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The world’s most remote location from any mainland is also the place on earth that receives the most rainfall, (roughly 450 inches per year). But by any measure, the “Garden Isle” is truly the height of exotic, tropical beauty. KAUAI, HAWAII The world’s most remote location from any mainland is also the place on earth that receives the most rainfall, (roughly 450 inches per year). But by any measure, the “Garden Isle” is truly the height of exotic, tropical beauty. FIVE FAVES / KAUAI Kokee State Park 45 miles of the state’s finest hiking trails wind their way through wet forests and dry ledges, leading to sweeping views of Waimea Canyon and the Napali coast. Cliffsides stand like flanks of bayonets, daring the clouds to advance, eventually forcing a surrender of 70 inches of rainfall annually. Kokee road meanwhile weaves up from the west, arriving within a few easy steps of the most incredible view of them all, the Kalalau Lookout . ___ Limahuli Garden and Preserve A misty canyon cradles a self-sustaining, social-ecological practice known to Hawaiians as “Ahupua”. An ancient tradition where land is divided into “pie slice” parcels, starting at the rain-drenched top point of the island, assuring fresh water flows equitably through terraced farms below as each valley widens towards the sea. “The plants, the people and the place” are equal and essential contributors to its well being. This gorgeous garden also nurtures countless endangered native plants and birds. Visitors are welcome. Reservations are advised. ___ Hanalei Bay The day pulls away like a ship. All of us who remain ashore look forward to its colorful return tomorrow. Just moments ago, the departing sun briefly glazed this beach in gold, as if leaving a parting gift. A treasure that quickly vanished into the Hawaiian twilight. ___ Hanalei Pier It may be called a pier but it’s more like a rough hewn temple, or for some a diving board. Reaching out from the shore, this simple walkway leads to the most magnificent view of paradise, where the clouds applaud a brilliant performance as the sun takes a bow. ___ 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay The sea rolls in, lead by a frothy flank of whitecaps advancing into Hanalei Bay, just as a cappuccino rolls in from room service, sporting its own frothy cap. Such are the synergies of the “Garden Isle”, Kauai, at the dreamy 1 Hotel . ___ Yellowfish Trading Company In this portal to old Hawaii, vintage aloha shirts, mid-mod light fixtures, tiki mugs and Hawaiiana treasures fill the shelves. Opened in 1993 after Hurricane Iniki ransacked the island, this little shop helped restore Kauai with some soulful charm. ___ Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge Life along the Hanalei river is Nature’s denizen within reach. Sun bathing turtles mostly ignore the paddling paparazzi, just as resident birds prioritize breakfast over privacy. Tree branches stretch in yoga poses while a breeze whistles Hawaiian tunes through the leaves. Kayak Hanalei ___ Hawaiian Tiki As a guardian of the heiau, (temple) a tiki warrior represents the manifestation of Mana, the ancient Hawaiian belief that spiritual energy flows through all beings and things, balancing power and strength with serenity and dignity. Hand carved Acacia Koa wood tikis by Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art Gallery, Hanalei Center ___ Island Farmers Markets Papayas, mangosteens, guavas, passion fruit (AKA lilikoi), coconuts and apple-bananas. Are we in Eden? Even better, it’s the ever-tempting farmers’ markets on Kauai, where local growers gather under neatly arranged tents to sell their home grown wonders. Our bags runneth over at this heavenly outdoor market just past Waioli Huiia church in Hanalei. ___ Anini Beach Light flickers behind craggy tree branches like Balinese puppetry. Along this magical 2 1/2 mile stretch of sand, the water appears calm but it can be swift and strong, especially out near the reef as it shreds the Pacific. A barrier so effective it can turn the tide into a mirror. Daily theatrics that have played for centuries here on Kauai, an island staged at the furthest distance from any mainland. ___ Shave Ice at Kilauea Fish Market Japanese immigrants, who came to the Islands to work in the sugar and pineapple fields in the mid-1800s introduced the concept of kakigori. Meaning shaved ice. They used their tools to shave flakes off large blocks of ice, and then coated it with sugar or fruit juice. In Pidgin vernacular, the refreshing treat became known as shave ice—not shaved ice. (On Hawaii Island, it’s also called “ice shave”.) Eventually, the ice flakes were fashioned with hand-cranked machines; some stores still operate them today. Shave ice is softly mounded in a cup, or sometimes a cone, and generously drizzled with colorful syrups. Some natural, some not. On Kauai, one can enjoy all-natural fruit syrups at The Fresh Shave in Koloa. The delightful specimen shown here features papaya and lilikoi drizzle + a gummy worm, as served at Kilauea Fish Market , who have clearly mastered more than the art of preparing fabulous fish! ___ Allerton Garden Shifting palm shadows brush the window like hands fussing with a long sheer curtain. An antique poster bed and a well-loved Hawaiian quilt suggest the presence of a grandmother, but this is a gentleman’s bedroom. One of two men who lived here, in this island home, together, amid a tropical garden carved out of a sugarcane valley, between the wars, a world away from judgement. Their guests, actors, artists and heiresses arrived from the mainland by ocean liner. The era of modern air travel was still awaiting take off. About the same time that Georgia O’Keefe immersed herself in New Mexico at Ghost Ranch, fully removed from the modern frenzy of Manhattan, Robert and John Gregg Allerton found themselves at home on the island of Kauai. Their hands deep in Hawaiian soil and their toes in the sand. They wore kimonos at cocktail hour and promenaded like peacocks in gardens of their own design. One of which is a formal, four-cornered “room”,—with no ceiling. Instead, a mural of real sky and clouds overhead. At night it became a ballroom, lit by the stars. Outsmarting the rules of a frowning society, they legalized their relationship with the older Robert adopting John as his son, keeping the dream in the family for half a life longer. Upon John’s passing in 1986, this 80 acre botanical fantasy was left in trust for all to enjoy, now managed by the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden . Guided tours by reservation. ___ Hanapepe Swinging Bridge Part wooden bridge, part childhood swing, this creaking span outs one’s inner child. Perhaps this is what walking on a cloud feels like—but with less grace. Its cartoon sway animated further by the bravado of a young brat midway across. The return is easier, having acclimated to instability. Back on land, and walking straight again, follow the turn-of-the-century storefronts to Talk Story Bookstore “the westernmost bookstore in the US”. ___ Waimea Plantation Cottages Not far from the entrance to Waimea Canyon, the sun swept west shore of Kauai feels strangely warm and blustery, having come ‘round the island from the rain-slicked east shore. A place to sink one’s toes in the earth tone sand, or glide across the wide lawn, each blade of grass lazily waving aloha to the setting sun. Pass beneath the reach of banyan tree limbs as they strike a pose like mimes. Here, 59 authentic plantation cottages, once home to field workers in the late 1800s, nestle comfortably on 43-acres of tropical oceanfront. Thoughtfully refurbished, these one-to-five-bedroom cottages welcome their guests with comfortable Hawaii-style furniture, fully equipped kitchens and private lanais at surprisingly affordable rates. Like fingerprints from the past, no two cottages are the same, except in charm. ___ Kilauea Lighthouse Lighthouses keep ships from running aground, but this one kept an airplane from being lost at sea. In 1927, five weeks after Lindbergh’s transatlantic triumph, two Army pilots dared a more difficult navigational feat, the first transpacific flight from California to Hawaii. Aloft for a full day and night, the three-engine “Bird of Paradise” approached the islands before dawn. Shockingly, their compass and directional radio receiver both malfunctioned, leaving the pilots to search the darkened void. Just then, a flash from the Kilauea Lighthouse allowed them to recalibrate their position and land safely on Oahu, 25 hours and 50 mins after taking off from Oakland. Today the lighthouse continues to protect actual “birds of paradise” as a stunning National wildlife refuge. ___ Lumahai Beach As we wind down on our time here on the Garden Isle, we ponder its beauty and power, its fragile environment and ferocious sea. The veil of its natural allure often masks potential peril. While Lumahai Beach is the subject of many postcards and paintings, it is also one of the most dangerous beaches for drownings and not recommended for swimming. Admire and respect its stunning wonder but stay clear of the surf. Now we brush off the sand one last time before heading to the airport. But first, one last look, imagining Mitzi Gaynor singing “I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair” in the 1958 movie “South Pacific”, filmed right here on Lumahai Beach . ___ INSPIRATION : A touch of the islands for your world at home. Tiki Collectables A warrior’s glare looms, his face paint swirling like typhoons. Meet the defender of tropical kitsch and his clan, here to protect-and-serve tiki drinks. Ah, the allure of swarthy and sweet concoctions –in tiki mugs. The fruits of rum-soaked islands, oceans away. But this languid lore is not limited to imbibing. Tiki mugs also make fun vases and/or colorful, sculptural mantle art. Display the whole unruly tribe as a bookshelf collection! Check out the best in rum-punchy porcelain at tikifarm.com . Imagine an eclectic cache of tikis in one’s own humble hale. The spirit(s) of the south seas, right at home. ___ Back DESTINATIONS Next

Quick lists of our five favorite things to do in the most captivating places. Five Faves Explore from A-Z by CITY. Big Bear Lake, CA Kauai, Hawaii Kyoto, Japan Lisbon, Portugal México City, México Oahu, HI Paris, France Porto, Portugal Provence, France Tokyo, Japan

Hither and Wander is a unique travel resource exploring distinct destinations with tips and recommendations. Plus, travel lifestyle ideas including home decor and international recipes. Unique Travel Resource Best private beach to visit, Stiniva Beach, Vis, Croatia by top travel guide Hither and Wander Unique Travel Resource Beautiful sunset view at Mont Saint-Michel castle in Brittany, France by best travel blog Unique Travel Resource The best season to travel, gorgeous autumn leaves at the temple gates in Kyoto, Japan by top travel blog Unique Travel Resource Best private beach to visit, Stiniva Beach, Vis, Croatia by top travel guide Hither and Wander 1/15 Awa y to discover. Journey with us as we explore dist inct d estinations . Discover our favorite picks, tips and travel- inspired ideas for your world at home. Come hither , and wander with us! EXPLORE DESTINATIONS C O N S U L T I N G Creative consulting for hospitality, travel and lifestyle brands. LEARN MORE JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER Away to connect. An exclusiv e page of seasonal travel tips and lifestyle ideas o nly available in our newsletter when you join ! EMAIL SUBSCRIBE Thanks for subscribing! As a creative director in global travel publishing, I focus on the sensory experiences that make a journey memorable. Collaborations with award-winning writers and photographers sharpened my vision in creating this collection, mostly shot on my iPhone. — Haines Wilkerson Founder READ MORE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @hitherandwander @hitherandwander Load More

Our top five favorite things to do in the Garden Isle, Kaua'i, Hawai'i 1 Limahuli Garden This misty garden nurtures countless endangered native plants and birds in the self-sustaining, social-ecological practice known to Hawaiians as "Ahupua". Reservations are advised. KAUAI, HI 2 Kokee State Park 45 miles of easy hiking trails wind their way to sunny cliff-sides with sweeping views of Waimea Canyon and the Napali coast, and the most stunning vista of all, the Kalalau Lookout. KAUAI, HI 3 Hanalei Pier This unassuming concrete path leads to a tin roof gazebo with an epic view of paradise. A rough hewn temple of sorts that welcomes all to stand and gaze –or to use as a diving board! KAUAI, HI 4 Waimea Plantation Cottages 59 authentic plantation cottages from the 1800’s welcome your stay in comfortable Hawaiian style, at surprisingly affordable rates. KAUAI, HI 5 Talk Story Books “The westernmost bookstore in the US” is perched like its resident cat on the edge of Kauai, greeting readers from all over the globe –with aloha. KAUAI, HI Back FIVE FAVES Next

Our top five favorite things to do in the wine country of Provence, France. 1 Colors of Roussillon French rosé in the form of buildings rather than bottles. Visiting the town is like rubbing shoulders with a French Expressionist's palette, its colors literally derived from the local hillsides. PROVENCE, FRANCE 2 Sipping Kir Royales in Aix-en-Provence The summer daylight hangs on well into happy hour as the "city of a thousand fountains" welcomes the evening. Plant yourself in the middle of it all, like an island in a bubbly stream. PROVENCE, FRANCE 3 Lacoste The Marquis de Sade once called it home. Pierre Cardin called it his , after buying up most of the village. Today, it stands as a stunning example of thoughtful preservation, education and culture. PROVENCE, FRANCE 4 Market Day in Lourmarin Morning light inches down ivy walls as vendors set up a truly great street market. Every Friday, a cavalcade of food, flowers, jewelry, art and antiques line the lovely lanes of Lourmarin. PROVENCE, FRANCE 5 The Flavors of Bonnieux Beautifully plated and wonderfully satiated, here, just one hilltop east of Lacoste. Discover the artful bounty that is Bonnieux, a 13th century papal village with palpably modern tastes. PROVENCE, FRANCE Back FIVE FAVES Next

Our top five favorite things to do in this bustling city of Tokyo, Japan. 1 The Okura Hotel Lobby This triumph of Japanese mid-century design, recently lost to demolition was recreated in a new high rise patterned after the original hotel. A project overseen by the son of the original architect, Yoshiro Taniguchi. TOKYO, JAPAN 2 Tokyo Bookstores Grand spaces with shelves vaulting upward to the sky, or tiny coves of lovingly curated literature. Featured: Ginza Tsutaya Books TOKYO, JAPAN 3 Main Bar Brilliant A MadMen setting perfectly preserved inside an otherwise unremarkable hotel. Crisp cocktails crafted with artisanal precision by buttoned-down bartenders straight out of a Stanley Kubrick film. TOKYO, JAPAN 4 Udatsu Sushi Gorgeous dinner served on ceramics by Jenny Sharaf (too fun and too talented) — per the ever fabulous David Lee Davis . TOKYO, JAPAN 5 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center This wonderful shop-lined area of Old Tokyo is now anchored with a fantastic modern wood facade visitors center. Inside the staff is incredibly helpful, including hand-drawn maps to vintage kimono boutiques and Japanese vinyl stores. TOKYO, JAPAN Back FIVE FAVES Next

Our top five favorite things to do in the modern and medieval city of Porto, Portugal. 1 Jardim De Morro at Sundown This view never leaves one's heart, just across the Rua General Torres bridge from the historic center. Make it a picnic with wine and cheese from Dourum Restaurante . PORTO, PORTUGAL 2 Portuguese Centre of Photography Formerly a prison in which children were among the incarcerated, this remarkable space now offers vision and light, where there was once only darkness. PORTO, PORTUGAL 3 Armazém Luxury Housing A 19th century iron warehouse in Porto’s historic centre now houses the Armazém hotel. Just 9 dreamy and inventive guest rooms and 3 apartments comprise this unique property near to the Ribeira district. PORTO, PORTUGAL 4 Funicular Dos Guindais This heart-stopping railway-meets-rollercoaster makes a very vertical descent on its express route from the heights of Centro Historico down to the waterfront. PORTO, PORTUGAL 5 Clérigos Tower & Parque Dos Clérigos The winding climb inside the sinewy tower is rewarded with a stunning 360 view of Porto. Directly below is the delightful lounge-meets-city-park, Parque dos Clérigos. PORTO, PORTUGAL Back FIVE FAVES Next

Our top five favorite things to do in the City of Light, Paris, France. 1 Rodin Museum The studio, home and garden of sculptor and national treasure, August Rodin is a living inspiration. Not to mention the excellent cafe and incredible sculptures amid the landscape. PARIS, FRANCE 2 Rozell Café Crêpes Halfway up one's pilgrimage to Sacré Coeur, there's a little hole in the wall crêperie named Rozell Café that folds paper-thin buckwheat pancakes into edible origami. PARIS, FRANCE 3 Bourse Pinault Collection Formerly the Paris Stock Exchange, Japanese visionary architect Tadao Ando has reimagined this financial palace into a brilliant and enthralling art exhibit space. PARIS, FRANCE 4 Le Pigalle Hotel A classic Parisian setting set to a new groove. Each room is curated with a superb collection of vinyl, and a vintage record player featuring some of the best french jazz ever heard, —matched by a great selection of books within reach of your pillow. At night, the concierge is a DJ. By morning, the lobby returns to a calm mix of fresh croissants and juices riffing with the sunlight which slips in incognito. PARIS, FRANCE 5 Sunsets at the Pompidou Center Escalators snake up the façade of Paris' groundbreaking modern museum as the sun slips away and the City of Light switches on. Follow that line to Georges for happy hour. PARIS, FRANCE Back FIVE FAVES Next

Our top five favorite things to do on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. 1 Honolulu Museum of Art One of our very favorite museums in the world. This humble space of courtyards and galleries hosts great artworks, an inspired gift shop and a dreamy open-air café, altogether the perfect museum experience. OAHU, HI 2 Diamond Head Beach A treasure of sparkling sand that inspired its name lay nearly hidden at the bare foot of Oahu’s iconic peak, just east of Waikiki. A haven for surfers, lovers and dreamers, accessed via a manicured trail at the Diamond Head Lighthouse. OAHU, HI 3 Chinatown Honolulu‘s most historic district is lined with great shops, funky bars, and unique dining. And, importantly, the most affordable, and fresh lei shops on the island. OAHU, HI 4 Nico's Pier 38 & Upstairs at Pier 38 The best chef in the Pacific, Nico serves up fresh-caught tuna (the daily fish auction is next door!) and a consistently award-winning burger among other greats. “Upstairs” features the finest local musicians, creative cocktails and elevated cuisine. OAHU, HI 5 Kaimana Beach Hotel A perfect boutique inn perched on the edge of paradise with palm trees hula dancing in the breeze outside your window. The hotel’s famous beachside Hau Tree Lanai restaurant serves island favorites beneath the same twist of tree branches where Robert Lewis Stevenson wrote poetry in 1888. OAHU, HI Back FIVE FAVES Next

Our top five favorite things to do in the living metropolis of México City. 1 National Museum of Anthropology A massive mushroom-like umbrella balances atop a sequoia-sized pillar, perpetually bestowing a mesmerizing rain dance onto the museum courtyard below. Inside, galleries dazzle with artefacts from México's indigenous Maya, Aztec and Olmec cultures. A must-see, must-absorb experience in beautiful Polanco. MÉXICO CITY, MÉXICO 2 San Ángel Inn A Colonial era Eden where shaded verandas and verdant courtyards meet like lovers. Temptation here is the signature margarita, served “up” in salt-rimmed martini glasses. One’s second dose is kept chilled in a personal-size silver ice bucket. Any pain or suffering carried in upon arrival no longer registers as of the 2nd round. The table-side Caesar salad takes two waiters to whisk to perfection, but leave room (and time) for the bakery and gift shop! MÉXICO CITY, MÉXICO 3 Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Studio Standing in artful contrast with its Colonial-era San Angel neighborhood, “Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo” appears like an architectural space craft. Its Martian-orange moderne facade glows like the masterworks that were created inside. The co-habited home/studio of iconic artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo still seems abuzz with their artworks and tools displayed just as they left them. MÉXICO CITY, MÉXICO 4 Juárez Home to artists and intellectuals in past eras, this historic neighborhood now thrives with contemporary shops and restaurants nestled comfortably in 19th century townhouses. Modern Korean cuisine sizzles in the area’s K-Town, as does a proud gay community in its “Pink Zone”. Juarez is all about bespoke clothes, cultural curios, swank salons, and dreamy cafes. MÉXICO CITY, MÉXICO 5 Panadaría Rosetta The best reason to wake up in México City, no matter how bad the jet lag. Slip onto a stool and just ponder the truly phenomenal array of pastry options. We’re talking the best pastries of all time. This is why we travel to México City. Not to mention Rosetta’s scrumptious cortado, which assures a bright-eyed start to your CDMX morning. MÉXICO CITY, MÉXICO Image courtesy of Panadaría Rosetta Back FIVE FAVES Next