Posts Tagged ‘Wonder’

Kauai Condos: Learn The History, Feel The Present, Wonder About The Future

If you’re opting to rent or buy one of the many beautiful Kauai condos, you likely already know that you are treating yourself to residence on one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth. That said, you’d be surprised how many people visit this incredible Garden Isle paradise without truly understanding the historical context of how it came to be what it is today. Taking the time to understand that context will enrich your experience on Kauai, no matter how long you plan to stay!

The landscape diversity under the foundations of your Kauai condo

Like all the Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i was made by volcanoes pushing up, out of the sea. As the oldest island in the chain, its mountain tops don’t boast the height or size of its younger neighbors on the Big Island, but there is one claim to fame that sets Kauai apart from anywhere else: The eastern slopes of Kauai’s second highest mountain, Mount Wai’ale’ale, are one of the wettest spots on Earth – with over 460 inches of rain per yer!

Don’t worry though. Kaua’i is not all rain. Kaua’i actually has seven different distinct micro climates ranging from dry desert to tropical rain forest – Giving you a lot of options in terms of weather variations in the process of selecting the perfect Kauai vacation home or condo to lease or purchase.

Understanding your lineage as a Kauai homeowner

Culturally, Kauai is very diverse as well. The Marquesans are believed to be the island’s first inhabitants, arriving from Polynesia around 400 A.D. 600 years later, the Tahitians arrived and overpowered the locals who called the island home. Much of the plant life, as well as the chickens that are ancestors to the scourge you currently see in Kauai, were originally brought by the Polynesian peoples.

This island’s ruler, Kaumuali’i, managed to twice thwart invasion from King Kamehameha, even going so far as to negotiate with the Russians in an effort to maintain independence. In 1824, Kaua’i was formally surrendered upon his death to the Kingdom of Hawaii to shun further atrocities.

The first well recorded European contact came in 1778 when Captain Cook landed in Waimea Bay. Starting in the mid-18th century, sugar plantations were Kauai’s most important industry, and opened the way for the waves of immigrants, whose ancestors make up Kauai’s multicultural population today.

Kauai originally had its own dialect, thought to be closer to its Polynesian origins than the other islands, and managed independence for so long in part because of its 1000-ft cliffs ringing the Na Pali Coast, a place that is accessible only by hiking, boat or helicopter even today!

Today, buying or renting Kauai condos means that you will take part in a line of paradise-seeking people dating back over a thousand years. Each era has left its mark, and if you understand what you’re looking at, there is nothing quite like hiking the Na Pali Coast or standing at an overlook on Waimea Canyon and envisioning history unfolding on this Eden-like island in the middle of the Pacific!

Bali Travel Offers Adventure, Wonder And History

The world is chockfull of destinations that are all worthy of consideration when itâ??s time to make holiday plans. There are not many places, however, that can compare to a particular island in the Indonesian archipelago. Bali travel melds adventure, history and wonder into a single experience that is virtually certain to create memories to last a lifetime.

Located only a few hours away from Australia by plane, this unusual destination packs a great deal of fun into 5,632 square kilometers. Here holidaymakers will find weather that is perfect practically year round. With warm tropical temperatures ranging between 20 and 33 degrees Celsius no matter the time of year, visitors to Bali are often surprised to find sunny days dominate even in the thick of the rainy season.

When Bali travel is under consideration, potential holidaymakers will find these reasons tend to draw travellers from all over the world like moths to a flame:

* The outdoor splendour â?? Bali is famous for its breathtaking geography. The island is surrounded by warm turquoise waters that lap at white sandy beaches. From quiet lagoons just right for swimming and snorkeling to more â??activeâ? beaches that call to surfers and adventure sports lovers, the waters here are ideal for year round fun. Whilst the beaches are certainly a draw, they are not the only outdoor wonder that awaits those planning Bali travel. This island is also famous for its lush tropical forests, active volcanoes, tiered rice paddies and incredible lakes and waterfalls.
* The history â?? Bali has a history that dates back thousands of years. Evidence of its most early inhabitants can be found in a variety of sites all over the island. From the temples in the Mount Agung complex to the wonderment of the Tanah Lot, visitors here will learn much about the peoples and cultures that have touched Bali throughout the ages. With its strong ties to the Hindu religion, holidaymakers will discover that many of the islandâ??s most splendid outdoor attractions have also served as places connected deeply to religion through the ages.
* The culture â?? Balinese culture is known for its distinct arts, form of dance and cuisine. Those who plan Bali travel will find themselves arriving on a island that is known the world over for its welcoming hospitality and unique traditions.
* The adventures â?? Bali is one of the few places in the world where people can get up close and personal with gray monkeys, elephants and a variety of other tropical creatures all on a single vacation. If fauna doesnâ??t appeal, those on Bali tours will find that plenty of other adventures await. Bali tours can unlock adventures that are found nowhere else in the world. From Odyssey Submarine trips that take holidaymakers into the depths that surround the island to a trip to the 11th century Elephant Cave, there is no shortage of opportunities to do and see things that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

When an experience like nothing else is desired, Bali travel will deliver. Combining adventure, wonder and history, this legendary island offers holidaymakers an opportunity to explore paradise on earth.

The Island Of Lana’I – Hawaii’S Smallest Island Wonder

If your idea of the perfect Hawaiian getaway is to find an island where the days pass in slow motion, and you will return home relaxed instead of exhausted, then Lana’ i should be your island of choice.  Although Lanai resembles the Australian outback more closely than it does the tropical paradise you will find on many of the other Hawaiian Islands, its many natural wonders will give you plenty to do during your stay.

 

Manele Bay is the island of Lanaâ??iâ??s nod to modern tourism.  Located on the south east coast of Lanai, the bay and harbor offers swimming, boating, and off-island excursions. The bay is the site of the Four Seasons Resort Lanaâ??i, the major resort on the island.  This resort offers everything you would expect from a four-star hotel, including a JackNicklaus-designed championship golf course.

 

The four seasons also operates Lanaâ??iâ??s Lodge Konele Lodge, located in Lanai is our country in the central portion of the island.  This mountain retreat is surrounded by panoramic mountain views and towering pines.  The second of Lanaâ??Iâ??s three golf courses is found here.

 

This golf course, the Experience at Konele, spreads along the base of the mountains and surrounded by vistas of the other Hawaiian Islands, was designed by Greg Norman and has been rated by Conde Nast as the top golfing resort on the planet.  The final of the islandâ??s courses is the nine-hole Cavendish course, a public links at which no greens fees are required!

 

Outside of its two resort areas, Lanai is little more than a 100,000 acre wilderness waiting to be explored. It is only normal roads are in the tiny plantation village of Lanai City, and even there traffic is so light that traffic lights are nonexistent.  At 141 square miles, Lanai smallest of Hawaii’s populated islands, and all its three thousand inhabitants live in Lanai City. You can reach by boat from either Maui or Molokai. 

 

The major differences between Lanai and the other Hawaiian Islands is in its plant life. Rather than a lush greenery and towering palms so representative of the other islands, Lanai as towering eucalyptus, keawe trees, and pines.  You will not find any black lava rocks on Lanai; instead, you will be walking along red dirt trails, and enjoying views of a midnight blue sea instead of ones of aquamarine shallows.

 

Where pineapple plantations once flourished on Lanai, there are now vast stands of wild grasses, really in Lantana, and a wide range of indigenous plants.  Lanaâ??iâ??s upcountry abounds with deer, and wild turkeys look curiously out of place in the underbrush surrounding Lanaâ??iâ??s resorts. 

 

A highlight of any visit to Lanaâ??i is a visit to the Garden of the Gods northwest of Lanai City.  Scoured by winners over millions of years, this plateau is the site of hundreds of wildly colored and shaped boulders.  Arriving on the plateau in time for sunset will treat you to an unforgettable light show as the rocks become lit from within in shades of gold, violet, and deep red.

 

If you cannot imagine a trip to the Hawaiian Islands without a day spent at the beach, you will find Hulopâ??e Beach just a short walk From the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay.  Widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Hawaii, Hulopâ??e Beach offers safe swimming and snorkeling at any time of the year.  There is a wonderful tree shaded beach park ideal for next, and you often glimpse pods of spinner dolphins in the waters of the bay.

 

Lanaâ??i has miles of primitive roads accessible only on foot or by four-wheel drive.  One of the most popular hikes is along the Koliki Ridge, starting directly behind the Lodge at Koâ??ele and passing along the Munro Trail.  This 5-mile loop will treat you to breathtaking views of Maui, Molokai, and Lanaâ??iâ??s Naio Gulch.   Horseback excursions, including sunset and picnic rides of between one and two hours, are also available from the Stables at Koâ??ele.
 
Your vacation on Lanaâ??i can be as invigorating as a hike in the upcountry, or as quiet as the hidden reflecting pool in the formal gardens of the Lodge at Koâ??ele.  The only certain thing about it is that it will be different from any other Hawaiian vacation you will ever have!