• Start Here
  • Contact Me
  • Advertise/Hire Me
  • Privacy Policy
This Way To Paradise

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me

Recent Posts

  • The Power of Adventure Vacations: Exploring Nature and Curiosity
  • The World’s Most Exciting Long-Distance Travel Routes
  • What to pack for the Camino de Santiago (and what to send ahead)
  • Trading Palm Trees for Twinkle Lights: Finding Winter Paradise in Europe’s Festive Old Towns
  • Hidden Alpine Destinations That Deserve More Attention
  • Hawaii Hikes: The Most Magical Hike Of My Life At Kuliouou Ridge
    Travel Tips

    Hawaii Hikes: The Most Magical Hike Of My Life At Kuliouou Ridge

    August 14, 2017 / 10 Comments

    The first time I lived in Hawaii, I didn’t do much hiking. But, now being in nature and hiking has turned into one of my favorite things. So, I was grateful for a second chance to live there and check out some of the Hawaii hikes. All the Hawaii hikes I did were incredible, but by far, my favorite hike was the Kuliouou Ridge hike. Most people don’t think of the word forest when they think of Hawaii. But the Kuliouou Ridge hike took me through one of the most enchanted forests I’ve ever experienced. This 4.5 mile Hawaii hikes rises almost 1800 feet before taking you along the ridge that overlooks Kuliouou…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    the best places to travel alone

    The Best Places To Travel Alone (And Why You Should!)

    December 8, 2015
    Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island

    Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island

    April 24, 2017
    Valen Dawson at the Castaway Resort, Koh Lipe www.thiswaytoparadise.com

    Other Travel Articles Written By Valen Dawson

    December 30, 2013
  • Songkran
    Travel Tips

    Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide

    July 31, 2017 / No Comments

    The reason I first went to Thailand was to experience the Songkran Water Festival. And, I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought it was the greatest festival ever the first day I experienced it. I joined with many others in the water fights and absolutely love getting drenched and drenching others. By the third day, I knew I would never come back to experience Songkran again. And, I was over it. It had poured rain all day in Chiang Mai, where the temperatures weren’t so balmy, and, yet, that didn’t stop anyone from drenching you in freezing ice-cold water. I was really glad that I headed to Koh Lipe…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Why Devices Are Essential for Big City Travel: Maps, Safety, Payments & Convenience

    February 17, 2026

    Monaco Or Macao – The Best For Luxury Travel

    July 29, 2026
    If you love plants and flowers, you definitely want to visit the Lyon Arboretum Botanical Garden on Oahu

    Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Lyon Arboretum Botanical Garden On Oahu

    September 29, 2017
  • Travel Tips

    Dream-Worthy Oahu Beaches That Aren’t In Waikiki

    June 28, 2017 / 2 Comments

    Sadly, most tourists to Oahu only visit Waikiki, and they miss the most beautiful Oahu beaches. I avoid Waikiki. The beaches in that area are crowded and nothing what I think of when I think of the perfect Hawaiian beach. That’s why Expedia.com asked me to share some of my favorites you should check out on your visit to picture perfect Oahu. Dream Worthy Oahu Beaches That Aren’t Waikiki 1. Halona Cove Remember that “roll in the sand while kissing scene” from the movie, From Here To Eternity? That was filmed at Halona Cove which is one of my favorite beaches on Oahu. With blue-green water, this beach is a hidden…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    America’s Casino Towns Are Having a Moment That Has Nothing to Do With Las Vegas

    August 28, 2026
    Raja Ampat beach wisdom

    Beach Wisdom

    January 17, 2013

    How Egypt Group Tours for Seniors Make Dream Trips Feel Easy and Safe

    March 30, 2026
  • Dolphins In Hawaii: Kealakekua Bay On The Big Island
    Travel Tips

    Where To See Dolphins In Hawaii On The Big Island

    June 5, 2017 / 8 Comments

    While you will often see dolphins in Hawaii, the best place to get up close to them is  Kealakekua Bay On The Big Island. I still consider the day I spent there to be among one of the best days of my entire life. There was nothing more magical than being so close to the dolphins, swimming and kayaking with them in the water. Tips For Seeing Dolphins In Hawaii   The earlier you can arrive at Kealakekua Bay the better, as the dolphins swim in the bay in the early morning. Though, the day I went, they stayed in the bay the entire day. The thing to remember when you see them…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    laundry in Trapani

    Trapani-The City That Sparkles In Sicily

    April 13, 2014

    Beyond the Rollercoasters: How to Have A Relaxing Break in Orlando

    May 21, 2025
    Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island

    Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island

    April 24, 2017
  • Kikaua Beach, The Special Secret Beach On The Big Island
    Travel Tips

    Kikaua Beach, The Special Secret Beach On The Big Island

    May 22, 2017 / 3 Comments

    Kikaua Beach, it’s not on any map, and most people don’t know about this secret beach on The Big Island. Black lava, white coral, and aquamarine waters combine in a dazzling array of contrast and color here. After spending the morning at the beautiful but rough and crowded Kua Bay, I was so happy to find this tranquil cove. Because most people don’t know about Kikaua Beach, you will have it mostly to yourself. I loved it, because it was the calmest beach on The Big Island that I found. There is a peaceful bay that’s perfect for swimming. The beach is surrounded by lava and coral, yet the bay has a…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Why The People You Meet Are What Make Travel Unforgettable

    May 13, 2026

    Monaco Or Macao – The Best For Luxury Travel

    July 29, 2026

    UK Escapes That Rival Any Global Hotspot

    May 28, 2026
2122232425

About Me

I am always looking for the perfect escape, the perfect paradise, the kind of place that tosses your cares into the sea. Fortunately, I have discovered many! I created this site to show you where to go and how to get there. My goal is to show you that Paradise is only a plane ticket (or boat ride) away. I have inspired many others to travel and to create a better life. I am available for inspirational speaking, coaching, writing, travel planning, and photography.

©2026