Boating: Fresh Catch – Leatherback (lai) and Manybar Goatfish (moano)

New to the boating community, this was only our 4th voyage out on the Swell Life. We would’ve typically waiting for a glassy morning to jump aboard "The Swell Life" and go fishing but with gusting winds for days lifting we went out of our comfort zone. Light winds and a few bumps in the ocean from an incoming swell, we head out… not too far from shore… with our fishing gear – Penn fishing poles and squid bait. Here’s a video summarizing 4 hours of our adventure catching Lai and Moano for the first time. Read More

Boating: Our Eco-Tour to See Spinner Dolphins in their Natural Habitat

Our 3rd voyage aboard the Swell Life only joining the boating community this past October. One of the main reasons we bought the boat is to enjoy meeting more dolphins (nai’a in Hawaiian) in our Hawaiian waters. The most common dolphins found here are the Hawaiian spinner, spotted (kiko), bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins. Here’s a short video of how amazing our dolphin tour went this day. Enjoy! Read More

First Time: Backcountry 4×4 Off-Roading in Hawaii

Discovered something we could do with our recent Jeep Commander purchase (originally purchased to tow the boat out of the harbor during emergencies). An off-road adventure, only minutes from home that offers four wheel drive (4WD) owners panoramic views of the West and North shores of Oahu (permit required). Enjoy the video! Read More

Boating: Benefits of Boat Ownership in Hawaii

We’ve joined the boat community from our recent 1992 Four Winns 207 Quest CC purchase. Looking forward to cruising the Oahu coastline for Dolphins (Nai’a), Whales (Kohola), Green Sea Turtles (Honu), & Flying Fish (Malolo). Plus, the simple enjoyment of a sunset cruise, checking out local snorkeling spots, fishing and taking friends out. Here’s a glimpse from our 2nd voyage on the Swell Life Read More

Review: Seeker’s Hive – Vacation Home Rental (Orchidland, Big Island)

Centrally located between Hilo and Kalapana on the East side of the Big Island, we had chosen Seeker’s Hive – A Home Away From Home. We rented the Pele Room for $49/night. Glad we did and in the future will rent again from these salt-of-the-earth hosts: Jay, Vijay and Sangeeth. They had just recently moved to the Big Island from Minnesota so they shared their passion for their new home! Read More

Explore Hawaii: Steve Irwin impersonator visits Hanauma Bay

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Explore Hawaii: Hiking – Hanauma Bay Rim Trail (Closed Area)

Small surf today so after waking up at 8am, having coffee and breakfast of canned tuna and rice, we’re off on a new hiking adventure. Oh, only about 3,000 visitors to Hanauma Bay on a daily basis (except Tuesdays) but … Read More

Plinking at Koko Head Shooting Complex

If you’re in the Hawaii Kai area of Oahu, you have a few choices of activities in the area… from hiking up Koko Head to snorkeling down at Hanauma Bay. From both areas, you’ll hear the echoing sounds of gun fire. Today, my fun activity of choice was to go get some shooting lessons with plinking targets while I get to know my .22 long rifle with scope.

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