Tag Archives: Hiking

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Visit Hawaii’s Waterfalls

The islands of Hawaii are home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, and while it may seem easy to find one around just about every corner, there is no doubting that some are much more magnificent than others. From waterfalls that can only be reached via a challenging hike, to others that feature a serene and picturesque swimming hole, these are the Hawaiian waterfalls that you should definitely not miss out on.

Waimoku Falls Maui

Waimoku Falls, Maui
Situated on Maui, the Waimoku Falls can be found at the end of what is considered to be the best hike in Hawaii, otherwise known as the Pipiwai Trail. Since it lies in the Kipahulu District National Park, the surrounding areas are protected, meaning that this 400-foot waterfall flows throughout the year, and visitors are even able to enjoy a close-up view of its base. This stretch of the coastline is referred to as the Seven Sacred Pools, because further downstream there are many more waterfalls and swimming holes to be found, making this a fantastic location for those who want to explore a diverse range of falls.

Akaka Falls, Big Island

Akaka Falls, Big Island
The Akaka Falls is probably the most well-known waterfall on Big Island, and since it receives between 130 to 200 inches of rainfall each year, its constant gushing never disappoints. Measuring just over 440 feet, the Akaka Falls may look just like those hard-to-reach waterfalls that can be found in deep valleys, but this one is easily accessible, giving visitors the opportunity to view a type of waterfall that they may not have otherwise been lucky enough to see.

Hanakapi'ai Falls in Kauai

Hanakapi’ai Falls, Kauai
The area of coastline that houses the Hanakapi’ai Falls is considered to be one of the most picturesque on all of the Hawaiian islands, making it well worth a visit. In order to reach this towering waterfall, a day hike is needed, and although the actual hike may be quite slippery and challenging at times, it runs through lush jungles and areas of immense natural beauty, with the dramatic waterfall at the end making the hike most definitely worthwhile.

Rainbow Falls, Big Island

Rainbow Falls, Big Island
Cascading down 80 feet, the Rainbow Falls are set in a cove that is surrounded by lush, tropical jungle, providing the perfect photo opportunity, as well as a sense of excitement for history buffs, as the cove is said to be where King Kamehameha buried his father’s body. Since the Rainbow Falls tumble down onto Wailuku River, which is the longest river in the state, this is another waterfall that flows year-round, and, being so accessible, should most definitely make it onto your waterfall to-do list.

Hawaii’s natural beauty has earned the islands a reputation all over the world, with visitors traveling from just about every continent to check out some of the world-famous waterfalls that can be found here. From the convenience of the Rainbow Falls on Big Island to the jaw-dropping beauty of the Hanakapi’ai Falls, no matter how many of Hawaii’s waterfalls you are able to explore, their captivating pull will keep you wanting to return for more.

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Sai Kung East Country Park

Sai Kung beach

The most scenic park in Hong Kong, Sai Kung East Country Park is known for its incredible sandy beaches, with 4494 hectares of coast and uplands. Whether you want an exhilarating hike up to one of Hong Kong’s peaks, or to relax on a remote beach with emerald waters lapping at your feet, a visit to Sai Kung East Country Park will give you an insight into an aspect of Hong Kong that not many tourists tend to experience.

The Beaches
With the largest number of bays and coves in Hong Kong, Sai Kung East Country Park is home to some beautifully idyllic beaches, the most popular of which is Sai Wan. Split into two beaches, with a gushing stream at each end, the south bay is where you will find calm waters at all times, even when the winds are blowing, while the north bay features a wide stretch of sand and intense swells. However, since this beach is the most popular in Hong Kong, it can also get quite crowded, and those wanting some peace and serenity, or simply a quiet spot to surf, are better off heading to Tai Wan Beach, which is the most remote, and the most unspoiled. For those seeking out facilities and restaurants, Ham Tin Beach is the one to visit, and you will also find a small camping area here for those wanting to spend the night.

Hiking and Nature Trails
There are a number of different hiking and nature trails that run throughout the park, each taking hikers on quite a different journey. For experienced hikers, there are a couple of different trails definitely worth trying. The trail leading to Sharp Peak, standing 468 meters above the lowlands, is a strenuous climb, but offers spectacular views from the top, while the Luk Wu Country Trail takes hikers past the Clearwater Bay peninsula and the High Island Reservoir. The Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail is ideal if you are hoping to enjoy a close-up view of the many native species of plants and wildlife that lives in the park, while those visiting with their family may want to take one of the park’s two family trails, each with a scenic mid-way stop for a short break.

Other Attractions
The Sai Kung peninsula used to be home to a number of farmers and fisherman until the 50’s, when, just like with many other developed nations, these numbers started to decline. However, many of these traditional fishing and farming villages have been left intact, and are still home to some elderly residents, giving you a great insight into Hong Kong’s more traditional lifestyle. Another popular tourist attraction in the park are the Four Pools, which can be found near Sai Wan Beach’s north bay. This series of midstream plunge pools are a refreshing treat on a hot day, and are easy to access from the beach.

Hong Kong is known for being a busy metropolis, and there are many parts of the city that the majority of tourists do not tend to visit. If you want to experience the natural and wilder side of Hong Kong, then Sai Kung East Country Park is a great place to spend the day, providing you with a unique perspective of Hong Kong that you will never forget.

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Movie Travels – Into the Wild

A biographical survival drama from 2007, Into the Wild stars Emile Hirsch as the main character of Christopher McCandless. The movie chronicles his travels across North America, and the time that he spent alone in the Alaskan wilderness. While the story may not have ended well for McCandless, the film inspired many others to travel through Alaska, following in McCandless’ footsteps and exploring its epic wilderness. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the destinations that McCandless visited during his Into the Wild travels.

Denali National Park, USA

Denali National Park and Preserve
With over six million acres of pure, untouched wilderness, this national park is centered on Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. The area is truly rugged, and only those who have been specially trained are allowed to drive visitors through some of the unpaved cliff-side roads, with plunging drops right beside them. Many parts of the park are completely inaccessible by vehicle, making hiking a popular activity. Denali National Park is also home to many wildlife species, from grizzly bears to caribou to wolves to dall sheep, as well as over 150 different bird species, making it an animal lover’s paradise. Around 16% of the park is covered with glaciers, with the 32 mile Muldrow glacier being the largest one.

The Stampede Trail
The Stampede Trail is one that McCandless walked, aiming to live off the land, and was also home to the ‘magic bus’, which was his base during that time. It takes about two to three days to walk the trail, depending on how much you intend to walk each day, and the magic bus, although riddled with bullet holes and stripped bare of anything of value, is still there for you to visit. Although it may not be the best walking trail in Alaska, it is definitely one worth doing for fans of the movie. However, many parts of the trail can be dangerous at times, especially during bad weather, which is why OROGOLD recommends that you don’t travel alone, and make sure that you have all the necessary equipment.

Northern Lights seen from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Fairbanks
Alaska’s second largest metropolis, Fairbanks is where the body of McCandless was found, after he had died of starvation. The city itself is friendly and charming, with locals always ready to give a warm welcome to visitors. During the summer, the sun casts its light over the city 24 hours a day, giving it a new energy and life. It is also a great place to view the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, and if this is something you are hoping to catch, OROGOLD recommends visiting between September and April.

Alaska’s wilderness may be its biggest draw, but it is also what can make traveling through Alaska quite dangerous. McCandless is not the only one to have fallen victim to the harshness of the land, which is why OROGOLD advises that you travel with caution, ensuring that you never put yourself into a potentially dangerous situation. There are many orientation or training sessions that can prepare you for the wilderness if you want to take on a more extreme challenge, while for others, a tamer tour of the vast landscapes may just be enough to satisfy your travel bug!

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Hong Kong’s Best Beaches

With hundreds of different beaches scattered throughout the country, and around 50 of them that are safe to swim from, many don’t realize that Hong Kong has much more to offer than just city life. From a beach that will ensure that you can get away from the crowds, to a beach that offers up freshwater pools, OROGOLD takes a look at some of Hong Kong’s best beaches.

Sai Wan Beach, Hong Kong,

Sai Wan Beach
Located in Sai Kung Country Park, Sai Wan Beach is quite small, but its stretch of sand is white, clean and gorgeous. A small hill near the beach is where you will find two waterfalls and freshwater pools, ideal for a cooling swim away from the crowds. Since the beach has two steep hills on either side of it, this not only forms a protective bay, but also cuts you off from the noise and crowds of the nearby towns, something that really is rare in a city like Hong Kong!

Shek O Village Beach, Hong Kong.

Shek O Village Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong, Shek O Village Beach has a relaxing, chilled out vibe, with a long stretch of white sand and some great facilities. This means that it can often be quite crowded, but, for those of you who like to indulge in some people watching, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, although OROGOLD recommends getting there early so that you can stake out a good spot for the day. With water sports equipment for rent, and plenty of beach bars and restaurants, this is easily a beach that you could spend the whole day at.

Pui O Beach
Located at the south of Lantau Island, Pui O Beach is a scenic one, and is also great for surfing. The beach is broad and sandy, and, when the weather conditions are right, it is the best of Hong Kong’s surfing beaches. Since there are many small islands and inlets around, kayaking is also very popular at Pui O Beach, as you can row to secluded areas and spend the night camping there. For those of you who enjoy hiking, Pui O Beach is the place for you, as there are trails that will take you to some of the finest hiking spots in the country.

Cheung Sha Beach, Hong Kong

Cheung Sha Beaches
This is one of the more underrated of Lantau Island’s beaches, but has the longest stretches of sand out of all of the beaches in Hong Kong. In addition to better swimming opportunities than you will find at Lantau’s other beaches, there are also some unique eateries nearby, including a local cafe where all of the ingredients are grown in the kitchen garden. Just beyond Lower Cheung Sha Beach, you will find Tong Fuk, another great lesser-known beach which is usually quite quiet.

Most of Hong Kong’s swimming beaches will have huge shark nets beneath the water, to keep the pollution out and to keep swimmers safe, enabling you to splash around without fears of being snatched away by a strong current. With beaches that are great for mingling with the crowds, as well as beaches that will ensure that you are the only one around, Hong Kong really does have a beach for every preference.