juices, and hard seltzers for sale. That being said, he’s not guaranteed to be there, so I recommend arriving prepared.

Post-Hike Delights 

All that hiking works up an appetite, so we suggest making your way to Big Island Brewhaus. Lunch is delicious… we can personally attest to the fish bites, burrito, and BLT being perfect post-hike sustenance. Even if you’re not hungry, their craft beers alone were worth stopping by for! 

Tickets to the Alien Ballet 

You can’t have a full day of adventures without including some evening exploration! Kona is one of a handful of places in the world where you have the opportunity to observe manta rays as they feed. The experience itself is rather wild. Manta rays feed on plankton, which are attracted to sunlight, or at night, the LED light boards put in the water.

As a front row observer, you are a stationary snorkeler, holding onto a board, watching as the mantas astound. They will perform endless barrel rolls and skim along the board— they might even accidentally bump into you once or twice. It’s truly so unlike anything either you may have seen or experienced before. We highly recommend Hawaiian Adventures– we rather enjoyed being part of a small-group tour. Be sure to pack your GoPro or underwater camera!

Sometimes weather can affect tour safety, so booking an activity earlier in your trip, may help ensure you actually get to go. If something happens day 1, you can always re-organize your days to make another evening work!

As a note, manta rays are not social creatures, so observing them in their natural habitat is not inherently harmful to them. If you’re interested in manta ray conservation, you can check this out.

DAY TWO

The name of the game today is exploring as much of the Hawai’i Volcano National Park (HVNP) as you can… because how often in life does one have the opportunity to see a volcano? Departing from Kona, HVNP is an hour and 45 minutes southeast. The drive follows the southern angle of the island, allowing you to play peek-a-boo with the coastline the whole time.

When you arrive, the visitor center should be your first stop. It functions as an excellent starting point to make a game plan, empty your bladder, and lather on the sunscreen. There are interactive maps and park rangers available to help direct you wherever you need to head.

Crater Rim Drive

Next up? Continue along Crater Rim Drive and park near the Kīlauea Iki trail or the Thurston lava tube. These areas are close to one another and easily walkable, so snag a parking spot wherever you can. The lava tube isn’t anything too crazy, but it’s worth checking out just to experience how dark it gets down there— plus it’s wild to think lava once rush through the underground tube you’re standing in.

Across the road from the lava tube is the beginning of the Kīlauea Iki trail, which will lead you down to the floor of the Kīlauea Iki Crater. It doesn’t take long to wind your way down to the crater floor, and from there, the trail is marked with cairns, or small stone piles, to keep visitors on track.

Just putting your walking shoes to work, your next stop will be driving to the Crater Rim Drive trailhead and wandering out to the Keanakākoʻi Overlook. Not only does this perch provide a glimpse at the Keanakākoʻi Crater, but it affords a spectacular view of Kīlauea. Kīlauea is an active volcano that intermittently erupts, most recently in September 2024. While this view would be interesting any time, walking out to this viewpoint is a MUST when Kīlauea is erupting. How many erupting volcanoes are you going to see in one lifetime?!

Chain of Craters Road 

In what seems like a world away, the 20 mile drive out to the southern sea cliffs is beyond scenic as the landscape changes drastically before your very eyes. From the jungle-esque tropics near the visitor’s center, to the endless span of volcanic rock, to the stunning blue of the ocean crashing into a wide swath southern coastline, the drive out to the Hōlei Sea Arch is its own delight. 

Once you’re there, a short walk will take you to the Hōlei Sea Arch, serving as an example of both the ocean’s power and nature’s sculpting. The dynamic surf makes for a hypnotic view as the crashing waves slowly erode the southern coastline. Being rather set apart from the more popular areas of the park, it’s easy to consider skipping a visit to the Hōlei Sea Arch, but you have to remember the drive itself is as amazing as the coastline views themselves.

The Southern Loop 

When you’ve had your fill of HVNP, it’s time to begin the drive back to Kona, but the return visit will be filled with a couple pit-stops.

First up, cruise to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. The sand is an inky black, a plentiful byproduct of the lava rock’s erosion. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles as they’re popular here!

If you’re a thrill seeker, looking for an adrenaline rush, be sure to stop by South Point. Not only is this the southernmost point in the United States, but it’s a known spot for cliff diving— with an approximately 40 to 60-foot drop down into the ocean below. The water there is usually 20-30 ft deep, and there’s a ladder hanging down to aid adrenaline junkies in their climb back up. Definitely not for everyone, but certainly a unique opportunity. Begs the age old question…. if your friends decided to jump off a cliff, would you jump too?

It goes without saying, but cliff jumping is always performed at your own risk, and should only be considered when conditions are safe. Not only is there the jump itself to consider but one also must be able to climb back up out of the water. Never do anything you’re not comfortable with, and always trust your gut!

If you’re still kickin’ and feeling a bit groovy after all that adventure, Gertrude’s Jazz Bar, back in Kona, makes for a sensational end to the day. With amazing craft cocktails and effervescent live music, this is the Hawaiian night cap (or two!) you’ll miss once you’re back home.

DAY THREE

Snorkel Exploration 

A little south of Kona, you’ll find Two Step Beach– right next to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park (also worth checking out if you have time!). You don’t have to pay to get into the park to access Two Step, but if you’re interested in the park, it could function as an easy multi-purpose parking spot. If you just want to snorkel, there’s a $5 parking lot available, directly across the street from the beach. 

Two Step is called a beach, but it lacks a sandy shoreline. Instead the lava rock meets the ocean, with a natural two-level shelf that allows snorkelers to enter and exit the bay area with ease. The water is crystal clear, with a colorful assortment of fish. The sea urchins are also plentiful, but as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, it’s more than safe. 

Kealakekua Bay is another notoriously good snorkeling spot nearby. Kealakekua Bay is reachable via neighborhood parking and a short walk OR, if you’re looking to take the road less traveled, a 4-mile round trip hike. That being said, this hike lacks shade and is rather gravelly, so we recommend saving your hiking energy for Mauna Kea later in the day.

Mauna Kea

The afternoon is all about Mauna Kea. Who goes to Hawai’i and expects to find a snowy mountain? Despite being a little out of place in a tropical paradise, watching the sunset from the top of this mountain is a must for any Big Island traveler. 

It takes about an hour and a half to get from Kona to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center (VIS), but before you leave, pack yourself a tasty lunch— or at the very least some hearty snacks. You won’t find a food court on Mauna Kea. You’ll also want to pack an extra bottle of water or two as well… you’d always rather have too much as opposed to not enough! The suggested amount is 500 ml (about two cups) per person per hour. 

Once you arrive at the VIS, take a minute to stretch your legs and walk through the center. It’s interesting to learn a bit about the mountain and talk to the rangers. This stop is not only a nice break, but it’s even more important than that. It’s highly recommended to spend 30 minutes at the VIS acclimating to the altitude. Mauna Kea is unique in its environment– there’s not many places in the world that allow you to go from beachside (elevation = 0 ft) to almost 14,000 ft. elevation in 2 hours. As such, it’s important to take some time to ensure your body can handle it. Altitude sickness is no joke!

If you’re feeling good, there’s a less than 1 mile unnamed hike that begins across the road from the VIS. Not only did it provide a beautiful vantage point to take in neighboring Mauna Loa, but it makes for a nice litmus test to assess how you’d do hiking at elevation.

The Summit

From the VIS, the summit is only 8 miles, but due to the grade and unpaved road, it will take another 30 minutes to reach the summit. We recommend leaving the VIS to head up at least an hour before sunset, so you can walk around a bit and snag yourself a good spot to watch the sunset. 

If you’re an avid hiker and the elevation doesn’t scare you, leave 2 hours before sunset to make time for a detour. On your way up, stop at the third gravel parking lot, just past mile marker 7 to find Lake Waiau. This isn’t what you’d call a popular or frequently traveled trail, but there should be a visible path to follow.

The hike is about 1.5 miles round trip, but if you’re not used to hiking at elevation, you may find this short hike a bit more challenging than expected. Lake Waiau is considered a sacred space, so taking the effort to see this unique natural phenomenon is special. For more information on Lake Waiau or hiking around, check out our Mauna Kea blog post) 

Once you’re at the summit, break out your jacket and find a good spot to watch the sun go down. Watching the sun set above the clouds at 13,796 feet is a breath-taking way to end the day. Once the sun is gone, make your way back down to the VIS. Believe it or not, the star-gazing is actually better at the lower elevation. Keep your eyes peeled… you might see a shooting star or two! 

Important notes: 

You NEED a car with four wheel drive (4WD) or all wheel drive with low range, with 4WD being the preferred option. Between the unpaved road and the steep grade, this is important not only on the way up, but to safely get down from the mountain as well. You do NOT want any brake overheating or failure. 

Another car tip, be sure to leave Kona with a full tank. You must have at least half a tank of gas before you begin your ascent to the summit from the VIS. 

Do not plan to summit Mauna Kea if you have been scuba diving in the past 24 hours. The extent of pressure changes in that amount of time and the excess nitrogen accumulated can cause decompression sickness. 

Pro-trip: if you plan on stargazing at the visitor’s center, park in the spots facing AWAY from the visitor’s center. Car headlights are rather disruptive to people trying to stargaze and star-gazing enthusiasts will get feisty with you.

Between the five of us, we’ve driven up a handful of times, so it’s nothing to be scared of, you just definitely want to make sure you are prepared when you’re planning your trip! If navigating the car situation sounds too intimidating for you, there’s various commercial tour services available to choose from. Most will provide you with a ride as well as a nice warm jacket, so you don’t have to worry about packing that! 

Cheers To You 

Rolling back into Kona, make a beeline straight for Ola Brew to enjoy ice-cold beer and some hard-earned dinner. Going to a craft brewery, you expect delicious beers (and they deliver), but we were SO impressed with all the food there as well. Guaranteed to leave you wanting more, the Kalbi Meatballs shared plate is *chefs kiss* fantastic, and the A’A was Salvador’s favorite beer.

DAY FOUR

After spending the last few days zooming around the island, your last day should be spent relaxing by the beach. Kauna’oa Beach is arguably the best beach on the island, making it the obvious choice for your sandy leisure-time.

Kauna’oa Beach, like all beaches in Hawaii, is a public beach, but it’s located within The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. While this may seem a bit confusing, you do not have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy access to the beach. As a matter of fact, it’s a great way to relax on a gorgeous beach, with access to restrooms, showers, amazing food (and drink) options, and beach equipment rentals. Kids and adults alike can enjoy snorkeling here, but there’s no lifeguard on duty.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel averages around $800/night, which is definitely a splurge. As a visitor for the day, parking will cost $21, which may seem a little spendy, but it’s ultimately worth it for the nearby amenities. The public parking lot only holds about 30 cars, so if this sounds like your ideal beach hang, you’ll want to make sure you arrive early to lock down a parking spot. The only downside? This sweet getaway is about 45 minutes north of Kona, but compared to some of you other days of driving, that’s nothing!

What do ya know?

Big Island holds a special place in our hearts because McKenna (2021) and Dana (2022) each spent 4 months living here while working with the Christian ministry group: Youth With A Mission (YWAM). They spent all their free time exploring and adventuring around, which made them the best hosts for visiting sisters and friends— hence the perfectly crafted itinerary. We hope you have the most amazing time visiting Hawaii and all she has to share!

written by Hannah 

Hannah traded the warm beaches of southwest FL for the outdoor adventure locale that is Bend, OR. Despite the distance, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist but loves making time to explore newfound hikes. These days she has some extra pack weight; however, Xavier is notorious for being unimpressed by sweeping vistas.

Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Facebook