Scrolling through Instagram, I paused on a photo of a female surrounded by greenery. After clicking on the photo, I found out that it was at Manoa Falls Trailhead, so I saved it for future reference. At the time, I knew I wanted to visit Hawaii, but wasn’t sure when it would actually happen. Then on a random day, I was checking random flights and I found a great deal for Hawaii! I booked it and two weeks later I was there and at Manoa Falls. Fun fact about the area is that some of the filming for Jurassic Park took place there.

Based on my experience, and what I found online, here are my takeaways.

1. Shoes – The reviews stated that the trail was muddy, so they wouldn’t recommend shoes you didn’t want to get muddy. Since I only packed what I needed, I didn’t want to get my tennis shoes dirty because I wouldn’t have a way to clean them. This meant hiking in my non-hiking sandals which left my feet, hurting. Luckily, there wasn’t mine, but if you have them, I would recommend bringing your hiking sandals.

2. The view – one of the highlights of this trail is supposed to be the waterfall. However, in November the waterfall was really tiny and it really wasn’t anything amazing. Therefore, the highlight for me was the environment.

3. Transportation. I rented a car for two days to get to the northside and to get to this hike. The spa system seems to work pretty well in Honolulu, but I don’t know that it goes all the way up to this trail because it is a whiny and narrow Road off of the main street.

4. Bugs – all of the articles that we read said to bring spray because the books were crazy. We purchased some wipes at the entrance for a couple dollars and we didn’t have any problems with mosquitoes or anything like that. However, the wipes might not be enough in a different season.

Tu Aminga,

Mely

Idaho is home to Silverwood Theme Park, one of the largest theme parks in the Pacific Northwest, so you might be surprised to learn that there is another theme park less than 30 minutes away in Hayden, Idaho. Triple play is a smaller theme park featuring outdoor attractions, a bowling alley, arcade and indoor waterpark. Over the last couple of years my family has taken our family trip to Silverwood, but this year, we decided to try Raptor Reef Water Park at Triple Play. Overall, it was fun, but there are a few things you want to know before you go!

What we loved:

1. Indoor – Swimming in winter! The water park is enclosed so you can visit anytime regardless of the weather.
2. Short lines – Raptor Reef has four water slides. We were able to slide down each several times because we did not have to wait in line very long. Please note we visited during the week, so that may change how busy it is.
3. A little bit of everything – Although it is quite small, the park had something for everyone, a kids area, hot tub for adults, slides and general swimming area.
4. Locker for rent – Rent a locker for the day, so you don’t have to worry about your items while you enjoy the park.

What I wish I would have known:

1. Chlorine – Entering the water park I was slapped in the face by the smell and sting of chlorine. I have never experienced anything like it. After changing into our swimsuits we went into the main pool, but within a few minutes I had to step outside of the the water park because I couldn’t stand to keep my eyes open. There was a bit of an adjustment period before I felt comfortable .
2. Pricey – For the four of us, we paid about $120 for the day. When we arrived the power was out, so we had to wait 2 hours before going into the park. Then we stayed for about 3 hours. Taking all of this consideration, I felt that it was too much for what we were able to do and how uncomfortable we felt.
3. Hot tub party – One of the few things in the water park meant for adults is the hot tub. My mom , wanted to relax in the tub; however, it was BUSY. There were kids jumping around and swimming in the tub making the experience less than relaxing. I love that it as an outdoor space, but it was even more crowded then the indoor section.