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Hawaii

Kate Thomas Maui Expedia

Exploring Maui with the Expedia Viewfinders #Video

I’m so excited to share this video with you. I produced it this year in Maui on a trip with the Expedia Viewfinder team. And as you likely already know (or gathered from the video), I work as a spokesperson for Expedia. And I’m one of the Expedia Viewfinders – a group of travel writers who covers the world for the Expedia Viewfinder blog. We share our travel experiences and expertise with travelers so they can confidently book their vacations. And we do this by providing city guides, restaurant and hotel recommendations, and travel tips. Check out the Expedia Viewfinder blog here. For more Maui, these are just a few posts from our coverage of the island: A Guide to…

travel with kate snorkel kayak maui turtle

Learning the way of the sea turtle in Maui

It was a beautiful morning in Maui. The sun had already peaked up over the mountains to the East and a light, humid breeze rustled through the palm trees. I ate breakfast at the lovely buffet at the Fairmont Kea Lani at 8am. Papaya and strawberries. Toast with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers. A spinach, mushroom omelet. A pot of coffee. And by 8:45, I was driving down the road to Makena Landing Park (less than 10 minutes away) to go for a kayak and snorkel with Maui Kayaking Adventures. Despite this idyllic morning, I was feeling tense. Just after my kayaking tour, I needed to hustle back to the hotel for hair and makeup for a video I…

Exploring Hanalei Bay Town (VIDEO)

Whether you are drawn to Hanalei Bay, Kauai as a beach getaway, for the surfing or the hiking, you will inevitably spend some time in town wandering around, relaxing with a tropical drink and enjoying a meal. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you.…

Kate Thomas

A Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson in Kauai (VIDEO)

<iframe width=”640″ height=”360″ src=”//www.youtube.com/embed/uFthC83ZjUY” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe> When in Hanalei Bay in Kaua’i, having a go on a stand up paddle board is a must. There are many rental shops around town. I rented from the Hanalei Beach Boys Surf Shack where you can also get a lesson! In this video one of their instructors shows me the basics.…

The Coconut Experience in Kauai

When I first arrived in Kauai, my family and I drove from the airport in Lihue to Hanalei Bay, where we are staying. The views outside the window were stunning with lush mountains, taro fields alive with color and stunning ocean views. I also noticed a roadside shack, just outside Hanalei, that peaked my interest. Just the name of the place, The Coconut Experience, had my mind aglow imaging myself chewing on fresh coconut meat and sipping refreshing coconut water from a straw. So of course, I came back to capture the coconut experience for myself. And I found much more than I imagined.…

Going for a Hike Along the Na Pali Coast in Kaua’i (PHOTOS)

On the northwest end of Hanalei Bay, Kauai is the Na Pali Coast State Park.  It is a fifteen-mile stretch along the water with majestic views and hiking trails that weave atop the cliffs. Here’s what you need to know if you if you are visiting. You can hike through the park as well as access it™s many hidden beaches by sea or soar over it by helicopter. As for me, I went on the hike along the Kalalau Trail that starts right at Ke™e Beach “ the western most beach in Hanalei. As you set out on the hike you will immediately realize a few things. It is steep, muddy, and slippery. And you know it is good for…