Land & Water in Maui, Hawaii | Part II

Original photos from January 2013.

After spending the first part of our trip to Maui on the Road to Hana, we decided to head to the water for a few days of diving. Even in January, the water temp was surprisingly warm, and more calm than I remember Oahu’s waters to be a few years back. The best dive started before sunrise. We took a boat out to Molokini, a “crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater,” and intercepted a handful of humpback whales crossing the channel. The amazing thing was finally diving in the pristine waters protected by the crater, and listening to the whales sing to each other underwater, which you can apparently hear from up to seven miles away.

Next visit, we hope to dive the pretty Lanai Cathedrals and do the Haleakala Volcano sunrise hike. Also, here are a few recommendations: Maui Dive Shop, Airbnb in Kihei, Coconut’s Fish Cafe, Da Kitchen.

Land & Water in Maui, Hawaii | Part I

Original photos from January 2013.

[In early 2013,] Alex & I took a short trip to Maui. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the Road to Hana, the gorgeous 52-mile highway that hugs the northern coast of the island. The views are stunning and diverse, and a bit dangerous to drive on during heavy rain (which we did)! The highlight of the day was hiking the winding Pipiwai Trail, complete with a giant Banyan tree, bamboo forest, and the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

Turquoise Dreams at Rio Celeste, Costa Rica

Original photos from February 2012.

It’s natural to want to explore the popular landmarks when you travel. But what Alex & I find even more exciting, are places off the beaten path, the places you have to yourselves. I read about Rio Celeste in Lonely Planet, which means it’s not completely unknown, however when we went... we literally had the entire steep hike to ourselves (aside from a few people we met at the waterfall). 

A little about the river from Anywhere Costa Rica:

Situated within the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Río Celeste winds, tumbles and crashes through a verdant rainforest. A trip here involves a moderately challenging, one-hour hike through the park’s secondary forest – an effort that is well worth the trip. Two rivers merge into one at Borbollones, a confluence where the minerals from the river and volcano meet and subsequently create the famous blue hue.

In addition to the colorful attraction of the water, the river also has several thermal hot springs and a large waterfall. Dips into the pool at the base of the fall are popular, as are soaks in the hot springs; still, one needs to be wary of the hot water and boiling mud pots, and use caution while exploring the banks of the river.

The Río Celeste is best accessed through Guatuso, about an hour drive from the town La Fortuna. From the park’s entrance, it takes about an hour to hike to the Río Celeste Waterfall.

Expert Vagabond also has a great post about it: Fairytale Magic: Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste.

And just a note, we stayed at Hotel Cacao, where we were able to see a few frogs, including the colorful Red-Eyed Leaf (Tree) Frog!