Montezuma is located in the South of the Nicoya Peninsula. It's one of the more popular tourist destinations because of its proximity to other Costa Rican landmarks such as Cabo Blanco, the first National Park in Costa Rica, Tortuga Island and the Curu Wild Life Reserve.

Montezuma beaches are wide, the sand is soft and clean, and the water can be rather temperamental dependent on the time of year, like many of the beaches on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. From these beaches you are able to see the sunrise, usually beginning at 5:30 am.

The most popular out of the beaten track hotspots of Montezuma are:

• The waterfalls: they are about a 10 minute walk from the town center (truthfully, 10 in flip flops and 15 in barefoot), or a couple of minutes with a vehicle (there is a parking lot). Composed of three waterfalls, neatly stacked one on top of the other and being more than 15 meters in height. The trip can be a bit intense and sometimes you might need to use a rope (conveniently posted along the mountain, like an Indiana Jones starter kit). If you are a strong swimmer and not afraid of the heights, you can jump from a rock to the deepest pool of the second waterfall, not for the fault of heart! But remember to do it with caution.
• Piedra Colorada: located just before Playa Grande and just after Hotel Ylang y Ylang. Piedra Colorada Begins as a waterfall and ends up as a small, gentle stream that flows into the ocean. Here you can enjoy the cool sweet water of the falls and at the same time the ambience of the ocean while checking out (or if the spirit moves you, partaking in) the meditative act of "balancing stone" artwork at the mouth of the stream , created over the years by inspired tourists and locals.
• El Chorro and Playa Cocalito: From Montezuma center it is about a 2 1/2 hour walk / hike on the beach. For those who do not want to walk, there is another point of access from Tambor Beach, but believe me when I say the walk is worth it (a horseback trip is also an option). You'll get to experience 4 scenic beaches in this trip; Montezuma Beach, Piedra Colorada, Playa Grande and finally Cocalito. Here you will find the River Cocalito, who's water will delight and intrigue you, hot on the bottom and cool on the surface. From the river you will see 'El Chorro' waterfall. It is a majestic place where the fresh water flows in and mingles with the ocean, like nature toasting herself in a job well done. Once at El Chorro, if you still have it in you after the hike, climb up the rocks to the top and you will find an amazing view of all of the Coastline you just experienced by foot.
• The Butterfly Gardens: The gardens are lush, tropical and peaceful. A great opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of the lepidoptera (read: butterfly), you should not leave Montezuma without seeing this.

Montezuma is a really small town with only two streets but for sure it's a place where one will never be bored. There are a lot of tours offered in this area from island trips, to horseback riding, to canopy zip line fun … and those are just day time activities! About the night time, options, options, options. Enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the many unique restaurants in town or cook your own on the beach, then watch a spontaneous jam session / fire dance from where you dine, then grab a partner and go dance in the only bar in town .. . Chico's!

Although Montezuma is a very small town, there is a wide range of accommodations and vacation rentals in paricular to choose from. Tropisphere Vacation Rentals has the best selection of vacation rentals to suit couples / honeymooners, families and friends, check it out and make the most of your perfect holidays in Montezuma.

Travel and Living in Colombia: Visiting the Pacific Ocean Coast

If you’re thinking of visiting the Pacific Ocean coast of Colombia, know that there are various options which offer opportunities for salt-water fishing, whale watching and beach vacations. Here are three:

– Bahia Solano, a resort town in the northern sector of the Pacific Coast. Some major sport fishing tournaments are held here annually. There are nature walks and diving tours available as well as a number of basic but acceptable hotels. Two major luxury hotels also offer accommodations here. The town has one of the few Pacific Coast located airports and the only one in the northern sector of the coast. One of Colombia’s largest, most beautiful national parks, Parque Nacional Utria, is located but a 20-minute boat ride away. The park, which includes a generous section of the coast and Pacific Ocean waters as well, houses one of the largest concentrations of tropical wildlife and marine life for this section of South America outside of Brazil. Frequently, marine scientists congregate in the area to study the amazing conglomeration of aquatic life found here.

– Nuqui, a regional county seat is another Pacific coastal town boasting airport service. There are also a handful of decent hotels offering full amenities, meals and regional tours. The central Colombian coast location of Nuqui is convenient for watching migration of Humpback whales during the spring. During late summer to early fall, the migration reverses as the whales with their newborn calves turn south to head for southern Pacific Ocean waters off the coasts of Chile and Antarctica. Porpoises, seals and freshwater aquatic life are in abundance too as are natural thermal baths and protected environmental zones featuring wildlife which you can get very close and personal with. Just be careful. Yes, they bite. If you have an interest in visiting indigenous Embera Indian villages, there are a number of these located near Nuqui to which tours or visits can be arranged.

– Buenaventura, a sometimes unacceptably dangerous environment, this unkempt, shabby city is the largest on the Pacific coast of Colombia and is driveable from the city of Cali and the central coffee region of the country. There is motor launch service to much of the Colombian coast from here and a handful of passable beaches like those located in Ladrilleros and Juanchaco. A major military and naval base is also on the bay here. The main market here features an astonishing variety of not only marine fare but edible jungle wildlife too. Armadillo, peccary, three-toed sloth, sea turtle and iguana can be purchased and eaten at food stalls on the market’s second floor. Due to population controls and regional seafood harvesting regulations, sometimes creatures which would be illegal to harvest in other locations and countries are legally harvested and available here.

Travel and Living in Colombia

From Humpback whale watching to sport fishing and therapeutic thermal baths, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and nature pursuits along the Pacific Ocean coast of Colombia. Did I mention that you’ll find the prices to be a great relief? You’ll keep more in your wallet due to the economy of the region when compared to other locations such as Panama or Costa Rica. True, there are trade offs and the services available in both of these countries is certainly first rate, but a visit to Colombia’s Pacific coast can be an amazingly enjoyable one at affordable rates.

Why not see for yourself?

I did and I’m still here!

When was the last time you and your better half spend quality time together? You cannot remember anymore?

Perhaps, it is high time for you to make some action and plan for an excellent outing for your better half. You and your loved one can go to Miami and explore some of the attractive places in Miami. But of course to make the trip, a romantic and enjoyable one, you can book for a limousine ride for you and your better half. Sure, you can make this outing a romantic and memorable one if you hire a limousine ride, since you do not have to drive. You will be spending all of your time with her and you both can enjoy the trip 100%.

If you and your better half are nature lover, there are excellent parks that you can find in Miami. Actually, Miami is the only place in the US with two national parks, the Everglades National Park and the Biscayne National Park. If you decided to go to Everglades National Park, and it is certainly the first time to go to this place, you can ask your limousine driver to bring you there. Actually, this is another advantage you can get in hiring a limousine; you can go to places even you haven’t been there before, there will be no hassle in looking for directions, for parking, and so on, since the limousine driver will take care of it.

As soon as the limousine driver drives you and your better half to Everglades National Park, you and your loved one can now enjoy and explore the beauty of the park. Everglades National Park is actually the biggest wilderness found in the US. In this park you can see rare and endangered species such as American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. So as nature lovers, you will definitely enjoy the place. While at the park, you and your better half can go boating.

After a long day, enjoying the beauty of Everglades National Park, you can now bring your better half in an attractive beach in Miami. You can ask your limousine driver to bring you there, since limousine driver certainly know all the attractions that can be found at Miami. You and your loved one can enjoy the beach by swimming, skiing and a lot more.

Then you can go to Bentley Hotel South Beach located at Ocean Drive. You and your loved one can stay at this hotel for even few hours just to relax and enjoy the amenities the hotel has to offer you.

You can bring your loved one to a fine restaurant for dinner. Bring her to 510 Ocean Restaurant South Beach, located at the hotel. This restaurant is serving variety of New American Cuisine dishes; such as, sumptuous Lobster Mango Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing. You and your better half can take your time in eating at this fine restaurant. Just enjoy every seconds and moment you send together, make the most out of it. There is no need for you to hurry and rush things out, just enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant. You and your loved one can finish your dinner since you are assured that the limousine driver is just out there waiting for you. So it really doesn’t matter if you are heading home late, since your limousine driver [http://www.browardlimousine.com%20] will take you home safely.

Hawaii adventure hiking is a treat most visitors simply don’t experience – they are coming to relax on the beach, enjoy higher amenity levels, and only do short walks (e.g., from their vehicles or taking a stroll down the beach). There is another “side” to Hawaii, though – and that is adventure sports in these beautiful natural surroundings. One of the oldest axioms about adventure insists that you must be out of your “comfort level” for true adventure to occur! So, some of the Top 5 hikes listed here are quite difficult, and might take even the most avid backpacker out of their comfort zone – but they will be able to attest to incredible parts of Hawai’i that few see.

Because the islands are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, have a unique history, and are quite large in areal extent – the terrain is exotic, exhilarating, and often unique even to an experienced world hiker. The hiking conditions can be strange and dangerous – from actively eroding windward cliff trails in a green Tahiti-like jungle – to active lava conditions on the Big Island where you can get close to a “river of lava”. So…. from the thousands of hikes to choose, which are the five best in terms of inspiration, sheer outrageousness, beauty, and adventure? One author’s opinion, who is a 30 year veteran of Hawaii hiking adventures, is shown below.

Number 5: Alakai Swamp Trail. Waimea Canyon in western Kaua’i is often called “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. As you drive up the dramatic highway that runs up its side, it does appear quite similar to the Grand Canyon – with sculpted, reddish canyon walls and waterfalls sprinkled here and there. Its dimensions are much smaller, but the resemblance is real. The upper part of the canyon adds to the canyon’s strangeness, in that, there is a large plateau within the canyon that does not drain down canyon. It is a 4-5 million year old collapsed crater, and because of the “drainage problem” it hosts unusual plants and topography in an isolated high swamp. While you are hiking amidst incredible, unique plants and scenery, you can see Mount Wailaelae, which is often cited by climatologists as the rainiest patch of land on planet earth (on its windward flank). The beauty, unique lifeforms, and unusual characteristics of Alakai Swamp area make it a world class destination. Length: 8.0 miles Difficulty: Mild to Intermediate Elevation Change: approx. 50 meters

Number 4: Haleakala Crater to the Pacific Ocean. Maui’s most famous hike starts in the eerie and very inspirational mountain top crater, called Haleakala. It is full of cinder cones, and old lava flows. Many visitors do go up for the inspirational sunrise here – but very few consider hiking all the way down to the ocean! It is one wild hike with over 10,000 feet of elevation change. The good news it is all downhill, but those with bad knees best not attempt it. With twists and turns of the trail up and down the mountainside, hikers are treated to indescribable views of places like the Koolau Gap, and all the while with vistas down to the Pacific Ocean shoreline. Some experts have rated this as high as one of the top 5 hikes in the United States. The vistas, remoteness, elevation change, and varied tropic landscapes merit it! Length: 22 miles (one way) Difficulty: Very Difficult Elevation Change: +10,000 feet (but all downhill)

Number 3: Peak of Mauna Loa, The Big Island of Hawai’i is over twice as large as the rest of the Hawaiian Islands combined. It hosts 2 mountains over 13,600 feet above sea level. Both of these – Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea – are broad and diverse – with verdant rain forests on the windward side and literally deserts on the leeward side. You can drive to an incredible array of astronomical observatories at the top of Mauna Kea, but there are only arduous hikes to the top of Mauna Loa (and Mauna Loa volcano is classified as still very “active” by geologists). There are actually three trails to the top of Mauna Loa – so I maintain if you take the shortest route it is still plenty difficult! Because of the high altitude, even this shorter route is difficult at 12 miles. There is a cabin at the crater peak, though, which has bunks, blankets, and often even water (must check with NPS rangers). Length: 12 miles Difficulty: Extreme Elevation Change: 1000 meters

Number 2: Kalalau Trail The Na Pali Coast is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful place in the world’s most beautiful islands! The world-famous Kalalau Trail starts and ends on the Na Pali Coast. It starts where the road ends on the north coast of Kaua’i, and then is 17 miles to Kalalau Valley. The trail follows the Na Pali cliffs at various altitudes – sometimes right at ocean level, and sometimes up to 1000 feet above the ocean. Within the first 20 minutes the vistas are as fine as any in the world. The valley at the end was inhabited by several thousand Polynesians before the arrival of Europeans. It is filled with old fruit trees, vegetable patches, wild goats, wild pigs, and even coffee trees, Length: 22 miles Difficulty: Hard Elevation Change: 300 meters

Number 1: Big Island Active Lava Hike Hiking close to red hot lava can be dangerous, but it can also be one of the most adventurous experiences of one’s lifetime. As of 2011, active red hot lava can exude from several ever-changing locales on the Big Island. Thirty miles from Hilo, Kilauea Caldera has a smaller crater inset within it called Halemaumau Crater. It has been boiling for several years now, but the national park only allows you to see it from afar (about 1 kilometer), and therefore you don’t actually see lava. During the day you see billowing smoke and during the night you can see red hot glow emanating from the lava lake that is out of site and usually hundreds of feet below the rim. More active and accessible lava flows, some that you can walk up to, have been in various locales many times on the eastern half of the island over the past 100 years. If you go when there is an accessible active flow, and you can get to it – you can walk as close as you dare (watch out for burning your eye lashes). Other times there are active flows or craters as far as a 6 mile, wilderness hike – and many visitors over the years have ended up lost. Length: 100 yards to 12 miles Difficulty: Mild-Extreme Elevation Change: 0-200 meters

The Logistics: Where to base camp and getting supplies is not easy or straightforward to the first time visitor for each of these adventure locales. There are of course many options, and it is difficult to not believe it can only be done for a small fortune for the first or second time visitor. However, for Alakai Swamp on Kauai at the YWCA’s Camp Sloggett, you can rent a room, rent a bed, or camp right in Kokee State Park. Camp Sloggett is within throwing distance of some of the most mesmerizing day-hikes on the planet. It is best to get most all supplies in Lihue, although Waimea town at the base of the canyon does have some small stores. For the extensive hike on Maui from its tallest peak (Haleakala) down to the ocean, you need to backpack the entire trip. You can get a taxi, shuttle, or friend to shuttle – or hitch-hiking with backpacks to trailheads is quite accepted on the islands. And for the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s north shore, there is another hostel only one mile before the trailhead operated by the YMCA (on the beach side of the highway in Haena Beach 5 miles past Hanalei). It is only basic beds or camping, but it is right on an incredible beach! For the two hikes on the Big Island there is actually an inexpensive Volcano Hawaii hotel centrally located there. I recommend you base camp on The Big Island in Volcano Village (within 1 mile of the only national park entrance) because you can organize for two of the five most outrageous hikes in Hawaii basing yourself here! National park personnel and some locales can advise you on conditions and permits. Then, if I were you, I would fly over to Kauai and do two more… since it is the only other island with two of these five fabulous hikes.

Having lived in the surrounding communities of Vancouver all my life, I have also played tourist in this city that so many wish they could visit. Many people never visit the attractions of their own hometowns preferring instead to travel to faraway places.

Vancouver has many lovely places to visit. The following are only some of them:

Stanley Park – at 125 years old is the third largest park in North America. It has an 8.8 km seawall where people bike, skate and jog. The park is over 1,000 acres of serenity and beauty with a view of the ocean, many old trees and multiple gardens. Also in the park is a popular train, a replica of a CPR train from the late 1880’s. It winds its way 2 km over trestles and through tunnels and forests. During Halloween season it becomes a ghost train and at Christmas it is specially decorated for the season with thousands of lights. At the Aquarium, also in the park, there are many different exhibits. Particularly interesting are the jellyfish, and beluga and dolphin shows. There are over 50,000 varieties of species as well as many colourful butterflies for your enjoyment.

Science World – is a learning experience. Each visit is different and a day is hardly long enough to see everything. One time on a visit, dinosaur’s were featured and another time, it was the science of the human body. They have many shows and exhibits making Science World a great place for children and adults alike to visit.

Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge – built in 1889 gives access for walks through the surrounding rainforest. There is also a cliff walk, and a tree top adventure ideal for viewing 1,300 year old old-growth Douglas Firs. It is a great place to visit even if you are like me and want to enjoy the experience without the necessity of looking down into the great abyss below.

UBC Botanical Garden – is home to the Greenheart Canopy Walkway, a 1,010 foot aerial trail system offering a view of the natural beauty of the west coast forest. Many of these trees are over a century old. There is also the Nitobe Memorial Garden, an alpine garden and the Asian garden. We have been there in late Spring and early Summer but every season is beautiful.

Canada Place – home of the unique sails, hosts many events. We recently attended ‘Fly Over Canada’ which was a wonderful experience of soaring over our country with the breeze in our face as well as mists from Niagara Falls. From Canada Place you can look out over the water and see Stanley Park.

H.R. MacMillan Space Center (the Planetarium) – has exhibits, activities and various shows. It is very educational and is interesting for adults as well as the children in your family. Most of us who live in and near a city will never see the real beauty of the stars in the sky, the milky way or any part of the solar system. A visit here will show you what it’s like.

Granville Island – is not only a public market with fresh produce but is also home to galleries, childrens’ shops, jewelery stores, pottery, a brewing company and restaurants where you can sit and savor the beautiful views of the water and enjoy a great meal.

Gastown – is Vancouver’s oldest area, the original city. It has retained its historic atmosphere with cobbled streets, original buildings and old-style courtyards with shops and restaurants. There are tourist shops and a statue of ‘Gassy’ Jack Deighton who arrived in Vancouver in 1867 and opened the area’s first saloon. There is also an old steam clock which produces a Westminster-type chime to signal the time of day.

Grouse Mountain – in North Vancouver has a skyride, a zipline, paragliding, the popular grouse grind used by hikers and golfing on top of the mountain. For those more inclined to enjoy the mountain in a less exuberant manner, there is the gondola ride to the peak for dinner where you can overlook the skyline of Vancouver with its beautiful sunsets and mountain vistas.

The Seabus to Lonsdale Quay Public Market – where you can purchase fresh produce at the market as well as assorted other foods. Sitting at tables provided for an impromptu lunch, you can admire the city of Vancouver and contemplate looking further at flower arrangements, arts and crafts, jewelery or sweets. The Seabus is an adventure in itself.

Even as a resident of one of Vancouver’s suburbs, and one who has been to these attractions often, I can still appreciate all that Vancouver has to offer. Any one of them make for a great day of entertainment.

If you want to ride the waves of Oahu without the crow that flocks such North Shore surf spots, head to Yokohama Bay in the northernmost part of leeward Oahu. Also referred to as Keawaula Beach or Puau Beach, Yokohama Bay is a hidden Hawaiian treat for surfers, beachgoers, and nature lovers located near Kaena Point in Waianaie Coast at the end of Farrington Highway. The bay offers white-sanded, crescent-shaped bay against a backdrop of jagged pali cliffs. Characterized by trade wind breezes and hot, sunny days, Yokohama Bay is truly one beach paradise left unspoiled by development.

The bay offers clear clue waters ideal for snorkeling, diving, shore fishing, picnicking, shell collecting, swimming, and sunbathing. To enjoy Yokohama in those manners it is best to visit Yokohama Bay during summer months when the ocean is calm.

In winter, the surf goes up as high as 20-feet. Surfers and body boarders take the waves here. High surfs, strong currents, and strong shore breaks become Yokohama Bay. Surfers also have to deal with the wind here — which can blow erratically and unpredictably at times. Some days, the wind will blow offshore, while some days, the wind will blow onshore for half an hour, then change onshore for another fraction of an hour, then reverse to offshore again.

During high surf months, non-pro surfers should just stay on the shore and watch the excitation of the surf and the surfers tackling the waves of Yokohama — high winter swells are extremely dangerous.

Services and amenities: lifeguards and restrooms at the park entrance, no bus service, no facilities

Unique Things:

• The bay is the last beach down Farrington Highway.
• It is also the last stretch of sandy shore on Leeward Coast.
• It is part of the Kaena Point State Park,
• The bay is also known as Keawaula Beach or Puau Beach, but the west side locales who most frequent the beach prefer to call it Yokohama Bay — after the name of the city (Yokohama, Japan) where the Japanese immigrant who lived and fished in the shoreline came from.
• It is near Kaena Point, which is the "jump off" of souls to the spiritual world according to legend.

If you’re salt water fishing the Pacific Coast from Mexico, Central America to Ecuador, here are some species of game fish you’re likely to meet while trolling, long lining or jigging natural live baits in deep, warm waters near the coastline. The common names are listed above the scientific name.

Aguja (Needle fish or Dagger Fish)

Strongylura Scapularis

Aguja is a unique, green-boned predator that fights to the death. The long mouth is filled to the brim with rows of needle-sharp teeth and its slender, streamlined torso give it the name “Needles”. Seventy to one hundred cm in length and weighing up to 20 or more pounds, they can mate in as little as every 15 days. When they reach a meter or more in length, they can be quite dangerous to the inexperienced Aguja fisherman. I have the scars to prove it. They’ll go for a variety of live baits including flying fish or fresh cut bait on treble hooks and are abundant year-round. They’re best caught very early in the morning or at night near bait fish feeding grounds. Aguja is one of the most sought-after eating fish on the Pacific Coast. They’re absolutely delicious despite the strange-looking lime green bones.

Sierra, Common Sierra or Castilla

Scomberomorus Sierra

These fierce, voracious predators range from 20 to 40 cm in length and typically weigh from 6 to 8 pounds of lure-slamming, fighting fury. They’ll be more abundant during the months of June, July and August. Open waters near the coast or adjacent to coral formations are common hot spots these toothy targets that hit silver spoons with fish-catching regularity. Live bait of bait fish, squid or sardines work very well too. Their normal forage also includes shrimp and small crabs. Another of the most sought-after eating fish on the Pacific Coast.

Dorado (also known as Chimbila)

Coryphaena Hippurus

Most commonly caught in the length of 80 to 90 cm, weighing 12 to 15 pounds, they can measure one meter or more in length and weigh up to 30 pounds. They like tranquil waters near the surface and will hit top water plugs that imitate live bait fish. Extremely abundant during the months of December and January, they are often easily spotted feeding at or very near the surface. Watch for jumping, fleeing schools of panicked small fish. They’re normally loners, but can travel in small groups of up to eight fish. Their aerial acrobatics make them loads of fun to hook, but tricky to land.

Make a hookup with any of these denizens of the not-so-deep and I guarantee you won’t get bored. If you want to meet them all in a day or two, try some of their known “hangouts” near the Utria National Park waters at Ensenada off Colombia’s Pacific Coast. They’ll all be thereabouts from December through March. If you’d like to see some photos of members of this “Pacific Coast Posse”, e-mail the author at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com .

Good luck on your next fishing trip.

One of the coolest cities for walking is Honolulu with the highlight being Waikiki. You will find giant statues, huge koi ponds, penguins, amazing artwork and fireworks, they use to have miniature golf but the giants made them move, and that is just one location that you will see on the Waikiki walking tour over at the Hilton Hawaiian village resort.

Waikiki at some point of everyday enjoys perfect walking weather, some days early in the morning, in the winter in the midday sun, or if you want to catch the fireworks on Friday nights, the evenings are almost always perfect, basically what you would expect for paradise.

The degree of difficulty is very easy! You will find drinking water faucets in many locations on the walk and if you get tired you can always walk a couple of blocks and catch a taxi or a bus in Waikiki, to any place in Waikiki or Honolulu. This walking tour is basically flat with most of the walk on sidewalks with very few streets to cross, considering that you are in the middle of the 14th largest city in the USA. As a treat bring your bathing suit and you can take a shower in several locations after a swim in the perfect temperature ocean water of Hawaii.

Bring a hat and sun screen not needed at night. The only danger you are likely to encounter is a mischievous local giving direction that start off with something like this “go to the ABC Store “bra” and turn left till you get to “da kind” white Out Rigger hotel “bra”, then turn right two blocks to “da kind” ABC Store in the white Out Rigger hotel “garens bra””

Honolulu is on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Waikiki is a neighborhood of Honolulu. Waikiki basically encompasses everything inside of the Ali Wai cannel with Diamondhead and the Pacific Ocean making the other borders.

To begin the tour you can start walking from the ocean at the beginning of the Ali Wai where it drains into the ocean and walk toward Diamondhead, when you hit Kapiolani Ave turn right towards the fire house and then follow the outskirts of Kapiolani park veering towards the left; At the other ocean end of Kapiolani, right after you have walked under Diamondhead, where the tennis courts and archery range are located, you will come to a junction, turn right and follow the ocean and you will get back to your starting point. For a bonus walk 1 block extra and you are at the worlds largest open air mall Ala Moana.

You are probably a little tired after your walk and deserve a cool treat have an ice cream cone at Dave’s ice cream in the Ala Manoa mall and lets reflect a little on what you have seen. Starting at the Ala Wai Cannel on the left you have the beautiful Manoa valley with the Waikiki sky line on the right past the fire station past Diamondhead which has a great hike all its own, through Kapiolani park, one of the best city parks in the world, Past the aquarium, the zoo, and all the Waikiki beaches. You have walked past world class shopping with names like Neiman Marcus, Prada, DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger, cruised by all the 5 star Waikiki Luxury hotels, past the War museum at Fort DeRussy, into the Hilton Hawaiian Village over to the Ali Wai boat harbor, man we saw allot, “Dave, make that a double!”

After zip line rides, whale watching excursions, sunset dinner cruises, surfing lessons, helicopter tours, et cetera, et cetera, you may be ready for a low budget, relaxing day on Maui. There is no better place than Lahaina, the old capital and favorite home site of the Hawaiian kings. Time for a low cost exploration of Front Street, Lahaina’s main street which runs along the coast.

A good place to start is the banyan tree. Not a banyan tree, but THE banyan tree in the park between Front Street and Lahaina’s marina. The banyan tree, planted in 1873 when it was only eight feet tall, now covers two thirds of an acre with a diameter of 200 feet. There are many benches available so we will use one of these to sit and plan our trip. There is usually plenty of room except on some weekends when it is the site of an arts and crafts exhibition/marketplace.

Adjacent to the banyan tree is the Old Lahaina Court House which is now a free public museum and bookstore. It is a great place to learn about the history of Maui with emphasis on the early missionaries and the whaling industry. If you are getting hungry, there is a Burger King on the other side of Front Street.

In front of the Court House is the Lahaina Harbor and Marina. It doesn’t cost anything to walk along the docks and check out the whale watching and sport fishing boats. Take your time and you might be offered a bargain trip for later.

Next to the park is the local school. Walk past it staying on the ocean side of Front Street and you will come to Kamehameha Iki Park.

This is the finish line for a race held every January which features a marathon, half marathon, 15k and 5k. They all finish at the same place which makes for some challenging logistics. Walk out and sit on the beach or under one of the shade trees. There will usually be a surfing class a hundred yards out.

Retrace your steps on Front Street and check out the Pioneer Inn, built in 1904 and lovingly restored. Stop in for a drink at happy hour and listen to the music. We especially enjoyed Tuesday nights with Ah Tim, a big Hawaiian with a voice to match his size.

Pick up a brochure for the Lahaina Historical Trail. There are over 25 sites within this small area of Lahaina.

Next to the Pioneer Inn is a small park, the site of the Hauola Royal Birthing Stone, where royalty came to birth their children. There is also a brick outline at the site of one of the Hawaiian king’s summer home. This is the perfect place to sit on the sea wall and watch the sun set over the island of Lanai across the channel.

If you are ready for a mile hike and some more good food head up Front Street to Aloha Mixed Plate. Try the loco moco for breakfast or the combination plate for lunch or dinner. This is the best bargain on Maui. Great view of the water with all the tables shaded by huge trees and umbrellas.

Enjoy your almost free day. There is enough to see and do in Lahaina that it may take you several days, a week, or a lifetime.

Parasailing has become one of the most popular beach recreational activities around the world. It’s a way to put together a vacation with your friends and enjoy an exhilarating activity too. You can do parasailing solo or by pairs with no experience necessary.

What is important is to find the best location for parasailing to suite your adrenalin needs and budget. Australia boasts the most wonderful and breathtaking parasailing locations you could ever discover.

1. Ocean Marina, Mandurah, Western Australia.

A world class marina, parasail over the north and south harbour. Enjoy breathtaking views of marine wildlife, the atrium, and seashells resort.

2. South Perth Parasailing, Western Australia.

Fly 300ft right above the gorgeous Swan River soaking up amazing sights of Perth, Kings Park and the Old Swan Brewery.

3. Indian Ocean, Perth, Western Australia.

Fly over the Indian Ocean towards the western sun at 300ft above untouched waters with a spectacular view of the Rottnest Island, Perth City and the magnificent coast. Parasailing experience is at its best in this location which uses the winch boat method.

4. Gold Coast, Queensland.

Go into the greater thrills as parasailing in this location gives you a perfect view of Broadwater and the Surfer’s Paradise skyline. Gold Coast parasailing adventures are packaged with adrenaline pumping jet ski and speedboat thrills.

5. Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, NSW.

Enjoy a 10 minute flight above the ocean with a most breathtaking view of over 160 dolphins, topping off the most spectacular marine wonderland your eyes will ever feast on. Enjoy Port Stephens from a rare and fantastic angle.

6. Sydney Harbour, NSW.

Soar high in the sky at 450ft above water and enjoy an exhilarating experience of the harbour and surrounding areas. View from Manly Cove to Watsons Bay of the Sydney Heads. Choose between solo and tandem parasailing. Either way you’ll be able to access an incredible sight and an unbeatable experience.

7. Granite Island Causeway, Victor Harbour, South Australia.

Experience Fleurieu Peninsula in a whole new level as you parasail over Victor Harbour’s pristine rugged coastlines and the most dramatic beaches.

8. Peel Coast, Western Australia.

Parasailing here gives you amazing views of Mandurah’s coastline, marine wildlife from over 400ft.

9. Port Douglas Parasailing, North Queensland.

Enjoy the breathtaking view of Port Douglas and Four Mile Beach.

10. Cairns, North Queensland.

Fly and choose a refreshing dip trying the pristine waters of Trinity Inlet.