It doesn't get much better than this! That thought stayed with us for quite some time after snorkeling with turtles at Kahalu'u Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.

During our six weeks in Hawaii we experienced all the facets of this tropical paradise.

We first braved the hustle-bustle of Waikiki and then experienced the tranquility of Poipu on the Garden Isle of Kauai. Next Hawaiian Air dropped us off in the desolate lava fields near Kona on the Big Island.

Our car rental company had no objections with our plan to take Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. This took us to a rather cool altitude of 2150 metres at the midway point!

We discovered first hand why the windward side is so lush. Janice and I huddled under our umbrella as the deluge watered the jungle-like Tropical Botanical gardens near Hilo.

Our last resort was the Bay Club at Waikaloa. It lived up splendidly to its gold-crown status even if it was humbled a bit by the Hilton Waikaloa Village across the avenue.

Manoa Falls

Phil and Janice on the beach

Back in Waikiki for two more days prior to our return, we were treated by some friends (who now live there). First came a hike to Manoa Falls, which is only several miles away in the mountains behind the city. Later we viewed the first three hours or so of a very long parade, sipping Mai Tais, from their condo twenty-two floors above the route.

Using timeshare exchanges made a quality vacation affordable and also rather exciting!

- Phil Stel