Capturing the Moment

  Beautiful view from above of Wailua Falls. Almost no one gets to see from this angle unless they fly over in a helicopter. There are amazing hikes and waterfalls on all of the Hawaiian Islands. But there is something special about how easy it is on Kauai to experience some of the best that the island has to offer. Many of these waterfalls in this post, you can drive right up and check out from an easy overlook. We did a easy/moderate hike to another waterfall called Ho'opi'i falls, which was well worth it. All of this post was done in one day, and all are relatively close together. We saw three waterfalls and did three hikes. Waterfalls: Wailua Falls, Opaeka'a Falls, and Ho'opi'i Falls Hikes: Hoopii Falls Trail, Sleeping Giant, Tree Swing This island is just filled with adventure. If you have never been, definitely check it out. Rent a car, drive for two days, and you will see so much of the same stuff. Wailua Falls, tumbling down into a swimming hole that is only...

  This should be an Alaska postcard. We sent our small boats to get a closer look at the waterfall. I think this vision will be seared in my memory for a long time. After raining all week, and putting our foul weather gear to the test, we got a moments respite. The tops of the mountains poked out, covered in a deep layer of snow still, and the waterfalls cascaded into the bay. We had this little cove all to ourselves. Prince William Sound still feels like the wild frontier. Our little secret. We took out kayaks and small boats to get a better look. Even though it wasn't raining, it felt like it when we got close to the falls. The power and force of that amount of water created its own wind and blasted us with mist. It was a scene to remember.

  Moss Glen Falls, as seen from the overlook. There is a pretty steep section of the hike at the end here to get to this lookout, but it is worth it. This is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Vermont. Moss Glen Falls is considered to be one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Vermont. A short hike through beaver countryside, on a well maintained boardwalk, takes you to a scenic overlook of the 125 foot falls. It is pretty easily accessible, however there is a steep section at the very end to get up to the overlook. Just walking through the beaver habitat is reason enough to come here. The beaver home is visible in one of the ponds they have created by damming up the stream. Ducks play in the newly created ponds, and snakes sneak out from under the boardwalk. Springtime is here, which means all the animals are coming out of the winter slumber. It is still a little cold to play in the clear water, but that will come with summer. I really wanted to fly my drone here, but it is ...

  The payoff at the end of the hike, Manoa Falls. It is a slippery, but beautiful trek through the rainforest, ending at this picturesque waterfall. The trail used to go right down to the pool, but after some rock fall injuries at a nearby waterfall, the authorities have signed off getting that close. We also noticed a huge mesh net up the hill, designed to catch any falling rocks before they hit the crowd. One of the closest hikes to Waikiki, besides the very popular Diamond Head Hike, is the Manoa Falls Hike. It is a family friendly, 1.8mile roundtrip hike through a lush rainforest. Once you enter the jungle, you instantly feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. And the surroundings also might look familiar, if you are a fan of the TV show Lost, or the first Hunger Games movie. This was the rainforest setting for both. Huge fern line the stream, while tall trees form a canopy above. Sturdy shoes are very helpful, since it is almost always muddy and slippery on the ...