Byodo-In Temple lies at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. This nondenominational Buddhist temple was built in 1968 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Temple is a beautiful replica of the 950 year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. It is one of the most tranquil and peaceful spots on the island of Oahu. This incredible structure was built without any nails, and the grounds themselves are a lush paradise filled with koi carp and wild peacocks. The large reflecting pond provides stunning views which took my breath away. The essence of being alive seems…

Lulumahu Falls is definitely one of the most adventurous Hawaii hikes that I did. Not because it was long or difficult. At 2 miles, it’s a pretty short hike. But, the beginning was extremely muddy, and I almost turned back! It was so muddy that someone even lost a shoe, though, I’m not sure who thought they could make it through this hike in heels! Technically, the hike is on private government property and you are supposed to get a permit, but no one ever seems to abide by this rule. You can get a ticket for not having one, though, so you’ve been warned! You find the hike on…

If you love plants and flowers, you definitely want to visit the Lyon Arboretum Botanical Garden on Oahu. It’s a stunning Shangri La of all the most beautiful flowers of Hawaii. And the trail is located close to the popular Manoa Falls Trail. Set on 194 acres, there are more than 5,000 different types of flowers and plants and one of the largest palm tree collections found in any botanical garden. There is also a Hawaiian section which has plants that are native to Hawaii. The Sukhothai Walking Buddha is also at the gardens. There are several trails you can follow at Lyon Arboretum. I hiked the trail to Aihualama Falls…

Pokai Bay, in Waianae, is the very essence of a Hawaiian Beach.  A calm bay, swaying palm trees, people playing their drums on the beach.  Just to the left of the bay is the Ku’ilioloa Heiau which is dedicated to a legendary dog kupua (spirit) who protected travelers.  How wonderful that I saw a dog there when I visited. I also saw quite a few playful spirits in the trees here!  And the stones If you visit, take a few moments to just be present here and experience the sacred energy that is all around Rituals performed at the heiau protected those traveling by land and sea. Let us not…