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Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay Viewpoint, Kaelakekua State Historical Park

October 18, 2022 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay Viewpoint, Kaelakekua State Historical Park

See ancient Hawaiian relics at the Kaelakekua State Historical Park and the 27-foot-high Captain James Cook monument marking his demise at Kealakekua Bay Viewpoint on the Big Island of Hawaii.

British explorer Capitan James Cook landed at Kealakekua Bay in January of 1779 to repair a broken mast. Initially relations with the local Indigenous people was reportedly positive, however as the weeks won on, Cook and his men outstayed their welcome. On February 14, 1779, Cook attempted to take the Hawaiian King by force, but the Hawaiians resisted. A Hawaiian nobleman was shot, and Cook and his men were driven back to the shore. It was there in the shallows of the water that Cook was bludgeoned and stabbed to death.

An obelisk was set up as a memorial by his fellow countrymen in 1878, on land that, while still technically part of the United States, is owned by the British. A small plaque in the surf marks the exact spot where Cook is believed to have died. Just behind the obelisk in the forest are the ruins of the ancient village of Kaawaloa.

Today the site is a popular location for snorkeling due to its clear and calm conditions. Dolphins, manta rays and tropical fish are commonly seen in these waters.

You can reach the monument via a boat tour, kayak or a 4 mile hike.

The viewpoint at Kealakekua Bay is a beautiful spot to picnic, spot the obelisk from quite the distance across the bay, and enjoy the ancient Hawaiian landmarks in the Kealakekua State Historical Park. Please respect the historic relics and do not tread on them.

Read more about visiting the Captain Cook Monument here and here.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo
Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay
Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Hawaiian Big Island Waikoloa Petroglyphs

October 18, 2022 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Hawaiian Big Island Waikoloa Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs, or kiʻi pōhaku, are lava rock carvings etched into stone centuries ago by Native Hawaiians. Carvings can be found at various sites around the Big Island of Hawaii, such as the Waikaloa Petroyglyph Field.

While the true meanings of the petroglyphs are unknown, it is thought that the carvings of human forms, canoes, turtles and symbols were used record the births and other significant events in the lives of the ancient Hawaiians.

Some petroglyphs date as far back as to the 16th century, The word “Petroglyph” comes from the Greek words, “petros” for rock, and “glyphein” to carve, Hawaiians call this form of rock art “k’i’i pohaku“, or images in stone.

There are many captivating petroglyphs fields throughout the island of Hawaiʻi, with the Waikoloa Petroglyph Field being one of the best preserved sites.

The Waikoloa petroglyph preserve is one of the two petroglyph fields north of Kailua-Kona (south Kohala). Keep on the designated trail through the lava field to see petroglyphs scattered on the rock face in all directions. Some petroglyphs are recognisable as figures or birds, humans or canoes, as well as cryptic dots and lines. Western influences appear in the form of horses and English initials.

Other nearby petroglyph fields are the Pukao Petroglyph field and the Pu’u Loa petroglyphs near Volcano Village.

To reach the Waikaloa Petroglyphs, from Kailua-Kona, take Highway 19 north for 25 minutes to the first stop light after the airport, and turn left towards the Waikoloa beach resorts. Continue for about a quarter mile and then turn right at the first parking lot next to the gas/petrol station, park and then walk to the right of the station and pick up the Kings trail (also known as the Kiholo Puako trail).

The petroglyphs are located is about a quarter of a mile north of the Waikoloa Kings Shops, located on the Kings walking trail.

When visiting, stay on the designated path and do not touch the petroglyphs. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to photograph the petroglyphs.

The Waikaloa Petroglyph Field is right in the middle of a golf course, which makes for an interesting location to visit in the middle of a resort area. Look out for golf balls when visiting!

There is a flock of Hawwaiian nene that lives in the golf course area, near the petroglyph area to look out for. The official state bird of Hawaii, the nene is the rarest goose breed in the world.

Read more about petroglyph sites.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo
Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay
Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

The Langham, Melbourne: Hotel Review

October 18, 2022 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

The Langham, Melbourne: Hotel Review

The Langham, Melbourne is a five star hotel located on the banks of the Yarra River. It’s ideally located within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, and has many amenities that make a stay here a stand-out.

The rooms at The Langham, Melbourne, come with either one king or two twin beds. Families can request a rollaway bed for an additional nightly fee. Warning – the bed is pretty hard!

We love the comfortable king bed at The Langham, and the general decor and ambiance of the hotel. Some points for improvement however would be built-in charging stations or additional wall sockets for device chargers closer to the beds.

Room amenities:

Refrigerated private bar
MP3 dock to play music in room and bathroom
Wardrobes, iron, and ironing board
Media hub to connect your laptop with the TV
Tea and coffee making facilities
42-inch LCD TV with Digital IPTV system
Langham Blissful Bed
Soft Langham bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries
Large marble bathroom, with separate shower and bath
Complimentary nightly turn down service including The Langham bottled water
Free WiFi

The Langham, Melbourne features Melba Restaurant, home to an award-winning buffet (open 6:30am – 11pm, daily) and Aria Bar & Lounge (10am – 11pm, daily), which is where their famed high tea service takes place.

You can read about our high tea experience at The Langham Melbourne, here.

Daily buffet breakfast takes place in the Melba Restaurant, and is a highlight for our family of our stay. The buffet includes cooking stations and a chocolate fountain.

A stay at the Langham, Melbourne, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Chuan Spa (6am – 9pm, Monday to Friday; treatments available by appointment only at various hours). We enjoyed a delightful massage during our stay.

The Langham, Melbourne, also has a fitness studio with cardio machines (open 24/7) and a 15-metre long indoor swimming pool (6am – 9pm, Monday to Friday, 8am – 9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 9pm, Public Holidays).

THE LANGHAM, MELBOURNE
1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria 3006, Australia
T:61 (3) 8696 8888
E:tlmel.info@langhamhotels.com
langhamhotels.com

Find more things to do in Melbourne here.

High Tea Camden: Brookfield House

October 10, 2022 / High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

High Tea Camden: Brookfield House

Enjoy high tea in historic Brookfield House Camden, constructed for the mounted infantry in 1896 and lovingly restored to its former glory by a local family. Brookfield House was recently reopened as a tea house and store.

The house has been beautifully and thoughtfully renovated with stunning floral designs on the walls and chairs. The venue is also wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a ramp around the side and chair lift to the back entrance.

The high tea at Brookfield House is a delightful, whimsical experience. Delicious food, fragrant, locally brewed teas, and friendly staff who are eager to make diners feel welcome.

The portion sizes are excellent for kids and adults, and the food delectable. Dietary requirements catered for (we had one child and one adult vegetarian).

Do not leave without perusing the gift store. The tea ware and locally produced tea are impossible to walk past.

Brookfield House
30 Hill St, Camden NSW 2570
Hours: 9am-4pm Wed-Sat, 10am-2pm Sun
brookfieldhouse.com.au

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MINIONS: The Rise of the Gru Children’s Tea at the Langham Sydney

September 27, 2022 / High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

MINIONS: The Rise of the Gru Children’s Tea

It’s time to don your denim overalls, grab your goggles and head back into the ’70s as we celebrate the movie release of Minions: The Rise of Gru.

From sweet delights such as Minion’s favourite banana and salted caramel mousse and Valrhona chocolate cupcakes, to savoury surprises including Kevin’s Mac & Cheese and Otto’s pepperoni and cheese pizza.

This September school holidays treat your little ones to a fun-filled, movie-inspired children’s tea at Kitchens on Kent.

Savoury
Minion’s fairy bread
Ham and cheese finger sandwich
Kevin’s mac and cheese arancini
Otto’s pepperoni and cheese pizza

Sweet
Minion’s favourite banana and salted caramel mousse
Stuart’s Heilala vanilla cookie
Valrhona chocolate cupcake
Bob’s passionfruit macaron

Beverages
Banana and chocolate swirl smoothie
Lightening Blue soda

Dietary Requirements
Please note all dietary requirements must be advised at time of booking as we cannot accommodate these requests or change menu on the day. Any changes to menu items to accommodate dietary requirements does not guarantee it will be as per the children’s tea themed menu. We will endeavour to accommodate all dietary requirements however there is no guarantee (please enquire when making a booking).

We are vegetarian and were very happily accommodated with a plain cheese pizza and egg sandwich.

In the background the minions movie is playing which is great for entertaining the kids if they get wriggly during the high tea.

The Langham, Sydney
Monday 19th September to Friday 23rd September
Monday 26th September to Friday 30th September
Tuesday 4th October to Friday 7th October
11:00am – 1:00pm | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost: $78.00 per child, including Minions plush toy, and colouring activity
From $98 per adult for traditional high tea including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival

Book your tickets now at Kitchens on Kent.

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Day Trip Highlights

September 23, 2022 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Day Trip Highlights

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island, to walk through lava tubes, see ancient petroglyphs and walk around the rim of Kilauea volcano.

About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the five volcanoes on the Big Island – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – which are also among the most active volcanoes in the world.

Due to the nature of the unpredictable nature of volcanoes, you may or may not see lava flow or glow during your visit. Check the website before you plan your visit if this is the primary reason for going. No matter if you do or don’t see lava, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is absolutely worth visiting.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so big that you could easily spend a few days exploring. If you are pressed for time however, it is possible to see highlights on a day trip to the park.

It costs $25 per car to enter the park. The pass is valid for up to seven days, so you can return and see more if you like.

Getting to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located in the Southeastern part of the Big Island in a region called Puna, right by the appropriately named town of Volcano.

There are two ways to reach Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: from Kailua-Kona (a 2 hour drive) and Hilo (a 45 minute drive). We have done a tour group which is great for ensuring you see the highlights and don’t have the driving fatigue if you are returning back to the Kailua-Kona side, but you can also hire a car and self-drive around the park, which we have also done and enjoyed for being able to pick and choose what we wanted to see and spend as much or little time as we wanted doing it.

Where to stay at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

If you want to stay inside the park, Volcano House your best bet. It’s located right across from the Visitor’s Centre.

Most people visit the park as part of a day trip and afterwards to head to Hilo for the night or returned to Kailua-Kona and other towns further north.

Kīlauea Visitor Center

Kīlauea Visitor Center is the best place to stop when first entering the park (just past the park entrance station on the right). You can pick up a map, get advice from rangers and volunteers on the current conditions, things to do and the daily schedule of ranger-led activities. You can also pick up a kids’ guide to the park.

There is a small shop inside the Visitor’s Center operated by the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association selling books, posters and other educational materials.

Kīlauea Visitor Center hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
Open today: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Steam Vents at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Wahinekapu aka Steam Vents is less than a mile past the Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. It’s an easy spot to access (parking can however be tricky) and perfect for introducing kids to the power of a volcano. The steam vents are where rain and water seeps into the warm volcanic rock, which omits the steam we see from the surface.

You can also look out over Kilauea volcano from Wahinekapu Steam Vents. The area is of special significance to Hawaiians who view it as a place of healing or an area where they can come to release bad toxins or vibes.

Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube

Walk through a 500-year old lava tube where a river of 2000 degree fahrenheit (1093° celsius) lava once flowed. The path leading to the lava tube winds through a lush rainforest. Note there are lots of steps involved getting down to and from the lava tube so the path is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Parking is extremely limited at Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). We parked instead at nearby Kīlauea Iki Overlook and walked the 2.4km round trip trail which is actually a lovely reasonably flat and easy loop walk. The lava tube is lit 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Flashlights are recommended outside of those hours. Please check that Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is open before attempting to visit. It closed indefinitely right after our visit in July 2022.

Get more ideas on a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Day Trip.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo
Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay
Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Rainbow Falls Hilo: Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii

September 16, 2022 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Rainbow Falls Hilo: Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii

Rainbow Falls is located in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Named for the rainbows that are often spotted in its mist each morning, Rainbow Falls are 80 feet tall and almost 100 feet in diameter. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name and means “rainbow seen in water”.

Part of the Hawai’i State Parks, there is no fee to see the falls.

Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

Follow the path to the left of the look out to walk to a viewpoint at the top of Rainbow Falls.

Restrooms are available. To get to Rainbow Falls, take Waianuenue Ave. from downtown Hilo mauka for approximately two miles. Rainbow Drive branches off to the right just after crossing a bridge. Follow the signs to the parking lot. The park opens at sunrise and closes at dusk.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park: Waterfalls of Hawaii

September 15, 2022 / Hawaii, USA / 0 comment

ʻAkaka Falls State Park: Waterfalls of Hawaii

See majestic ʻAkaka Falls, 442 ft high & one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii, & Kahuna Falls in the one short hike.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park is located at the end of End of ʻAkaka Falls Road (Hwy. 220), 3.6 miles SW of Honomū on the northeastern Hilo Coast.

The 0.4-mile hike goes down into the valley via quite a lot of steps, so the path is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. It is, however, a short, easy walk for kids. The path weaves through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns.

Along the paved path first is 100-foot Kahuna Falls, followed around the bend by towering ʻAkaka Falls which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge.

There is reasonable parking in the car park. A fee must be paid to enter ʻAkaka Falls State Park and see the waterfalls.

Read more about ‘Akaka FallsnState Park

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo
Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay
Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Blooming Beautiful! Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

September 14, 2022 / Historical Sydney, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Blooming Beautiful! Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Wistaria Gardens, in Parramatta Park, blooms every spring with wisteria, flowering peach trees and a spectacular display of seasonal flowers.

One of only three surviving large-scale Edwardian/Federation Gardens in Sydney, Wistaria Gardens was formerly part of the Cumberland Hospital site, along with heritage listed Glengarriff House. The two-hectare gardens and house were originally built as the residence for the Medical Superintendent of the Parramatta Lunatic Asylum in 1906.

The historic Wistaria Gardens and Glengarriff House have recently become part of UNESCO-listed Parramatta Park after the NSW Parliament passed legislation to recognise the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust (GSPT).

Now a public space where visitors are welcome, Wistaria Gardens is a stunning place to visit each spring with its spectacular display of Chinese wisteria, Japanese wisteria, flowering peach, almond trees, palm trees, tree gardenia and English elms.

Parramatta Park was established in 1857 and is one of 11 sites that form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Wistaria Gardens is located at the northern end of Parramatta Park. Entry is via Byrnes Avenue, near The Picnic Ground inside Parramatta Park. Limited parking is available nearby within the park.

Dogs are welcome in the park (please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it!). There are very few amenities located in the park. A few plastic chairs are scattered around however we suggest bringing a picnic blanket and some food and lounging for a while to enjoy the sweet-smelling blooms.

Wistaria Gardens
1 Hainsworth St, Westmead
parrapark.com.au

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Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

September 14, 2022 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

Punaluu black sand beach, on the Big Island of Hawaii, was once a white sand beach that was turned black by lava flowing over it and into the ocean. The black sand is formed by smooth fragments of lava that cools at it hits the ocean and splits into tiny pieces that, over time, build up to form the black sand beaches.

There are several black sand beaches in Hawaii due to the constant volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with Punaluu Black Sand Beach probably the most famous of them.

While Punaluu Black Sand Beach isn’t the best swimming beach on the island, people do swim there. Facilities include a picnic area and restrooms, however there are no nearby cafes or restaurants so bring in your own picnic.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is also famous for its large honu residents. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles frequent the beach to bask in the sun. There are often sea turtles and beautiful fish offshore if you are a strong swimmer and into snorkelling.

There is plenty of free parking both next to the beach and it an adjacent car park. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours (they also yell at the tourists to keep away from the honu). Grills are also available for bbqs and there is a camping ground.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is best tied into a drive to or from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The beach is a short detour off Highway 11 between the towns of Volcano Village and Naalehu.

Get more ideas on things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo
Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay
Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii