Hillary + MattExplorer

During the weekdays the beach is relatively empty, but on weekends during peak tourist season it can become extremely crowded. Lanikai is a popular spot for photo shoots as renowned models and photographers frequent the place on nice days. Due to its position on the east side of the island, Lanikai is recognized as being great place to watch the moonrise over the Mokuluas, especially during the...

Located in close proximity to Honolulu, the 150-foot Manoa Falls is accessible from the nearest road by a hike of approximately 0.8 miles (one way). The hike passes through a diverse array of ecosystems in Manoa Valley and feels like a true jungle, which makes it a great photo-zone. This valley is also home to filming locations from Jurassic Park and LOST. The path to the waterfall is often mud...

Though the trail may seem a bit daunting at first (especially for beginners), this out-and-back hike isn't all that difficult. At the trailhead (located almost directly behind the sign "Entering Dixville Notch State Park"), you'll begin by walking through some densely wooded forest. The trail is pretty steep and requires a bit of finesse as there are a lot of fallen branches and limbs across th...

Other than the spectacular landscape, the park really doesn't possess any of the attributes one would associate with the "wild west." Rather, an introduction to the Navajo culture is what awaits visitors. Located on the Navajo Reservation, a vast parcel of land spanning portions of Western New Mexico, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, Monument Valley is a closely guarded park that attempts to...

The Monahans Sandhills are a surprise. They aren't as big as Great Sand Dunes National Park, but they are still fun for an afternoon or weekend adventure.  The State Park entrance fee is $4 per adult daily. There are sand toboggan/ disks rentals at the park's headquarters. If you are looking to stay over night, the park offers campsites that have flush toilets and showers. There are also wateri...

To the southeast of Jost van Dyke, Sandy Cay is like something you'd see out of a postcard. It offers a perfect place to stop for the day (no overnight stays allowed) to swim and relax on the beach. Keep in mind that the anchorage is usually busy, so anticipate company.Sandy Cay is a national park (thanks to the efforts of Laurence Rockefeller) and visitors can enjoy a short botanical tour, whi...

Being able to ski or snowboard the Highland Bowl requires a good set of lungs and legs. Accessing the 12,382-foot peak requires taking a couple of lifts from the base of Aspen Highlands Mountain (Exhibition then Loge Peak), then some serious leg work (expect a 30-60-minute hike). Some parts of the day there's a snowcat that will cut the hike down by a third.Hiking to the peak isn't necessary be...

Hiking to Partition Arch begins at Devils Garden Trailhead which is at the end of the 16 mile Arches Scenic Drive road. Make sure to get to the trailhead early for 2 reasons: beating crowds and beating the heat. Arriving at sunrise will almost guarantee you a parking spot. Budget 2-3 hours round trip for this hike, though it may go longer because there are several other incredible arches to se...

Cascading down a hillside valley not far from Cusco, the nearly 3,000 salt pans at Salinas de Maras sit at an elevation of 3,380 m. Believed to have been created in the 1400s by the Inca, the historical site now operates like a co-op and preserves the ancient technique of harvesting salt by hand. A natural spring feeds a salt rich stream into the pools, which are then opened and dammed individu...

Parking at Kalaloch Beach 4 provides an easy walk to Olympic National Park's infamous tidal pools. With the correct tide schedule you will be able to explore and see ocean life such as starfish and sea anemones up close and personal. Kalaloch Beach 4 isn't the only place to explore tidal pools. You can also see them at Ruby Beach or Mora's Hole in the Wall. Exploring tidal pools is fun for both...

The Urubamba River is 450 miles long, but don't worry - you only need a small section of the Lower Urubamba River to experience Class III and IV rapids. Take an excursion with any reputable rafting company like OARS (or others) which will bring you to the small town of Maranura known for its world class cacao beans. There you will experience a two-hour rafting trip that will guarantee water in ...

Starting at the Devils Garden Trailhead, this 4.2 mile looped moderate hike features flat sandy paths to narrow sandstone slabs with narrow ledges. Best time to complete this hike is early in the morning. Getting to the Devils Garden Trailhead at sunrise will almost definitely guarantee you a parking spot and will help you beat the heat. This hike offers little sun protection and no water sou...

Riddled with stygian chambers much like the holes in Swiss cheese, Barra Honda is unique among Costa Rica's network of national parks. According to its website, the National Park's crowning glory is its 42 known caverns, less than half of which have been explored by humans. Terciopelo, named after Costa Rica's deadly fer-de-lance snake, can only be reached by way of a single aluminum ladder, wh...