Kauai was long known for its sugar production. Although the once great sugar plantations are gone now, the legacy of the laborers hired by the Lihue Sugar Plantation, the Hanama’ulu ditch system still remains. This series of canals and tunnels designed to bring water to the sugar cane fields from the water falls and streams of Mt. Waialeale now offers a chance for a new way to enjoy Kauai. Take a leisurely trip on a giant inner tube through the ditch and tunnel system to enjoy the scenery as well as the cool mountain breezes. Cost is $102 per person for the 3 hour experience and a picnic style lunch including a jeep ride to the Plantation irrigation system location. Ages 5 and older are welcome on this special tour. Wear a swimsuit, beach shoes, sunscreen and a hat for this tour. Water proof insect repellent is also recommended. Reservations can be made online at the Kauai Backcountry Adventure’s website.
If you are visiting the Volcanoes National Park area of Hawaii, be sure to stop by the unique Volcano Winery located just 3 miles west of the park at mile marker 30 on Highway 11. Open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 5: 30 P.M., the winery features exotic Hawaiian wines made from grapes, tropical fruits and honey. From dry whites to sweet blushes to special Macadamia Nut Honey dessert wine, the winery has great, award winning wines that are sure to please every palate. Wines can be sampled in the tasting room as well as shipped back home for later enjoyment. A gift shop with wine accessories and Hawaiian gifts is also on site. 
One of the most wonderful sights is watching the Humpback whales playing in the warm Hawaiian waters from December to late March or early April. Humpbacks come to the warm Hawaiian waters to mate and then a year later to birth their calves. As a result, you will often see them frolicking and breaching even from the shoreline. While the whales are most numerous off the coast of Maui, you can book whale tours from each of the islands to get “up close and personal” with the giant and elegant creatures. While the whales are in their mating and breeding season, they do not eat so they may lose up to a third of their body weight while basking in the Hawaiian waters. After their breeding season is over, the whales head north for cooler summer waters.
Humpbacks at Play
