This is the perfect example of one of my quick, never know where I will be trips. I always said Hawaii would happen one day, however it happened sooner than I had anticipated. Hawaiian Airlines started service in Orlando in March 2021 and seemed to be doing well. Unfortunately, that service was announced to end in September, the last flight left Orlando destined for Honolulu on September 7th and I was determined to be on that flight.
Hawaiian Airlines Check In MCO
Onboard the Final Flight
The long flight path from MCO to HNL
Now that I'm onboard the flight I have 10 hours to think about what I want to do when I land. I didn't have much of a plan other than my flight, a rental car, and a hotel. Once I got there, I'd figure out the rest. Hawaii is 6 hours behind us on the East coast so a 10-hour flight that left at 10:00 am still landed by 2:00 pm in Hawaii. Plenty of time to catch some activities once I landed.
I'm Here... Now what?
The Airbus A330 that brought me to Hawaii
With my trusted Google Maps App (A must when traveling) I decided to look up the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Just a short drive from the airport this would be my first stop.
The Dole Plantation is located about mid-island and allows guests the opportunity to see real pineapple fields by train, shop, view the gardens, and even partake in a large pineapple maze. Each attraction has a separate entrance fee so you can take in what you like and not feel like you are paying more than necessary. You truly can customize your experience at this location. I opted for a "Garden Tour" and a ride on the "Pineapple Express" train.
The Garden Tour is a walk at your own pace attraction allowing you to take in some breathtaking views and look at some plants up close. In total it took about 15-20 minutes to experience the garden. It is certainly at your own pace to enjoy however you like. Below are some pictures from that self-walking tour. Each photo can be expanded by clicking on it.
A pineapple plant
One of the paths through the gardens
A piece of old farm equipment
Such a beautiful walk
After taking a stroll through the gardens I decided that I needed to grab a snack before hitting the rails to the Pineapple fields. Of course, I couldn't resist having a true "Dole Whip" while in Hawaii, so I had that with meal. It was delightful. For the record, Pineapple in Hawaii taste different than you might get on the mainland.
A True piece of Hawaii, a Dole Whip
Once I enjoyed my snack and some shopping it was off to take the last departing train of the day on the Pineapple Express. The train takes you on an approximate 30-minute 2-mile tour through the fields of the Dole Plantation. Along the way you will see Pineapple Fields, Coffee, Bananas, Cacao, and many other plants. It provides some beautiful Hawaiian views along the way as well.
With the sun getting ready to set, I thought it best to hit a beach and watch a sunset. I head towards the North Shore to take in a couple different beaches. One beach in particular, Laniakea Beach is known for Sea Turtles. Unfortunately, my visit to this beach didn't have any Sea Turtles hanging about. But it was still beautiful as ever.
Laniakea Beach
Looking North on Laniakea Beach
Very rocky beach, very slippery rocks
Moss/Algae covered lava rock on the beach
Waves crashing on Laniakea Beach
Once I left Laniakea Beach, I decided to head North one more beach to catch the sun setting. This took me to Kawailoa Beach a little further up the road. It was here that I discovered some large rocks making it the perfect setting to catch the sun dropping behind them. I must say Hawaii has some of the most refreshing waters out there. It was the perfect temperature.
Sun begins to set over the South Pacific
This beach has more sand than the previous beach
Some swimmers taking in the refreshing water
Sun Setting beyond some rock formations
A few large rocks on the beach.
This house wins in the "With a View" Category for sure.
With that it was time to drive back towards Honolulu to check into my hotel for the night. As I made my way to the hotel I pondered what the next day would bring, besides a flight home. Guess I'll hit the good ol' Google Maps App when I get to the hotel to explore more options.
Hello and welcome to the beginning of Ray's Window Seat travel blog. For anyone that knows me, you know that at any given time I may hop a flight to ride some roller coasters, have dinner, or just visit a new state. I've even gone as far as traveling to the United Kingdom for a Day just to ride some new roller coasters.
Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, my childhood playground was Cedar Point Amusement Park & Resort. In 1989 Cedar Point built Magnum XL-200 and I immediately grew to love roller coasters and parks. I worked for Cedar Point for 7 seasons from Admissions, Park Sweep, Ride Operations, A Scare Actor during Halloween, and ended my years there as an engineer for the Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad.
Many of my adventures are spur of the moment hop on a flight and see where I end up, while others are planned out well in advance and planned out day by day.
My travels have taken me to 46 of the 50 states as well as Europe, Canada, Mexico, and many Caribbean Islands. You truly never know where I will end up next and when.
I'll start out by posting some of the most recent trips and adding in current stuff as I go along. So come along with me, I'll even let you have the Window Seat!
